Oh dear,
Take: Pippin doesn't hates it when his father tells him "you will be Thain one day". Being a carefree bard might appeal.
Add to that: Menelcar thinks Pippin looks young for 25. He obviously thinks in 'manyears' and take Pippin along as a fellow bard without realising he is taking along a minor.
Result: recipe for disaster! (whee!)
Paladin IS the commander of the Hobbitry-in-arms... What will he do when his son-and-heir runs away with a bard, and a Big Folk bard at that?
Author's reply
Evil grin. LOL! Just don't get ahead of me!
shirebound
· 25 September 2004
· Chapter 3
What a delight! If *Pippin* had been the one to start singing in Bree, the whole Tale might have unfolded differently!
(Did you write that first song???)
Author's reply
Oh my goodness, that *would* have been AU! LOL!
Yes, the first one "Nob o' the Lea" is mine.
esamen
· 24 September 2004
· Chapter 3
Pippin’s sweet voice faded away on the last mournful note, and he looked up gratefully as the innkeeper handed him a full mug. His eyes held a question as he took it. “It’s just cold water, Mr. Pippin,” muttered Dodd quietly, “but I’m thinking you’re thirsty.”
This is delightful! And very well written! I just love reading it!
Please update soon. I am really curious to find out where this minstrel's quest for songs is going to lead him . . . is it to our hero's door, at Bag End?
Thanks for writing and I'll be watching for the next chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you so much for the kind review, I am glad you are enjoying it.
Now, don't be peeking over my shoulder...
RogerGamgee
· 24 September 2004
· Chapter 3
This was a great chapter...perfect way to end my work day. I haven't read 'The Hobbit,' so I wasn't familiar with the songs. But I remember listening to Pippin sing in ROTK and wishing that we could have heard more. He (Boyd) has such a beautiful voice, that I've listened a number of times. I even uploaded it from my ROTK CD for the folks in the Sean Astin group on Yahoo to listen to.
It seems that Pippin doesn't share the feeling about his singing that others do, from the reference to his wanting to hear a 'real' minstrel. Or perhaps I'm reading more into it than there is. In ROTK, he tells Denethor 'I sing well enough...at least for my own people.'. Could this just be youth talking?
An excellent chapter...I look forward to seeing what Menelcar comes up with. Good work!
Author's reply
The first song, "Nob o' the Lea" is mine. The second song is Bilbo's interpretation of a song the Dwarves sang in Beorn's house.
I, too, would have loved hearing "Pippin" sing more in the films; I agree about Billy Boyd's voice, marvelous.
It's not necessarily a lack of confidence in his own ability, as it is eagerness to see what someone like Menelcar can do; he knows he can "sing well enough for his own people" as you said, but Menelcar is from Outside and a professional, and therefore more interesting and fascinating to the tween. Kind of like a modern youngster hoping to break into the music business meeting someone who actually has a recording contract--awesome in both the colloquial and literal sense.
GamgeeFest
· 24 September 2004
· Chapter 2
Perfect description of bagpipes! lol. They can sound either really amazing or really horrible. There's no in-between.
I like the mention of how Pippin doesn't abuse his position to get more ale than he's entitled to, though of course Pippin learned that lesson didn't he?
Author's reply
Having spent several weekends at a local Celtic fest, I can tell you that there are no end to the different ways some amateurs can mangle "Scotland the Brave." Then there are those who make it sound absolutely incredibly moving!
Yes, Pip's learned to be careful when it comes to drink. And he'll never forget his pact with Merry.
Anso the Hobbit
· 24 September 2004
· Chapter 2
Of course Pippin would know how to play a bagpipe ;-). This looks interesting. I wonder how the evening will go... :)
Author's reply
Of *course* he would! *And* play well!! No tortured cats for our Took!
SharonB
· 23 September 2004
· Chapter 2
Ah another story. I've been missing out on ME the last few weeks, life does occasionally interfere with our hobbies. ;-) Great to see Pippin was not always so irresponsible beofre he left. Although he has spent himself out of money again.
