Reviews (429)

Dreamflower · 1 January 2005 · Chapter 58: Picnic Breakfast

I see the direction your questions were aiming now. I did say "as happy an ending as suits the circumstances", and so I meant. Some circumstances do call for a character to die. Character death is a hard one, and whether it is Denny or Posey or both, if it suits the circumstances it is a part of the story. There are two kinds of character death I object to: a non-canon death for a major canon character, e.g. killing off one of the Fellowship, or a pointless, useless death for an OC or minor canon character. (e.g. killing off one character just for shock value or to make some angst) I do not see a death which serves the story as pointless or useless, although it can be very hard. I fought for a long time with my Muse over Folco, but eventually came to see how necessary it was for Fredegar's character development. You make such likeable OCs, I know that you mourn them just as much as the reader does. That said: I was certainly surprised at the form of the attack, although I was beginning to think it was imminent. Make sure that *these* ruffians get their just desserts!

Bodkin · 1 January 2005 · Chapter 58: Picnic Breakfast

By the way, you have two chapter 57s, and this one is before the Pippin/Posey conversation, yet the back/next buttons suggest that one should come first.

Bodkin · 1 January 2005 · Chapter 58: Picnic Breakfast

It is the author's duty to be cruel, even if the reader would prefer everybody to live happily ever after. If it is important to your story to kill Denny and Posey and Jack and anybody else, then go for it. But you can't make your characters so likeable and then not expect readers to mind when they are bumped off! They'd obviously had too long a period of relaxation and pleasure - it's time for some more torment. At least I won't mind the villains getting their dues. How dare they shoot Denny! Nasty people.

Connie B. · 1 January 2005 · Chapter 58: Picnic Breakfast

So, we come to it at last, the attack of the ruffians. I wasn't expecting them to be using arrows either. Glad that the posting of the last chapter was an accident. I fully understand about late-night postings. I'm writing this at nearly 3:00 on New Years morning. Thanks and Happy New Year. Connie B.

Dreamflower · 31 December 2004 · Chapter 57: Thoughtful Conversation

Realism or sentiment? How about "realistic sentiment"? But when push comes to shove for me, in fiction, it's sentiment. Not that it has to be sappy or fluffy or corny--but I want as happy an ending as suits the circumstances, and I want love and faith to triumph. I don't care for "darkfic" or for stories with truly dismal endings. I don't want my hurt without comfort, and angst is fine if it's prompted by love. Don't know how well that answers your question, but hope that helps!

Connie B. · 31 December 2004 · Chapter 99999: Footnotes and Cross-references

Oh dear, I didn't think it would end here. You do have a follow-up planned, right? This story was really good, and I look forward to whatever you give us next. Thanks. Connie B.

Hai Took · 31 December 2004 · Chapter 57: Thoughtful Conversation

I think both of these worked well with the story. I liked Pippin speaking to Elladan and Posey about the position. The bit when Pippin asked Aragorn if he could leave his own rule like that really put things into perspective! I don't know how hard this is for Pippin to try and make a decision such as this! It would be difficult to be Merry as well. Wanting him to leave for his health but also understanding that he has responsiblities. Posey's conversation with Pippin was beautiful and had me near tears a couple of times. They are facing the same thing although Posey doesn't really have the choice to try and live a longer life! Looking forward to more! And I have started At the End of His Rope, again ;)

Grey Wonderer · 30 December 2004 · Chapter 57: Thoughtful Conversation

Lovely moment between Pippin and Posey. I enjoyed it very much. I think it did them both good to talk to someone who knew what it felt like to be facing a short and merry life. I liked how hard Posey tried to keep from tears and how Pippin tried to dwell on the positive side while still being honest about his situation. Great chapter and I look forward to more. I do think that Hilly and Diamond showed up at just the right moment, before things could get too sad.

Grey Wonderer · 30 December 2004 · Chapter 56: Considering Choices

I liked Pippin's reasons for not going to Gondor. I think he put things in terms that Aragorn could understand even if he didn't like them. Pippin is Pippin and he will do things his way no matter the outcome. I did think that his remarks about the hobbit after-life rang true. If that isn't what they believe, then it should be. Lovely story!

