I have to wonder about Pippin's apparent potency while on death's door. Either he's not been as sick as we think or that old Ent draught gave special consideration to the reproductive organs. LOL! Most men show a marked drop in sperm count while sick or run down. Pippin's been remarkable in this respect.
Still reading and enjoying, but that little factoid has given me pause from the beginning. Not sure if its even something to bother considering now, but it might be something to look into for future stories.
Author's reply
Pippin is incredibly virile and Diamond is quite fertile (cf her predisposition to having twins)... *g*
Actually, I took this into consideration when building the *snork* "Grand Timeline" after "Jewels", which contains so many of the stories. You'd think, from reading, that Pippin was at death's door the whole time, but just as anyone with a chronic illness such as asthma, he had his good times and his bad times. Farry was conceived during a time when Pippin was relatively strong and well, under Merry's family's watchful collective eyes. The twins, likewise--they were born the day of the coach accident, and Pippin was near the top of his (post-pneumonia) form at the time. And then there are clues in "Rope" as to his gains and losses--the new babe (to become Jonquil) was conceived in "Rope" on a day when he'd been making small-but-steady gains in health, and felt better than he had in months. This latest crisis, that led nearly to his demise, was precipitated upon choking on a bite of sandwich and breaking a rib with the subsequent coughing fit, and the pain wore him down quickly. (Hard to rest when you can't take a breath without stabbing pain. Believe me. BTDT)
I have known (and still know some) chronically ill individuals who keep their health through determined regimin of diet, exercise, and rest. You'd never know they were ill, really, except when stress pulls them down and they have a "bad" spell and have to fight their way back again. Iliitis (I'm sure I didn't spell that right, it's like colitis), MS, diabetes, and asthma are a few that come to mind. My cousin, whose iliitus took him in the end, was muscular and vibrant and energetic, in between "bad spells" that landed him in the hospital with a needle in his arm and yet another operation, and another, and another...
Oh, and all these have had children, even in the midst of chronic illness, except that cousin I mentioned, who died shortly before his wedding day.
So I hope that eases your sense of incredibility... Hate to have a reader chewing my little stew and being bothered by a piece of gristle. *g*
Thanks!
Larner
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 5: A Merry Meeting
Very sweet introduction between Pippin and Merry.
Author's reply
It was fun to imagine. I have read several accounts of the birth, and so it was interesting to come up with my own unique take. I don't think anyone else has had a broken-armed Merry cradling his newborn cousin.
Thanks for the reviews!
Larner
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 3: Just a Breath Away from Life
Good reason for the name. Lovely description of the birth.
Author's reply
I always wondered how a farmer could come up with the name "Wanderer" for his son... especially a hobbit farmer! Must be something Tookish.
Author Reply: p.s. but then "Paladin" means "knight", I think, a paragon of chivalry or heroic figure.
Larner
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 2: Interlude
Very sad, but all too true to life.
Author's reply
I try my best to write "true to life". It can be cathartic sometimes, don't you think?
Larner
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 1: New Life from the Ashes of the Old
I remember reading this chapter on FFN. Will try to follow it through now.
Author's reply
Must have been LJ. I haven't posted on FFN in awhile. Need to finish posting the two unfinished ones there, but there's not enough time in the day to do everything.
Larner
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 0: Prelude: Deathwatch
Alas, Pippin, suffering seems his lot now that Frodo has left Middle Earth. And I know about the allowing to go.
Author's reply
O dear, I hadn't thought of that. Frodo left suffering to Pippin in his Will, perhaps?
I did decide, early on, that there was an uncanny resemblance between the two. At least, as Pippin grew older, people saw something of Frodo in him. Has made for some fun situations.
Dreamflower
· 17 May 2005
· Chapter 19: Tea and Trouble
Poor Pippin! All he wants to do is glue it back together, and he nearly knocks his little brains out. Has there ever been such a disaster prone Took before? (Oh, right, Ferdi...LOL! Have you ever tried to keep track of which one of the two has been hurt/sick the most?)
And poor Ted--timing is everything, isn't it? I wonder how long it will take to set *that* misconception straight?
And what scheme has wee!Pip concocted in his addled little head?
Author's reply
Pippin reminds me strongly of a certain 6yo I know... who just yesterday broke yet another of our pretty breakables, no malice, no mischief, simply poor judgment mixed with the coordination (or lack thereof) of a youngster.
