It Takes a Took by Dreamflower
Wopt · 3 November 2004 · Chapter 12
I want to compliment you again on another incredible story. The way you characterize the hobbits is so like Tolkien himself did. I look forward to reading more. congrats again Vanya Sulie Wopt
Author's reply
Thank you so much for saying such kind things. I hope that what I write is an honor to JRRT. I am glad you like it. 8-)
pipinheart · 3 November 2004 · Chapter 11
Great! pippin want's to do too much as always... And merry is so worried about pippin almost smothering at times,though after all they have been through who'd blame him. If merry finds out about the healers putting thier nose into there past,it might mean trouble. Diamond I think understands a little better about them and his cousins,and saam. I like the lockhole with folco and freddy it was a good piece of close bonds. Frodo sam should worry,the talk with the healer brought back unpleasant memories.... Great job....
Author's reply
Smothering is a good word, and you have put your finger on the reason: Merry's fear of losing Pippin, which never really went away after Pippin nearly died in battle. I don't think it will come to Merry's attention. Pippin's ticked off enough to deal with it himself. I have always thought of the Freddy and Folco friendship as a kind of mirror to the Merry and Pippin relationship, so her knowledge of what happened there will help her to understand more. It is not just the healer...
SharonB · 2 November 2004 · Chapter 11
Ah, well it looks like Diamond passed the first test. But she did get Pippin to tear up some talking about the others. But what's going on with Merry and with Frodo? Both seems to be coming up to something. Now how are you going to draw Pip and Diamond together more? This is getting interesting, you are certainly laying the path for quite a few things here.
Author's reply
Diamond did pass the test, and she has gotten to know Pippin a little better in the process. Merry and Frodo? I dropped a couple of hints in the first few chapters... I hope that I don't get too sidetracked from the main thing, because I do have a few things I want to get into the story.
pipspebble · 2 November 2004 · Chapter 11
Oh, I love Protective!Merry and Pippin's understanding that that is just how he is and there's nothing for it. My favorite line (or part of a line): "...the wonder that was Pippin." *sigh* Lovely stuff, this. :-)
Author's reply
The Merry I know has been protective of his loved ones even before Pippin came along; but right now that protectiveness is in overdrive, and it is causing him a few problems. But Pippin understands Merry better than anyone, and realizes that Merry has to find his own way to deal with it. Pippin is a wonder, isn't he? 8-D
Pearl Took · 2 November 2004 · Chapter 11
Sorry I didn't respond to the last chapter, both that one and this are keeping to your high standard. I like that Diamond can appreciate the close relationship the cousins and Sam have, and that she let Pippin show his hurt and anger without telling him placating, meaningless things. Well done as always :)
Author's reply
Diamond has a sense of fairness. She knew that Pippin had a point about Frodo and Sam being interrogated, and didn't try to make lame excuses. As a healer, Diamond is in a position to really know and understand the nature of those close relationships. Thank you.
Hai Took · 1 November 2004 · Chapter 10
It is good to know for certain that Diamond returns Pippin's affections even if they are still being kept quiet! Moss also having a crush on Pippin although I do not think that her crush will ever get very far, but that she was concerned and all was very sweet! Hm, I am curious as to know if it would work for Pippin to tell Diamond the same stories that Merry told Estella? Diamond certainly seems to be curious enough to at least enjoy any kind of story that Pippin may tell but I hope that he finds some that she may really like! Of course, looking forward to more and hope it isn't too long in the coming ;)
Author's reply
Knowing how sweet and attractive Pippin is, and how kind he would be to the servants, it would be surprising if a few of the maidservants did not have crushes on him. Of course none of them would get very far, but you are right, it is kind of sweet. I'm not sure that the same stories would work the same way on Diamond, although I am sure she would enjoy hearing them anyway. She's going to get some stories over time. Author Reply: Knowing how sweet and attractive Pippin is, and how kind he would be to the servants, it would be surprising if a few of the maidservants did not have crushes on him. Of course none of them would get very far, but you are right, it is kind of sweet. I'm not sure that the same stories would work the same way on Diamond, although I am sure she would enjoy hearing them anyway. She's going to get some stories over time.
viresse · 1 November 2004 · Chapter 10
Oh wonderful! I wasn't expecting an update so soon. I love Diamond's taking herself to task over her interest in Pip. And the "How her sisters would tease her if they ever found out--she who had always boasted that her life would never revolve around a lad!" She's young enough that that could weigh heavier with her than it might with someone a little older. No one likes to be teased by one's siblings, with all the "Just wait, you'll change your tune when you get older"! And then to fall for the son of the Thain! Oh yes, she's in for some teasing I would think. I can hardly wait!
