I bet Rosamunda had quite a shock to see Merry there, hehe. Pippin's just inching his way slowly but surely into Diamond's heart isn't he? I loved that little flashback to Pippin complaining about being laid up. A bored Took is a dangerous thing. They're going to need to keep an eye on him just to make sure he doesn't try anything.
Author's reply
Yes, I think Rosamunda was a bit surprised and not amused, to see her future son-in-law installed there.
Pippin's making his way into her heart in spite of all her resolutions, but that will create its own set of problems, won't it?
I like that. It would make a good Shire saying: "As dangerous as a bored Took".
Pearl Took
· 17 November 2004
· Chapter 15
Those poor lads have it bad!! I like Paladin's Cure for Boredom, he should patent it ;)
Author's reply
They do have it bad, don't they? They're in "lurve", ain't it sweet? *grin*
Oh, yes, Paladin's Patented Cure for Bored Tweenagers, beloved by parents everywhere!
SharonB
· 17 November 2004
· Chapter 15
Oh, how funny Estella was happy to "outsmart" her mother just so they could get to the Smials of Tookland. She's going to get along fine with Diamond. Now just which of the boys is going to push her in Diamond's direction to help Pip along in his quest for her?
Poor Pip, getting bored already. And no king there to tell him to obey orders. Merry sure knows how to proverbially put his foot in his mouth though. We need something to occupy him, LOL. Last time he'll ever think to say that.
I had not relaized, or if you had said before, that the instrument Diamond was using was heart shaped. How interesting. Does that play into the theme here?
This story is moving along nicely. As always I'll be waiting for more. (We readers are an impatient lot aren't we? ;-) )
Lindelea
· 17 November 2004
· Chapter 15
Poor 'illustrious ancestor'! (I'm on a roll, or in a silly mood, or both)
My goodness, Rosamunda is a bit of a stuffed shirt! I see Rose is not the only clever one in your story; Estella has a fair amount of that quality as well, the way she manages her mother.
The Tooks' aversion to wheeled chairs... yes, that does sound familiar.
Copying out records. "Have fun!" Ah, Paladin, you're wicked!
Author's reply
Thud! Onto the floor, poor old Isengrim II. *giggle*
Rosamunda is a bit shallow, and also a bit of a snob. Stuffed shirt is a good description. Fortunately, she also has some hobbit sense and she does love her children, so that sometimes tones her snobbery down. Estella has needed to learn how to manage her mother over the years. But she hasn't got off scot free this time...
Oh yes! I loved your Pearl and Lalia story! I have a little different idea on it than some, but I haven't had enough of a plot bunny to put it into its own story yet.
He is, isn't he? *grin* Reminds me of what my husband would say to my son when he was rash enough to say he was "bored,bored,bored." His answer was "pain,pain,pain". Followed by some unpleasant chore. LOL!
Lindelea
· 17 November 2004
· Chapter 14
Poor Diamond! (I sense a theme developing here)
I like the glimpse of Paladin's personality we have in his letter. He seems wise and caring.
Merry's cousins certainly know him well! (And Rose, who isn't a cousin, but is still very clever!)
Author's reply
Diamond has a dilemma. Sooner or later, she will work it out--we know *that much* from the family tree!
Paladin is a interesting character for me; I enjoy writing him.
Oh they certainly do! And Rose has come to know him better than she did before she and Sam wed. She is indeed a clever lass.
Lindelea
· 17 November 2004
· Chapter 13
O poor Sam! That last line is absolutely heartbreaking.
You have me very worried for Merry! The cord to Frodo is fraying...
Lindelea
· 17 November 2004
· Chapter 12
O, interesting! ...that Merry should be affected by the anniversary of Weathertop. Quite a gripping account. Thanks!
Author's reply
As you probably know, the relationships between the cousins and Sam fascinates me. I could see Merry being affected by it to a certain extent, and hope I showed that without overdoing it.
good_one_pip
· 17 November 2004
· Chapter 15
Estella is the best "medicine" for Merry at the time. I like the way you're dealing with Pippin's boredom. I hope you still have quite a few ideas, though, because he still has several weeks to go!
Bodkin
· 17 November 2004
· Chapter 15
It's a bit foolhardy to admit to boredom, really. Although it seems to be Merry who is copying out the records.
I think Merry was quite glad to see Estella. But it's a good thing that her mother doesn't live in Brandy Hall. It would be enough to put him off Estella!
