The Stories of Our People by Pearl Took
Inkling · 5 February 2008 · Chapter 1: The Stories of Our People
Lovely story, Pearl! I especially like the conversation at the end with Luthien, and how you included fanfic authors' part in carrying on the Great Story. It would be fun to also hear about Tolkien's first meeting with the Elves...
Author's reply
Thank you Inkling for coming and reading this, I'm glad you liked it :-) If you or someone you know writes Elves, you should suggest that, maybe as a challenge. Thanks again! :-)
Larner · 24 November 2006 · Chapter 1: The Stories of Our People
How on earth did I ever miss this one, Pearl? If the MEFAs do nothing else, they've managed to inspire me to read many delightful tales such as this one. Thanks for the laughter this brought me, and the feeling that we're doing the Right Thing.
Author's reply
Thank you, dear Larner! You are welcome for the laughter :-) I really think we are doing Right Thing. Though I think there may be some of all this that Tolkien wouldn't care for, I think there is much in the Middle Earth fanfic world that he would get a kick out of. I think he would love to know the stories are being told.
Poppy Muddyfoot · 27 April 2005 · Chapter 1: The Stories of Our People
What a wonderful story! I'd love to think that it happened just this way. What I wouldn't give to have a chance to read that book. And, oh, I do want to be invited to that tea party at Bag End. But after reading this, I find myself full of questions. (You planned that, didn't you?) What in the world happened to the hobbits? What difficult times did (are) they experience? What was the Great Loss? Who were they fleeing from? Who ransacked the library and what did they take? Where are the hobbits living now, and how? What, besides the names, has been changed in their society? Do they still eat 6 meals a day and smoke pipeweed? Do they still sing and dance and tell stories and trace their family trees? Do hobbit lads still steal apples from the trees and raid their neighbor's fields? And do Pob and Ser know who they sound like? (Do hobbits believe in reincarnation?) Please tell me that you're planning to answer some of these questions in future stories. Your writing is so clear and your stories so emotionally satisfying that I know you'd do a marvelous job of filling in the blanks. Thank you for sharing this with us. Poppy Muddyfoot
Author's reply
Thank you so much for the kind response. In truth, I didn't anticipate the questions this has stirred, though I really aught to have. I seem to be one of those authors who has readers seeing more in my stories than I often do. I have the feeling I'm near to embarking on an adventure that will bring the Hobbits into their future because, to be honest, I'd like to know these things too :) Thank you again, and keep an eye out - I won't say when but i think this story will start to appear sometime this year :)
lovethosehobbits · 25 April 2005 · Chapter 1: The Stories of Our People
I loved this, and I usually don't read fics like this. It was beautifully done and a delight. I picture (don't laugh) myself hopefully having the same thing happen to me when I die. That truly would be my idea of heaven, really it would. tree
Author's reply
Thank you :) I'm also hoping to have a good visit with the dear Professor and friends myself :) thank you again :)
SlightlyTookish · 22 April 2005 · Chapter 1: The Stories of Our People
What a lovely, creative story! I love how you've blended Tolkien's life with his writing, and Possibility and Serendipity are just as adorable as their ancestors. I thoroughly enjoyed this :)
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm so glad that you enjoyed this. It's just amazing how traits get passed down ;) Thank you so much.
Lady Of the House · 17 April 2005 · Chapter 1: The Stories of Our People
Wow, this story is beautiful. I haven't read anything so lovely in quite a while. LoH
Author's reply
Thank you so very much :) I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Pasha ToH · 17 April 2005 · Chapter 1: The Stories of Our People
Absolutely brilliant... it lends magic to his tales, though truly his works held a power all their own, thank you. May Eru bless your muses Pasha ToH
Author's reply
Thank you :) Yes, I think it took awhile for our dear Professor to realize for himself just how powerful his stories are. Thank you so much for the blessing as well :)
Connie B. · 16 April 2005 · Chapter 1: The Stories of Our People
Oh, what a precious story. I just love it. I'm grinning from ear to ear. How imaginative to think of how the good Prof. came to find out about the stories that became "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings". I really liked the explanation of the names of the young hobbits. How sweet, and a little sad, that they had started giving optimistic names to their children because it encourgaed thinking beyond the bad times they were facing. This was just fabulous. Thanks so much for sharing it. Connie B.
Author's reply
Thank you so much :) I have been pleasently surprised at the response to this story. Tolkien mentions that the Hobbits diminished as a people and culture and that by our time live in hiding and are rarely seen. Like the other tid bits he left us it just begs for the story to be told :) Thank you again!
Breon Briarwood · 16 April 2005 · Chapter 1: The Stories of Our People
What a delight! I'm so glad Shirebound pointed this out. :D
Author's reply
Thank you :) and thank you for responding! I will have to heap thanks and goodies on shirebound for recomending my story :) Thank you again :)
Pipkin Sweetgrass · 16 April 2005 · Chapter 1: The Stories of Our People
I loved this story for the skill used as well as imagination, characterization and plotline. Pearl, you've done a wonderful job with this. I'm so proud to call you my friend! Bravo, especially for the wonderful message inside this story! Well done, my friend! Could I get you to post it here?:http://www.livejournal.com/community/beecharmed/
Author's reply
Thank you, m'dear one :) As always, I am so happy when one of my stories pleases you :) I will gladly post it at your Live Journal Community, I'm honored that you have asked me too as this isn't a Boromir story. Thank you so much :)
Mum's the Word · 16 April 2005 · Chapter 1: The Stories of Our People
If this isn't lovely! The chattiness of Tooks and practicality of Brandybucks seem to have continued through the generations. You have also used their sharp hearing and quick-footedness well. "You are an Elf Friend. It is our hope that you will be our friend as well. May their blessing, and Iluvatar guide you." -- Wonderful! "The time of our Great Loss" may inspire some plot-bunnies, although I'm not sure I'll want to hear of such suffering among these dear, merry folk. Hearing Luthien name the Professor "Storyteller" causes my heart to swell and my eyes to fill. "Her gift, your gift, the gift to be given to yet other Storytellers will never end, for The Great Story never ends." -- Beautifully put, and such an encouragement to all goodfic writers! And what an appropriate ending to this little glimpse! Left me wanting more, especially of the modern-day Hobbits. And by the way, you've done a fine job of weaving in the Professor's own story. Very, very well done! May the blessings and guidance of the One continue for you! Mum
Author's reply
Thank you so much :) I'm so glad that readers are apparently not being offended by my bringing our dear Professor Tolkien into my tale. Yes, this has stirred some plot bunnies (and I've been rather devoid of them of late) but I need to rest from "While We Dwelt in Fear" for a bit before I challenge any more of the darker periods in our dear Hobbit's history. Thank you so much for the blessing :)
shirebound · 16 April 2005 · Chapter 1: The Stories of Our People
Oh my goodness! Pearl, I'm just speechless! What a wonderful, loving way to bring us this forgotten history. "Storyteller, you join those who used well their special gift. The gift of loving the stories. The gift of knowing that people who are remembered in stories are never gone. The gift of all who remember and speak the Great Stories, along with all who labor to write them down, even though their own name might be forgotten." Oh my goodness! This is just beautiful. Thank you. *applauds*
Author's reply
Thank you :) (getting teary, I am) It means so much to me when you are so touched by one of my stories, my mentor and friend. Thank you for everything :)
Daynawayna · 15 April 2005 · Chapter 1: The Stories of Our People
That has got to be the BEST story Ever, Pearl! Wow! It's totally perfect and I just love it! That MUST be how it happened! Great job! :)
Author's reply
Thank you so much :) and thank you for responding. *blushing*