Author's reply
Diamond has a lot of motives for resisting her interest in Pippin, some of them perfectly legitimate--he is, after all, a patient, and some mixed up in her own ambitions of a life of freedom from the normal expectations of hobbit lasses. And her sisters' teasing would be part and parcel of that. Since she has always wanted to be a healer, she has always thought that she would probably never marry. Remember her chief role model was her maiden aunt healer.
good_one_pip · 1 November 2004 · Chapter 10
Ah, excellent strategy! Bring out the fiddle and the music! I'd almost forgotten how musically talented our Pip was. That's the way to a girl's heart, Pippin. Through music! Even if it was Diamond who was asking, would Pippin be able to retell all that he had gone through? Especially when he was at his lowest, during the palantir experience? Well, we'll have to wait and see I suppose. Keep up the good work!
Author's reply
Yes, the music is just one more thing! *grin* I believe that *eventually* he will tell Diamond everything; but not anytime soon. She'll probably get most of the story in dribs and drabs, like anyone else who was not immediate family.
Kitty · 1 November 2004 · Chapter 10
Merrys way of attract Estella's attention was quite priceless *still giggling*. Although I doubt it will help Pippin to win over Diamond. But then, Diamond seems not to need it, she is interested anyway.
Author's reply
Pippin's problem with Diamond is not that she is not interested, it's that she is resisting her interest for what seems to her to be logical reasons.
Auntiemeesh · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 10
Pippin must be tired of that bed. I know when I'm sick even for a day or so I get heartily tired of lying in bed very quickly. I'm glad to see that he still plays the fiddle. It made a very nice distraction for him. Merry is such a romantic! Telling Estella a whole bunch of love stories to win her over is very sweet. Somehow, I don't think Pippin is going to need to do that, however. :)
Author's reply
He's definitely getting tired of the bed! He'll soon be getting to the stage where even the lovely Diamond may have problems with keeping him down. Merry *is* a romantic, he just doesn't think so. It's true that he is skeptical and practical, but he is also an idealist, and can't help but be romantic. Pippin's going to have to find his own way, *grin*
pipinheart · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 10
Real nice... Diamond realizes her feelings but thinks she can avoid them... I like how merry told romantic stories to win estella over. Pippin can play a lot of different instruments, and Diamond is very curious,though she thinks she shouldn't be...
Author's reply
Diamond not only thinks she *can* avoid them, she thinks she *has* to avoid them! In "When the King Comes Back (Brandy Hall)" when Merry first realizes he's attracted to Estella, he starts with the stories. Diamond is a Took, even though a North-took, she can't help but be curious, LOL! Author Reply: Diamond not only thinks she *can* avoid them, she thinks she *has* to avoid them! In "When the King Comes Back (Brandy Hall)" when Merry first realizes he's attracted to Estella, he starts with the stories. Diamond is a Took, even though a North-took, she can't help but be curious, LOL!
pipinheart · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 10
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pipppspebble · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 10
I love Merry's courtship of Estella and his practical, "Well, I would have, but nobody ever told me" and Pippin's fiddle playing and, oh, this was a very enjoyable chapter. So glad you posted it today so I could enjoy it tonight! :-)
Author's reply
I do think Merry would have had the nerve to use Galadriel's and Celeborn's courtship if he had only known of it, LOL! Poor Pip was getting bored. No use letting a perfectly good fiddle go to waste! I'm glad I could post today, too. I was surprised that I had time to get it done this weekend! Thanks for reading and reviewing!
sqrt(-1) · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 10
I greatly enjoy all of your stories that I have read, and this one is proving to be no exception! Because you normally stay quite close to the books, I was wondering why you decided to make Diamond only a year younger than Pippin, instead of five years younger. (Just curious.) I look forward to reading the rest of this story!
Author's reply
LOL! Would you believe for the same reason I messed up Reggie's age? But I think that this change is necessary--Diamond would have been too young for apprenticing as a healer otherwise (not too young for other professions, but definitely for healer) and I wanted to have Frodo in the story, for any number of reasons, plotwise, so I couldn't wait a few years. Would you believe you are the first to notice? I'm glad you are enjoying it, in spite of the little departure from canon.
RogerGamgee · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 10
"Don't make love by the garden gate - love might be blind, but the neighbors ain't". That was absolutely priceless! Did you find that quote somewhere, or did you make it up? It sounds just like Sam's old Gaffer. What a wonderful chapter...loking forward to the next one!