Rosamunda is a horrible snob - someone should tell her it makes her very boring company.
I look forward to seeing how Estella gets on with Diamond. The poor young healer doesn't know what she should do. (I do!)
Author's reply
Merry does tend to get absorbed in things, doesn't he? But though he is wielding the pen, Pip's reading out the material, or he was until Diamond came into the room.
Well, you will notice that Estella is rather pleased that her mother does not like Buckland. Rosamunda *is* a snob and a bit shallow; I've indicated as much in the past, but she does love her children, and she has enough sense to put a leash on her snobbery if it looks like it is unwelcome (unlike Hyacinth, for example, who could never hide her snobbery, and was a bad mother to boot).
I think Estella and Diamond need to get to know one another, don't you?
RogerGamgee
· 17 November 2004
· Chapter 15
What a lovely chapter...I couldn't help but laugh at Pippin. I know how he feels - I'm one of those folks who get bored rather easily, and I get restless in a hurry. Pippin and boredom make for a VERY dangerous combination.
Merry's reaction to Estella was priceless...good to see that Pippin isn't the only one the 'love bug' has gotten hold of.
Looking forward to the next update....
Author's reply
Oh I don't suppose many people feel safe around a bored Pippin, LOL!
Yes, indeed, Merry has been missing his lady-love.
pipspebble
· 17 November 2004
· Chapter 15
Oh, sweet! I love Merry's reaction. And what have I missed about Tooks' reaction to wheeled chairs?
Author's reply
Merry was happy to see her, wasn't he?
This is something that is semi-canon. In Tolkien's Letters, #214, he writes a *lot* about hobbit social customs. It's where I got several plot bunnies and other ideas. Among the things he talks about are how gifts are given, the legalities of adoption and inheritance law, the words "faunt" for a hobbit toddler (it's one of the ages used to base how hobbits age--he says a three year old hobbit is just beginning to learn how to walk and talk) and the word "byrding" which basically translates to "birthday boy/girl". And he tells of old Lalia the Fat, who was the mother of Ferumbas, the Thain before Paladin, and how she was a domineering old tyrant, confined to a wheelchair by her weight and other infirmities. She died in an accident when her attendant clumsily allowed her wheelchair to tip over the threshold of the door, tumbling her out. Gossip had it that Pearl was the one responsible. Several fine fics have been done from Pearl's POV about the incident. Lindelea has a very good one. Anyway, I have a slightly different take on the incident than many, but I've never really written about it yet. LOL! I've probably told you more than you asked for here, but that is one of my *favorite* letters.
But it's why Tooks don't like wheelchairs.;-)
pipinheart
· 17 November 2004
· Chapter 15
A nice story...
Pippin is getting bored, but finally his father intervened and gave them books to recopy...
Estella mother seems not to like merry that much in my opinion,estella has to be real careful what she says.
Diamond realizes she likes pippin,but dosen't seem to know what to do... And pippin makes his care for her known the way he looks at her.
Finally estella arrives and it seems merry is in a trance when he sees her.
A great story,update soon...
Author's reply
Well, it is something that has to be done every so often, or records would be lost.
Rosamunda does not exactly *dislike* Merry, but she is very wary of him. She no longer blames him and Frodo for Fredegar's troubles, but she is afraid of what she thinks of as the "Brandybuck wild streak" and she thinks Buckland is off at the back of beyond. But she does think that Merry is a good catch for her daughter, being the Son of the Hall and extremely wealthy (even more so since his return) and she knows they truly love one another. Rosamunda is a bit of a snob, true, but she is a practical one as well, and she is fond of her children, unlike, for example Hyacinth. And she is also rather a managing mother, who is looking forward to all the pomp and ceremony of a betrothal and a wedding, and is very much a stickler for propriety.
No, Diamond really does not know what to do. She knows that it is unethical to have a relationship with a patient. But Pippin's looks are undoing her thoroughly.
And Merry does seem rather glad to see his Estella, doesn't he?
I'll get to work at once! 8-D
Auntiemeesh
· 16 November 2004
· Chapter 15
I love Merry's reaction to Estella's arrival. He thuds for her, lol.
I also love this...The healers had learned why the Tooks all seemed to have an aversion to wheeled chairs, but they were trying to get them around it. I don't suppose Pippin or anyone else in his immediate family will ever be talked into a wheelchair.
