The Courtship of Peregrin Took by PIppinfan1988
Larner · 16 October 2005 · Chapter 9999: Later that same evening...
Oh, dear--cheaper by the dozen? Does Pippin realize just what he's gotten himself in for? Lovely epilogue!
Author's reply
LOL, not yet! I think they'll compromise somewhere in the middle. As I flesh out their marriage in my head, we'll see just how many they really have. ;-) Thank you so much for reading Courtship! :-) PF
Larner · 16 October 2005 · Chapter 27: What the Future Beholds
Lovely and fitting, and I'll admit I was hoping those following behind were clad in green or grey. YAY for Aragorn's kindred in the North! Way to go! Thanks for such a lovely story.
Author's reply
LOL, thank *you*! It took me all week to choreograph that part, and the Dunedain were a natural part of it. Thank you for all your wonderul reviews and encouragement. PF
Pearl Took · 16 October 2005 · Chapter 27: What the Future Beholds
Bravo!! Bravo!! Bravo!! Bravisimo!!! Wonderful, wonderful and more wonderful. *SIGH* And they live happily ever after :) Thank you so much for this wonderful story.
Author's reply
Thank you! Well...somewhat Happy Everafter...but that's for another tale. ;-) And thank you for all the lovely reviews! PF
Pearl Took · 16 October 2005 · Chapter 26: Trouble in Paradise
Oh no!!! Not good, not good. Hurry back Pippin!!!
Author's reply
LOL, I couldn't have P&D completely smooth sailing, now could I? PF
Grey Wonderer · 16 October 2005 · Chapter 9999: Later that same evening...
Twelve????? LOL Twelve tiny Took children with Pippin's blood and Pippin's curiousity and Pippin's sense of adventure! The future Thain and his lovely bride to be had been have plenty of help around the smial if they plan to keep up with that many little Pip's in training. Again, a wonderful story!
Author's reply
LOL, I think there will be more of a compromise in that area--especially after she has her first one and finds out first hand just how much blood, sweat, and tears go into a child! LOL, I think those two will need help after the first two or *three*--that is, if any of their offspring are as mischievous and inquisitive as their father! Thank you again for reading Courtship! Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer · 16 October 2005 · Chapter 27: What the Future Beholds
Well worth waiting for! Bravo! This was simply perfect. I loved Merry and Pippin's unspoken conversations in Bree and how prepared they were for trouble. I also liked the way that they worried for Berilac because he'd bot experienced something like that before. Diamond was so sweet in all of this. A perfect romance! You've done it again! But now, what am I going to read? LOL I will save this one to my favorites and read it again and again and.....
Author's reply
LOL, I know what *I'm* going to read tomorrow at lunch...hint, hint. I wanted this chapter to be perfect--so I took my time. Struggled a bit over the waylaying in the road, trying to figure out a distinct feature about the Rangers so that Pippin could readily identify them...and then writing the meeting of two young hobbits that are meant for each other without going too far over the top. LOL, I think I got it okay. :-) Don't worry--I think I did fine, but I have this thing about patting myself on the back in public. Thank you so much for all your encouragement--it means a lot to me, and your friendship, and your lovely thoughts on this tale. I'd say don't be a stranger, but after last weekend, I know we won't! Thank you for reading Courtship... Pippinfan
Dreamflower · 15 October 2005 · Chapter 9999: Later that same evening...
So cute, the two of them bundled up and making out, but not too much because of *course* the door is open... The only thing wrong with this chapter are the two words at the bottom: "The End"; I always hate to see that on a story that I'm enjoying as much as I've enjoyed this one! Thanks for this lovely, lovely story!
Author's reply
Yes, that dratted door! LOL, we have to keep the mysteries a mystery, don't we? Kissing and snuggling is about as far as any of my unmarried hobbits will go--except for that one AU instance. I'm sorry that I had to add those irritating words; you know, I seem to dislike them just as much when they're at the end of *your* tales, too! Thank you again for reading Courtship! Pippinfan
Dreamflower · 15 October 2005 · Chapter 27: What the Future Beholds
Such an exciting chapter! And both the young lovers turned out to be right in their predictions, LOL! I think that each of them would rather not have been right! I liked the way Merry, Pippin and Freddy worked together, while Beri was not quite in sync. Yet his heart was in the right place. I did have a hunch that the "cloaked figures" following them were Rangers, but I wasn't 100% sure, so I did worry a bit when they were waylaid. And Pippin's proposal was so very sweet and romantic! A mithril and diamond ring--spectacular! *sigh* only one more chapter...