Author's reply
I heard that quote years and years ago. I thought it sounded like a Gafferism, LOL! Thanks for the review. I'm already working on the next one.
SharonB · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 10
Diamond is drawing indeep ins't she? How long will she be able to hold out on her professional manner around Pip. She certaily is learning more about him and his musical abilities. "Is there no end to his talents?" LOL, wait until she finds all his talents. Hmm,are you going to have him try Merry's romantic tact? He can be quite a storyteller himself ..... Good to see an update.
Author's reply
Diamond's a Took, too, don't forget. Remember how stubborn they can be? But he does have any number of talents, doesn't he? I wouldn't be surprised if he tells a few stories, but not the same ones as Merry. I love my job, but it can interfere sometimes, LOL!
GamgeeFest · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 10
Oh, Pippin should just serenade her with the Lay of Luthien while playing the lap harp. That should do the trick. :) Resistance is futile. Loved the Gaffer's saying about neighbors not being blind. That is far too true.
Author's reply
Well, we have the advantage of the family tree, so we *know* resistance is futile.8-) Pippin might just have to serenade her before the story is over; I confess the idea is appealing... I've heard that old saying for years, and it certainly sounds like a Gafferism, doesn't it? LOL!
GamgeeFest · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 9
You know, Frodo and them should just write up a short description of their journey for the next time a healer asks them about it. Then they could just hand it over and let them read it while they go about their business. Was that the "something" that Lavender was refering to, the Ent draughts that Pippin drank, or is it something else? I'm glad to see Pippin making some progress with Diamond. We knew she wouldn't be able to resist him forever, but it's good to see him getting a reaction. And it was sweet to hear Sam explaining when he knew he wanted to marry Rosie.
Author's reply
LOL! It would save them a lot of time and effort! But knowing healers it would never have enough detail to suit them. Yes. At least for my Merry and Pippin, the Ent draughts did more than just give them a growth spurt and a permanent. It also gave them a boost to their body's abilities to heal. Not necessarily a cure-all, but they would heal more quickly than others from illnesses or injuries. I think that something of the sort had to be, or else how come Pippin could serve at the Feast in Cormallen only two weeks after he'd basically been squashed by a troll? And how come Merry could recover from the Black Breath in only a day? However, this would only work on their physical hurts and not the psychological ones. Oh, he's getting a reaction all right. I love the scene (both versions: book and movie) when Sam realizes it's Rosie he loves. *sigh*
Auntiemeesh · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 9
I love the moments between Pippin and Diamond. They are very sweet and humorous and heartwarming, and make for a nice counterbalance to the other aspects of the story. Poor Frodo is trying so hard to deal with his own pain and keep up a good front, while also comforting Pippin and keeping a watchful eye on Merry as well. And Merry really has to learn to not hover over Pippin all the time. I'm really enjoying this story! Keep up the excellent work. :)
Author's reply
I'm glad my scenes with Pippin and Diamond are coming off well. This is the first story I've written in which the romance is front and center, and not just a sub-plot. Unlike many fic writers who tend to have one favorite hobbit, I love all four of them pretty much equally. My favorite thing is to show how they interact with one another as a result of their bonding and their experiences. Merry is dealing with his own fear: that of losing Pippin, as he very nearly did after the Last Battle. It comes out in making him overprotective. Both Pippin and Frodo realize this, but have not quite yet figured out the solution. I'm glad you are enjoying it! I'm getting back to it now after three days at work.
Hai Took · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 9
I am glad that you have pursued the relationship between Pippin and Diamond! I hoped you would when you wrote about the twins being born! I am enjoying the way you write Diamond and Pippin in this and the ways that Pippin is beginning to hit on her! Diamond taking care of some of the other patients in the Smials was a good touch. Looking in on Opan and seeing how she is progressing is great! I like the way you have wrote a bit about Garnet and Opal here and there, it is nice to see them becoming much better hobbitesses! Hm, I think it was perhaps a bit inconsiderate of Lavender to ask Frodo and Sam about Pippin's injuries! They ought to have asked Pipping, though perhaps he wouldn't have been as honest as they were wanting. Paladin joinging Merry and Pippin in a game of chance was great! I like that he plays like that with them! I would like to here that story about Merry and Pippin learning to play cards with Gimli, Aragorn and Faramir was it? Then Legolas as well! That bit at the end here of Pippin seeing Frodo asleep yet so sorrowful gave me chills! To think about Frodo suffering, especially after everything is over is always so sad and to think about what is coming is terribly bittersweet! Of course I am looking forward to more and hope it is not far off! Thank you for antoher delightful story!
