A Took by Any Other Name by Lindelea
Cuthalion · 1 March 2005 · Chapter 12: Cream and Honeycomb
Lin, I simply love this story. To see the interaction between Pippin and Esmeralda is a pure joy. I'm definetely keeping track with it, and thank you for writing the way you do! *hugs*
Author's reply
*hugs back* (don't know why, every time I type it, it comes out h7gs or hygs and I have to go back and fix it!) I'm glad you're enjoying Pippin with his Tookish aunt. Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment!
Connie B. · 1 March 2005 · Chapter 12: Cream and Honeycomb
I really like seeing Pippin and Esmie interact. They are a lot alike, whether others see it or not. Poor Pippin, worrying about dying and all. Sad to hear he's taken a turn for the worse again. Hope your computer does get fixed this week. I'm looking forward to the rest of the story. Thanks. Connie B.
Author's reply
I do love to write Pippin and his Auntie together. Someday perhaps I'll have to write out the entire incident of her taking him over her knee when he thought he was safely beyond such things. Was able to type in the next chapter with no crashes! Hoorah!
Elenar · 1 March 2005 · Chapter 12: Cream and Honeycomb
I loved Pippin's description of Merry. But Poor Pippin! Taking a turn for the worse! Great chapter! I hope your computer is fixed soon!
Author's reply
Yes, I'd keep my fingers crossed but that it makes it difficult to type. Still, it ran all yesterday afternoon without overheating, and dh worked it hard, far into the night hours and had no complaints. Whew. Thanks!
Dreamflower · 1 March 2005 · Chapter 12: Cream and Honeycomb
"We've been promised repair some time this week. Let us hope." Let us *fervently* hope! Computer woes are the *pits*! (Keeping my fingers crossed for you, and hoping all those little gremlins have gotten their fill and will now move on...) Poor Pippin! He knows his cousin so well. I loved this line: " 'He ought to be in the thick of the preparations! He’s the most—the most—preparingest hobbit I ever knew!’ " LOL! A better description of Merry Brandybuck I never heard! And it would be scary to Pippin to know that Merry was *not* doing what he expected him to. So Tom Bombadil was over in the Barrow Downs when the Orcs came in! That would explain it. His absence was the one thing that worried me most in "Seeing the Forest" as I could just not imagine his not having dealt with the problem before it became so dire. And then Pippin takes a turn for the worse, and Merry does stay by his side. Seems he did have a premonition after all.
Author's reply
So far, so good. The repairman feared the motherboard might have taken harm, heat-fused as it was to the fan casing (how I winced as he pried the pieces apart!) but the computer is running better than it ever ran before. I now have a word-processor again, and not just an expensive hand-warmer. Hmmm. Might have to invest in electric gloves now. Happy thought!
Pearl Took · 28 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Merry Meetings
VWD as usual :) I like how you've done some explaining about the change that happened to Paladin. The interactions between Merry (the younger), Estella and Pippin are wonderful. The orc dreams are perfectly horrible, as they should be. I look forward to more :)
Author's reply
Thanks! Yes, I'm working out the change, and deciding that some of his change is organic in nature. If your blood pressure goes high enough, the blood vessels in the brain can "leak", doing subtle damage. I really don't think Paladin is entirely in his right mind, though he continues to do his best for the Tooks. *sigh* I have trouble writing people who are purposely contrary. Congratulations on finishing "As We Dwelt in Fear"! I look forward to reading each new chapter as you post.
Bodkin · 26 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Merry Meetings
Estella will need to be pretty determined to out-determine the determined Meriadoc Brandybuck. But she has weapons that others don't. And, in the end, he has the good sense to acknowledge that she is right. Poor Eglantine - I wonder how she has coped with watching Paladin turn from the happy father of her children in this Thain. She cannot have been happy about it - even though she seems to be the only one able to soften him at all. But to be divided from her only son by the pig-headedness of both sides - well, at least she outlived the old grouch and got to see her son and his family again.