Pip plays the bagpipes? I agree with the minstrel about how they sound played wrong. Maybe you can have Menelcar and Pip do a duet before the night is over.
Author's reply
Well, at least he spent all his money in a good cause--trying to cheer his sister up.
Well, I had Pip playing the "Tookland" pipes at Sam's and Rosie's wedding, so he had to have learned them by now to be good enough then. I do think a hobbit as musical as Pip would play more than one instrument.
RogerGamgee
· 23 September 2004
· Chapter 2
I was waiting for this chapter to show up...good to see how Pippin manages to remain responsible - not taking advantage of his rank, even though he could. I'm curious to see how he and the minstrel get along...so far, so good!
Author's reply
Well, in *some* ways he is being responsible, those you mentioned, at least; but sneaking out after both his parents told him "no" is not too responsible. Like many adolescents, he is a mixture of the two.
Menelcar is making a great many assumptions about hobbits. Not all of them are correct. But I think you can tell he likes Pip.
good_one_pip
· 23 September 2004
· Chapter 2
ohh, another pippin story! This ought to be fun! I've read some of the other reviews, and they say that you've tied in something from another story. I'm pretty new to this sight. What's the name of the story so I could read it? I like the idea of pippin as a bard, but it's too bad that Merry isn't with him.
Author's reply
I hope it will be fun!
The story some of the other reviewers mention is called "The Dare" and it takes place when Pippin was 20, Merry 28 and Frodo 41. (Or the human equivalent of 13,18, and 25 1/2)
The thing is, if Merry were with him, he'd never be bored enough to think of being a bard!
shirebound
· 23 September 2004
· Chapter 2
What a fun story! I'm enjoying this immensely. (And how I wish we could hear that music being played!)
Author's reply
Yes, this is a fun story, isn't it? I wish you could hear it, too!
Elenar
· 23 September 2004
· Chapter 2
Lovely chapter! I really like Master Dodd. I looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you. Master Dodd is just one of those characters who seem to write themselves as soon as they have a name. It's hard to take credit for them when they spring to life like that.
Auntiemeesh
· 22 September 2004
· Chapter 1
Pippin unwisely rolled his eyes, showing his opinion of his other cousins.
He slouched angrily out of the room. There were other ways.
Ah, you gotta love those awkward tweenage years. No longer a child, but not allowed (or ready) to be an adult yet. Poor Pippin, I hope he doesn't get into too much trouble down at the Bouncing Bunny.
Looking forward to more of this. :)
Author's reply
Oh, yes, and doubly miserable, because he's without his Merry! Notice how he doesn't even think of going with someone else if Merry's not there.
Don't you feel for poor Eglantine, having to put up with it? 8-)
Anso the Hobbit
· 22 September 2004
· Chapter 1
Poor lonely Pip. I hope Merry comes to his "rescue" soon :) Great start.
Author's reply
You might be surprised!
Hai Took
· 21 September 2004
· Chapter 1
Uh-oh, I hope Pippin doesn't get into too much trouble, but I am looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds! Very sweet of Pippin to spend his money on Pervinca I liked this "It *had* seemed to make her happy, but in a soppy, weepy kind of way that Pippin could not understand.", funny! Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Well, you know our Pip! Trouble does seem to find him.
Yes, well, I've always thought of him as a good brother. But face it, guys just don't understand the benefits of a good happy cry!
pipspebble
· 21 September 2004
· Chapter 1
Oh, goodie! Another goodie from Dreamflower! I love the beginning already; can't wait for chapter two!
Author's reply
Thanks! I'm working away at it.
GamgeeFest
· 21 September 2004
· Chapter 1
This seems interesting. Where did the idea come from? Poor Merry having to be stuck working instead of visiting his cousins. Responsibility sucks that way.
Author's reply
Actually, the idea came from a song on a tape I listened to during the interminable drive to get away from Hurricane Ivan the Terrible.
Yes, Merry has come of age, and is finding out that it's not really fun and games. But don't you know he would take the difficulties with refurbishing the ferry as a personal challenge?
Viresse
· 21 September 2004
· Chapter 1
After a crappy day and a half at work, there's a new Dreamflower story and life is good.
