Larner
· 17 September 2005
· Chapter 24: There and Back Again
Glad to see the two sisters making up, and Viola's news.
Author's reply
Sisters tend to have a bit of friction once in a while--that's natural, but I kind of wanted to develop the "good side" of sisterhood between Diamond and Saphhira and slso Pippin's sisters--and not to exclude her best friend, Viola. Diamond is young and still needs a bit of guidance from her "sisters". :-) I sort of liked that bit with Viola, too! Thanks for reading!
Pippinfan
Pearl Took
· 6 September 2005
· Chapter 23: Battle of Long Cleeve
Does she give up so easily? Mind, she knows with whom she is dealing! 'Tis indeed a pity when parents are so childish.
Well done as always :) :)
Author's reply
She has to; she may be greedy, but she ain't dumb. :-) I think I forgot a bit of an element in Pippin's argument, but I think the point was made in spite of my brain fart. Pippin threatened Opal with giving custody of her two younger children to relatives or to whomever Gemma was recieving apprenticeship training. Opal wasn't treating her children (through neglect and self-profiting arranged marriages) any better than "the lad's father" treated his son in the example case. I agree; 'tis a pity, indeed.
Thank you for the compliment--and thank you for reading Courtship! :-)
Pippinfan, et al.
Grey Wonderer
· 5 September 2005
· Chapter 23: Battle of Long Cleeve
I absolutly love Pippin in this part. His "Shire Law" lessons have completely paid off. (makes Merry's arguement in my recent story hold more weight. LOL) I do love the way everthing came together in the end and Opal was left without a leg to stand on in her battle. Loved the title of this chapter too. This was excellent and I am very glad to have gotten to read these two chapters together. I got the build up and the battel together! Great writing and a wonderful story! More?
Author's reply
YES!! LOL--I didn't want to give anything away, but that's what I meant when I said in my review of If I Had A Hammer, 'hold that thought! (wink, wink)'! I thought that was too cool when I read that! We still think alike! I really have to thank Dreamflower for her unwitting inspiration when her life gets back to semi-normal. In New Reckoning, she wrote about Frodo's lawyers, Grub, Grub, and Burrowes. Without getting into deep discussion, I figured, why not have the Thain--or the Thain's heir be trained in Shire Law as well? It should be within his purview of office.
Well, Opal had no choice but to give up--she may be greedy, but she ain't dumb. She won't get the chance to rear her "ogre" head any more in *this* story, though. Oh, yeah--there's a bit more, but not too much. I am guessing perhaps two or three chapters--and I mean it this time, lol. This story is about his love life and subsequent courtship, so I'm winding things down to the "ending", even though it's not really an end, so to speak. ;-)
Thank you for all the sweet compliments--and thank you so much for reading Courtship! Have a great week. :-)
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 5 September 2005
· Chapter 22: A Court in the Garden
Somehow I missed this one earlier and so tonight I have two to read. This was wonderful. I loved Diamond's uncle taking a real interest in what Pippin's intentions were. It gave her someone who cares other than Pippin. I also thought that the song was lovely. Did you write it? Merry still remains a favorite in this even though he is not in this chapter much, but I can still read his support of Pippin in the time that he appears in the chapter. Still enjoying this one very much and now I am off to read the next chapter!
Connie B.
· 5 September 2005
· Chapter 23: Battle of Long Cleeve
Go Pippin! That was well done. I can just see the look on Opal's face as Pippin announces his love for her daughter. I am afraid that she's still going to try to say that he's just using Diamond to further some sort of personal agenda. She'd think that way.
I'm glad to see the update. Nice to see things slowly coming back.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Thank you, Connie! She'd like to think that she can still "use" Diamond, I suppose, but I'm not giving her that chance in this story. I can't see her changing overnight, figuring she's pretty much set in her ways, but Opal ain't dumb. She knows who Pippin is from her visit to Great Smials a month previous, so I can't see her doing anything to trip that up...however, she might try to sneak something by Pippin. But I may put that in the wedding story. ;-)
Thank you for reading Courtship!
Pippinfan
Larner
· 5 September 2005
· Chapter 23: Battle of Long Cleeve
Very nice turn of events, citations of previous related cases, description of how Opal has dug her own hole to be forced to live in until she betters it through expressing love rather than discontent and resentment.
Well done indeed.
Author's reply
Thank you! I am glad you noticed all that--and enjoyed it. You always seem to pick up on the little nuances. Thank you so much for reading!