And I most especially love the task that Paladin has come up with to keep Pippin occupied, and the fact that Merry has been roped into it as well.
Looking forward to more, as always.
Author's reply
He is pleased to see her, isn't he? *grin*
I haven't written my take on the Lalia incident,(I have a general idea,no plot bunny for it yet) but it is definitely in the background. And no, I don't imagine any Tooks who were about during that incident to ever feel comfortable with the idea of wheelchairs. Poppy didn't even *think* of suggesting one for Opal, probably knowing the idea would go over like a lead balloon. Lavender was not around at the time, and so I don't think she quite understood.
Merry probably realised when he suggested it to Eglantine that he'd get stuck along with Pip, but he's game if it will help his cousin.
Thanks for the nice review! I love your latest Ch. of "Courage" as well!
Brenda
· 16 November 2004
· Chapter 14
hai your storie is really great merry and pippin are the best of friends you can see that in your storie very good i love the meet between diamond and pippin i make storie myself too about pippin and diamond on this site http://groups.msn.com/pippinsmushrooms maybe you can visit it sometime to see my stories noe keep it up i cant wait for your next chapter xxxxxxxxbrenda the biggest pippin fan
Author's reply
I'm glad you are enjoying the story.
good_one_pip
· 14 November 2004
· Chapter 14
I'm glad that everyone's on the mend! Now it would be cool to have Merry and Estella, Sam and Rose, and Pip and Diamond all together, and everyone would be very happy! LOL Keep updating!
Author's reply
Well, that's coming eventually, as we know from the family trees, right?
pipinheart
· 12 November 2004
· Chapter 14
Loved it!
Poor Diamond dosen't know what to do with herself,she even begins to wonder what pippin would perhaps have a place for her in his heart..
Poory merry always the worrier,but we love him anyway... It seems estella may be his answer to distraction,
The message came to sam,well paladin was thinking of frodo and didn't want to bother him,but wasn't long till frodo found out....
Rosie and all of them seem intent on setting Merry up with his girl,it may help...
Real good story...update soon....
Author's reply
Literally seeing (via the pendulum) how strong the bonds are between the cousins, she might naturally wonder if he could ever have such strong feelings for anyone else.
Yes, Merry has always worried about others--he's worse than a mother that way. At least Estella will give him someone *different* to worry about for a little while.
No, Sam would have let Frodo know, just because he would not want him to be upset if he found out later. But you will notice that Sam had already dealt with sending the answer to Paladin, not something he would have felt comfortable doing a couple of years earlier.
Oh, I think Estella will definitely help!
melilot hill
· 11 November 2004
· Chapter 14
I'm glad I decided to skim through all the "Pippin-healers" posts I missed, otherwise I would've missed this wonderful story! I just couldn't stop reading :)
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm so glad you are enjoying it!
Bodkin
· 11 November 2004
· Chapter 14
Pippin and Rosie - two great minds with but a single thought.
I like Paladin's letter to Mr. Sam - and the messenger's courtesy. Poor Sam, he's just going to have to get used to it. He has been gentrified.
Author's reply
Well, it's pretty obvious who could maybe take his mind off his cousins! *grin*
Yes, he has,LOL! This is what Frodo is aiming to do for Sam, and Eglantine--as well as Paladin--are throroughly on his side.
eiluj
· 10 November 2004
· Chapter 14
"She only wished she had someone she could confide in."
Something tells me this will soon no longer be a problem!
Author's reply
Are you looking over my shoulder?
GamgeeFest
· 10 November 2004
· Chapter 14
At least Merry realizes he's being ridiculous now. That should help him a little bit in trying to lighten up. Diamond was cute in this chapter, staying up all night thinking about Pippin and being thankful she wouldn't have to look at him today. And Rose should be careful with those wet dish towels, those can do damage! lol.
Author's reply
Yes, I thought Diamond might be a bit embarassed to face Pippin after that, at least for a little while, LOL! And you have a point about the dishtowels!
SharonB
· 10 November 2004
· Chapter 14
Diamond does have a lot to contemplate. Is this a lead in for her and Estella to become friends? Diamond is seeing some nice qualities in Pip in how he cares for his friends and relatives.
