PSW
· 16 February 2025
· Chapter 5: A Long-Expected Wedding
What a happy day!! So happy for Sam and Rosie. And Merry the irrepressible - I wish I could come up with silly songs as quickly as a Hobbit can…
Author's reply
How I resonate with your last remark. Although I wrote quite a few hobbit songs, some of them took me days to finish and polish. And even then, after I'd got the music to my satisfaction, the lyrics sometimes never quite reached the point where I was happy with them. But such is life. (I do much better at setting music to lyrics rather than the other way around.)
Thanks!
PSW
· 13 February 2025
· Chapter 4: Moving House
“You will always have to choose to walk in the Light, to turn your back on the Dark, from now on, but at least you are aware now that the choice must be made. Better than being taken unawares.”
❤️❤️
We all have to make that choice, every day - and it’s so important to know it. Much better than being taken unawares… ;-)
It’s a great idea for Merry and Pippin to get out on their own for a while. They’ve both got such big clans to live amongst - take the opportunity while it’s there!
Author's reply
We do all have to make that choice, though some of us are more aware of that fact than others. You're right about the value in the knowing.
I've imagined for a long time that the months they spent together in Crickhollow served as a critical period that allowed them to process their experiences safely, with each other (who had lived most of the same experiences) and without the distractions of daily Shire life. They could socialize as they wished, go visiting or schedule splendid parties when they wanted or ride around the Shire or even keep to themselves if need be.
Thanks for encouraging me to revisit this story.
PSW
· 13 February 2025
· Chapter 3: Walking in Light
Oh good! Frodo knew just what to do. Thank goodness for Arwen’s jewel! So glad Merry is feeling better.
Author's reply
I'm so glad Arwen gave him the jewel, and very sad that he needed it so badly; eventually, even the jewel wasn't enough to allow him to stay. Sigh.
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts!
PSW
· 13 February 2025
· Chapter 2: Walking in Darkness
I see from the review page that I have apparently read this story previously. Doesn’t matter — that was nine years ago, it’ll be like new… 😂
Author's reply
LOL, I can't tell you how many reviews I've left on stories that seemed new to me, only to look at old reviews and see it wasn't my first time to read that story. It's a familiar feeling!
PSW
· 12 February 2025
· Chapter 2: Walking in Darkness
Poor Merry! And his poor pony….
What a lovely family is helping them. They remind me very much of the farmers one finds in the ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ series - simple kind-hearted folk who just roll with what comes and do the best with what they have.
The cold hand was the giveaway, of course, way before anyone else figured it out. It seems that Frodo is not the only one who suffers on the anniversary of an encounter with a wraith. I’m sure Merry will get better though …
Author's reply
We have loved Herriot's stories over the years. When the wee hobbits were little, those books were favorite readalouds. We also enjoyed watching the original series with Christopher Timothy, both years ago and recently when we discovered two years' worth of episodes we hadn't seen the first time around! I hadn't thought about the possible influence on my impressions of Shire farmers, but it's quite possible.
By the way, you have described Diamond's family perfectly. That's also how I see the Cottons and other Shire-folk I've written about.
Thanks for reading and stopping to share your thoughts.
PSW
· 12 February 2025
· Chapter 1: Rescue of a Wee Cousin
Oh dear. It seems Pippin may have a cousin to rescue as well! I thought perhaps a cheerful chapter to start out, but we’re jumping right into the thick of things it seems!
Author's reply
I was right; only a bit more than half of the beta-read chapters have been published, though they're all here, it seems. I just need to read through them and make sure the changes were made. Thanks for bringing my attention back to this story!
Matt
· 27 February 2017
· Chapter 37: The Steward of Buckland
I've often not read your stories because the chapters on ffn are so short. The "view all chapters" function here is tremendous. I have read all of the chapters you've got up on Jewels here and hope you'll put up the others that are on ffn here as well at some point. I like the characters and plot of this story and suspect I may others of your works now that I have discovered this delightful feature. thanks loads for your hard work on a lot of ff over the years, hoping to see more from you as you have time.
