Gryffinjack
· 9 December 2005
· Chapter 6: A Mist of Tears and Weariness
Drat! I was so wrapped up in what Merry and Gandalf were going through that I neglected to mention how much I enjoyed seeing the interaction between Merry and Gandalf. It's not something that we see often, yet I do think they had a relationship from all of those times Gandalf visited the Shire and especially his time spent at Bag End, where Merry was sure to be a frequent visitor of Frodo's.
"Gandalf knelt and held out his arms, and Merry turned and buried himself in the Wizard’s comforting embrace, sobbing even harder. “Gandalf,” he said brokenly, “I can’t do it. I can’t *do* it by myself. I can’t lose them all.”"
I really love the paternal sort of relationship Gandalf has with all four of the hobbits, especially on the Quest and this line really brings that forth. It's one of my favourites and very, very poignant.
You should be very proud of yourself for writing this story.
Gryffinjack
· 9 December 2005
· Chapter 6: A Mist of Tears and Weariness
Make it stop! All of the pain and anguish that Merry is going through is unbearable, especially when reading these stories of yours chronologically and reading one after another. And I thought Merry's grief at the Houses of Healing was unbearable, but compared to seeing the bodies of the other three hobbits lying so still and battered for days, unable to do anything to help, with nothing else to do and with none of his family there to support him ... it's too much! Such horrible thoughts to go through his head, and yet I can easily see him running over and over how to tell his parents or Pippin's or Sam's father that their sons are dead. And Pippin not even being an adult yet and Merry having "let" him come along on the Quest...
And who exactly comforts Gandalf in his times of worry and sorrow? It cannot be too easy to be such a powerful wizard and have everyone look to him for all of the answers. How like Gandalf to assume the burden of telling the families of the hobbits if their sons should not return. I really do agree with you that he felt a closeness to these particular hobbits and to their families as well, particularly those of the cousins.
Do you have to be such a powerful storyteller that your make your readers grieve and despair? My dear, this one really was too brilliant - another one to add to my list of favourites.
Gryffinjack
· 8 December 2005
· Chapter 62: Whisper of Hope
A glimpse at those left behind.
"There was nothing but the foul darkness of the Enemy to be seen. And somewhere, out there in the worst of it were all the people he had come to hold dearest...And they had left him behind again, alone and useless--not even as much use as a bit of baggage, really, though he had thought of himself that way more than once. He ran his left hand over the chill of his right arm, and shuddered. It was horrid."
I know I already mentioned this on my last review or two, but poor Merry! I hate how he was left behind by the rest of the Company. I know it was a for the greater good in the end and that Merry had a role to fulfill, but still... one small hobbit alone among strangers in an unknown land facing a deadly evil, left behind by all of those most dear to him who now faced almost a certain death ... it was one of the hardest things he had to face. *That* was what was so horrid for Merry, not the chill of his right arm.
Good old Strider, remembering to alert the healing staff to the significance of a hobbit with no appetite! Oh! And I really liked the way that Eowyn came to Merry's defence about not being called a "halfling"! Very amusing thoughts by Merry on the subject.
Merry and Pippin are usually so bright and cheerful that it is quite disturbing to see either one of them feeling so low. I loved the way that Eowyn and later Faramir were alarmed by Merry's attitude and tried to brighten his spirits immediately. Of course, Faramir would have picked up on Merry's ill spirits immediately with his strong Numenorean skills.
I think the three of them, having been left behind to heal from the Black Breath, would have felt a bond of sorts with the other two in addition to the obvious bonds of shield brother/sister for Merry and Eowyn and romantic interest between Eowyn and Faramir. I can easily see the three of them trying to cheer each other up whenever the shadow of melancholy and darkness was upon one of them.
The seashell immediately reminded me of Frodo going to the Undying Lands in the not-so-distant future. It was almost eerie to read about that, knowing what was to come. I love foreshadowing in stories and this one was very well done; subtle, but clear.