Pippinfan
Hai Took
· 4 September 2005
· Chapter 22: A Court in the Garden
Diamond is a very strong willed lass! It is good that at least her Uncle and his family cares for her so much! It seems poor Diamond has been lacking in the proper amount of love from her family. Although it seems that she will be recieving quite a bit of it from Pippin and his family!
Mistress Opal certainly is bold! Trying to marry her daughter off like that! Diamond's injury was the perfect way to get her back from the Great Smials! I am curious about Sapphira though and wish Diamond will read her letter! Of course since they are going back to Long Cleeve Diamond is likely to talk to her sister.
Looking forward to more! Thank you!
Author's reply
You are a very clever lass, Hai Took. :-) Ever hear the old prverb, "misery loves company"? That describes Opal in a nutshell. Oh, I haven't forgotten about Sapphira...she might make a cameo appearance in ch. 24. Thank you so much for reading! :-)
Pippinfan
Pearl Took
· 28 August 2005
· Chapter 22: A Court in the Garden
Ah! The joy of returning to this story! *sigh* I'm loving every moment of it. P&D more than has an equal, this shines with a beautiful light. Thank you so much for this wonderful story :) :)
Author's reply
Thank *you*! Nah...Courtship pales in comparison to P&D. I still love that wee epic! Thank you so much for reading it! Hope your weekend was great. :-)
Pippinfan
Larner
· 26 August 2005
· Chapter 22: A Court in the Garden
Very satisfying development, and glad to see the two of them beginning to show the deeper trust that will allow them to share the horrors each has known and imagined.
Author's reply
Absolutely, Larner! In my view, trust is "built" in a relationship, and for as young as I am writing Diamond, she's starting to warm up to Pippin *because* of that. Thanks for reading!
Pippinfan
Connie B.
· 26 August 2005
· Chapter 22: A Court in the Garden
This was adorable. Pippin and Diamond are so sweet together. I'm so happy they are now officially courting. Yay!
So, Diamond has a cousin named Garnet, huh?:) I laughed out loud when I saw that.
The tension in the background of this chapter, though, still has me on the edge of my seat. I'm not looking forward to meeting Diamond's mum, and I'm worried that she's going to try to stop Pippin from courting her daughter. I know she won't succeed, but that doesn't make it any easier to witness.
I was really glad to see this chapter. I was starting to get worried since you told me when you had hoped to have it up.
Keep up the great work.
Connie B.
Author's reply
LOL...yes, and "Garnet" was no accident, so smile, Connie! That was for you.
We will get to meet Mistress Opal in the next chapter, whether we want to or not...lol, where we will all witness first-hand a war of the wills. And we all know how obstinate Pippin can be.
I'll try to be on time for the next update, but you know me; if I'm not satisfied with what I've written, then I won't publish something I consider substandard. I'd rather take another day to twead/adjust it and then post it when it's more readable.
Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
Dreamflower
· 26 August 2005
· Chapter 22: A Court in the Garden
What a sweet chapter! I think after this, Opal should have a hard time saying "no" to Pippin! After all, the son of the Thain is the best "catch" in the Shire if status and money are all she cares about. Of course, if her aim is to give her daughter a hard time, she may still put up resistance, but I have a feeling that Pip will prevail. (*grin*, well, of *course* he will, as you have said this is not AU, but you know what I mean!) It's funny how sometimes we get so caught up in a fic that we temporarily forget that we already know how it will come out eventually!!
Author's reply
Yeah...you'd *think*! LOL...I know exactly what you mean! I read another author's P&D tale a long time ago and found myself doing the same thing. I just think it's cool--if I have written something that makes you *and* Connie feel like this, then I'm feeling pretty good! I view you two as a couple of "old Tolkien hobbit-souls" while I'm just a "green eared" hobbit-soul (*only* 17 yrs in the fandom), so any compliment like yours is going to make my day. Thank you for reading! :-)
Pippinfan
Larner
· 21 August 2005
· Chapter 21: The Fate of One
Ah, lovely planning here! And is the W to help him know which direction to face when thinking of Frodo and what Frodo (and possibly Gandalf) might do or advise? Or does it mean something else?