Dreamflower · 30 December 2004 · Chapter 57: Thoughtful Conversation

This is such a sweet conversation. So serious and loving. Once more we are reminded of just how much hobbits wear their hearts on their sleeves. I love this chapter, and I especially love how wise and vulnerable your Pippin is. But still,even so: you make me want to just jump in there and *tell* them what's going to happen! Of course that would spoil everything, but it makes me realize the appeal of Mary Sues--I want to just *fix* everything for them! LOL! I'm very glad that I *have* read "At the End of His Rope" or I might not be able to resist! *shakes head and reminds self "it's fiction"*

Connie B. · 30 December 2004 · Chapter 57: Thoughtful Conversation

Good chapter. I think this explains Pippin's reasoning so well. Part of me wanted him to agree to go to Gondor, but I knew he couldn't. To have him lay it out clearly, it makes so much sense. I liked that you had Pippin and Posey having this little heart-to-heart. It just seems right that the two people with a death sentence hanging over their heads would talk about these things. Thanks. Connie B.

Bodkin · 30 December 2004 · Chapter 57: Thoughtful Conversation

Interesting - as the condemned, Posey and Pippin are natural confidantes. Neither knows how long they will last, but they are aware it will not be the expected span. They are both aware that acceptance is easier for yourself than it is for those around you. (Cure Posey! Give her some magic Ent-juice! Give her and Hilly a happy ever after!) Very touching.

Bodkin · 30 December 2004 · Chapter 56: Considering Choices

I love the reference back to the beginnings of the Shire and Elladan's early acquaintance with hobbits. (In many ways, I think being an elf must be hellish - outliving even the memory of those non-elves you know.) Fascinating discussion - I love seeing Pippin more concerned about Hilly than about himself. And the way he twisted the idea round and presented it to Aragorn as a choice for him and Arwen. Very clever.

Bodkin · 30 December 2004 · Chapter 55: A Choice to Consider

No chance, Merry. Pippin is even more obstinate than you are. And I think he would be more likely to die if his purpose for living was removed, even if the air were better for him.

Connie B. · 30 December 2004 · Chapter 56: Considering Choices

I loved it! I really like the speculation about what happens to hobbits after death. It is so like Pippin to feel for others while stubbornly ignoring how he feels about his own situation. If anything, the chapter seemed too short. I think I was waiting for someone to come right out and say how long they thought Posey had. The discussion about the Fallowhide blood being so strong in Hilly and Pippin's sister made me wonder about Pippin himself. I always suspected that he had a pretty fair measure of it himself; but I also believe there's something else there that no one in his immediate family has. Just my own imagination at work.:) Thanks for such an imagination-stimulating chapter. Connie B.

pipinheart · 30 December 2004 · Chapter 56: Considering Choices

Very well writting... Poor pippin..What decision can he make he is split in two... Definitly want him alive and well...All is torn... A great story... Update soon.....

Dreamflower · 30 December 2004 · Chapter 56: Considering Choices

*This* is an unedited draft? Oh, my dear! It's wonderful! JRRT is so reticent over the fate of the Secondborn--not knowing for certain is a part of the Gift of Iluvatar after all--and whether or not you think that Hobbits are some variant of human (*I* don't) or just that it is their fea which make them akin to Men (my opinion) Hobbits *are* among the Secondborn. You have explored this theme beautifully--Elves *know*, Mortals do *not* and for neither of them is this a comfort. Congratulations! I didn't see a word of it needed changing! (And by the way, I loved Elladan's remembering the early hobbits he had known!)

Grey Wonderer · 29 December 2004 · Chapter 55: A Choice to Consider

Poor Merry! He's trying so hard to get Pippin to do what's best for his health and there's not much hope of it. Pippin is too worried about his duties to the Shire to listen to reason. I also believe that Pippin is resigned to his own fate even if Merry isn't. Great chapter and some interesting moments between Merry and Pippin.

Connie B. · 29 December 2004 · Chapter 55: A Choice to Consider

Oh, that stubborn Took! I understand his not wanting to abandon his responsibilities, but at the cost of his hearlth is hard to accept. I would have had to take Merry's side in that argument. Good chapter. Thanks. Connie B.