Gryffinjack
· 8 December 2005
· Chapter 68: Pippin's Promise
Wow - what a realisation for Pippin to make!
"“Oh, Merry,” he sighed to himself, “if anything had happened to you, I could not have even drowned my sorrow.”"
How awful for Pippin, or Merry, to have to contemplate the death of the other one and what it the impact it would have on their own life. There's no way that either one of them would have broken that promise, even because the other had died. If anything, it would have made the survivor more resolute than ever to keep the pact, no matter how painful it was. That pact is more than a promise, it is a bond of closeness that ties Merry and Pippin together, heart and soul. It says that not only do they want to protect the other from danger, but they also do not want to really celebrate without the other one being present. They are a part of each other.
In a way, that Dare was one of the best things that ever happened to Pippin. As is often the case, it is often through life's trials and our errors that we learn the greatest lessons and grow the most.
"But to be honest with you Beregond, as frightened as I am for what we are going to do tomorrow, I don’t dare have one, for fear that I might not stop. I have a promise to keep, you see.”"
What a scary thought that is, for a couple of reasons. The first is obviously because Pippin would drink so much that he would break his promise not to get drunk without Merry. But perhaps even more significant than that is the *cause* of why he would get so drunk - that the circumstances are so dire and severe that there it would drive him to drink that much. It must have been unbearable to *know* that on the morrow, you were going to march out to what would probably be your death, and there was nothing, absolutely nothing, you oould, or would, do about it.
Lastly, speaking of The Dare and what a powerfully important story it is - as you know, Saturdy was my birthday. As it turned out, it was not a good birthday, as we found out that my twelve year old niece's father was in trauma intensive care in the hospital for seizures and bleeding of the brain caused from too much alcohol over the years. Although he is now responding, he is not out of the woods yet. However, my niece started reading a couple of your stories while we were home and really enjoyed them (her favourite hobbit is Merry). I purposefully had her read your story, The Dare, and told her that you had done a lot of research on it and that what happened to Pippin is indeed what can happen from alcohol abuse. Being twelve years old, she should know. And with what was going on with her father in the hospital, now is the time when your story would make the most impact on her and be one that she would remember as a lesson in not to drink too much and not to accept dangerous dares. Your story was the like a spoonful of hobbity sugar to help the medicine go down so that she would be aware of the very real dangers of too much alcohol and be the wiser for it.
Thank you for writing all of the stories dealing with The Dare.
Author's reply
That pact is more than a promise, it is a bond of closeness that ties Merry and Pippin together, heart and soul. It says that not only do they want to protect the other from danger, but they also do not want to really celebrate without the other one being present. They are a part of each other.
Thank you for seeing just what I meant in this story. The two of them are bound together in a profound way, and this pact means a good deal more than it seems on the surface.
And you are quite right as to what it meant to Pippin. He knew precisely *why* he was afraid he'd break his promise--he really did think he was probably marching off to certain death.
I am so humbled that you feel my stories are fit to share with your niece, and that you think the message of this story and of "The Dare" will have an impact on her life. I did intend the message to perhaps make young people *think*, but that it would have a real influence was more than I could hope; yet one young person has told me that it did have such an influence.
My heart goes out to your niece and her circumstances. You give her a big hug from me, and tell I'm thinking of her.
Gryffinjack
· 7 December 2005
· Chapter 79: Pippin's Charge to Éowyn
*sigh* I am beginning to see the merit of those knitted hobbits that Marigold has. After reading this story, I really want to hug both of them.
You had me hooked right from the get-go with:
"Merry’s face was pale, his grey eyes haunted. “So, you’re going with them, aren’t you?”
Pippin swallowed, and nodded. He had come to tell Merry just that, as soon as he had heard himself. “For Frodo. It’s all that’s left for us to do for him.”
Merry nodded as well. “I know. I wish you could stay, or that I could go. I don’t even have a sword anymore, Pip.” His voice was not much more than a whisper, and his eyes filled, though he blinked the tears away."
