A Healer's Tale by Lindelea
sevenall · 4 April 2005 · Chapter 4: Interlude
I love the interludes. They add so much depth and emotion to the story.
Author's reply
Oh, thank you! It seems you've managed to wrestle SoA's review interface to the ground; good for you! (Computers and me: a love-hate relationship that borders on hate-love.) Will keep the interludes, then, especially since this story springs from your suggestion.
Dreamflower · 4 April 2005 · Chapter 4: Interlude
Oh this was very sweet! And though it is sad and angsty, that's just fine, since we already know it's going to work out. I don't mind the Interludes a bit! They are lending a nice pacing to the story, and when it is finished, will make it very readable in "one go" so to speak. That's *my* two-cents worth, anyhoo.
Author's reply
Well, looking from the perspectives of the finished piece, I see your point! I was just worried, after talking to a friend, that it seemed like stretched-out torture for the sake of torture, when it wasn't at all. Thanks!
Bodkin · 4 April 2005 · Chapter 4: Interlude
I like the memory of early-morning romance between Pippin and Diamond - and the unbound hair. Very personal glimpse. I'm enjoying the interludes, myself. Ties it together.
Author's reply
Yes, that's one advantage of the interludes, glimpses of relationships without being unsubtle and heavy-handed. Thanks!
Bodkin · 4 April 2005 · Chapter 3: Just a Breath Away from Life
I'm glad Woodruff has had a good experience of gentlehobbitly behaviour to counteract the evil Rosie. And she certainly seems to know what she is doing when it comes to being healer's apprentice. Sweetbriar's instruction - but Woodruff's action that enabled Pippin to survive his birth. Ironic that she is unable to help him breath in his 'final' illness.
Author's reply
Woodruff has learned by experience and teaching (though not patient teaching by any means). She's learned quickly, partly because she has a quick mind, and partly because Rosie had a quick switch and didn't hesitate to use it--as will come out in an upcoming "apprentice" chapter. (Not the next one, though, as that one involves Merry meeting Pippin for the first time.) Thanks! Author Reply: p.s. yes, ironic. Irony is such an interesting situation to write.
Bodkin · 4 April 2005 · Chapter 2: Interlude
Poor Pippin - he keeps fighting even though he knows pretty much everyone has given up on him. (I'm so glad that I know he makes it.) Of course, he's not unaccustomed to struggling back from the brink of death. It's just as well Merry was called away at this point, really - or Pippin wouldn't have been there when Sam got back.
Author's reply
Yes, poor Pippin, with all these fanfic writers gunning for him. You are so right--if Merry hadn't been called away, Pippin would have felt he didn't need to fight so hard; he would have "slipped away" instead of hanging on by his fingernails. Thanks!
Bodkin · 4 April 2005 · Chapter 1: New Life from the Ashes of the Old
Nasty old Rosie Bracegirdle! And poor Woodruff! (I wonder what happened to her little brother and sister????) It's a good thing that Sweetbriar seems to be a star of a hobbit . . . and with a nice grandson. It's going to take a lot to build Woodruff's confidence after the last years of being told how useless she is. And what a start to their relationship! So Woodruff's start in the care of Tooks was the birth of young Pippin - and he's been making her work hard at keeping him healthy ever since. Good story.
Author's reply
The little brother and sister were little and "cute", being younger, and were taken in by two other hobbit families in the area. Ah, yes, I do like Sweetbriar and her grandson Ted. Well, one thing about being told how useless she is--she's the type who would be driven to excel, to prove the speaker wrong, and so she's learned a whole lot more than she might've, if she'd been comfortable and complacent. On the other hand, she'll likely learn a whole lot more now with love as her teacher. (And more pleasantly)
Beruthiel · 4 April 2005 · Chapter 4: Interlude
Don't skip the interludes! They're not annoying at all. I find them very touching, actually.
Author's reply
O good! A friend was teasing me about them and I started to wonder... Thanks!
Ariel · 3 April 2005 · Chapter 4: Interlude
Yes, I am still up (I must be insane) but I couldn't head to bed without getting a dosing of angst. Thank you! I kind of like the interludes in between. Keeps you reminded of the story's focus. JMHO though.
Author's reply
BTDT. Angst can be a good nightcap, I wonder why? Seems as if it ought to stir one up and interfere with sleep. Well, perhaps the friend who doesn't like the interludes is in the minority. She never bothers to leave reviews anyhow, so why am I listening to her? LOL. Thanks!
Mysterious Jedi · 2 April 2005 · Chapter 3: Just a Breath Away from Life
So that's how Pip was born. Lovely, as always. It will be interesting to see how Woodruff recovers from her not-so-great childhood to become an excellent (if obnoxious towards whichever Took was ill) healer.
