Pearl Took
· 28 August 2005
· Chapter 44: Interlude
Ah! *sigh* The joy of coming back to this story!!
How bright of Bilbo to credit the conjurer with restoring the tea pot and how clever of your muse to have it be one of many from that era. A nice thread running through your tale - cup and tea pot easily replaced and the knowledge that those we see ill in the tale are not.
And the scene with Merry and Pippin, these two who know each other so very well. Merry knowing that Pippin would do everything he could to hold his promise and Pippin seeing that was Merry's plan.
*sigh* MEWD Bravo!!
Author's reply
Yes, the message really hits home at the moment. Things can be replaced more easily than people.
Merry and Pippin know each other so well; it makes them a pleasure to write.
My goodness, such praise! (blushes)
Bodkin
· 27 August 2005
· Chapter 44: Interlude
Oh dear. Perhaps Fennel needs to be shut out of earshot for a while. We really don't need Merry and Sam to be convinced that Pippin is just sleeping his way gently out of life.
Woodruff just seems to be waiting for him to bounce out of bed - I wonder if she is going to be got out of the way somehow. An obstetric emergency, perhaps.
I do look forward to seeing all the faces.
Author's reply
That's it! Where's that closet with the sticky latch? O wait, that's over at Bag End, in another story. Too bad.
Those handy obstetric emergencies...
No, am going to give Woodruff some satisfaction here, rather than bundling her out of the way. I'm sure Pippin can talk himself out of bed if he has to.
Oops, that's not too much of a spoiler, is it?
Grey Wonderer
· 26 August 2005
· Chapter 44: Interlude
I am so happy that Merry and Pippin finally got to talk. I am always happy when those two are together. Diamond has truly been the strongest of that lot throughout this. Pippin married well. I also love the way Woodruff knows that Pippin will heal thanks to her taste of the draught. Now if only Sam can be convinced before he guilts himself to death.
Author's reply
I am always happy when those two are together, myself. It can be difficult to arrange in their mature years, when one is Thain of one area and the other is Master of another! (No wonder they muse on how to move Tookland closer to Buckland, or vice versa.)
Poor Sam. He's got to see Pippin's healing with his own eyes, I'm afraid. But I have full confidence that fully-recovered Pippin, with his energy and sparkle, can talk the Mayor round.
Connie B.
· 26 August 2005
· Chapter 44: Interlude
Yes! Pippin finally woke up; even if it was only for a couple of minutes.:)
This really was an interlude. Now we just have to get the loose ends tied up and life can go on for all of them.
Thanks for the update. Hope for more soon.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Updates will be a little slow this month as we are doing vacation-sorts of things once the public school children go back to school.
But the story will be finished by early October, even with updates that come weekly or even every-other week. Not many chapters left.
Thanks for taking time to respond!
Larner
· 26 August 2005
· Chapter 44: Interlude
Bless them both, Thain and Master, missing one feast for the moment to face another, terrestial one in the here and now.
Author's reply
What a lovely image! Thank you!
Dreamflower
· 26 August 2005
· Chapter 44: Interlude
Duh...I *meant* in your *reply*!
Author's reply
Umm. My brain is funny that way. You wrote "review" meaning "reply" and I read "reply" even though I saw "review".
Happens in writing, too--I go back later to read something and find a word that I *know* I didn't mean to write; I distinctly remember writing something else but my fingers obviously took on a life of their own in typing...
Dreamflower
· 26 August 2005
· Chapter 44: Interlude
How perfectly well they know one another; Pip knew exactly what Merry was thinking, and Merry absolutely knew what would happen with Pip. And I am so glad Woodruff heard the conversation...
About what you answered in your review: maybe it could make a little story to itself? Hmmm....coax*coax*
Author's reply
Ah, that coaxing, it is indeed difficult to resist.
I am so glad to hear the news, that you and yours came safely through. I know the rebuilding will be slow... you are in our thoughts.
Hai Took
· 21 August 2005
· Chapter 43: A Drink with Jam and Bread
The last Insterlude sure does raise excitement a bit! Pippin is doing really well but no on else really know just HOW well he is doing!
It is a bit amusing that none have yet realized where Pippin went and that he was never at his grandparents house! Of course they are so worried over Ferdi that I'm sure it is very difficult to think about anything other than his health at the moment. Looking forward to reading more although is looks like the end of this one is coming up rather soon.
Author's reply
And things become a little more clear, perhaps, in the Interlude just now posted. Except for Fennel, perhaps, who is labouring under delusions of pessimism.
You're right, not many chapters left! It's slated to come out right at 50, though it might run a little longer (not likely) or shorter.
Thanks!
Bodkin
· 21 August 2005
· Chapter 43: A Drink with Jam and Bread
I'm impressed that Pippin managed to cover thirty miles from Whitwell to Hobbiton - even with the help of the wandering conjuror! He's only got little legs. And everyone is still talking at cross-purposes - I wonder if they'll ever realise exactly what happened. Possibly not. Lop can't tell them. Pippin doesn't really know - and Bilbo knows the value of keeping his own counsel. (As well as how to charm his hostess!) And, of course, they're still worried sick over young Ferdi. Maybe he'll take the solution into his own hands by sneaking out of bed and raiding the larder.