That moment, as well as when Pippin went back to actually say goodbye to Merry later on, must have been unbearable for both of them. After all they had been through ... to be forced to separate from each other and not know if the other lived or died, and then be reunited for but a brief time before now being separated again ... with Merry sufferring from the Black Breath and Pippin about to march off to almost certain death ... those poor lads!
What I love about this story is that it is a moment for Pippin to be the "older" cousin who is looking out for and trying to protect his Merry. Especially now, those two are really clinging to each other for love and support even as they have grown and learnt how to stand on their own two furry feet from having been separated from each other.
I also really enjoyed this exchange between Eowyn and Pippin:
"She smiled a little more. “Peregrin? But that is not what Merry calls you.”
He grinned. “No, my lady, I expect if he’s not calling me a ‘nuisance’ or a ‘tom-fool Took’ he’s probably calling me ‘Pippin’ or even ‘Pip’.”
Her smile finally reached her eyes, and she gave a little laugh. “Yes, I do believe that is what I have heard him call you: Pippin. He is very fond of you.”
Pippin nodded, and his face became solemn. “And I of him. That it why I wished to speak to you. I wanted to thank you, for bringing him with you.”
“It seemed only right, for I could tell how it cut him to the quick to be left behind. He did not mean to be left, and yet by himself, he should never have arrived on time. It was not fair that they leave him.”
“They meant well.”
She nodded. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli had meant well when they left Merry in the keeping of her uncle as they travelled the Path of the Dead. And her uncle had meant well when he told her and Merry to stay behind.
“But ‘meaning well’ is not always right,” she said. “And there it is; I would not be left, nor would he. It seemed only right that we travel together.”
Pippin approached her. “You will always have my everlasting gratitude. I do not know what would have happened if the two of you had not come, but I cannot think it would have ended so well as it did.”"
It must have been so difficult for Merry - and Eowyn - to be left behind again. That's one thing that struck me about the books - poor Merry is always left to feel like unwanted baggage that is left behind ... first by Frodo and Sam, then by Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, then by Theoden King, and now he is being left behind again, although at least this time it is because he is injured rather than because they do not wish him to follow. A hobbit could get an inferiority complex! Of course, it is this very feeling that allows Merry and Eowyn to empathise with each other to such a degree that they ride on together and kill the Witch King.
I was a bit surprised that Eowyn called our Took "Pippin" rather than something more formal, but I suppose that is because she is used to hearing the way Merry refers to him.
"Pippin nodded sadly. He knew that Merry grieved for her uncle as well. “He was so kind, Pippin, and he listened, and he cared what I had to say. He reminded me of Da.”"
Straight out of canon. I love the way Merry says that Theoden shall be like a father to him. It really shows the depth of his feelings for his king.
"He turned and went out, back straight and proud, a small soldier of Gondor, and she gazed after him with glistening eyes."
What a lovely last line! This story really gives a sense of how much our little Pippin-lad has grown up during the Quest.
Well done, my dear!
Author's reply
Thank you.
I know that the realization they had to part must have just been like a knife twisting in their hearts, after all they had been through to get together again. Yet it *had* to be. For Frodo, whom neither of them has forgotten.
Being left behind was probably getting very old for Merry, yet this time there was nothing he could do about it at all. No way to sneak off and hide among the other soldiers *this* time, and he's too weak to do it anyway.
I think that she would have called him "Pippin" for just the reason you've said. I doubt Merry had ever even said "Peregrin" when he talked of his cousin to her. And too, I think she took Pippin's remark as his statement of how he preferred to be called.
There are two ways to interpret Merry's remarks about Theoden. Some authors take it as a sign that his relationship with his own father was less than ideal, and so he's seeking a substitute. Others, and I am among them, take it as a sign that he misses his own father, and sees things in Theoden that remind him of Saradoc.