Author's reply
Thank you, Matt. Very belatedly. I have returned to my notes and beta comments and am revising the rest of this story once more. It has languished too long. I hope this note finds you well.
PSW
· 8 January 2016
· Chapter 37: The Steward of Buckland
I really got into this story! Very entertaining. Thanks so much for writing!
Author's reply
And now I'm seeing the old reviews that weren't sent to my email, lol! Thank you.
Eruherdiriel
· 30 June 2014
· Chapter 37: The Steward of Buckland
I like how you work the various familial tensions without being overwhelming. And Estella in particular is a dear.
How are you going to work things so that Pippin becomes the Thain?
~Eruherdiriel
curiouswombat
· 4 June 2013
· Chapter 37: The Steward of Buckland
Aha - a very good suggestion on the part of Carodoc, under the circumstances!
Author's reply
Yes, it is. I imagine he's been thinking about it for some time, too. He's not the impulsive type, but very good-hearted as well as practical-minded.
curiouswombat
· 4 June 2013
· Chapter 33: Dissolution of an Agreement
And the perfect solution to the problem - now all it needs is for the next step to occur to Merry...
Author's reply
Yes, Merry... Think!
curiouswombat
· 4 June 2013
· Chapter 22: Sorrow Shared
I've been dreading these past few chapters, whilst being sure they must come, and you have written them so well that this one, in particular, brought tears to my eyes.
Author's reply
Yes, it was difficult to write, knowing that Merry does not end up married to Ruby and there had to be a plausible reason for it. I think, though, that when Merry-and-Estella finally comes about, he'll treasure Estella all the more for knowing how unpredictable life can be.
curiouswombat
· 4 June 2013
· Chapter 16: Invitation from Long Cleeve
**Note to readers: Someone told me that there was too much chit-chat in this chapter, it borders on boring. But we need to spend just a bit of time in the frying pan before we plunge back into the fire..**
Then they were, most certainly, wrong.
I'm reading my way through whilst I have an afternoon off work, and am really enjoying the story so far - and there is absolutely not too much chit-chat in this chapter.
Author's reply
Oh, thank you! So glad to hear that.
I do enjoy chit-chat, but I know that some people find it tiresome. Glad to find a kindred spirit!
FantasyFan
· 4 June 2013
· Chapter 37: The Steward of Buckland
This is quite an interesting branch point in the story, and I find my mind wandering into "what if..." this morning. Bless Carodoc for seeing the potential in Pippin, and thinking of a way to save him! Had he not, what would Pip have done? He's so beaten down right now, physically and emotionally, but he wouldn't have stayed that way forever. Eventually, especially surrounded by the love of Diamond and her family, he would have recovered some of his strength of will, I think, even if his physical strength did not improve much. And he would have become restless with nothing to do, with no outlet for his sense of responsibility and fertile imagination. Because he did have a sense of responsibility, even at this early stage of his life, and plenty of bravery; though both were in need of tempering and testing. Would he have removed to Gondor where he was at least valued, if not in an attempt to be healed by the King? Would he have tried to be a useful son-in-love to Farmer Took, and died too young, gasping and breathless, when no one found him in time during an asthma attack out in the far fields? Would he have volunteered as a Bounder, putting his bravery and experience to use protecting the Shire, and died of pneumonia after being caught in a storm? I don't see him giving up for too much longer, but I can easily see that he is mostly holding on for Diamond right now, and that the luck of the Tooks, at least for this one, may have run out at any time. Caradoc sees this as well as his potential, I feel.
