Postcards From the Shire by SlightlyTookish
Larner · 25 March 2006 · Chapter 49: Such an Hour
And a new name it was given, for Troll's Bane had done much in the hands of a small warrior newly wrought himself. Lovely to see the long knife come into its own as it did.
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner! It was an interesting POV to write, to show it from the sword's perspective. That sword had been through a lot! :)
Julie · 23 March 2006 · Chapter 48: A Bath-time Song
This is so cute!! I like how you portrayed Bilbo's observations of each of the three lads as being so different when it comes to bathtime. All efficient Merry, bath-loving Pippin, & a miserable Frodo. I would imagine that Frodo was especially difficult to bathe after his parents drowned. This tale fits in perfectly with the Crickhollow scene in FOTR and I always wondered how it came to be that Pippin learned Bilbo's bath song. I'm taking the liberty of sending a plot bunny hopping in your direction: how about a fic where Bilbo must bathe a reluctant Frodo during his visit to Bag End? I can picture a screaming Frodo, clawing at the tub to get out and an increadingly frustrated Bilbo who takes the time to concoct bubbles for his nephew's next bath ... and an extremely grateful Drogo and Primula. Gives bunny a nudge. :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Julie! I appreciate your lovely feedback so much :) I thought it was important to give each lad a different "bathing style" to show each one's unique personality. I hadn't even thought about Frodo being difficult to bathe after his parents died, and I'm sure he needed more than a special bubble potion to coax him into a tub right after that. The bath scene in FOTR is one of my favorites, such a fun and light-hearted moment after the scariness of the Black Riders, so thanks very much for saying that my little scene fits in with that one. That's a great compliment! :) Bunnies are always welcome, I keep them in a hutch and there are always plenty of carrots and cabbages for them to eat. I'm actually overflowing with bunnies at the moment, and with real life responsibilites, so I can't promise when I'll get to them all, but I do like your idea very much. I love writing Bilbo and I don't do it often enough. So thanks for the bunny! :)
harrowcat · 22 March 2006 · Chapter 48: A Bath-time Song
Oh great stuff *grins like a loon!* You make me wish I liked baths but I obviously follow Frodo in that respect! Nice fore-shadowing of crickhollow with the swimming floor and water in the air.
Author's reply
Thanks, harrowcat! This is my favorite of the hobbity songs, and I thought there had to be some story behind Pippin's learning of it. I also wanted to show how each cousin is different, even when it comes down to baths, because their personalities are so unique. I'm very glad you enjoyed this! :)
Larner · 22 March 2006 · Chapter 48: A Bath-time Song
A lovely explanation on how Pippin managed to learn THAT song! Thanks!
Author's reply
I figured there had to be some story behind it! I'm so glad you enjoyed, Larner. Thank you!
eiluj · 22 March 2006 · Chapter 48: A Bath-time Song
I feel like I've been peeking in Bag End's windows -- or you have -- doubtless this is just as it happened.
Author's reply
Oh, your comment just made my day! Thank you so much! :)
Bodkin · 12 March 2006 · Chapter 47: Inseparable
Ahh! Sweet little walking Pippin. Merry is definitely on the way to that lifelong bond with his little cousin. Mind you, I'm sorry for Pippin's sisters - especially Pervinca. She's in an unenviable birth order position in the first place - and then to be third daughter before a precious son and heir... Well. It's to be hoped she has a very strong personality!
Author's reply
This was my first time writing the Took sisters and I really considered their personalities before I began this story. I do see each one as distinct (never mind those confusing names! ;)) and I hope that came across here. I think Pervinca definitely has strong personality - as you say, she definitely needs it! Thanks for reading! :)
Grey Wonderer · 12 March 2006 · Chapter 47: Inseparable
LOL I enjoyed Pippin's lack of reaction to his own achievement of walking and his sister's over-reaction. Only Merry had it all figured out. Now that Pip can walk, he and Merry can get out on their own. Wonderful!
Author's reply
LOL yes, Merry has it all figured out and he's determined to downplay it all so that when he and Pippin disappear on occasion no one will suspect that it's really to get away from Pearl, Pimpernel and Pervinca! ;) I'm glad you liked it, GW. Thank you! :)
Larner · 11 March 2006 · Chapter 47: Inseparable
Inseperable indeed! Lovely view of the five of them and the beginnings of a long relationship.
