It Takes a Took by Dreamflower
pipinheart · 30 December 2004 · Chapter 28
Very nice... Pippin and Merry is headed home... But Pippin misses Diamond. His letter are real short,but he is stubron... Very good story keep up the great work...
Author's reply
Thank you--we're getting near the end now.
RogerGamgee · 29 December 2004 · Chapter 28
This was fantastic...the image of Pippin in a wheelbarrow made me laugh outright. I can just picture Merry wheeling Pippin along the road - what a sight that must have been for anyone who happened to be looking. I'll say one thing for Pippin - you can't accuse him of being wordy. But at least with short letters, he gets right to the point. No dissembling with that one. *grin* Looking forward to the next great chapter...I've been trying to catch up on a number of SoA stories over the holidays, and this one has been a special treat. Roger Gamgee
Author's reply
Yes, with his crutches and a wooden stool across his lap, LOL! He does get right to the point, doesn't he? And at least Diamond doesn't have to worry about someone else seeing them! Next one up. I'm drawing near the end, and am writing more quickly. But I have to work (*sigh*) for three days in a row, so not sure about how soon I'll get the rest posted.
Eruviluieth · 29 December 2004 · Chapter 28
Excellent. Stubborn Pippin, as always, but Lavendar can get around him well enough. I like the wheeled chair mentions, they're amusing. Excellent Yule plans! The Tooks want to bring Diamond as a cheer-you-up Yule present for Pippin, and Lavendar will be slightly "preoccupied" as well with her husband's visit. Splitting up mistress and apprentice is a good idea. Diamond isn't really an apprentice without her mistress around, is she, as long as she's not working as a healer? So Pippin's not her patient, she's not acting as a healer's apprentice . . . Sounds perfect! Can't wait to see where you take this next!
Author's reply
Yes, it kind of tickles me, Lavender's ongoing campaign to make the Tooks accept wheelchairs. And Lavender does need a little alone time with *her* sweetie, doesn't she?
GamgeeFest · 29 December 2004 · Chapter 28
LOL, Pippin's "love" letters had me is stitches. Those were so cute. They're home at last. They must be relieved. But Merry should get a wheelbarrow just to tease Pippin with. Poor Merry, getting lectured by the healer. Pippin will definetly owe him one for that.
Author's reply
My Pip's correspondence is famous for its brevity, LOL! There was the note for his parents, found in the wastebasket during "Conspiracy", as well as his short letters to Merry, and then there was that note to his father in "Life of a Bard". As much as he likes to talk, he dislikes to write, *grin*! Yes, Pip does owe him big time for that one. I'm sure Merry will get a chance to collect, sooner or later.
SharonB · 29 December 2004 · Chapter 28
LOL, I'm amazed that Lavender didn't lecture Merry about being careful not to overturn Pip since he was using the wheelbarrow. ;-) Those things can be quite unstable. That boy has cerainly convinced his parents about Diamond. They are fully into the scheming with him over Diamond. Ah, they must like this match. I hope there are a few more chapters to this one, at least through Yule?? This has been fun.
Author's reply
I would imagine that she probably did, before they ever came out of the kitchen, LOL! Well, think about it: He's a few years shy of his majority, a time which might otherwise be filled with all kinds of lasses and their mums scheming to get their hands on the Thain's heir. Here's a lass who has already caught his eye, intelligent, competent,has training as a healer,cares about him as well, and from a good family--Tooks! She's young also, so there is no problem about their waiting a few years. If Tina can get the word out that there is already an informal understanding, then all their lives will be a good deal simpler for the next few years. Yes, there are a few more chapters left, and if I have the time, I hope to complete it before Second Yule--if work doesn't get in the way!
Auntiemeesh · 29 December 2004 · Chapter 28
I wish I could have seen Pippin's face when Merry was pushing him back to the Smials in the wheelchair, lol. And poor Merry, stuck between Lavender and Pippin -- I think he made a wise choice to go with Lavender on this one. I absolutely love Pippin's letters to Diamond. Short, to be sure, but definitely sweet. He says all that really needs to be said, doesn't he?
