At the End of His Rope by Lindelea
Larner · 25 May 2005 · Chapter 23: Heart to Heart Talk
"I need a holiday--a very long holiday." Another Hobbit said that, but I am certain the thought is there in Pippin as well, having been forced to eat, drink, and breathe Smials and Took business and little else for quite some time.
Larner · 25 May 2005 · Chapter 22: Like Old Times
The realization that Pippin is worse off than they'd even suspected, and Sam already quietly considering alternative, I'll bet. He knows when a show is being put on--learned to recognize it with Frodo, I'll be bound.
Larner · 25 May 2005 · Chapter 21: The Steward and the Mayor
Ah, Pippin, you must indeed get better. Glad Sam is able to break through Reginard's reserve.
Larner · 25 May 2005 · Chapter 20: Thain of the Shire
Poor Pippin--doomed to remain Thain, and supported by everybody but the Tooks, and even by them in the end. Lovely image, all kneeling to the Thain, and led, of course, by Merry.
Larner · 25 May 2005 · Chapter 19: Tying a Knot
I'm rather surprised there isn't a sword in that stick, myself. But I can see orcs and brigands doubled over with laughter at the sight of it.
Larner · 25 May 2005 · Chapter 18: Signs of Life
Excellent plan. Well executed as well. Good old Socks is still on top of things.
Larner · 25 May 2005 · Chapter 17: Making Plans
Yes, those pony races are becoming quite the thing, aren't they? Laughing at the number of folks intending to attend now. Glad Sam and Merry are going to be there--the three remaining Travelers are quite the quorum in their own right.
Larner · 25 May 2005 · Chapter 16: A Raft of Letters
Ah, but I am certain the pony races this year will be something to speak on for years and years. Love the search for adjectives for the Tooks. Love it!
Larner · 24 May 2005 · Chapter 15: Halting Steps
Getting past people's expectations to actual progress means seeing the person where he or she is and where progress is possible, then going for it--or such has been my experience. Good, realistic look at how we limit ourselves and each other all too often.
Larner · 24 May 2005 · Chapter 14: Tremors
The stubborness of the two great families among Hobbits--neither willing to give till the other asks, but bursting to do so anyway.
Author's reply
Ah such stubbornness. I think I remember reading that the Professor himself found hobbits' stubbornness rather frustrating (though it's also a factor in Frodo and Sam's ability to reach Mt. Doom, so there is that).
Larner · 24 May 2005 · Chapter 13: Naming Day
Nice naming ceremony--but then I'd seen it with Peregrin himself in the other story. Lovely tradition.
Author's reply
Thanks! I don't remember getting this review in my email, so belated thanks and sorry for the late reply.
Larner · 22 May 2005 · Chapter 12: Whispers
Lovely moment, and love the description of the painting. The Hobbit equivalent to the "See how big a fish I caught" snapshot.
Author's reply
Your observation about the snapshot made me grin!
Larner · 22 May 2005 · Chapter 11: Changes
Glad they were able to fight the depression here by getting him a room with a view. Lovely.
Larner · 22 May 2005 · Chapter 10: Waiting
Ah, the terrors of boredom combined with feeling useless.
Larner · 19 May 2005 · Chapter 9: Consultation
Poor Pippin--he is a mover and a shaker, and now stuck in his bed. He must be terribly frustrated indeed.
Larner · 19 May 2005 · Chapter 8: Playing the Part
Lovely way to hide the disability, I must say.
Larner · 19 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Morning After
Yes, this would be quite the problem for all of them, finding that there's been nerve damage in this way. Love the banter.
Larner · 19 May 2005 · Chapter 6: Farmhouse Hospitality
Nice and gentle save and checking on both.
Larner · 19 May 2005 · Chapter 4: Campfire Tales
A wonderful way to slip in a Fellowship tale, I must say.
Larner · 19 May 2005 · Chapter 3: Getting Acquainted
To get him out from under there will be desirable, but love the game of naming the babies.
Larner · 19 May 2005 · Chapter 2: Special Delivery
Very nice beginning of life for these two. And for Faramir to take charge was lovely. Glad the labor was short and relatively sweet.
Larner · 19 May 2005 · Chapter 1: The Problem
I agree--since Frodo left the Shire we appear to need to have Pippin's health endangered very frequently, it seems. He inherited Frodo's position as designated victim of any potential disaster there is, it appears. But I love the writing and the love clearly expressed between Diamond and Pippin. Lovely beginning.
Grey Wonderer · 26 April 2005 · Chapter 28: Postponement
Love the banter between Sam and Pippin and am very glad to see that Sam isn't taking no for an answer just yet.
Grey Wonderer · 26 April 2005 · Chapter 27: Visit to Bag End
I don't know what Sam would do without Rose. She always holds things together when he needs her to.
Grey Wonderer · 26 April 2005 · Chapter 26: The Mayor Steps In
Always do love it when Sam takes charge of things.