And I'm very glad you liked the last line. I changed that bit over and over until I hit on that one!
Anso the Hobbit
· 7 December 2005
· Chapter 81: Growing Pains
Frodo is a great problems-solver for Pippin, isn't he? I was wondering what gerat thing it was that had Pippin running off to Frodo.I like the idea of the jewlery. That is a very special gift and it would indeed be right if it came from Pippin. :D
Author's reply
I'm afraid Frodo really did have to be a problem-solver for Pippin when Pip became a tween. The lad really was a bit unpredictable, and he would at least *listen* to Frodo, when he wouldn't listen to his parents.
I had the idea of that little gift in the back of my head for a while. This just gave me a good place to put it!
Anso the Hobbit
· 7 December 2005
· Chapter 80: Once Upon a Time...
Wheee! Wee Merry story! LOL! This was like reading about baby Moses and Cinderella all at once just in Middle-earth version. Lovely! :D
Author's reply
I *thought* you might like wee!Merry--and of course, how could we have wee!Berilac without having wee!Merry?
It's funny, I hadn't thought about baby Moses, but you're absolutely right!!
Thank you!!
Gryffinjack
· 7 December 2005
· Chapter 81: Growing Pains
Oh, I've been wanting to read about one of the times that Pippin left home and went off to Frodo or Merry, and now you've written it!
"Frodo’s eyes fell on the large pile of luggage on his front step. “Pippin? Do your parents know you’ve come?” Frodo had a sinking feeling.
“I left a note.” Pippin said tersely."
Such a lovably moody tweenager is our Pip! Having read some of Pippin's notes, I'm sure there will be no problem in pretending that the reason he went to Bag End was to select a wedding gift from the mathom rooms. Not exactly a fountain of information in his notes, is he? Tersely - such a wonderfully descriptive word.
I got exhausted just reading Pippin's non-stop explanation of how he came to Bag End to escape all of the wedding preparations. If I had been Frodo, I would have been bleary eyed trying to keep up.
I really liked how Sam was amused by the whole situation. I could see him chuckling to himself on the inside even as he felt sorry for poor Mr. Frodo. But I don't quite understand why Frodo thinks it's so awful to have Pippin for an extended visit. I understand why he would be concerned because of Pippin's parents and because of all of the wedding preparations, but from all of your stories that I've read, it seemed that all three cousins were thrilled whenever one of the other two were able to visit them and were disappointed if it were a short trip. Pippin's visited Frodo alone at Bag End before; why does Frodo need Merry there?
"Pippin looked serious for a moment, and was rather quiet, before he said, “No, I would say there are a lot of things more important than being comfortable--like your friends and family--but if you are *not* comfortable, then comfort seems very important indeed.”"
As usual, Pippin comes out with some very perceptive thoughts on those occasions when he is serious and thinks about something. It's quite true what he said! Frodo would understand completely.
So Merry lets Pippin smoke, eh? tsk, tsk, tsk.
How sweet of Pippin to want Frodo as a brother! I can see how the idea of Frodo marrying his sister would be enticing, although it seems that our Pippin is more interested in Frodo than in his own sister! lol! No, actually, he's more interested in what *he* wants than either of them, being a typical tweenager being more concerned with his own wants and desires than those around him. At least he didn't try to be a mathcmaker!
What a lovely gift for Pippin to give to Pearl! I have to disagree with Frodo and agree with Pippin, though. It would be a better gift for Frodo to give to Pearl than Pippin, seeped as it is with the story of Frodo's mother and the aunt whom Pearl was named after. I'd love to read a story about Primula, Peridot, Primrose, and Pearl. In their brief appearances in your stories, I've grown rather fond of Peridot and Primrose.
Frodo really would be a wonderful older brother for Pippin. He has a way of getting Pippin to see and understand things without getting upset with him. Probably because of the similarities between the two of them and in the way they think about things, although Frodo has the wisdom that comes out of experience, including sad ones.
I really enjoyed this story!