Author's reply
The "predictions" were what extended my "original" ending, lol! You are definitely a perceptive reader--or else you know my hobbits as well as I do! I had this huge backstory to my Berilac but then realized I was carrying it a bit too far in a Pippin & Diamond tale...lol, I'll save it for another story. While I don't see Berilac as having the same level of experience as Pippin, Freddy, or Merry, he does have heart--and I think your Berilac does, too. I write him and Merry as being at odds as children, but only because they misunderstood one another. But as adults, or even tweens, they rise above all that and become very good friends. LOL, glad to see I kept you on your toes about the Rangers! I thought I was being discreet about it all, but it seems we also think alike in many respects. :-) I had to re-read At the Sign of the Prancing Pony to do research on what they wore. I was going to write that they wore an emblem like Aragorn did, but after the research I learned that the one *he* wore was only for the Chieftain of the Rangers. I wanted to surprise everyone with Diamond's betrothal gift--don't know how orignal that was (highly doubt it), but I liked it--and I'm glad you enjoyed it! :-) I thank you so much for being a faithful reader--and for all you wonderful encouragement...and for being very dear friend. :-) Pippinfan
Garnet Took · 15 October 2005 · Chapter 9999: Later that same evening...
Awww! That was sweet. Guess they'll have to compromise on the children and have eight.:) This was so sweet. I'm going to miss looking for updates to it. Hope you have some other things in the works. Thanks again. Garnet Took.
Author's reply
Oh, yeah...lol, they're going to have children all right...we'll have to wait and see how many. ;-) Yes, I'm already working on a tale for Hobbit Tales...so I'm not going away at all. I'm like a bad rash--you can't get rid of me that easily. ;-) See you round! Pippinfan
Garnet Took · 15 October 2005 · Chapter 27: What the Future Beholds
I was so happy to come home from a LOTR get-together and see this update. I think I have the perfect Yule gift idea for Pippin and Diamond. Protective goggles. They both seem prone to getting hit in the eye.:) Great chapter. The suspence on the road was great. Also, thank heaven for Pim. She was able to bring Diamond back down to earth and help her see that he still loved her. A diamond ring for betrothal, how perfect. Thanks for such a sweet story. Garnet Took.
Author's reply
Hullo, Garnet and welcome to Stories Of Arda! I will miss Connie B. from chapters and stories past, but I shall look forward to all of Garnet's lovely tales as you post them. :-) LOL...yeah, goggles would be nice! I was hoping the East Road thing would work out...I was working on that bit all week. Pim and Diamond (and the one-legged dwarf) was the humorous part I was referring to last week. Oh, the tangled webs we weave! But yes, Pim is *the* bossy sister with a heart of gold. LOL, a diamond for a Diamond! How could I do anything else? ;-) And thank *you* for all your faithful reading! Dont' be a stranger. Pippinfan
Larner · 9 October 2005 · Chapter 26: Trouble in Paradise
Aha--someone who is not accustomed to the naming practices of Dwarves--and is SHE mistaken. Good advice from Merry to Pippin, and it sounds indeed as if Diamond has done precisely what Pippin accused her of--she caught it!
Author's reply
LOL, you got *that* right! I just thought that bit would be funny. Yes, she did...and I'd tell you more but I'd ruin it for you! Thanks for reading! Pippinfan
Dreamflower · 9 October 2005 · Chapter 26: Trouble in Paradise
Oh sheesh! Poor Pip! Diamond just has to jump to conclusions, doesn't she? "Trouble in Paradise" indeed. Forgive me if I grin, 'cause that means the story will last just a wee bit longer...
Author's reply
LOL, you and G.W. are terrible! I don't know what happened, but this "last" chapter just kept on going like the Energizer Bunny. I do intend this next one to be the last...we'll see if I've lied again. "Diamond just has to jump to conclusions, doesn't she?" This is where email is two dimensional--I can't tell by this comment if you liked it or not, but I'm guessing you didn't. So sorry--I just thought it would be funny if Diamond thought Dori was a lass...this storyline is actually quite light-hearted. Besides, that's what she gets for looking in someone's personal tablet, right? ;-) Thanks for reading! Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer · 9 October 2005 · Chapter 26: Trouble in Paradise
First, let me just say that I am THRILLED that you broke your word and extended the story! That made my day. I love these two stubborn hobbits! I liked Pimpernel's efforts to cover for Pip and most of her logic was very convincing. I also thought that Merry did a good job with his talk with Pippin. I loved this line: (“That a lie from the pits of Mordor, and you know it,” said Merry) I wonder if anyone will be able to get Diamond out of her room before Pippin's return now that she is thinking the worst? I wonder if Pimpernel will wind up giving away the secret? I wonder if Diamond will tell anyone about the note? In other words, I wonder how soon there will be more of this? LOL Fantastic job and again, I am so glad that this story got longer.