Author's reply
I could just imagine him in that wheelbarrow, probably torn between laughing and being cross. And you are right--Merry knows better than to cross the healer! My Pip tends to keep his corespondence brief. His letters are short and to the point.
Ariel · 29 December 2004 · Chapter 27
*Preens* Oh, I didn't miss that at all! Thank you for doing me this honor too! It tickled me pink that someone would chose to use a character (or however much of him you are planning on using) that I 'made' up. *squee* I will definitely look for your fic in the next challenge and please look for mine! I will have a Merry (believe it or not) angst piece in there that you might enjoy! Ariel
Author's reply
I so glad that you're glad! *chuckle* I am using the name, and his lineage, and a little of his story, but not all of it, and I loved the personality that was beginning to emerge at the end of your story, when he realized he was free of that evil old doctor, so some of his personality as well. He really was a very well realized OC, and I'd love to see you make some use of him yourself in some later fics. I'm looking forward to this month's challenge, I think there are going to be some good ones in there!
GamgeeFest · 29 December 2004 · Chapter 27
Oh no, Pip and Merry are going home? Does that mean the story's almost over? I could really read a lot more of this, I was hoping that Pip and Diamond would share at least one kiss before parting. But there's still time for that. *hint hint* Poor Pippin, not being able to carry his girl to the cottage, but then that would be bad, cause they'd both probably wind up hurt. Pippin still shows his youth doesn't he? He sounded like his old self a bit in this chapter - restless, impulsive and whiny. :) I sympathize with Diamond, the worst and most frustrating part of getting over a serious illness is the lack of strength. As embarrassed as she may have been about being carried, she had to be relieved that she wouldn't have to walk all that distance.
Author's reply
I'm thinking the story is just about over, but as you know, I am good about taking hints (actually, that particular scene is already written, just not the chapter that it goes in yet--it was one of my first scenes.) Can you imagine him trying to maneuver *her* *and* the crutches? LOL! Yes, Pip's showing a little of his old self here--he *is* still young, and boredom does not bring out the best in him! Face it, the poor lad's been cooped up for weeks, and now he doesn't even have the prospect of his lass to cheer him up. And he is homesick for Crickhollow. He and Merry have made a nice little home there. I'm sure she was relieved, and that Lavender was grateful as well. It is hard to have to build up strength after being sick. Especially for someone who is more used to caring for others than being cared for.
Hai Took · 29 December 2004 · Chapter 27
Well having company put and the holidays didn't give me much chance to check up on things here. In a way it was nice I had lots of chapters for this story to read but I think I like doing it one at a time! The way you wrote Merry and Pippin revealing their pasts was very well done. Very touching without being over dramatic about it. I forget who said it, Merry I think, but I like them saying that if they were going to share their futures they had better share their pasts, something to that extent. I like that they are getting it all out in the open! Eglantine and Pearl manuevering Rosamunda so that the lads could have a chance to tell their tale in their own time. She has her own agenda anyway! I guess since she isn't opposing Merry and Estella's union, at least not openly, she would have her own ideas. I still love that Reggie and his girls took care of Diamond! Now they have a friend who didn't know the before attitudes of the girls! I guess they will miss Diamond, especially Opal, although it isn't like she has gone for good! Pippin wanting to go home and it not being the Smials must be quite difficult for his family, especially his mother. But I'm glad they will be on their way soon! How far is this story going to go? I certianly hope at least through Yule, but I'm wondering about Freddy's return and Merry and Estella's actual marriage! Looking forward to more, as always! Thank you!