Poor Sam, he's getting that "Mr. Sam" from the Took help again. I guess getting a letter from the Thain helped that one along though. Only "important people" would have correspondence from the Thain that would need immediate answering. ;-) LOL, and I see Sam followed the same reasoning that I did in an earlier review, knowing that it was the Witch King who those two both dealt with. A logical guess.
At least Pip does know how to deal with Merry, invite Estella over for a visit. And it appears that Rosie is just as smart, that girl doesn't miss much does she?
This was a great chapter, I can't wait for more.
Author's reply
Well, the two lasses are going to need to get acquainted sometime! And yes, seeing how Pippin cares for Merry has got to impress her, though it also gives her food for thought.
Yes, in Tookland he is definitely "Mr. Sam" now, and I just love to do that to him--I think it's quite funny for the shoe to be on the other foot (what would be a hobbity equivalent to that saying, I wonder?)
I do think that the wound Merry got from the WK did make him more sensitive in a sense to what had been done to Frodo, but the deciding factor is Merry's extreme protectiveness.
Pippin and Rosie both know what will cheer that lad up.
I will try to get the next one up soon, but I have a lot going on this week, so I'm not sure when.
Leaward
· 10 November 2004
· Chapter 14
I'm still really enjoying this story. I love the teasing between Sam and Rosie in the end of the chapter -- it really brings them alive. I love having being able to smile when I finish reading a chapter!
(and found one typo -- Pelennor is spelled incorrectly)
Auntiemeesh
· 10 November 2004
· Chapter 14
I like the juxtaposition of Diamond wondering how she would fit into Pippin's life, with the idea that Sam and Merry do much better when their lasses are around.
I really liked this chapter and I'm looking forward to the next.
Author's reply
Yes, that was kind of what I was aiming for. Thank you for picking up on it!
I've begun the next chapter, but I have a lot of RL going on this week, so I don't know how soon it will get posted.
Hai Took
· 10 November 2004
· Chapter 14
Merry telling Pippin he didn't want his worrying to make Pip worry was rather ricidules! But Hopefully Pippin is finding a way to make Merry worry less! I hope Estella is able to help some of Merry's worrying!
I'm glad that the messenger from Tookland treated Sam so nice. Of course if the Thain is doing so everyone else had very well be doing it as well! Maybe it will be best if Merry gets a little note from Frodo, although I don't think any of these hobbits will admit to being as bad off as they really are.
hm, if this going to be an opening for Diamond and Estella to form a friendship? That would be nice, wouldn't it? Looking forward to more thank you!
Author's reply
Oh, I think Miss Estella might cheer Merry up a bit, don't you?
The Tooks are quite under Eglantine's thumb, and she has decided to help Frodo help Sam. I wouldn't want to cross her, would you?
Well, that would be telling, wouldn't it?
good_one_pip
· 8 November 2004
· Chapter 13
Oh, the last line was absolutely heart-wrenching! "I have pain enough for both of us." How awful for a hobbit to feel that way!
Are you, by any chance, a nurse yourself? LOL The whole thing about "family cords" made so much sense, although I could never have thought of it myself!
It looks like this story is, of course, meant to show Pippin's growing bond with Diamond. But it also looks like a story that's preparing our hobbits, especially Merry, for the Grey Havens. It's going to hurt to loosen those cords, but it'll hurt worse if they don't I suppose. Every time I read or see the part in the movie about the Grey Havens, I burst into rivers of tears! And besides what I read, I'm not even connected in the "family ties" way!
Keep writing, this is turning out to be one of your best stories, I believe. Very though-provoking, if you can't tell from my reviews! LOL
Author's reply
That is Sam, though. He knows, none better, what Frodo is truly going through.
No, my husband is a nurse, and a healing touch practitioner, and we've been married 28 years, so I've picked up a lot by osmosis, LOL! Also, when I have a medical question, I can pick his brain. The "family cords" was my way of trying to make clear something I have been groping toward ever since I began to write these stories. I'm glad you think that my theory makes sense.
Of course, the main plot is Pippin and Diamond, but I am never able to write for very long without giving the other some time, since what I love about them is their interaction. I'm not a "one-hobbit person".
The Grey Havens *are* painful, and yet they were JRRT's conception of the closest Frodo could come to a happy ending. It makes you realize just how shattered he must have been by the whole Quest.
I am glad that you are enjoying the story. I am enjoying discovering it myself. I definitely will keep writing, although I may be a bit slower than normal this week due to RL commitments.