Author's reply
I didn't mean to break it--but the chapter took on a life of its own. They are stubborn aren't they?? :-) Oh, there'll be more...but it will also be the last. All good things must come to an end. ;-) Thanks for reading! PF
Connie B. · 9 October 2005 · Chapter 26: Trouble in Paradise
Oy! Oy is right. I knew as soon as she walked into his room that she was going to see something that would lead her to some sort of false conclusion. I was a little surprised that it would be that she thinks he's two-timing her. You sure threw in a last-minute plot twist there.:) Of course the course of love never runs smooth. It is wonderful that both Pippin and Diamond have people around them who can calmly and lovingly remind them of the differences and simularities in their personalities, and the need for understanding each other's point of view in a relationship. I wish all of us had that. Now I'm looking forward to how this all resolves itself.:) Thanks. Connie B.
Author's reply
LOL, I didn't mean for that wee plot to happen--the ending sort of took on a life of its own. It *is* near the end, trust me. I wasn't too surprised at Diamond's supposition. Its not so much that she is not confident in *Pippin's* love for her, she's just not that confident in herself yet. I imagine Merry & Estella's and Pimpernel & Hilfred's road to marriage wasn't all smiles and roses, either, so they're able to lend a bit of sage advice. I'm looking forward to writing it, too! :-) Talk to ya soon, take care. Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer · 27 September 2005 · Chapter 25: Absolutely No Doubt
That was lovely. I liked their trip to Whitwell. I wish that Pippin and Diamond had lived their after they were married instead of in the Great Smials. I love the idea of the little farm. I laughed at Pippin having to sit next to his father so that he wouldn't misbehave during the meals. Are you sure that there is only one more chapter? LOL
Author's reply
:-) Yes, there is only one more chapter..but I *am* taking a little extra time for TLC, so it may run longer than normal. Like you, I love the idea of the little farm in Whitwell being occupied. You have Pearl and her family in it, and I *had* Pimpernel and her family in it until the Occupation. Have no fear--she's going back. ;-) Pippin mentioned "the big move" after he played "minder" to Diamond some chapters ago. I have plans for Pimmie. :-) Oy, I guess I tend to write my wee Pippin as a sweet, little pistol, and since the lasses melt like butter in his hands, it falls to his papa to keep the laddie in order. That child knows no bounds when it comes to mischief! Thanks for reading and take care! Pippinfan
Connie B. · 27 September 2005 · Chapter 25: Absolutely No Doubt
What a lovely day they had. Just seeing them go to Pippin's childhood home, and sharing all those memories was sweet. Diamond's wish that she had known that type of life was kind of sad: but she has it now. Diamond and the frond was so typical of something in a young couple's relationship. That was a very nice touch. The last part with Pippin baring his soul about the Quest was handle to perfection. You hit it so well with his feeling that few if any people believed him, and the way he and Merry hid their scars. Wow. I'm both excited and sad to see this wrapping up next chapter. It's been fun. Thanks. Connie B.
Author's reply
I didn't want Pippin and Diamond to go from Long Cleeve straight to betrothal; that wouldn't be fun, nor plausible. I used this chapter to have them get better acquainted, for Diamond to grow up a bit and warm up to Pippin. LOL, I confess that the frond thing was a bit cliche, but I had fun including it. I imagined that the scars are a daily reminder to Pippin and Merry of what they went through--that it was not a year-long dream. I view their scars as badges of courage; I thought if folks don't value their journey, then how would they judge, or value the scars/courage? There's much more to "scars" that I wanted to convey, but it would just overwhelm the reader if I did--and it would sort of warp my purpose for the chapter. Thank you so much for the lovely compliment! :-) I, too, am both excited and sad to see it end, but really it isn't. We both have some wild imaginations, so you may always continue your version in your dreams. ;-) Thank you for reading! Pippinfan
Larner · 27 September 2005 · Chapter 25: Absolutely No Doubt
Yes, that impudence--that horrid impudence! Am so glad he's told at last! And, yes, this is the one!