Author's reply
It will be a great help that she's under Sweetbriar's wing, now. And Woodruff had loving, sensible parents up until about a dozen years ago, so that helps. Thanks!
Citrine · 1 April 2005 · Chapter 3: Just a Breath Away from Life
Whew! This was pretty intense! I was sweating right along with everyone else-I'm glad I know the rest of the story. According to my mother I was born this way myself, breech, trapped for quite some time with one leg out and one in. So my compliments on another fine chapter, and I think I better go kiss the hem of my mother's garment now.
Author's reply
My goodness, a real-life survivor! (Wondering how they got you out, technical curiosity--How awful of me!--as that was to be the original idea of this chapter except that I couldn't find any procedures for a single-footling breech delivery when I was researching.) Yes, and you ought to present her with a large bouquet of flowers as well. Thanks!
Ariel · 31 March 2005 · Chapter 3: Just a Breath Away from Life
LOL! Oh, dear! I had two double footling breeches, so I was very able to follow your proceedure. Alas, neither of mine went natural but I did read up on how one would birth that way if one needed to. So did you, apparently! LOL! A very well crafted chapter.
Author's reply
Read up on it, and heard a mother's first-hand account where the baby was apparently lifeless by the time they got her out. (I cannot remember why they couldn't do an emergency C-section... perhaps the baby was too far down the birth canal or something to that effect.) That little one had an Apgar of 1, as I recall, and yet made a recovery that was called "miraculous", and is a lively, vivacious young lady now, approaching adulthood with no apparent ill effects from her rocky entrance into the world. Thanks!
Pearl Took · 31 March 2005 · Chapter 3: Just a Breath Away from Life
This is so fantastically done. The balance between birth and death, at each the fight for life, is just incredibly powerful. VVWD!!!!! Wonderful!!!!!
Author's reply
It's funny that the balance is bugging me... it would be logical to slap a quick ending on, put the Ent-draught in the next chapter and call it "done" except for the fact that I started out in the first place determined to tell Woodruff's story, and it seems a shame to break off now. Thanks for the note of encouragement!
Hai Took · 31 March 2005 · Chapter 3: Just a Breath Away from Life
Wow! That was a very exciting chapter! So Woodruff ended up being the one to breath life back into Pippin in the first place! Even though I knew what the outcome had to be you had be holding my breath! The relief that must have been in that room when everything was all right! I see you are using this set of friends! Dinny, Dinny, Merry and Sorry, although I can't figure out which one is missing, Merry? and wonderful look at their relationship! Very gentlehobbitish they are to not allowing Woodruff to carry the buckets and all, she is not use to such kindness. Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Yes, Merimas ("Merry") is missing, but Meriadoc will be in the next "apprentice" chapter. Good catch, that you recognised the set of friends! Thanks! Author Reply: Oops, I meant Merimac! (I'm always confusing the two when I type! My brain knows the difference but apparently my fingers don't.)
Connie B. · 31 March 2005 · Chapter 3: Just a Breath Away from Life
Aaahhhh! What a sweet ending to this chapter. It was a nail-biter, though. Even if I knew everything would be okay. Pippin literally gave Woodruff fits from before he was born. I do have an odd question. In your universe, was he a full term baby? So many of us have him pictured as a premie that I was curious. I always did think he was breech. Glad someone else sees it that way, too.:) Thanks for another wonderful chapter. I am well and truly hooked. Connie B.
Author's reply
Yep, nail-biter to write, too, and I went over my 3,000 word limit. I actually had a babe that started head-down when labour started and ended up foot-first. Good thing I didn't know at the time how very dangerous it was. In my universe, Pippin is full-term. The reason he's smaller than the other hobbits on the Quest is because his mother is small and he takes after her in that! Well and truly hooked, music to an author's ears. *sigh* (What does that say about me? Well, "we aim to please", at least.) Thanks!
Ariel · 31 March 2005 · Chapter 2: Interlude
Your angst is getting better... He's talking as if he is really sick. Good. *Rubs hands for more.*
Author's reply
Well well well. My angst is getting better. High praise!
Connie B. · 31 March 2005 · Chapter 2: Interlude
Oh, what a heart-wrenching chapter. This so clearly shows that the decisions people have to make when it appears that a loved one is dying are never easy. Do you follow your head or follow your heart when the two are not in agreement? I also think thing are made harder when the person close to death is such a sweet soul that all would hate to lose. The age factor comes into it, too. When a person has lived a long, rich and full life, it is easier to let them go; but when the person is young and has so much yet that they could do, it just seems wrong somehow. Of course the final decision never rests with us simple mortals in the end. What deep thoughts you have enspired in me so early in the day. Thank you for such a thought-prevoking chapter. I can't wait to read more. Connie B.
Author's reply
My eyes gave out on me on the weekend and I couldn't read and respond to reviews! (Good thing I can touch-type. *g*) Am doing much better after not reading for a day and a half! It was nice to "come back" to your review. Deep thoughts indeed! Thanks!