Fingers crossed Ferdi recovers soon!
Author's reply
Well, it's not thirty miles as the crow flies...probably more like 20? Don't know for sure, I'd have to draw a triangle and invite some math-orcs to tea, not my favourite guests. So if Pippin walked five or a few more, then Robin might have easily done 15 or 20 miles at four miles an hour, brisk walking pace.
If people ever do realise exactly what happened, well, it might take years. If ever.
Raiding the larder, what a lovely concept!
Mysterious Jedi
· 20 August 2005
· Chapter 43: A Drink with Jam and Bread
And to think this is only the beginning of Ferdi's many troubles...you've managed to turn a random family tree name into a favorite character!
<>< Saved from sin through Christ,
mj
Author's reply
So nice to hear Ferdi's a favorite!
But of course Ferdi's life will run rather more smoothly for another four or five years, which is something of a comfort to contemplate.
Connie B.
· 19 August 2005
· Chapter 43: A Drink with Jam and Bread
Something about this part of the story put me in mind of a Chinesse finger puzzle: the more you pull to try to get out of it, the tighter it holds you. They just keep piling on the mysteries and the miseries and getting to the bottom of none of it. Even the poor dog and his actions are misunderstood.
Hope you don't me to leave us hanging for long before the next update.:)
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Interesting picture--it is Woodruff, who feels damned if she does and damned if she doesn't at the moment.
Ah, but Lop has a reward coming--he gets to work the sheep on the morrow. No scolding can lessen the pleasure of that!
Thanks!
SlightlyTookish
· 19 August 2005
· Chapter 43: A Drink with Jam and Bread
I love how Bilbo did his best to put Eglantine and the others at ease about tea. But poor Ferdi! I'm anxious to see what happens to him.
Author's reply
Bilbo is wise, filled up with years and miles and experience, and innate kindness and good sense, too. As for Ferdi, we'll soon see a resolution there.
Andrea
· 19 August 2005
· Chapter 43: A Drink with Jam and Bread
Poor Ferdi! "Old Ferdi" doesn't seem to have any hope left!
And I'm really, really curious to find out, how long it will take Paladin and his wife to figure out, where their son really was.
It's good for Merry to have Frodo there. I'm looking forward to a long conversation between the two of them in a more private place. I'm counting on Frodo :)
Author's reply
Poor Ferdi and poor Ferdi! It is just awful to watch a child suffer and be helpless to do anything.
There is a long conversation between the two of them but I don't know if it will get into the story... it rather slows down the pace alarmingly. But you can imagine what is said, at least!!! A lot of cousinly good sense, for sure.
Anso the Hobbit
· 19 August 2005
· Chapter 43: A Drink with Jam and Bread
I guess there will be quite a bit of explaining now, lol. And Frodo ought to have a talk with Merry too it seems. :D Pip is back home wile the Bankses live quite ignorant of his "visit" there..
Author's reply
Makes me chuckle just to think of it. Of course he visits the Bankses often enough that when the topic of his "visit" comes up, it might just pass by without comment, for everyone will be thinking of a different visit...
Larner
· 19 August 2005
· Chapter 43: A Drink with Jam and Bread
They are so certain! Poor Ferdi, just dying for a meal, not for internal injuries! Poor, poor Ferdi--and Eglantine and Paladin still to learn where Pippin has REALLY been!
Author's reply
You appear to be more perceptive than everyone else at the moment. Perhaps you are related to Bilbo?
Dreamflower
· 19 August 2005
· Chapter 43: A Drink with Jam and Bread
You stinker! *big grin*rolls eyes*
Are Paladine and Eglantine *ever* going to figure out where Pip's been? (Wouldn't it be funny--and mean of you too--if they didn't find out until *years* later? A chance remark at Bilbo's eleventy-first, or even after the old hobbit left the Shire? But really--I hope you don't do that, because I am *so* looking forward to their reactions!)
I'm so glad for Merry that Frodo's there. If anyone can comfort him it's his big brother/cousin. I hope that young Ferdi turns the corner soon...
Author's reply
I am terrible sometimes... and sorry to disappoint you, but it just doesn't come up at all in this story. Perhaps in the Epilogue, *if* the Epilogue sees the light of day. It's a bit of a downer, a glimpse of Pippin and Woodruff near the end of the healer's life, not long before Farry's wedding day, and though they are cheery as ever it is hard to see her failing. Thus that chapter might not be published. Don't know yet.
I do think that corner is coming up soon... the story's almost over, as a matter of fact.
Thanks!
Mysterious Jedi
· 16 August 2005
· Chapter 42: Interlude
Excellent as always. Funny, though, at the beginning of the story I was most interested in a companion to "At the End of His Rope," but the story between Interludes is really good!
<>< Saved from sin through Christ,
mj
Author's reply
Well that's good to hear! Glad you're not a captive audience, but actually enjoying the between times.
Larner
· 15 August 2005
· Chapter 42: Interlude
Bless Ferdi for making the decision before even the healer has announced it's okay!