Ah, Ted. He will have a chance to show his true colors.
And what makes you think Pip has a scheme? (You're right, BTW)
Mysterious Jedi
· 16 May 2005
· Chapter 19: Tea and Trouble
I wonder what he's planning!
<>< Saved from sin through Christ,
MJ
Author's reply
All will become clear in a few updates (got a slight plot diversion before we get back to Pippin).
Thanks!
Love your sig line.
Pearl Took
· 16 May 2005
· Chapter 19: Tea and Trouble
Poor everyone in this chapter! Totally cruel and unfair cliff hanger as well ;) This really is most excellent :) :)
Author's reply
Whew, glad you added the last bit or I'd be worried and apologetic. *g* Thanks!
Bodkin
· 16 May 2005
· Chapter 19: Tea and Trouble
Oh no! Ted thinks Woodruff is in love with Mardi. I hope he doesn't stomp off without a word. Woodruff won't understand and she's been hurt enough.
Typical Pippin. Sweet but disaster-prone. I wonder if, sometimes in the deep dark watches of the night, instead of counting sheep, Woodruff tries to tot up the number of hours she has spent sitting next to Pippin's sick bed. Probably not. She'd lose track by the time she got to several hundred.
I look forward to seeing how Pippin manages to compensate Woodruff for the broken teapot. He hasn't quite grasped sentimental attachment yet, has he? But I'm sure whatever he does will become equally treasured.
Author's reply
Ted's not the sort to stomp off, though you're right, he won't say a word about what he saw, not in so many words, anyhow. There's a grand misunderstanding brewing, however, which might make for some chuckles in after years.
I'm sure Woodruff would fall asleep well before she totted up that number!
Pippin is going to come out of this smelling like a rose. It just takes some time to get there.
Thanks!
Hai Took
· 15 May 2005
· Chapter 19: Tea and Trouble
Poor Woodruff! Mardi does seem to take good care of her though. Of course it seems lik Ted resents that. Pippin being convinced that Woodruff has lost her smile because of him and determined to find it again for her is so very sweet! I do hope he manages. Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Mardi is a caregiver, which is one of the things that makes him a good healer.
Pippin is pretty bright. I'm sure he's figured something out!
Thanks!
Eruviluieth
· 15 May 2005
· Chapter 19: Tea and Trouble
All I can say is, I want updates faster!!! What sort of gossip gets spread by Ted? What's Pippin going to do about the flowerpot? And what's next with the interludes? I've read At the End of His Rope, so I'm not sure how much there is left to tell in the interludes, and it seems the history side has lots left to tell. More is always good, at any rate. Excellent work!
Author's reply
You mean, updates every Monday and Wednesday aren't fast enough?
I used to be able to update daily, but have decided that sleep is more important than writing a chapter every day. Isn't that funny? So now I only write half a chapter a day, and spend some time editing, and some time doing RL writing. And then there's the children, and the house... whew.
The interludes will stretch, if need be, until all the history is covered that needs to be covered. Hope it doesn't get tiresome!
Thanks!
Pearl Took
· 12 May 2005
· Chapter 18: Interlude
I had just re-read this section of "At the End of His Rope" a few days ago and had this sudden wondering in my head if I had already read this chapter of "A Healer's Tale". hehehe
"'Can you move the leg?' I say, trying to contain my excitement. Miraculous draughts from legendary beings indeed! Why, I’m tempted to go out and hug a tree in celebration." I love the tree hugging!! It's good for the spirit, that! ;)
A joy and wonder as always :) VWD and Bravo!!
Author's reply
Very funny! Deja vu. (Is that how you spell it?)
We have two very lovely elm trees in front of our house, and we hug them often and whisper to them to stay well, especially with Dutch Elm disease ravaging the elm population...
Anso the Hobbit
· 12 May 2005
· Chapter 18: Interlude
A three-in-one review again. I`m going to get a permanent line one of these days so I don`t have to log of the net each time I`m reading something, lol
Very wise lad, that Merry. :) If he had gone in to Pippin first Pip would give up and die and instead he insists Sam goes with the ent-draught. A very exciting chapter. I also love how you describe the travel-weary hobbits - I`m sure they were a sight! :)
I do so love how you picture the little every-day details of the Shire - included Pippin`s birthday breakfast and the lads at the market. It`s sad that Pippin broke the pot that Woodruff herself had broken but it really wasn`t only his fault. I wish I could live in your Shire, lol, instead of a little 2nd floor smial in a big city. :)
Oh, and I`m glad the ent-draught is working. I remember the story this is a sequel to and how they fight with getting the bad leg better. This is excellent, Lin! Truly lovely. :)
Author's reply
I love your three-in-one reviews, that you take the time to write out a review is always a delight and an honour.