I didn't get to review when you posted it, but I did notice and appreciate the edits made to Chapter 34, where Merry realizes his feelings for Estella. I had never really realized how abrupt the former chapter seemed, until the expansion was posted. Thinking dispassionately, it might have seemed quite odd that Estella bows out of the arrangement, Pippin and Diamond announce their intentions to be handfasted as quickly as possible, and then Merry and Estella come back from the stables a very short time later planning for a double ceremony. Nobody could have seen it coming, as Estella had truly made an effort to make the relationship with Pippin work, until it became obvious how much it would hurt both Pippin and Diamond to do so. Merry clearly had no thought of persuading her away from his cousin for himself. He had to deal with his own grief, but more than that he had never actually evaluated Estella as a potential partner. He knew from quite a while back she was promised to someone, and not him, and that is as far as any thought went. Merry, clever as he is, does not have the same ability to see outside the box as his more intuitive cousins do - he is much more conventional in his expectations of his role. So to see his thoughts and feelings, in that moment when he re-evaluates everything that Estella has been and done, is quite important. It's quite likely the most impulsive thing he's done in his entire life. The old aunties were probably still a bit scandalized.
Author's reply
Ah, your what-ifs are fascinating to contemplate. So many possibilities! Yet another that I could foresee is Pippin seriously considering his options in light of his limitations. He has the courage to face the truth, and the wit to work out the problem to the best of his ability, not to mention a strong sense of duty and love for Diamond -- he will not cheat her by taking on the kind of risk that will kill him sooner than later, not if he can help it.
So I think that if Carodoc had not made this offer, things might have gone this way: He'd have moved between Hall and farm, studying all the while, using his memory of his father's farming technique, the lessons the old shepherd taught him, while observing the north-Tooks' methods, and delving into the books in Brandy Hall's extensive library on husbandry and agriculture. It's likely that with his insight and capacity for leaps of intuition (where do those come from? I wonder.), along with this learning, that he could become quite an armchair expert on farming or, more likely, animal husbandry, bloodlines, and breeding.
After two years of immersing himself in study (a quiet occupation, but absorbing if one has the motivation and determination), the wedding would take place and he'd be completely and safely married to Diamond. (It's probably impossible to break a handfasting vow, but if there were a way, he wouldn't put it past his father to try. He may not know why Paladin is so determined or so keen to acquire Estella's fortune -- for he didn't find out about the disappearance of the Tooks' treasure store until after he became Thain himself, but he does know his father's stubborn streak. After all, he inherited it.)
Three years of practicing what he's learned, building a reputation and a business (and a visit to Gondor -- I mentioned in some story somewhere that he and Diamond visited Gondor early in their marriage), and with Faramir's birth, I envision him returning to the Great Smials with wife and child and enough confidence in himself (and in Diamond's strength) to return under his own terms, and not Paladin's.
...which would have cut Ferdibrand's Ban nearly in half...
Funny how I can see it so clearly. It's a tempting timeline to seize and spin from, but I already have two timelines going. Whew.
Author Reply: To answer your comment about the edits to Chapter 34, I have to tell you that it was feedback from the first version of Jewels that made me realise that I had jumped too fast, made assumptions, knowing the background but not sharing enough of it for the readers to follow.
I think I remember your comments among the others -- somewhere, on some chapter of some story, though I can't find it now -- speculating about Estella's motivation. Was her throwing over Pippin the way she did a calculated move, knowing that Merry was now free and she could pursue him? Though not stated in such bald terms, that's the impression I remember, that it appeared Estella was more mercenary in her aim, where as it ought to have read, she was not mercenary at all, just trying to wade through a minefield of propriety and expectations and most likely anticipating that she'd end up an old maid just like her favourite aunt. Merry had been so thick over the years, she had no confidence at all in him, poor fellow.
Author Reply: p.s. Your last line made me chuckle. I'm sure they were delightedly scandalized, indeed.
Larner
· 4 June 2013
· Chapter 37: The Steward of Buckland
A most proper compromise, I must say! Excellent plan on Caradoc's side, and excellent chance for Pippin to prepare for his future, no matter whether he and his father reconcile or not.