Love the decision on the cow and the wall, and the plaints Ferdi makes. As for Woodruff--she's just now fully appreciating the good of ent draughts.
Thanks for a chuckle with my feeling of longing to be there.
Author's reply
LOL. Ferdi would never feel like he was the Thain so long as Pippin's in the world. Not that he would want to, either! More like he'll take it on because he has to, for the sake of his beloved older cousin Reginard, and the rest of the Tooks, and the Tookland he nearly gave his life for.
You're welcome!
Bodkin
· 15 August 2005
· Chapter 42: Interlude
I can almost taste Ferdi's relief. Although he would make a good substitute Thain. But he would be miserable - at least until his blindness makes an office job more of a requirement.
So Woodruff, at least, isn't going to be totally blind-sided by what is about to happen. Good. I wouldn't want to have my faith in her infallibility tested!
Author's reply
Too true about Ferdi. He'd chafe at being stuck behind a desk, but at least he'd be decisive, where the decision-making, or rather the weight of responsibility, would drive Regi into the ground. However, if someone else will carry that weight, Regi is perfectly happy to provide support for all he's worth.
No, Woodruff suspects what's happened, but she doesn't quite believe what her senses are telling her... at least, not yet.
Andrea
· 15 August 2005
· Chapter 42: Interlude
"And the times you take the sting from your words with a well-turned jest. Or bring a smile, even a cheer with the wisdom of your decisions! You build folk up; you do not cut them down."
That's our Pippin! I've always thought he would make a wonderful Thain!
And, as far as I can see he will wake up and he will be Thain for many years to follow. Thanks to the magical Ent draught, that seems to Woodruff like a miracle.
I'm looking forward to Pippin's awakening!
Author's reply
Yes, he does make a wonderful Thain, IMHO. "Best in 100 years" as I have characters saying... *g*
Dreamflower
· 15 August 2005
· Chapter 42: Interlude
Poor Ferdi! He's so skittish of the idea of being Thain, even co-Thain with Regi, and of course until Faramir reaches his majority, that's what a Regency would amount to. It's very lucky we know he won't be called up to do that! I love his appraisal of how Pippin has run Tookland so far.
And Woodruff is still not quite wised-up to just how extensive a miracle cure Ent-draught is.
By the way, this week's challenge at lotr_fic_recs was for a story using flashbacks, and I recced this one. I think it's one of the most skilled use of flashbacks I've seen!
Author's reply
Thanks! I'm grinning ear to ear.
Woodruff simply cannot credit the overnight growth of new lung tissue and new nerves... seems that she's never encountered such a thing before. I don't think she ever really believed Pippin's account of growing taller after the Ent-draught in Fangorn Forest... she probably thinks he just comes by his height naturally, a throwback of some sort. After all, Bandobras came from the line of Thains. And Merry and Pippin are related, so... obviously, the account of growing taller during the Quest was so much hot air--or so Woodruff thought.
Connie B.
· 15 August 2005
· Chapter 42: Interlude
Sneaky Ferdi! He is determined not to be Thain.
I have to say I'm looking forward to Pippin's awakening, even though it will mean the story is about over. Just to see how he reacts to having that ring returned to him while he was in no state to refuse it will be worth a lot.:)
Good chapter. Glad to see an update.
Connie B.
Author's reply
LOL, Ferdi is sneaky indeed. Though he will take on the task if he has to, he'll leave it until there's no choice in the matter. (Good thing we know that Pippin survives to turn the seal of the Thain over to his son, just before heading to Gondor for the last time.)
Anso the Hobbit
· 13 August 2005
· Chapter 41: Breakfast Surprise
I do love your Bilbo. This is so sweet! :)
Author's reply
Thanks! Yes, I figure Bilbo has learned a thing or two in his travels, his long life, and the people he hangs out with... *g*
FantasyFan
· 9 August 2005
· Chapter 41: Breakfast Surprise
I have always wondered if there wasn't someone who wanted to match Frodo with Pearl. Of all the handy lasses, she is of the most appropriate age, and I would think that they were in each other's company often enough for the suggestion to come up. And now that you've put the notion in Pippin's head, I'm surprised even more that Frodo didn't end up marrying her. Pippin doesn't let go of an idea too easily!
Author's reply
Well, I never thought much about it until I read one of Ariel's stories, and then looking up the family trees I saw that they were pretty close in age. I had rather thought he might marry a Brandybuck if things had been different...
Pippin doesn't let go of an idea too easily, and Bilbo will have occasion to regret the joke, and try to remedy the situation... (hope that's not too much spoiling)
Thanks!
Connie B.
· 8 August 2005
· Chapter 41: Breakfast Surprise
Clever twist to have there be a whole kit and kaboodle of those teapots floating around.:)
Poor Ferdi. That has to be just awful. And your description of what had happened when Woodruff had allowed someone in his condition to eat was just heart-sickening.
Definitely looking forward to an update soon.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Yes, there are more of those teapots floating around--not as many as used to be, considering how breakable china is, and that the peddler went round the Shire when Bilbo's mother was a young girl, quite awhile ago!
Poor Ferdi. And poor Woodruff! But things will be looking better soon.