I want to see Paladin's reaction to Pip's desire to be a minstrel! I can just imagine... LOL
If Menelcar has been a wandering minstrel for nearly 30 years, he had to have developed some skill with weapons, even if he had no real talent for them? I mean, orcs and ruffians *are* around, and I would think they are not at all likely to have that much respect for a bard! But I also have difficulty seeing him with a sword in the Shire at least. That would not go down well at all with our hobbits. I look forward to his story as well.
Author's reply
Menelcar has developed some survival skills over the last 30 years, mostly consisting of avoidance--he's very good at hiding and at running away, which is wise when someone has no particular aptitude with a weapon. And he's learned to throw a knife, use a sling, and how not to cut himself if he should *have* to use a sword. He's not had too much trouble with ruffians, since he possesses nothing of value aside from his instrument, and he has managed to avoid orcs for the most part. I'm not sure how much of his adventures will be revealed, though.
Paladin will not be amused, I daresay.
I hope things get better at work. 8-)
Elenar
· 21 September 2004
· Chapter 1
Nice story, I am really enjoying it. I like how you connected it to your other stories. I can't wait to find out what happens when Pippin meets the bard.
Author's reply
I'm glad you like it so far. Thanks for letting me know!
shirebound
· 21 September 2004
· Chapter 1
What a marvelous beginning! You really capture the pent-up energies and longings of youth (especially a youthful Took). Sounds like a fateful meeting is about to take place!
Author's reply
Yes, I really feel for Eglantine. I only had *one* teenager to put up with, and it was nearly more than I could take, LOL! And it's going to be an interesting meeting, I hope.
RogerGamgee
· 21 September 2004
· Chapter 1
Pippin as a bard, eh? This should prove to be interesting, especially when he meets up with the minstrel. I sense a duet in the works...or perhaps dueling fiddles, with an ale or two as the stakes?
I enjoy how you've woven other stories into this one...notably Pippin's unfortunate 'drunken episode' courtesy of the Banks brothers.
Looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
Yes, Pippin is going to be giving it some serious thought. And actually, if he weren't needed for the Quest in a few years, I can *see* him as a bard.
I do like to keep my stories kind of connected to one another. I've learned that from several other fine fic writers.
Lindelea
· 21 September 2004
· Chapter 1
What a promising beginning! I like your wandering minstrel already; I can only imagine how difficult it would be to be a musical soul in a city preparing for inevitable war, especially when one had no talent with weapons!
Ah, a reference to those disreputable Banks cousins! Lovely when stories are tied together, somehow. (I think I'm addicted to the practice.)
A tune for a mug, sounds quite promising.
The word "blown" sounds a bit modern in the context of spending all of one's pocket money, just to let you know it momentarily jarred me out of the mood you so masterfully were weaving. I may be wrong and it may not be a contemporary usage at all, but it reminds me of the "hippie-speak" my older sibs used to employ when they were trying to impress people with how "cool" they were, quite a few years back (but not all *that* long ago in the grand scope of things).
I am looking forward to the minstrel meeting the tween, as you've set it up quite nicely.
Author's reply
I'm glad you are liking Menelcar. He's on a little quest of his own, to find out about the origin of some songs he heard in Dale and Erebor. When I thought of his origin, I was thinking of some different things that Beregond, Boromir and Faramir had to say about life in the White City.
Yes. Well. I seem to have learned that from you. 8-D (And it is a nice addiction.)
I know that I have encountered "blew" used that way in British novels of the twenties and thirties, but now I'm not sure now about "blown". I will check it out in context and see if I should change it to that. I'll have to see. Even if it is correct, I don't want to be causing that little jolt we all dread in a good story.
Yes, that will be an interesting meeting, I hope.
Author Reply: Thought I'd let you know that after consideration, I changed "blown" to spent. I discussed it with someone else, and she admitted that the word had given her a start as well. I looked in a couple of said novels, just to flip through, and though I did indeed find "blew" used as I thought, I never did find "blown" used in that way. Odd, but true. ( I guess it's like the whole "got/gotten" thing. ) Thanks for the heads up. 8-)