Author's reply
Well, I've been wanting to tell one for a while, and Marigold's starter rather sparked something for me.
Pippin does tend to chatter relentlessly when he's overexcited, whether good or bad!
This is a good year before "Life of a Bard". Pippin's visited Bag End on his own before, true, but not usually for more than a few days to a week. When he comes in the Spring he may stay a month or more, but Merry is usually there for *most* of the visit, which makes a difference. Frodo can see how wound up Pippin is, which would make riding herd on him difficult--he's going to be rather exhausting--as you pointed out. Plus this visit was completely unplanned for, and might disrupt plans of Frodo's own. Also, of course there was the complication of Pippin not having prior permission. Even later (in "Conspiracy" for example) not getting permission to extend his time away from home led to his getting in trouble, and Frodo knows how Paladin and Tina would react if Pippin didn't come home before the wedding.
Yes, that's our insightful little Took--and of course, it's how he feels, and part of what led him to go along on the Quest--comfort or no.
Merry *may* have let him have a puff or two or more, LOL! You know just how much resistance *Merry* has to those big green eyes!
You are right, of course. He really was thinking only of how lovely it would be to have Frodo even more "in the family", so to speak, and not at all of Frodo's or Pearl's actual feelings in the matter. And as to his not matchmaking, fortunately Merry put the kibosh on *that*. I just imagined him, when the idea first occured to him, going to Merry for help in making it happen, and Merry's horrified response to the idea of subjecting Frodo to Pippin's likely unorthodox matchmaking attempts. So, of course, he extracted a promise from him not to meddle. But that didn't make Pippin give up hope, obviously, LOL!
It's possible that the gift would mean as much or more from Frodo, but Pippin will, I know, relay the history behind it as well. And Frodo wanted Pippin to have something very special to take back to the Great Smials. I am quite sure that Pippin showing his parents *that* particular gift would melt their hearts(and any lingering suspicions they might have had about his motives in leaving). And to Frodo, it matters only that Pearl should have the gift. That is his own generosity.
Of course, as Frodo said, he couldn't love Pippin any more if he *were* his brother. Pippin's still young enough to put a lot of stock in *words*--he thinks having "brother-in-law" attached to Frodo's name would make a difference. For all practical purposes, both Merry and Frodo *are* already his brothers, because they are certainly his brothers of the heart.
Oh yes, mothers planning weddings! My sympathies are with Pippin! There is something about the announcement of a marriage which turns most female brains to mush. I also loved Frodo's dismay at the thought of entertaining Pippin for a whole month. LOL!
How sweet that Pip wanted Frodo as a brother-in-law. But he realised that he was being unfair to Pearl and the gift will be much appreciated. Bless Frodo for his generosity. Giggled at him pointing out to Pip that Paladin and Eglantine will be much more forgiving if they think Pip has merely gone to Hobbiton to collect the present. Sneaky Frodo!
Glad to see the pipes making an appearance!
Author's reply
Yes, even sensible females like Eglantine can get a bit carried away with wedding plans!
Frodo knows Pippin seems to be a bundle of nerves over all this, and without Merry to help keep him in line, he can see what an exhausting task keeping him in line would be. Not to mention having to endure Paladin's and Tina's wrath if Pippin didn't come back to "face the music" so to speak, LOL!
It was hard for Pippin to let go of a long-cherished daydream, I think. But of course, Frodo had to point out to him that this is all it was, and that the word "brother-in-law" in front of his name would not make him love Pippin any more than he already did.
Yes, well, they may suspect Frodo's diplomatic hand in it, but if it gets Pippin back where he belongs, I don't much imagine they will call him on it, LOL!
Well, of course they had to--thanks to Marigold! But I am *quite* sure Pearl would have asked her brother to play at her wedding!
Baggins Babe
· 7 December 2005
· Chapter 80: Once Upon a Time...