Pipwise Brandygin · 31 March 2005 · Chapter 2: Interlude
"‘But I might live,’ he says. ‘Merry asked me to keep on fighting, before he was called away.’ He closes his eyes. ‘To keep fighting,’ he whispers." This is so very moving, and you're capturing their feelings so beautifully. *wipes tears* Even more so, with the flashbacks building on the bond between them. What a difficult time - Pippin's shame at wanting to give up when he is really so brave, and Woodruff's hope, make their failure at the end even more heartbreaking. Oh, but it's lovely.
Author's reply
Oh, yes, you've got it pegged. And more bond-building to come in future chapters. It broke my heart to write about Pippin feeling ashamed when he really is so brave, but isn't that the way it often works out in real life? The truly brave don't see themselves that way. Thanks!
Hai Took · 31 March 2005 · Chapter 2: Interlude
I did love your description of hobbit apprentiship. Very well incorporated into the story. That Woodruff was there when Pippin was born and now to think that she is seeing him die! That must be a rather terrible feeling. This bit with Pippin trying to gain more ground and it not working at all must be very difficult for all involved. I like this look at Sandy as well. What a dear hobbit. Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Thank you! Did some thinking through the topic, and browsing in old books, while writing the "Apprentice" chapters of "Thain". It was a bit of research I was glad to be able to use again.
Dreamflower · 30 March 2005 · Chapter 2: Interlude
This is eerily accurate, Lindelea. I've *seen* someone die of COPD. ‘Frodo was braver,’ he says. ‘Much braver than any hobbit I’ve ever known.’ And Pippin is never going to truly realize how like his brave cousin he is, though others will come to see it in him. I'm *so* glad I've already read "At the End of His Rope".
Author's reply
Personal experience. Lots of research. You're right. Pippin never quite sees himself as others do. I'm so glad that *I* already know what's going to happen... Author Reply: p.s. Hugs. It must have been awful for you.
Dreamflower · 30 March 2005 · Chapter 1: New Life from the Ashes of the Old
Another interesting perspective! Poor Woodruff! That Bracegirdle *deserves* to be related to Lobelia, the old hag (both of them). I see that Woodruff is going to have some serious self-esteem problems to overcome, thanks to her "benefactor".
Jeodo Brandybuck · 30 March 2005 · Chapter 1: New Life from the Ashes of the Old
Well now! How delightful -- a tale that seems to be well worth the reading! I'm looking forward to the next chapter, very much, and thank you for the excellent description and adventure so far. Woodruff seems to be a very likable and interesting character -- she's certainly taken my attention. Best to you! Jeodo Brandybuck
Mysterious Jedi · 30 March 2005 · Chapter 1: New Life from the Ashes of the Old
It's very interesting to read a bit of background. I didn't realize it was Woodruff until the end.
Saoirse · 30 March 2005 · Chapter 1: New Life from the Ashes of the Old
O, what wonderful history to her! I like it :P That wretched old Rosie! (Although I am sure that her cruelty in some way helped Woodruff to turn into the healer that she is). Am not surprised to find her a relation of the notorious S-Bs. Pippin is going to be born! Is Merry going to be there? I hope so :) Keep up the great work...and I also like the title to this one too!
Connie B. · 30 March 2005 · Chapter 1: New Life from the Ashes of the Old
Good chapter. I'm so glad Woodruff is away from that old hag Rosie. I wasn't overly surprised to find out the old biddy was related to Lobelia. No wonder Woodruff has a special place in her heart for Pippin. I like this idea. I like Woodruff's new mistress. She seems like a positive person who respects most people and has faith in those around her. I think Woodruff is going to grow a lot under her teaching. One little typo I noticed was that you referred to Ted as Tim in the excitement of healer and apprentace leaving to attend the birth. Oh, please write more of this soon. Connie B.
Author's reply
oops. Must be Ted's twin. Just kidding. Still, there's an interesting idea. Mischievous twins, switching off... No, too complicated, with the draft already written. But an idea for the future, if not too hackneyed. Thanks for the catch!
Citrine · 30 March 2005 · Chapter 1: New Life from the Ashes of the Old
That grasping old battle-ax! (But then again, what more could we expect from a Bracegirdle and a cousin of Lobelia?)Well, at least the child is well shed of the old biddy. Your stories often provoke some kind of strong reaction in me, and Rosie Bracegirdle reminds me unpleasantly of a real-life relative of mine. Grrr.
Author's reply
I remember reading in JRRT's letters that Lobelia herself was fashioned after a real-life person. LOL! Rosie is in good company! Well, she's more or less out of the story now. Might make one more appearance, might not. Depends on what happens to the draft as it gets typed in. Thanks!