Author's reply
I love old Carodoc. Shrewd, excellent observer, deep thinker, and kind heart. He'll make a good mentor for Pippin, and help to shape him into the servant-leader he becomes in later stories.
Thanks!
Larner
· 26 May 2013
· Chapter 36: Lamp in the Window
I can appreciate how miserable Pippin has been, and why he wants to leave the succession for the Thainship. No, he's not going to do well as a farmer, not now with his lungs compromised as they are. Can he find a way to compromise with Paladin? Paladin definitely needs to get real when it deals with his son.
Author's reply
You're right on all counts! Thanks. Hope to see you next week.
demeter d
· 22 May 2013
· Chapter 35: New Beginnings
That, I think, is what it would have taken to have ANY Middle Earth father outside of the Elven world, be found in a delivery room. The world our Good Professor was raised in was most definitely one of "this is woman's work, a man has no place in here!" But a last minute emergency, an upset Rosie, and yes, I could see our beloved Sam rising to the occasion. I have not recently read the timelines, but I could very much imagine Merry and Pippin sharing both engagement parties and weddings. I really like the way that Eglantine handles her husband. I know a lot of real-life fathers who take it hard when their children's plans turn out differently than what they had expected. It would have taken a strong woman to be the Thain's wife. I can believe that she would speak her own mind.
Author's reply
Ah, yes, that's true about Tolkien's time. Good observations! I'm not sure what the timelines say, at this point -- I think only Pippin's marriage is mentioned. Merry's wife Estella wasn't mentioned at all in my set of books from the 1970s -- I actually wrote in Estella's name on the Brandybuck family tree when I found it printed in another edition.
I do love Eglantine as I've envisioned her. Both in this timeline (where Paladin is embittered by having the Thainship forced upon him) and in the alternate timeline of more recent stories (where he's much more likeable), Eglantine is strong and ready to speak her own mind when needed.
UTfrog
· 20 May 2013
· Chapter 35: New Beginnings
Lovely. I really am enjoying the whole story. Thank you.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for the encouraging words!
Larner
· 20 May 2013
· Chapter 35: New Beginnings
How sweet a greeting for Rosie-lass! Too bad Sam and Rosie were a bit late to the handfasting, but all worked out well in the end, at least. Wonderful!
Author's reply
Yes, it all worked out as it ought. Thanks!
Larner
· 14 May 2013
· Chapter 34: Beanpoles and Bedtime Snacks
Well, it IS about time, after all, for these four to end up in the proper configurations for each! And now all the proper pieces are finally dropping into the proper alignment! Excellent! And Jewel is happier for it, too. Nicely done.
Author's reply
Yes, finally! Whew.
(Thanks!)
Larner
· 1 December 2009
· Chapter 33: Dissolution of an Agreement
The PROPER wedding made, that is--or actually TWO weddings: Merry to Estella and Pippin to Diamond.
Author's reply
That's right! At last things are sorted into their proper places. Whew!
Larner
· 1 December 2009
· Chapter 33: Dissolution of an Agreement
Hooray! Now, to see the wedding made!
Author's reply
LOL!
Larner
· 29 October 2007
· Chapter 33: Dissolution of an Agreement
A true lady, our Estella! How wonderfully Shirish! No, her heart and his weren't stirred by one another, and now he's free to go where his was stirred to begin with.
No, not for Merry to marry a different North-Took.
Author's reply
Thanks!
(and you're right, somehow it just doesn't seem right for Merry to marry another North-Took. Goodness, that sounds like a tongue-twister.)
Soledad
· 29 October 2007
· Chapter 33: Dissolution of an Agreement
Go, Estella! Hah! Stiff-necked fathers are no match for a truly determined woman. *g*
Author's reply
Ah, so true! Let the celebration begin!
(and thanks!)
FantasyFan
· 17 October 2007
· Chapter 32: A Curious Courtship
I do love Estella so much in this story. Her character here and in "A Small and Passing Thing" is so bright and life-filled. Not always carefree, and not flighty, but so spirited and good that you can't help but love her.