I meant to review this when you posted it, but was trying to finish the Rufus-centric story for Shirebound. :-))
I was as engrossed in the story as Merry and Beri. Hints of many fairy tales, including Cinderella, and delightfully told. I wonder where those slippers came from, and how they came to be at Brandy Hall? Is that another plot bunny I can nudge in your direction? ;-))
And how lovely that Frodo has faith there might be a King one day.
Author's reply
And a delightful story it was, in spite of the presence of one of those "critters". *shudder*
I did take a number of traditional fairy tale and blend them together. With having to include "slippers", Cinderella was a given. Yet some elements of our fairy tales are not very "Middle-earthy" so to speak, so I left out fairy godmothers and wicked stepmothers as being inappropriate for JRRT's world.
Frodo at least knows from Bilbo's stories that a king can return--remember the "King Beneath the Mountain"? And Dale? So it doesn't really seem quite the impossibility to him that it may to the other hobbits.
Kitty
· 6 December 2005
· Chapter 81: Growing Pains
Nice little surprise for poor Frodo to find his cousin at his door, without leave and determined to stay so long! First I didn’t know what to say – on the one hand, I could understand Pippin wanted to escape the wedding preparations, but on the other hand it was not very responsible to run away. But after his explanation about his dreams of Pearl and Frodo as a couple I was touched. No wonder he had some difficulties to accept another as Pearl’s husband!
Frodo found a great way to solve the problem. It gave Pippin a way to go back with a much better explanation for his journey to Hobbiton than the truth. And it was generous to give him the bracelet for his sister.
Author's reply
Yes, poor Frodo had no idea that Pippin had such a fantasy! It wasn't hard for Frodo to figure that Pippin was reluctant to see his sister married, but he was very taken aback to find out *why*!
That's Frodo--ever the diplomat! And of course, he is the soul of generosity--as long as Pearl got the gift, he did not much mind who got the credit.
Kitty
· 6 December 2005
· Chapter 80: Once Upon a Time...
I’m truly fascinated about the ideas you’re coming up with! What an ingenious way to include slippers in the story! The tale Frodo told his young cousins was lovely. It reminds me of ‚Cinderella’, but your version is better – no maimed feets and no bad stepmother!
Author's reply
Well, I blended "Cinderella" in with a lot of other fairy tales. But I felt that elements like wicked stepmothers, maimed feet and fairy godmothers just did not *fit* in JRRT's Middle-earth. I'm glad you liked the version I came up with.
Larner
· 6 December 2005
· Chapter 81: Growing Pains
Sweet, and rather sad as well, of course. Poor Frodo, having some of his own memories stirred that day. Lovely gift.
Author's reply
Yes, indeed, sweet and sad.
I've had that little gift in the back of my brain for long time. I wish that my bunny for a Primula-Pearl-Primrose-Peridot story would shake lose more than a few little tantalizing snippets...
Larner
· 6 December 2005
· Chapter 80: Once Upon a Time...
Well, maybe there just MIGHT be a princess or two one day for Gondor and Arnor--and perhaps they just might get to know them! HEH!
Author's reply
Yes, indeed they might, LOL! I love the irony in that saying "when the King comes back"; especially for that generation that *did* indeed live to see what none thought could happen, happen! *grin*
Hobbitloaf
· 5 December 2005
· Chapter 81: Growing Pains
Fantastic story! Ever since I read "Life of a Bard", I've loved the thought of Pippin showing up on Frodo or Merry's door unexpectedly and always hoped you would write more about it. And I must say, this was a lovely way to satisfy that desire! Dear old Pip! His thoughts about Pearl and Frodo were sidesplitting! And yet, the emotinal value really comes through and hits me hard (probably harder than is called for, I love cousin fics. ^_^)
Author's reply
And ever since I wrote "Life of a Bard" I've wanted to tell of one of those occasions--this is the result.