Author's reply
Lots of determination, there. Two half-Tooks... good thing the Bolger and Brandybuck sides balance them out! Poor Eglantine, indeed. I do wish I could have given them a happy family reunion, but then such things don't always happen in real life, either. Thanks.
Hai Took · 26 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Merry Meetings
I'm glad that Merry and Estella were able to come to a compromise. At least Merry will hopefully be getting some sleep! The humor in your stories is so well done! Just the little bits of dialogue that have such a wonderful humor in them, they always make me laugh! Pippin's dream must have been frightening for Merry as well! At least though what Pippin said gave Merry some warning and he was able to restrain Pippin a bit (one of those places were your humor shines through). It must be nice for Pippin not to always remember his dreams as well. Poor Eglantine, I think I still feel the worst for her, caught in such a mess. Maybe Pippin will get some of her news though. Looking forward to more and as always hoping it is soon!
Author's reply
Yes, happily Merry is getting some sleep. Estella finally figured out which card to play. I know someone who talks in their sleep so I know they dream, but they swear they don't for they never remember dreaming when they waken! LOL, guess that's where I got the idea for Pippin to be that way. *sigh* Poor Eglantine, indeed. Thanks!
Larner · 25 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Merry Meetings
Ah, the stubborness of the Tooks and Brandybucks and all. Lovely, as always.
Author's reply
Coming from rather a stubborn family it is amazingly easy to write recalcitrance. Thanks!
Elenar · 24 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Merry Meetings
I really like Estella; she's a very strong character. I happy to see that she finally got through to Merry. And Poor Eglantine! She's in a really hard position. I'm looking forward to the next bit.
Author's reply
I do like to write strong characters. I find weak characters distressing! I actually wrote one, once, but had trouble writing much about her... Have posted the next bit; enjoy! And thanks for taking the time to comment.
Grey Wonderer · 24 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Merry Meetings
I loved Estella getting firm with Merry about letting her help him and her teasing with both Merry and Pippin was wonderful. I feel so sorry for Eglantine in all of this. She misses her son and she is so very uninformed thanks to Paladin. It was good that she knows about the letters thanks to Merimac. Looking foreward to more and hoping to get back to "Rope" this weekend.
Author's reply
It's about time Estella put her foot down! KWYM about hoping to get back to more reading. It's about all I can do on the dinosaur--read a little, and answer email. LJ is tricky, for the old dino's OS doesn't much like it and tends to lock up, as does fanfiction.net. So I gulp what I can from SoA. Unfortunately, the old dino is the children's computer, and they do lessons on it--so I cannot usurp it for very long. And what are you up to, these days? Got any new stories on the horizon? Looking forward to more!
Anso the Hobbit · 24 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Merry Meetings
Oh, joy! What a sweet chapter, despite the worries and all! I`m relieved Merry finally got some sleep, and that even though her methods might be out of the ordinary Estella knew what to do for Pippin. Oh, I do love your Estella - firm and loving. Knowing exactly what Merry needs. I`m glad she managed to get through to him, to get him to open up to her again. And I love how she just takes him by the ears, lol! But poor Pippin! Those nightmares and the fever... Oh, he`s had so much illness, injury and trouble poor lad. And finally both Pippin and Merry had a good and hearty laugh. They both need it.
Author's reply
Ah, Estella. She's quite a character, and I really ought to do more with her. Poor Pippin, he has really been through the wringer. Too bad fanfic writers are so "fond" of him! Thanks!
Dreamflower · 24 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Merry Meetings
Love Estella's long overdue chat with her husband. She's half Took, but she's enough Bolger to have a dogged persistance that will keep at it until she gets her way. Also love Pippin's reactions on waking up. He's suffering with his nightmares and his sleep, but when he wakens, he is able to put most of it behind him and get on with things. The nightmares are a release for him, in a way. Merry, hopefully, will eventually come to realize this. Why am I getting more and more worried about Merimac?