Diamond even has come to love her, despite all the reasons she would have to want not to. And Merry is being drawn out of himself. It is subtle, but Estella is becoming the way he will keep hmself in the light, keep from becoming too grave and worried and beaten down. And he needs that levity in his life more than Pippin anyway; Pippin is well capable of creating upheaval by himself, or he will be once he recovers from the weight his father has tried to put on him. No, Pippin doesn't need a whirlwind like Estella in his life - he needs what he finds in Diamond. A practical lass, steadying, full of sweet love whom he can protect and who makes real all the things he will try to do for the Shire as Thain.
But back to Estella. In the previous story, it is clear that she has loved Merry most of her life. And she has some sadness, some frustration over the fact that there is no consideration that she will ever marry Merry. She is not so much resigned to her fate as accepting of the place she will eventually have somewhere, and trusting that it will work out well, but there is still a feeling of loss. I'm sure once he chose to marry Ruby she firmly put away whatever remained of the childhood dreams. Still, learning that Pippin was her intended had to spark something in her. Pippin and Merry are nearly inseperable. She would be often in Merry's company. Perhaps that made her merely content? After all, Nell loved Ferdi before she loved Rudi, but after her first marriage I doubt she spent any time pining for lost chances. She had a good marriage and both of them had so firmly put aside thoughts of each other that Pippin had quite a job to manage them back together. So I wonder how Estella reacted to finally knowing what her situation was to be? Even if she doesn't love Merry any more, she doesn't love Pippin either, having not considered him before now. There is no hint that she disreagards Pippin. Indeed, I think she actually tried to make it work. I wonder how much of her decision to break the engagement comes from not wanting to make Pippin (and Diamond, who she now knows and likes) so miserable, and how much comes from a hope for her own happiness, for her to finally have the chance to see and be seen by Merry, and to let develop what might? She's not manipulative, well not too much. She does make sure Diamond and Merry are at the picnics and outings in the summer. But was that an attempt to see if the four parties could endure the situation as it was, and even move past the past, or was she looking for rearrangement of bonds?
Author's reply
LOL, although Dana loves Pippin-Estella stories, they really would not have been as well matched as the canon pairings. They would have led each other too far in the direction of mischief and mayhem, I fear. Estella needs Merry to balance and anchor her just as much as he needs her to take him out of himself when he begins to brood. And Diamond is solid, a perfect anchor (in all the best meaning of the term) to keep whimsical Pippin from floating away, practical and loving and used to hard work and problem-solving.
I don't see Estella as scheming though some have interpreted Jewels that way. She is spoilt, yes, and used to having her own way, and yet she has also been brought up to assume a certain place. Her rebellion all happens within the confines (or do I mean constraints?) society and family have set for her.
Had Pippin given it a chance, as she was determined to, she'd have made him the best wife she possibly could. But his heart was clearly not in it. Once she discerned the connection between Pippin and Diamond, she could not in good conscience break two hearts, not even to be married to one of the heroes of the Shire.
She had no hopes of Merry, knowing that he'd been emotionally committed to Ruby, and with the way I've followed JRRT's hints about hobbits only rarely marrying more than once. She wasn't getting Pippin out of the way to be able to go after Merry, in other words. She wasn't afraid of ending an "old maid"; one of her favourite aunts, as a matter of fact, never married and remained lively, cheerful, and rather mischievous (definitely young at heart) to the end of her days (a very long life, if you were curious). No, giving up her hope of marrying was not manipulation in the least, but doing what she perceived as the right thing to do.
But I believe that virtue should be rewarded. And so, beyond hope, Merry's heart kindled once more, drawn to Estella's light, and so her lifelong love was at last... would the word be requited? (Have heard of unrequited love, but not the opposite.) Not because of scheming, but because they were meant to be together at last. *sigh* I'm a hopeless (or would that be "hopeful"?) romantic.