I could easily see how once a bit of overheard gossip planted the idea in Pippin's head (and he would have only been about eighteen, or around tennish in human years) it would firmly take root there. I could just see the little wheels turning: "Wow! Frodo could be my brother for real!" Of course, he'd confide in Merry, perhaps hoping for some ideas on how to make it happen, only to horrify his Brandybuck cousin, who would know, none better, how Frodo would react to matchmaking! Yet I'm quite sure that the idea remained firmly in the back of his head, along with the fond hope that it would still happen on it's own.
I, too, love cousin-fic, as I am quite sure you know by now, LOL!
Gryffinjack
· 5 December 2005
· Chapter 80: Once Upon a Time...
LOL! Cinderella, hobbit-style! Very cleverly told, although just because the slipper fit the mother, does not mean it will fit the daughter.
But now you have me wondering, just what *were* those slippers doing in Brandy Hall? Must you always create new plot bunnies for yourself? Mind you, my missing moment between Merry and Pippin just before the Quest and after Merry helps Frodo still comes first!
That spy-glass must be the one Merry referred to later on, yes? And the extra copper bath tubs! Surely, those are the ones that went into Crickhollow, as we discussed, right? Those objects are like old friends in your stories.
I really enjoyed seeing Frodo interact not only with his sprout, but with Beri-lad as well. I've become rather fond of Berilac, thanks to you.
You are an excellent story teller, as is Frodo.
Author's reply
Well, of course, that is the way of fairy-tales. And though I eschewed the presence of fairy godmothers, I thought I might be allowed that bit of magic, LOL!
Yes, everyone, including me, is wondering about them. We shall have to see what happens along those lines...
Indeed, that is the very spy-glass, which Merry does mention in "When the King Comes Back", and in "A Different Kind of Quest". And those are indeed some of the spare tubs that went to Crickhollow.
I am quite sure that the other young children, who were Merry's playmates, would also have doted on Frodo. I'm glad that you like my Berilac. He's rather grown on me as well.
And thank you!
Gryffinjack
· 2 December 2005
· Chapter 39: Captain Freddy
Okay, first, you need to put in your chronology that this drabble is located in your Mathoms. It took me a little bit to find it.
Next, I think that's a very accurate summation of how poor Freddy felt. The poor thing was left to fight the battle at home, without any of the training or guidance that the four travellers received but with a full realisation of the very real dangers they all faced. And to fight it after having just lost his dearest friend - my heart goes out to him. Freddy is as fine and brave a hobbit as there is.
Author's reply
Thanks! With so many stories, It's inevitable that I miss a couple, or not get all the info in. I'll fix it shortly.
You've described it exactly. Freddy is intelligent enough, though he's kept it hidden up till now, but he has no training or preparation for this sort of thing. It was inevitable that they sooner or later get caught, and unfortunately, Freddy knew that. But I agree, Freddy was just as brave as his four friends who went on the Quest, he was just brave in a different way.
Andrea
· 30 November 2005
· Chapter 79: Pippin's Charge to Éowyn
“Will--will you look after my Merry for me? I hate that I must leave him, all alone and friendless here. This great pile of stone--it’s--it’s not easy for hobbits.”
Dear Pippin. He had a difficult time as the only hobbit in that big city of stone. But like he found Beregond and Bergil, Merry also is not friendless. The lady Eowyn will look after him as he will undoubtedly look after her!
Author's reply
Don't know how I missed seeing your review the other day!
Pippin would know how hard it was to be a hobbit alone in Minas Tirith; I am sure that it greatly relieved his mind to find someone who would care about his Merry!
Baggins Babe
· 29 November 2005
· Chapter 79: Pippin's Charge to Éowyn
This was so right! A beautiful look at those hours before Pip's departure and his entrusting his beloved Merry to Eowyn. Dear Pip being brave and yet still so very Pippin!
Poor Merry and Eowyn must have felt so frustrated and powerless, being left behind and unable to do anything about it this time.
Perfect, Dreamflower!
Author's reply
Thank you; I'm glad you felt Pip was true to character here.