Author's reply
I've had this story in the back of my mind since "Tribute". I just thought it would be a slightly different take on the courtship of these two Tooks. As Lavender's apprentice and main assistant, she would naturally have occasion to see her mistress's patients; I've only shown a bit of Garnet, and hardly any of Amethyst, but rest assured they are doing well. I thought it would be nice for Opal and Diamond to be friends, and for Opal to have a friend who does not have any memories of when she used to be a spoiled brat. Lavender is a bit single minded as a healer. Her manner is not quite so symapathetic as Poppy's was; and she tends to go after the information she wants. She probably did feel that Pippin would not have been open enough to give her what she wanted to know. LOL! I don't know if I'll tell that one in detail. It works pretty well as an anecdote, though. Frodo's suffering is part and parcel of who he became as a result of the Quest. It's hard for all of us to deal with because, although it is realistic, it seems so unfair. I had to work three days in a row, but I'm off now, and hope to get a chapter posted tonight. Thanks for your lovely, detailed review!
SharonB · 29 October 2004 · Chapter 9
You mena even the Thain knows how Pip feels about Diamond? Or his comment certainly seems to indicate that. ;-) It was an intersting conversation Diamond and Lavendar had about Sam and Frodo. And how nice that all Pip's family welcomes Sam so readily. You are tying things together so nicely. I can't wait to read more. Sharon
Author's reply
Yes, he does. In Ch.2 Pippin asked his father for information about her, and Paladin quickly guessed his interest. So far anyone who has seen the two of them in the same room at the same time has guessed, LOL! Pip's not too good at hiding his feelings. The healers correctly figured that they are the key to finding out what happened "away South". Sam has become a good friend to the Tooks, after he and Rose were there in the Spring for the assembly (from "A New Reckoning") Eglantine has made promoting Sam rather a project. Thank you. I'm going to *try* to maybe get a chapter posted this weekend, but I have to work, so it will all depend on that.
pipinheart · 29 October 2004 · Chapter 9
Nice work! Pippin is sure trying to put on the charm,and Diamond now realizes it... Pippin's Father arrived to play a game with the boys,it was a nice gathering,and merry won... Pippin seems to have made Diamond nervous,and perhaps progress is being maade. Poor frodo... Pippin is worried about him,and he should be. Dreams and nightmares plague him,and as sam said...more than anyone knows... Great job...
Author's reply
Yes, now that Pippin is feeling better, he's starting to put forth his campaign to win her; she's caught on, and is now having to sort out her own reactions. Paladin likes to play with Pippin and Merry (as long as Pip's mother doesn't find out) I think that Merry would be very good at games of chance, not to mention being a "lucky Brandybuck". Frodo is trying still, to get back to a normal life. Unfortunately we all know that effort is doomed, *sigh*. Thank you. And thank you for reading and reviewing.
pipinheart · 29 October 2004 · Chapter 8
Real nice... Merry is so worried,but I can't blame ehim after all they have been through. It seems Diamond is warming up to pippin... The questions brought back to many memories for frodo and sam...Real good story,great job....
Leaward · 28 October 2004 · Chapter 9
I'm really enjoying this story -- you bring the hobbits to life and really have captured them. I love how they compare Diamond to Legolas. I'm looking forward to your next chapter.
Author's reply
I'm so happy that you are enjoying it. I thought it would be cute to tease Diamond a bit about being like Legolas, and then have it turn out to be about the pipe smoke! LOL! I have to work the next few days, so it may be Sun. or Mon. before I get to update again. On the other hand if I can't sleep again, it may be sooner.
Bodkin · 28 October 2004 · Chapter 9
Yes, Lavender - of course Poppy was right to go south. Bet you didn't express any doubts to her face. Love the naughty Pippin, Merry and Paladin gambling - and LOVED the way Merry learned the card games and started winning them all in Minas Tirith until he taught them to Legolas. Hilarious. Poor Frodo. And now Pippin has seen something that makes him worried. He's going to need the progress he's made with Diamond to keep his spirits up.
Author's reply
Oh, I don't know. I could see her marshalling her arguments to her friend. But I don't much imagine she thought it would have made any difference, and it wouldn't have. I've mentioned before that Paladin likes to gamble a bit, and also that Eglantine and Frodo don't approve, so I thought it would be fun to bring that in. And the little anecdote about Minas Tirith just came to me while I was writing that bit. The only hint I will give about Frodo is to look at the dates this story is taking place. Thanks for reviewing; your reviews are always insightful.