Author's reply
Goodness, you did have a lot of catching up to do! I hope you had a nice holiday! It is nice, sometimes to have large blocks of a fic to read all at once. The parts of them telling over their stories was hard--I always worry about boring the readers with things they already know, but I had to make sure that I included anything that would have made a great emotional impact. I'm also glad you didn't think it was overly dramatic, as I also worried about everybody bursting into tears so much. I just about made myself cry in a couple of places--but I had the book there, and Boromir's death, and Merry lost in Minas Tirith do that to me anyway. Rosamunda's priorities are not those of her daughter, but she does love her and want her happiness. She's mostly concerned about the appearance of things and as long as Tina and Pearl could assure her that everything was all right, she allowed herself to be manipulated. Yes, Diamond's friendship with Opal and her sisters--but especially Opal--will continue to be very important to her down the years. Pippin and Merry have made Crickhollow their home--Eglantine knows this, though it is somewhat bittersweet to her. But she also knows he'll be back for plenty of visits, and she wants him to be happy. It is definitely going through Yule, which is actually what I am aiming for in the way of finishing up, by Second Yule, at least--(fingers crossed,LOL! I *do* have to work for three days starting tomorrow)--but even when I finish this one, I have more in mind. I can't show Freddy's return until I've shown his travels! *grin*
Pearl Took · 29 December 2004 · Chapter 27
Wonderful!! A change of scenery for everyone, that is good. Now, how do we get Diamond to Brandy Hall? So very well done.
Author's reply
Thanks! I thought it was about time to get them out of the Great Smials! I have a plan to get her there, never fear!
Ariel · 29 December 2004 · Chapter 27
Wheee! I get to get caught up with this fic! Thanks for keeping up with this story - I have been enjoying it.
Author's reply
I'm so glad that you caught up at this chapter. I was going to email you to look out for an appearance of Master Dody the healer! (He'll also be making an appearance in my upcoming Marigold Challenge fic.) I'm very happy to hear that you are enjoying it.
pipinheart · 29 December 2004 · Chapter 26
Nice... Both the boys get time with thier girls again...They tell the finishing tale of their travels,of the pain and horrors. Love the ending......Nice great job..
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was a rough going, but now they have it behind them, and they don't have to constantly worry about being guarded in their speech in front of the lasses.
pipinheart · 29 December 2004 · Chapter 27
Very nice... Diamond is recovering, but is now in the cottage,and it seems Estella and family is invited to Buckland for Yule by Merry's Mum.... Pippin is doing well,but he misses Home..And he can't wait till he can start courting her properly.. There is some funny moments and you can feel the warmth of family... great job...
Author's reply
Yes, things are starting to pull together now. I'm thinking I might only have a few chapters left. Pippin does miss his own home; he and Merry have made a life at Crickhollow, and I'm sure they both miss it. It's good that you feel the warmth. I love to show the cousins playing together, even though they are older.
Eruviluieth · 29 December 2004 · Chapter 27
I love your chapter endings! Things seem to be progressing well. I liked Merry carrying Diamond. Poor Pip! Must have been tough to watch Merry get to carry HIS lass. So, you've gotten Estella to Brandy Hall for Yule, how will you manage to get Diamond there? You may not be planning it, but that seems the most obvious step to me.
Author's reply
Oh, thank you! I'm never sure about ending a chapter. I tend to write until I get to what seems a natural stopping point, and so sometimes my chapters are pretty long and other times (most of the time) they are very short. Yes, well, Pip would have preferred to, but it would have been awkward with crutches.*grin* But he would not have wanted his lass worn down by the long walk. Well, sometimes the obvious *is* pretty obvious! I have a somewhat plausible scenario in mind.
Auntiemeesh · 28 December 2004 · Chapter 27
Pippin sat twitchily on the settee in the family sitting room, and gave his mother a reproachful look. “I don’t see why I could not have at least walked down there with them. I’m doing fine on my crutches.” This must be torture for Pippin, now that he's feeling better, to still be couped up indoors with very little entertainment. “Merry? When are we going home?” He hadn’t meant for the question to pop out like that in front of everybody, and he blushed, realizing just how that was going to sound to his mother. I love Pippin's mix of maturity and youth. He's been through so much that he really is older than his years, but every now and then he proves that he's still just a tween.
Author's reply
No matter *how* old Pippin gets I don't think he'll ever be mature enough to like being cooped up and having to sit still. I would guess that when he is an old gaffer retired in Minas Tirith, he will *still* get twitchy if he's bored!LOL! I'm glad you saw what I was going for there: to show that in a lot of ways, Pippin *is* still very young, and in spite of his new-found maturity--it still pops out sometimes. There is a reason hobbits take coming-of-age so seriously.