I am certain they did feel so. In fact, Eowyn says as much, when she bugs the head healer in the book.
And again, thanks. And thanks for stopping by to comment.
Pearl Took
· 29 November 2005
· Chapter 79: Pippin's Charge to Éowyn
This is precious and dear, Dreamflower :) Everyone is so true to character. I love Pip being thankful for his extra inches for reaching door knobs :) Very Well Done :)
Author's reply
Thank you very much!
I think the doors in the Citadel may have been even larger that the doors in the average Man's dwelling--I am sure they were a real hassle for the hobbits.
PIppinfan1988
· 29 November 2005
· Chapter 79: Pippin's Charge to Éowyn
Beautiful. A perfect gap-filler for Merry and Pippin while in the Houses of Healing. If I didn't know any better, I'd guess the good Professor wrote this and then forgot to send it in to the publishers. :-)
I so enjoyed to see Pippin interact with his beloved cousin while recuperating--an absolute delight, but to also to request Eowyn to look after his Merry in his absence. Everthing was just perfect.
Pippinfan
Author's reply
*blushes* You know, don't you, that's the best compliment you could pay? Thank you.
I'm glad you liked it. The challenge was to show one of the hobbits interacting with someone they never did in the book. But I had to show him with Merry first, for the conversation with Eowyn could not come from a vacuum.
Thanks again!
Bodkin
· 29 November 2005
· Chapter 79: Pippin's Charge to Éowyn
Poor Merry. Too much being left behind - and too much seeing Pippin go ahead into danger without him. And yet . . . What choice did they have? I'm glad to see Pippin thinking to have someone watch out for his cousin - and who better than the White Lady, who has already shown herself to be more understanding than assorted kings and princes. And it will give her a purpose, which she badly needs right now. Merry can watch out for his sword-sister and she can support him through his worries. And between the pair of them, they can look after a certain Steward who is struggling from his sickbed to try to co-ordinate those left in Minas Tirith.
Good to see Pippin being mature and sensible at a very difficult moment.
Author's reply
Yes, poor Merry, left once more. And you are right, they had no other choice, if their hope was to be of any help to Frodo at all.
Pippin would want to know *someone* was thinking about Merry, there in that big City. And you are right of course, that Eowyn, his sword-sister, is perfect for the job.
And yes, Faramir might well benefit.
Pippin's learned the hard way that there are times when mature and sensible are called for--and seeing to his Merry is one of them.
harrowcat
· 29 November 2005
· Chapter 79: Pippin's Charge to Éowyn
“Thank you,” Pippin tried for dignity, but it was a lost cause.
A dignified Pippin? Not just yet! When he becomes Thain perhaps? Well, maybe just a bit more dignified! But then, he is a Knight of Gondo so maybe he is learning!!?! *g*
The rest is so sad and wonderful too.
Grey Wonderer
· 29 November 2005
· Chapter 79: Pippin's Charge to Éowyn
Meant to read this on Hobbit_ficathon but found it here and couldn't resist. This captures Merry's feelings at knowing that Pippin will be leaving for battle so well and I loved Eowyn's surprise when Pippin hugged her. His response to what Merry might call him was cute too.
Author's reply
Merry knew Pippin had to go. As Pippin said "For Frodo", it was after all why both of them had come. Poor Merry.
Yes, I don't imagine Eowyn was used to impulsive hugs from hobbits. And Pippin always tries to find a little bit of humor where he can.
Larner
· 28 November 2005
· Chapter 79: Pippin's Charge to Éowyn
A sweet moment between Hobbit and Lady, and a blessed charge he has laid on her.
Dear, sweet, Pippin and his caring, and his desire to do the little he can for Frodo.
Author's reply
Thank you.
I always think of Pippin as a sweet and loving soul. To me, he is closest in personality to Frodo of the other three hobbits, though of course he has a good deal more impulsive Took in him, and his early years were not tempered by grief.