Yes, the travel-weary hobbits were not only a sight, but a smell, too.
(and I wish I could live in my Shire, too). Umm, perhaps you could pretend that you have an apartment in the Great Smials? Or in Buck Hill? (I think that's what they call the hill that contains Brandy Hall, but I could be mistaken.)
Thanks! (And more Merry to come, both in the Woodruff chapters and the Interludes)
Connie B.
· 11 May 2005
· Chapter 18: Interlude
I always liked this part of "At the End of His Rope", and seeing the added details is great. I am really enjoying this.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
It's fun to flesh out a scene, trying to stay true to the story and yet be fresh and not boring.
Thanks for commenting!
Eruvyweth
· 11 May 2005
· Chapter 18: Interlude
So sweet! Wonderful chapter. You've done a remarkably gorgeous job with Merry at the end...Eruvyweth God-follower commends you!
Author's reply
Oh, thank you very much. There will be more of Merry in the next Interlude, too.
Bodkin
· 11 May 2005
· Chapter 18: Interlude
Phew, what a relief! A real nick of time rescue. And he is not out of the woods yet, but at least he's reached a path. Sam's a hero - and Rosie is already in the bath.
It's interesting to see how Woodruff reacts to a sip of Ent draught. Perhaps Treebeard should go into business, make enormous amounts of money and set up the forests as exclusion zones. Entry limited to Ents and the Nine Walkers.
Author's reply
"reached a path"--good choice of words. No, it's not a quick and easy recovery, especially when I think of Reginard's wounds in "Merlin". But then, the Entdraught *was* made specifically for Pippin's ills as Sam described them to Treebeard, so maybe it is not so very surprising that he'd make almost an overnight recovery, after all.
Ent Entrepreneurship. Kinda gives a new ring to "Dr Pepper".
FantasyFan
· 11 May 2005
· Chapter 18: Interlude
Reading the healing of Pippin the "At the end of his rope" you don't quite realize how very last-second the cure is. Pip is sick, Pip's been sick, Pip has crises. That's not quite the same level of intensity as here as where every breath is urgently counted, and the most knowledgeable one present is convinced that each may be the last. Gripping.
I loved especially two things. The line:
>Why, I’m tempted to go out and hug a tree in celebration. cracked me up, though I didn't catch it until the second reading through. There is a lot of the trademark wit of the hobbits, treating even the most serious subjects with lightness and a joyful irascibility.
Then,
Merry thrusts himself forward; he has been hovering in the background, behind the others, hiding himself in the shadow of the opened door. Now he kneels beside the bed. He has yet to speak.
As much as the Tooks made me smile, Merry's anguish made me cry. He's willing Pippin not to die, as though if he stays at the door, he can stop his most beloved cousin's soul from going through it. He won't come in, he won't speak, he won't trust himself not to inadvertently let Pippin go. If Pippin had died here, I wonder that the blow might have been too much for Merry to fight.
I'm looking forwward to the celebration, though there's a terrible night to get through first, and to how Ferdi handles almost being named Thain. And finally, I wonder if Woodruff got any taller?
Author's reply
Well, I'm glad I was able to clarify that point; yes, it was very close, though perhaps too subtly stated. I think Pippin would have died right then and there, in that scene where he was tacitly (I think it was tacit anyhow) asking Merry to let him go, if Merry hadn't said he wasn't ready yet, to let him go.
Glad you caught the tree-hugging line.
I think that the blow of losing Pippin might have been too much for Merry to fight. After all, I remember reading somewhere that the two died within a day of each other in Minas Tirith.
Chortling over Woodruff getting taller...
Andrea
· 11 May 2005
· Chapter 18: Interlude
"Miraculous draughts from legendary beings indeed! Why, I’m tempted to go out and hug a tree in celebration." - Me too ;-)
Yes! He will be alright again. It was a very tough time, for Pippin and for me. But it was worth waiting for.