Bodkin · 28 December 2004 · Chapter 26
A story that's enough to put hobbits off their food is some story! I'm glad Amethyst and Pearl kept them away from curious eyes - they need recovery time. Good thing Pippin had a good breakfast! “Do you want sausages, ham or bacon, Pip?” “Yes,” replied Pippin. What a superb response. The story-telling has definitely been a bonding experience - Merry/Estella, Pippin/Diamond share something that no-one else is likely to be invited to partake in. As a courting technique, it's . . . different, but I suspect that nothing will now be able to split P/D, so it's effective. (Shallow people can have small but unexpected areas of depth. Does Rosamunda?)
Author's reply
Pearl's a good sister, and Amethyst is glad to follow her lead. It would have been difficult to come from that to the tea table. I thought it was a pretty hobbity response. *grin* It is definitely a different courting technique, but trust Pippin not to do things the usual way. And I suspect your suspicions are correct. Rosamunda? Quite likely--in fact, I'm sure she does, but so far has had no reason to show it. That may change one of these days. (shoo...shoo bunny...no time for you...)
SharonB · 28 December 2004 · Chapter 26
It only took a second time to get through the telling. And it looks like our lasses took it well although it seems they were affected by the telling as well. I'm glad to see that Rosamunda is sensible enough to see that thoe 4 aren't getting into trouble. LOL, you portrayed Pip well as the typical growing hobbit .. a "Yes" to which of these do you want to eat. You did a very good job of summarizing LOTR in what you had the boys relate in their story telling. And they seemed to realize a few things themselves for the first time in hearing the story straight through. An d I loved Estella's pronouncement to Merry ... "Why, when you have a bad dream, I can truthfully tell you there are no such things, because you slew them!” A very smart young lady he's courting! ;-)
Author's reply
Yes, though it took all day. But they really wanted to get it over with. I think that Estella and Diamond took it much better than Merry thought they would. Rosamunda is not so much worried about what they might get into, as she is about what people might say. But with Reggie and his daughters there for propriety's sake, she's covered. Well, what else would he say? Like he had to choose, LOL? I did think that the telling might be somewhat cathartic for them, and hearing it told like that, straight through, they did realize some things they had not before. Estella's a sharp one, but then she *is* Freddy's sister.
brandy · 28 December 2004 · Chapter 26
I do love this tale! I've been reading it for a while, but I've never left a review (I know, I know; curse those that read and do not leaveth reviews!! hehe) Anyways, I am very much enjoying this and there were two particular lines today that made me want to review and point out to you how much I liked them: 'Merry saw Pippin seated, and put the crutches out of the way, and went to get his cousin a plate. “Do you want sausages, ham or bacon, Pip?” “Yes,” replied Pippin.' LoL (reminds me of myself) and: 'She knew her love well enough to know that he would make Frodo's sorrows his own.' How poignantly heart-wrenching! Dear Merry and his devotion to his cousins, it is so touching how much they really love each other. Great job! I'll be waiting for the next chapter ^_~
Author's reply
Well, I'm just glad to know you've been reading. Even when you don't review, you make the hit count go up! But I do love reading and responding to reviews. So don't be a stranger--I'm glad you're here. I was kind of pleased with Pip's response to Merry myself--I thought it pretty hobbity, after all. The devotion and loyalty between the cousins, as well as Sam, is kind of an obsession with me. You will notice how I somehow have them *all* tangled up in what was supposed to be a fic mainly about Pippin/Diamond. But I can't seem to help myself--any longer fic is sooner or later going to get them all in, no matter what.
pipspebble · 27 December 2004 · Chapter 26
“Why, when you have a bad dream, I can truthfully tell you there are no such things, because you slew them!” *sigh* Okay, now I officially love Estella! This is beautiful, really, a truly well done summation of all that happened to them without stinting on any of the emotional toll it took on them. Terrific job! This story continues to delight me. :-)
Author's reply
Estella's pretty special, isn't she? The emotional reactions were what I was basically going for; after all, everybody reading these fanfics hopefully already knows the main story, and just a summary alone would be pretty boring. I am glad that my story makes you happy; it's nice to know!