Author's reply
Nice observations, very true. You have good instincts; perhaps that is why you are worried?
Anso the Hobbit · 24 February 2005 · Chapter 10: A Sip at Midnight
I haven`t paid attention because I missed this chapter I think. But what`s up with Estella and Merry? It might be me who`s muzzed or something... Off to next chapter. And it`s good to see the Gamgees safe? at home again. :) It wouldn`t do if the children were out if there`s orcs about.
Connie B · 24 February 2005 · Chapter 11: Merry Meetings
The banter between Merry, Pippin and Estella was great. Glad to see that Pippin seems to be recovering at last. That scene between Merimac and Eglantine was moving. How hard it must be for her. She loves her husband, despite his warts, but she also loves and misses her only son. I'm glad that eventually she will get him back, but for now it's difficult. Thanks. Connie B.
Author's reply
It must be hard. I knew a mom whose son was disowned--for protection of the younger children, for he was deep in drugs--and she never stopped loving him, of course. I'm glad to say that though the time was painful while it lasted, he was restored to his family at last, and was the one who stayed most faithfully by his moms' side, of all her kids, when she went through her last illness. Don't know when the next update will be. Just typing in this latest chapter took hours. The computer works for half an hour to an hour, then overheats and crashes, and needs hours to cool before it will work again. It's convenient, to turn it on during a break and type for 20 minutes or so, but it's a pain, too. And if it's heating up so badly, I'm afraid it might damage something inside, so I'm going to leave it off now, until we can arrange for repair, and just use the old dinosaur to check email. (That one doesn't have a working word processor, sad to say...) Thanks!
Hai Took · 23 February 2005 · Chapter 10: A Sip at Midnight
Well, Estella certainly helped Pippin out of dark dreams but that must be a mite embarrassing! Of course then there were the servants and cousins who saw it, hopefully no on'es tongue will get away with them! Estella seems to have and accord with the Hearler! The way he let her stay, I'm surprised! Of course I'm sure she has her own ways of getting what she wants. That must be strange for the hobbits to have to have a guard and all. Sma wearing Sting and going about his business, how difficult! I hope all is goes well in that department. Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
LOL, good thing it happened in Brandy Hall and not the Great Smials! Though I'm sure the Brandybucks love their gossip as well as the next hobbit, somehow I think they're more balanced in it, for some reason. Thanks!
Dana · 23 February 2005 · Chapter 10: A Sip at Midnight
I dove directly into this story and I love it, I do: almost as I much as I love Forest, which is a whole lot of love. And you were very right - the Pippin-Estella in this chapter definitely did make me squee. *grin* And I love how you write your hobbit ladies - they're definitely so strong, matches for the lads that they're with. (nag nag nag AU to Jewels Pippin and Estella Pippin and Estella) *grin* That all said: I love it how Estella made Merry so very speechless. And I want more.
Author's reply
How nice to hear... you know you can take a great deal of credit for "Forest", after all. It might never have been written if you weren't egging me on to tie up Merry, and just to be contrary I tied up Pippin instead... *hugs*
Larner · 23 February 2005 · Chapter 10: A Sip at Midnight
Excellent details, well written. Love the song.
Author's reply
Thanks! I imagine there'd be lots of songs like that, from what Pippin was thinking when Denethor asked him if he knew any songs. (Just re-read that part of the original yesterday, as a matter of fact.)
Bodkin · 22 February 2005 · Chapter 10: A Sip at Midnight
Good for Estella. I wonder if she leaves Merry speechless very often. I like the image of well-trained custard. Pippin could find that useful to introduce to the Tooklands, when eventually he returns. Love Sam's solid courage - of the 'a hobbit's gotta do what a hobbit's gotta do' variety.
Author's reply
Sam Wayne. Hmmm. Got possibilities. Can't you hear him drawl? "All right, Mister Orc. This Shire's not big enough for the two of us..." Thanks!