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner! I'm very glad you enjoyed it :)
Marigold · 11 March 2006 · Chapter 47: Inseparable
Eeee!! This is so very cute! And you wrote them all so realistically! I love that Pippin made up his own nickname, and the way he chose Mrrr over his sisters was just as I would have imagined. I saw a typo: "You're boring, that's why," Pervinca replied matter-of-factly, and was rewarded with a sharp look of reproof from Pearl and a sharp pinch in the side from (Pervinca - Pimpernel). "Ow!" she howled. "I'm telling on you!" Thanks for this, I liked it a lot!
Author's reply
Thanks, I fixed it! Too many P's. It's confusing! :) Every story I've read about why Pippin is called "Pippin" explains it as a name either Merry gave him, or one that his immediate family came up with. But children often have trouble pronouncing names, even their own and so I thought it would be sensible that Pippin's nickname was a result of that. And also, I like to be different :) Anyway, I'm very glad you liked this. Thank you! :D
Baggins Babe · 10 March 2006 · Chapter 47: Inseparable
This was so sweet and adorable. Pippin is such a determined little thing, hauling himself up and trying to walk. I had to giggle at the way he sought sanctuary with Merry when persued by three sisters, all cooing and 'aaaahhing' no doubt.
Author's reply
Thanks very much, Baggins Babe! I love determined little babies and it was fun to write one. I'm glad it gave you a giggle! :D
Bodkin · 7 March 2006 · Chapter 46: The Smell of Elves
Well? What do elves smell like? I love Pippin's question - and the reaction of those round him. Determined to be the court jester and keep Frodo's mind from worse things.
Author's reply
Thanks, Bodkin! I'm so glad you liked Pippin here (and the others). I think he felt it was his duty to keep everyone in good spirits, and asking unusual questions at unopportune times is one way to do it! :) As for the smell of elves, well, I think it must be something woodsy and flowery, but I'm reserving all judgement until I find out what Strider told Pippin :D
Pearl Took · 6 March 2006 · Chapter 46: The Smell of Elves
And . . . what do elves smell like, S.T.? A cute and well done story :)
Author's reply
Hehee! I didn't think so many people would ask me that! I imagine that they smell flowery and woodsy and nature-y, but I'll wait and see what Strider told Pippin before making a decison (and yes, I hope to write that, just as soon as they tell me!) ;) Thanks for reading Pearl! I'm glad you enjoyed :)
good_one_pip · 5 March 2006 · Chapter 46: The Smell of Elves
Ahhh, cute! I'd never thought about such a thing before. but you never answered the question: what do YOU think elves smell like?
Author's reply
Well, I suppose they smell sort of woodsy and nature-y. I hope to someday write that conversation between Strider and Pippin, so we'll have to wait and see what Aragorn says on the subject ;) Thanks for reading!
Andrea · 5 March 2006 · Chapter 46: The Smell of Elves
Aw! No one can withstand the charme of Peregrin Took, even when it's sometimes a little odd ;-) I would say Elves smell of green grass, woods, flowers and starlight! I don't know the smell of starlight, but I certainly will recognize it :) Well, Bilbo will have some explaining to do, next time he meets with Strider. “Mr. Frodo?” “Yes, Sam?” “What DO elves smell like?” *snicker*
Author's reply
I agree with you, and I think elves would smell woodsy and nature-y. Whatever it is it must have made a strong impression on Bilbo for him to keep on repeating his observation to young and impressionable cousins! ;) I'm glad you liked the last lines, and they gave you a giggle. Thank you, Andrea! :)
harrowcat · 5 March 2006 · Chapter 46: The Smell of Elves
Aw, spoilsport *g* I wanted the answer to that question too! So now you've gone and raised a few other story starters. I want to hear the tale Strider tells Pippin, and the discussion about that very point, (perhaps compared with smelly Rangers perhaps?) and, above all, who is he going to tease? A certain pair of twins perhaps?