Eruviluieth · 27 December 2004 · Chapter 26
Excellent telling of the War from Merry and Pippin's perspectives. I loved the ending - so true! I eagerly await more chapters.
Author's reply
It's amazing how much difference a change in POV can make. I am glad that you are enjoying this story; I'm working away at it.
Nina the powerwriter · 27 December 2004 · Chapter 26
Just wanted to let you know I'm still following this story! I've had to catch up about six chapters though :P Good retelling of the quest. Letting them get interrupted so many times makes the telling seem more real, because most stories just do it in one sitting. When did Pippin and Diamond finally decide they wanted to be together? I remember them thinking about it, but don't remember them discussing it. Did I miss something? or maybe I didn't...lol. Please keep going with this story!
Author's reply
No, you didn't miss anything. Pippin is plowing right ahead on the assumption that he is going to get what he wants sooner or later, but so far, all that has been actually accomplished is that Lavender's removed her opposition, and Diamond has admitted she cares about Pippin. Also, Diamond is allowing him to take a lot for granted--she *wanted* to hear his story. And it was a smart move on his part, because having heard it, she is going to feel included in a part of his life that he doesn't share with just anybody. And she knows that. I'm glad you didn't mind the interruptions. I, too, thought it seemed more realistic that way. It's a long story, after all. I mean, look how much was cut out for the movies, and it still takes over 9 hours, or more than 12 for the EE. Even with only telling their own parts, Merry and Pippin had a lot to tell!
Auntiemeesh · 27 December 2004 · Chapter 26
You've done a masterful job of retelling the entire quest, here, with just enough detail. Poor Merry and Pippin having to relive everything like that. No wonder Merry didn't want to face the task alone. And the lasses have held up beautifully under the horrors they've been told of. “Why, when you have a bad dream, I can truthfully tell you there are no such things, because you slew them!” *loves Estella forever* She knew just the right thing to say, to make it alright or Merry. I'm loving this story more than ever. :)
Author's reply
I tried not to go overboard with details of the Quest, and hit what would have been the highlights for our two lads--mostly I wanted to dwell on their own emotional reactions to what they were telling, and that of Diamond and Estella. Even so, I worried that I did too much re-capping; I'm glad you think that I did not! Estella loves Merry and is proud of him. And of course, she is right--Merry needs to be reminded when he falls into Shadow, that he helped to slay it, and it is no more! I'm so glad you are still with me on this. Like a lot of my stories, it's ending up a lot longer than I originally intended.
GamgeeFest · 27 December 2004 · Chapter 26
“Ah, my love! But the real ones are vanquished, and I can be so proud that you helped to do that.” She laughed. “Why, when you have a bad dream, I can truthfully tell you there are no such things, because you slew them!” That Estella is a smart one. I love her reasoning. I also liked Pippin's response when Merry asked what he wanted for breakfast. So true the Took appetite. I'm glad though that Rosamunda both figured out what was going on and had the grace to go along with it. She might not be quite as bad as everyone thinks she is.
Author's reply
Estella is proud of Merry, and wants him to know it, and also wants him to be proud of what he did--reminding him that he did his part in removing from the world the evil that haunts his dreams is one way to do that. Well, can you imagine Pip saying anything else,LOL! (Why would you ask any hobbit, especially a tween, to *choose* *one* food?) Rosamunda is not stupid, nor is she heartless--as I've said before, she is merely shallow. And she is not averse to being manipulated if it gets her what she wants as well. Like a new wardrobe from Pearl's dressmaker.
pipinheart · 26 December 2004 · Chapter 25
Very nice... Merry and pippin sharing the pain of thier past with the ones that care about. A very moving piece,as it still disturbes them both... Great job..update soon...
Author's reply
Thanks for the review. I'm glad you are liking it.
Pearl Took · 25 December 2004 · Chapter 25
Our brave lads, and their dear brave lasses. The recounting is hard on all of us. Well done as always.
Author's reply
It is a hard story to be a part of. They lived through all the angst we get at second hand, yet still it's nerve-wracking.