Grey Wonderer · 22 February 2005 · Chapter 10: A Sip at Midnight
Now there is a lass in charge! I like what you do with the female hobbits in your stories because they are always strong. Estella, Diamond, Esmeralda, and Eglantine always come off as more than a match for the lads. I am seeing that in your healer Woodruff, in "The End of His Rope" which I started reading again. Pippin's dream was so very real and with the fever in all made sense. I am looking forward to more and I am glad that Merry is getting some rest too.
Author's reply
Hope my hobbit lasses are true to Tolkien's--the brief glimpse he gave of Rosie Cotton was spunky! He didn't write many women, but those he wrote were strong. It has been so nice to read your reviews at "Rope"! I will try to go back and answer your comments when the computer is feeling a little better. I have the feeling it's about to crash again at any moment--it feels as if it's running a high fever... Thanks!
Elenar · 22 February 2005 · Chapter 10: A Sip at Midnight
I happy to see that Estella was able to help Pippin escape his dream and to help Merry sleep. I'm looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
Have sadly neglected Estella the last few months, but she'll have some time in the spotlight in the next chapter. Thanks!
Cuthalion · 21 February 2005 · Chapter 10: A Sip at Midnight
Ah - such a fast update! And how I love the way you write those strong hobbit women - a great Diamond and a wonderful Estella! I''m very much looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
Thanks! I got stubborn and wrestled the next chapter to the ground, though I had to fight through three crashes and all the attendant symptoms...
Dreamflower · 21 February 2005 · Chapter 10: A Sip at Midnight
I *like* your Estella. Maybe Merry will finally admit that it's a bit foolish to try and keep his experiences from his wife.
Author's reply
I certainly hope Merry will listen to reason. Estella is going to bring out the big guns, and speak some hard truth to her beloved, as you'll see in the next chapter. Thanks.
Connie B. · 21 February 2005 · Chapter 10: A Sip at Midnight
Good chapter. Poor Pippin. What horrible, vivid dreams he was having. Hopefully that's over for him. It sounds like Merry and Estella have some talking to do. More accerately, Estella has some talking to do and Merry needs to listen. Looking forward to the next chapter. Thanks. Connie B.
Author's reply
There are a couple more dreams on the outline, especially one that has a bearing on the plot, but he's almost out of the woods. Thanks!
Cuthalion · 21 February 2005 · Chapter 9: Tea and Gossip
And now I'll have to go and read the other tales about Ferdi to fully understand what all this is about. You got me positively hooked! *smiles*
Author's reply
Music to my ears! ("Flames" is sort of a basic "Intro to Ferdi", if you were wondering. Don't be put off by the length; I'm told it reads fairly quickly, perhaps due to short chapters. And Pippin and Merry -- and Frodo! -- come into the story sooner or later.) Thank you for taking the time to comment! Author Reply: Pardon if I'm being a nuisance. I just remembered you're a fan of Samwise, aren't you? Another story that talks about Pippin's relationship with Ferdi is "StarFire", and that has much more of Sam and his family, though not the same amount of detail of just how Pippin "ruined"--or nearly did so-- Ferdibrand in the first place as a byproduct of defying his father.
Cuthalion · 21 February 2005 · Chapter 5: Supper Preparations
Wonderful! Frightening and disturbing, but absolutely marvelous. Again - please don't change a thing, will you?
Author's reply
I am going to direct my editor-friend to your comment, first thing (no doubt she's already abed by now, as I ought to be). I have the feeling she'll turn cartwheels... while I'm usually the one who hates to cut the "fat" from the text, we were having quite a time of it trying to figure out how to revise the chapter, if we revise the chapter. I just don't know if this one chapter will cause the entire tale to be R-rated, which would make it off=limits to younger readers, like my 15yo author-friend (who probably writes more graphic battle scenes than this little cookery lesson). Not sure how ratings work. Thanks!