Author's reply
LOL, are you a Frodo fan? I like that moment when Pippin really shines while defending his older cousin, so I used it in the scene when he's talking about his journey. Thank you for reading Courtship! Pippinfan
Dreamflower · 27 September 2005 · Chapter 25: Absolutely No Doubt
Ahhhh, Pippinfan, I am *so* grinning right now! This chapter was incredibly sweet, romantic, tender, just a tad angsty from the fearsome memories, yet beautifully comforting as well. I could just *see* Diamond watching Pippin and teasing him with the frond. *sigh* I'm now officially a puddle of goo.
Author's reply
LOL, you know, Dreamflower, you really made my day with your sweet and lovely comment. :-) You mentioned everything I was trying my best to convey in this chapter. It was a day for these two love birds to get better acquainted, a sort of "set up" for the next chapter. These last two chapters are special, so I am taking extra TLC with them--which explains the late update. Thank you for all your encouragement--and thank you for reading Courtship. Pippinfan
Pearl Took · 27 September 2005 · Chapter 25: Absolutely No Doubt
Aw, sealed with a kiss :) It would mean a lot to Pippin to be believed :) Looking forward to the last chapter, though sorry to see this end, it's been so wonderful :) :)
Author's reply
I guess I'm a romantic at heart after all. Pippin and I have a wee bit in common with that. ;-) I am sorry to see it end, too, but life does go on--hehehe, *their* lives...in the form of our limitless imaginations! :-) Thank you for reading! Pippinfan
Dreamflower · 20 September 2005 · Chapter 24: There and Back Again
What a marvelous and wonderful chapter, so very sweet. I am glad that Pippin got to see Sapphira. Her mother almost ruined *her* chances at happiness as well, for if it had not been her insistence on such a mercenary contract, Sapphira would never have bolted in the first place. Of course, then Pippin would never have met his lovely Diamond, either. An excellent example of what Gandalf said: "Oft evil will doth evil mar." And a good use of JRRT's theme of even evil being ultimately turned to good. I will be sending you an email very shortly.
Author's reply
Yes, that was the whole purpose of Sapphira bolting--so that her little sister could come on the scene at a later time. You know, I was doing research in JRRT's Letters for the "future" story, and very much observed that theme. The subject came up more than once in various letters he wrote. Some may not interpret his themes the way I do, but two such themes I read about was Grace and Mercy. The more I read into this, the more I admire the good Professor. Again, thank you so much for taking time out to review. :-) Pippinfan
Dreamflower · 20 September 2005 · Chapter 23: Battle of Long Cleeve
I've got tears in my eyes reviewing this. See, I just got a registered letter from you a couple of minutes ago--just as I was reading this story. I'll send you a private email shortly. I just want to say how touched I am that you seemed to feel this story is bound up with me somehow, and amazed as well. It's somewhat humbling to realize how many people care about me. I love the chapter. The explanations of Opal's behavior ring very true, and yes, they do indeed remind me of Hyacinth and *my* Opal. Mothers who are mercenary unfortunately *do* exist. But best of all is Pippin's determination to win his Diamond. Opal now has to rue her hastiness in trying to ruin her daughter's life. If she had managed to be more congenial, she be set up with the Thain as her son-in-law: status and money as well. Now she's going to be thrown onto her own resources, and it's quite possible that the hobbit she was trying to force Diamond to marry may decide to take action against her for misrepresenting things. What a pickle. Couldn't happen to a better person. On to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Well, it seemed from your last reviews that you were kind of looking forward to Pippin putting Opal in her place. :-) Even though by that time, we had heard you were doing fine, I still felt bad posting it thinking it would be weeks before you'd read it. Like a neverending cliff-hanger,lol! I do have to give you the credit, thought, for the Grubb, Grubb, and Burrowes, LTD. Information. Yeah, like you said, its there for all to read in The Hobbit, but I forgot about them until I was reading A New Reckoning. So I reasoned, why not have the Shire's Thain be instructed in it as well? Makes for nice drama anyway. ;-) Then what made it all the sweeter, is Grey Wonderer and I were doing what we do best: thinking alike. Opal is just one seriously disturbed hobbit. As you said, mothers like her exist; sadly, her character is based on a real person. (lol, no, not me this time) You're right--some folks just don't think about the consequences of their actions. Old Otto may demand that *she* marry him and bear his children! If Opal is smart, and she has proven to be clever in a dark way, she'd mend her relationships--and fast. Whether her older daughters accept her love in the future is going to be up to Opal. I may expound upon that in another tale...in the foreseeable future, but not right away. LOL, yep! Thank you for taking the time to review! Pippinfan p.s. When you said "shortly", I was thinking, like, Saturday! Email is not necessary...lol, but won't refuse it, either. :-)
Hai Took · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 24: There and Back Again
Wow I couldn't believe how cold Opal was to her own children! At least they had a bit of a refuge with their aunts and uncles. Perhaps things will go a bit better for them now? Well I'm also glad that Sapphira and Diamond are close once more and that Pippin is able to speak with her and they will all hopefully get along well. What a wonderful welcoming for Diamond! I'm glad that they are all there to great her and that Pervinca and Pimpernel invited Viola to come greet Diamond. They are very close and she had such wonderful news. Both chapters were lovely! thank you!