Dreamflower · 29 December 2004 · Chapter 55: A Choice to Consider

Ah! I do recall somewhere you making mention of a trip to Gondor when Faramir was small--but no, that's already happened, hasn't it! Still, even if he doesn't go there permanently, it could be that visits might help him last a bit longer. It must have been killing Merry to make that suggestion, too, to think of sending his Pippin so far away from him, for his own good. Especially after Frodo had to leave the Shire for essentially the same reason. Poor Merry, I think Pip's poor health is even harder on him.

FantasyFan · 29 December 2004 · Chapter 55: A Choice to Consider

Is Aragorn deliberately avoiding Pippin? He's made his suggestion the roundabout way, through Merry. Sneaky ranger that he is, I'm sure he knows that Merry's pleading will have the ring of true emotion behind it, and that Pippin will consider what Merry asks for more carefully than if it had come from almost anyone else. Plus, Aragorn will not have to reveal exactly what he knows or how he found it out. When Pippin turns him down (not if), will he consider making it a royal order from the king? Not that I think he would seriously consider taking away Pippin's self-determination, or force him to resign his oaths, but I wonder if the temptation will cross Aragorn's mind? My how much Pippin has grown. He's learned the fine art of deflecting a conversation he doesn't want to have. He's going to give it "all the thought it's due, and more." (Reminds me of a remark a judge made to me once, after I had been on a jury that returned an especially speedy verdict.) Pippin doesn't want to die any more than anyone would, and I sincerely believed that when he talked of fighting to breathe, but underneath any number of soft words is absolute rock-hard loyalty to the Tooks and determination to fulfil his oaths and responsiblility toward all the Shire. Merry has no more chance at moving him than he does at picking up Isengard and moving that. I really do love the way you write the interaction between the cousins. There is so much depth in every word, every quip, every reference. The absolute love they have for each other is truly inspiring.

Beruthiel · 29 December 2004 · Chapter 55: A Choice to Consider

Why do I get the suspicion that Pippin won't go to Gondor? It won't surprise me if he decides his duty to the Shire is more important than his own life. "I'm going to die in my bed, just as any proper hobbit!" "Is that why you avoid your bed like the plague?" I love these lines. They show that Pippin knows what's happening to him, even though he tries hard to deny it.

Hai Took · 29 December 2004 · Chapter 54: All the King's Horses

Sam is always so resolute in his loyalty to his friends. Saying it wasn't his news to tell was very...loyal. Wonderfully done! Oh dear, the whole conversation with Hilly had me near tears! Hilly's insistance that Elessar could heal Pippin and wanting him to be all right. Accepting Posey's impending doom and knowing he will follow but thinking Pippin couldn't leave! Oh! I think I'm going to have to re-read At the End of His Rope! That is the one where Sam returns from Gondor isn't it? Looking forward to more! Thank you for the adventure!

Grey Wonderer · 28 December 2004 · Chapter 54: All the King's Horses

Now, you've gone and surprised me yet again with this chapter. I didn't realize that Hilly cared so much for Pippin. I had always thought that he was merely doing his job for the Thain. I suspected that he had respect for Pippin by now, but this wasn't what I'd expected at all. I guess Hilly figured the elvish medicine for near magic and I suppose by hobbit standards it is. At least now Aragorn knows what's what with Pippin though there is nothing he can do about it. I did love Sam's evasive answers btw. Very like Sam. Great chapter.

Beruthiel · 28 December 2004 · Chapter 54: All the King's Horses

Oh, how sad! I knew nothing could be done for Pippin, of course, but this chapter is still heartbreaking. Is Hilly now going to launch a campaign to let the Shire-folk know just how much Pippin does for them, so they will at least give him the respect he deserves in the time he has left? That's what I'd do in Hilly's situation. I know that when he gets the Ent-draught, everyone is delighted to learn he's been healed, so by then they have some idea of how valuable he is to the Shire. On second thought, I recall that just 2 or 3 years before then, a party of Tooks wanted to depose him after he lost the use of one of his legs, even though Paladin had been perfectly able to run things from his bed. Is this party just exceptionally blind, or are there actually hobbits out there who still don't appreciate him by the time "Rope" starts?