The bantering between Sam and Pippin even with death in sight and Merry's fear to speak to Pippin and, as a result, seeing him leave, were very touching.
Now I'm relieved and can wait for the next "Woodruff chapter".
Thank you!
Author's reply
Oh, I am glad it was worth waiting for.
In "At the End of His Rope" it seems like rather too miraculous a recovery, so the details provided in this story will (hopefully) show that it wasn't "too good to be true".
Next Woodruff chapter is due out Monday! Think good thoughts.
TopazTook
· 11 May 2005
· Chapter 18: Interlude
"In any event, the hobbit has seldom if ever done what was expected of him..." Too , too true, Woodruff.
Unlike the author of this story, who can be expected to tell a good one. I really like how this interweaves so nicely, with the dialogue and everything, to "At the End of His Rope." (With much more stinky, and appreciated, details about Sam and Rose.)
Author's reply
"Unlike the author of this story" whew! Wasn't sure where you were going with that at first, perhaps to say that I was too predictable (a fear of mine) but then you clarified the sentiment to my relief and resulting smile.
Must remember to include more stinky moments in future stories, if they add to the reading pleasure... *g* (Old high school writing teacher: "Appeal to *all* the senses you can! Let your reader taste, touch, and smell as well as see and hear!" Must admit the writing I enjoy reading brings me right into the scene.)
Ariel
· 10 May 2005
· Chapter 17: Rocks and Stones
I keep forgetting to review these as I read them.
This was a lovely, sweet moment, very Pippin and very well presented. Thank you!
Author's reply
Well I'm certainly glad that you remembered you forgot and reviewed anyhow.
You're welcome! (and thank you)
Hai Took
· 9 May 2005
· Chapter 17: Rocks and Stones
It is very nice to see all the times Pippin and Woodruff have interacted, especially those that don't necessarily require a Healer being present. Giving Pippin a beetle was a perfect gift! I liked how you mentioned all the little things that didn't bear mentioning about Pippin's party, very funny!
Oh dear, Pippin has broke Woodruff's flower pot. Although since he has taken the pieces I'm sure there is going to be some sort of thing remade from the pieces, looking forward to seeing it. And I'm glad Pippin didn't run with the others when he broke the pot.
As always looking forward to more and hope to see it soon :)
Author's reply
LOL! They don't bear mentioning, being such common occurrences, but they were fun to mention all the same.
I like that Woodruff "thought of you" the moment she saw the beetle in the garden. Wonder if there's a story behind that? (Like visiting the farm, and Pervinca suddenly has a fit, and Woodruff comes over in concern, and it turns out Pippin put a beetle down the back of her neck...)
stormscrystal
· 9 May 2005
· Chapter 17: Rocks and Stones
I love that as small as he is, Pippin knows to come clean when he has done something wrong. He is so cute and so responsible at such a young age. Well done and can't wait for the resolution of this.
Author's reply
Thanks! There seem to be about ten chapters left (interludes and Woodruff's story). I have been wrong before...
Andrea
· 9 May 2005
· Chapter 17: Rocks and Stones
Our little Pippin is a fine lad! Though he does not know the full meaning of the teapot, he feels that it was very precious to Woodruff!
And he'll try everything to glue it together somehow. I'm not so sure about the outcome, but it only counts that he's going to try it ;-)
What's this with Frodo winking at Woodruff? Does he also show interest in her? Now, that would be interesting!
Author's reply
I think he's a little young for her... she's 37 and he's... ummm... 28? (I am so bad at numbers). No, he's winking at her to go along with the joke of Merry eating Pippin's inedibles while Bilbo distracts everyone from the crime. LOL!
Yes, it counts!
Thanks!
Bodkin
· 9 May 2005
· Chapter 17: Rocks and Stones
He's a brave little Pippin. But I can understand why Woodruff is upset.
Mardi seems to have a bit of an eye for his mistress. I hope he doesn't get too devoted, because, whoever her Beloved is, I'm sure it's not him - and he's too nice to torture.
So Ferdinand would never sell Rosemary's pony? If I could only believe it will never happen!
I like Pippin's special rock from the far-distant Brandywine. And Woodruff's understanding of it. (I think she and Pippin will recover from this crisis in their relationship. They're too fond of each other not to.)