Author's reply
Heehee! Sorry about that harrowcat! I'm hoping to write that conversation between Pippin and Strider someday, just as soon as they tell me what was said ;) I'm sure smelly Rangers factored into the discussion somehow. As for what Aragorn said, I didn't picture him teasing any of the elves with this information, but I thought he would tell Elrond, Arwen, the twins, and some others and they could all have a good laugh about it! But I do think he was going to tease his friend Bilbo about it, and I wonder how Bilbo would explain this to his friend the Dunadan! ;) Thanks for reading! :)
Larner · 4 March 2006 · Chapter 46: The Smell of Elves
Pippin, oh Pippin--making certain the rest remain grounded in the light of life itself! Yes, dear lad that he is!
Author's reply
Yes, that's what Pippin does best! He's all heart! Thanks for reading, Larner :)
Larner · 4 March 2006 · Chapter 45: Found
Oh, such a wonderful time to have the two Faramir's together, and the older and larger finding the child for his father. And Pippin is indeed more like his son than his son yet is aware. Lovely.
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner! I'm glad you liked seeing the two Faramir's together. I had fun writing a bit of interaction between them for a change :)
Bodkin · 28 February 2006 · Chapter 45: Found
So sweet - I love big Faramir / little Farry interaction. And it must seem a jolly long way from the ground!
Author's reply
It must, to just a tiny hobbit! This was my first time writing big Faramir as an adult and little Farry in a speaking role, and I've found that I really enjoy their interaction too! Thank you for reading, Bodkin, and for the feedback :)
Pearl Took · 26 February 2006 · Chapter 45: Found
This is wonderfully sweet :) Thank you, I was needing a sweet tale!
Author's reply
Thank you, Pearl! I'm really glad you liked it :)
Grey Wonderer · 26 February 2006 · Chapter 45: Found
That was darling. I guess it would be very hard for a small child to realize that sometimes his father gets frightened too. I also enjoyed your 'Lord Faramir' too. I love the character but have never written too much about him myself. This was very sweet!
Author's reply
Thanks GW! This was the first time I wrote Farry in a speaking role and the first time I wrote Faramir as an adult! So it was definitely fun to explore their characters. I'm very happy that you liked it. Thank you so much!
harrowcat · 26 February 2006 · Chapter 45: Found
Oh I liked this one a lot Slightly Tookish. Especially the bit about Farry being sensible enough to stay put! And what a nice place to drool over while waiting.!
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked it harrowcat! I'm sure Pippin gave Farry a good talking-to about what to do in such a big city, and how he shouldn't wander off. That, and I think Farry is probably a pretty precocious and clever child :) Thanks for reading! :)
harrowcat · 23 February 2006 · Chapter 44: Namesake
Peregrin seemed a silly enough name until I grew into it. I loved this. It does seem a shame that the only time we seem to hear Pippin's full name on the quest is when he is being foolish. You now have me intrigued - I shall have to go back and see if that changes post-quest in the Book.
Author's reply
Thanks very much, harrowcat! I'm glad this intrigued you a bit. I think that after Pippin came back he would have appeared more grown up and been respected more, even before he came of age. You've given me a great idea now. I think I'll have to mark out where in the book he's called Peregrin, too. :)
harrowcat · 23 February 2006 · Chapter 43: Renewal
perhaps sooner than we think.” Definately sooner rather than later for Gandalf at least! *g*
Author's reply
It's nice to know that some things will turn out all right in the end, isn't it? :)
Grey Wonderer · 23 February 2006 · Chapter 44: Namesake
I liked this one very much. I like the fact that Pippin doesn't think his baby's nose is silly enough for him to name him Merry. Such a tease, that Pippin. But this is my favorite part: (I know some will say it's too grand and outlandish a name for just a wee lad, but that's what we Tooks do. Peregrin seemed a silly enough name until I grew into it. )
Author's reply
Pippin has such a great sense of humor in his youth and I'm sure it didn't diminish as he grew older. I'm glad you liked the bit about Merry's nose. I don't think Merry would appreciate it, though! :) I'm really glad you liked that part about the "grand and outlandish" names. I think it's in one of Tolkien's letters that he mentions how certain hobbit families give their children fancy names. Judging by the Took family tree, I think that was definitely one of the families! Thanks, GW!
Larner · 22 February 2006 · Chapter 44: Namesake
Aha--the perfect way of naming him and explaining WHY that name, of all possible names. Lovely, lovely!
Author's reply
Thanks so much, Larner! I'm glad you liked Pippin's explanation here. I've often wondered why the baby was named Faramir.