Author's reply
The sad fact is, is that Opal's character is base on a real person. I think Opal is just crusted over with anger and bitterness that life dealt out to her or just plain self-centred, but as Merry said, that is no excuse for her to treat her children as she does. Yes, I think she will at least make an attempt to reconcile with her youngest, but her older two will be her biggest challenge yet. My own older sister was my "Merry" and I was her "Pippin" while growing up, so I wanted to portray that with Sapphira and Diamond. Sisters go through rough spots every now and then, but I did want to heal that relationship before the story ended. We have just two chapters to go! The one thing I feel Pippin's family is NOT, and that is snooty. So Viola is a servant--big deal. As long as a hobbit is a decent person, I don't think Paladin, Tina, nor their children care what caste of society he/she is from. I thank you so much for stopping by to read! Have a great week! Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 24: There and Back Again
(“And south of it, too,” remarked Pippin. “So far, every time Merry and I have performed our duties in Rohan and Gondor, their respective kings assign tutors to teach my cousin and me the basics of their own laws in our spare time. In Minas Tirith, they have a library filled with books and parchments containing instances of the High King’s edicts.” ) This keeps stray hobbits out of the fountains. LOL I loved that part. Laughed out loud. Great chapter and I am glad that Diamond and her sister made up. I also love Viola. She is such a sweetie! Great chapter!
Author's reply
LOL!! This is the part I was referring to when I read your bit in In Service to the King. I had already written the scene of Pippin, Diamond, and Merry on the porch last Sunday...and then I got "stuck"--for four days...oy. Because of this, when I read your passage, for some reason I thought mine was posted already, but wasn't. LOL, so my jig-dancing was just a tad premature, but in my mind, I was on time. But I think its totally cool how we think alike! I laugh because we just seem to go back and forth validating each others universe. :-) OH!! I forgot to review in Service about the Fountain Incident!! I laughed so hard when I read that! Was it sort of an "ode" to another Fountain Incident that certain "hobbits" did in NZ? Yours was too funny!! Only you could get away with Boromir doing that, lol. I couldn't leave Diamond and Sapphira in a fix; I like to think that sisters, even though they go through rough spots now and then, make up. And I like Viola, too. Thank you so much for reading! Three weekends left.... :-) Pippinfan
Connie B. · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 24: There and Back Again
Oh, I loved this chapter. It was worth waiting for. The scene with Diamond and Sapphira was really nice. I was not surprised that Sapphira and her now-husband went a little too far before the wedding and felt like it might be safer to push up the date. I was impressed that you didn't give into the temptation of having her get pregnant that first time. I was also pleased to note Pippin's conviction not to let Diamond and himself fall into that same trap. I know he'll stick to that no matter how painful it is to fight the desire. The ending where Viola announces her own engagement is so sweet. Now the two friends have even more to celebrate. Thanks. Connie B.
Author's reply
Sisters will be sisters, but as I have a good relationship with my own, I couldn't leave Sapphira and Diamond in a quandry. As for Sapphira and Hildebrand, they're young and impetuous hobbits and weren't thinking of the ramifications of their actions--as you know, kids rarely do. Yeah, though I've known one lass (long ago) who got caught on her first try, for the most part it doesn't always happen like that. Pippin has been taught what I consider morals, and also "cause and effect". Roses was a trip into my "alternate universe", but in "reality", Pippin knows better and wouldn't put himself in that position...lol, so to speak. Sorry. :-P Many times I tend to write an underlying theme of "brotherhood" for the lads, however, it seems I've temporarily switched to "sisterhood" for Diamond and the lasses in this tale--and Viola is included. So I kind of enjoyed that part with Viola, too. Thank you so much for reading! Pippinfan
Pearl Took · 17 September 2005 · Chapter 24: There and Back Again
HOORAY!! Pippin triumphs and brings home his lass :) such good news about Viola as well :) Well done as always :)
Author's reply
Thank you! I liked that wee touch with Viola, too. You know I couldn't have our Pip lose the argument this time round. :-) He may lose others within his lifetime, but not *this* one. :-) Thank you so much for stopping by to read! Pippinfan