Author's reply
I'm so glad you picked up on that! Well...you're *half* correct. The "W" *is* there for a purpose--to help him know which directions to face, as in the "standing silence" but it's more than that. Pippin is aware of a great deal more than just the Numenoreans, Elves and such. Through certain members of "my world" of the Fellowship, "my" Pippin has become aware of who made them all. I imagine him meditating on that idea from time to time. I am only using the concepts that JRRT gave us in the books, and developing a sort of storyline that may or may not appear in *this* particular story.
Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 21 August 2005
· Chapter 21: The Fate of One
I hope Viola is right but I wonder if it will be that easy. I suspect that Pippin has more trouble than he knows with this mother of Diamond's. She certainly is a bitter old schemer. I wonder why he is bring the insturment along? Because Diamond likes to hear him play or is there another reason? I hope Merry is coming on the trip with him. I am assuming that is what Paladin had in mind. Well, I am all caught up so now you simply have to write more. LOL I will look forward to your next update.
Author's reply
Yes, Merry is whom Paladin had in mind--and me, too! It's tough to write a "Pippin" story without bringing in Merry at some point. :-) I'd tell you more about the "instrument", but more of that is coming up in ch. 22. It's a bit of a respite for the couple before we forge on with the nasty plot twists!
Thank you for reading! Yes, I see you're all caught up--now you're like everyone else--waiting for the author to update. Me, I'm not quite at the "waiting" mode yet, but give me another week to catch up (in Road to Edoras) and I'll be waiting like everyone else, too.
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 21 August 2005
· Chapter 20: Fire and Ire
So there's trouble yet again for Pippin's romantic life. He seems to be having such a difficult time winning and keeping a lass. I wonder what Diamond's family wants now? Nothing good I gather. Lots of nice plot twists in this story which I am enjoying very much.
Author's reply
Yeah, he's going to have to "work" for this lass! True love isn't easy to come by. By now, you've read partly why Opal wants her home. More of that bit is to come. And thank you!
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 21 August 2005
· Chapter 19: Shall We Dance?
So, it is all finally out in the open and they have admitted that they are in love. I'm glad. I am glad Diamond found a friend among the lasses at the dance in Myrtle. It was nice to see that at least one of those lasses had some sense and some manners. You surprised me with the reason that Pippin went home. For some reason I thought he would return with something for Diamond to wear, but I liked your idea much better. Pip in his livery was a splendid way for him to honor her.
Author's reply
Oh, yes, Myrtle is definitely not like Petunia--she doesn't even like her. Myrtle is how I imagine most of the "upper class" lasses. They've been *taught* to behave hoity-toity, but when single-handedly confronted with someone like Diamond--or Rosie or Marigold, their true casual nature comes out and they actually enjoy the other's company.
Did I really surpirse you?? Cool. :-) I imagined that it was his way to honor her, yes, but also to "acknowledge" her as a person.
Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 21 August 2005
· Chapter 18: A Beautiful Thing
All of the sudden I am getting this feeling about Diamond and her fear of ponies. Maybe a past event that she doesn't quite remember? I could be way off, but it just hit me while I was reading this one. Pippin is really having a time with his match-making older sisters isn't he? LOL Still enjoying this one very much.
Author's reply
No, you're not way off--I gave a little bit of a background when Sapphira was "turning over" with Diamond, can't remember exactly which chapter--maybe 10 or 11? But yes, Diamond has a fear of ponies who aren't tied up. It's all coming out in wee bits towards 21 and 22--oops! I haven't posted 22 yet...darn. ;-)
I am glad that you're enjoying this! Thanks for reading!
Pippinfan
Connie B.
· 21 August 2005
· Chapter 21: The Fate of One
I thought for sure I was going to cry. I hate Opal North-took. She's not looking out for the best interests of her children, or even trying to maintain social statis; she's trying to line her own pockets by selling them into marriages that benifit her. Rrrrrr!
That scene with Pippin and Diamond in the middle of the night was so cute. The comments about doing "naughty" thing was sweet, and so innocent.
I liked the last bit with Viola, too.
Oh this was something else. I'm just so mad about Diamond's mom that I can't think beyond it.
Thanks for two updates in one week.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Wow...I cna't tell you what that means to me as an author. No, Opal is not being a good mother at all. She's not exactly a gold-digger, but she sure is making certain that *she* is well taken care of.
I was hoping Diamond's innocence came across. I am writing her very young, so Pippin is having to let her "catch up" in a sense, to allow these "new" feelings develop properly. And they are. :-)
I expect to update again before Wednesday, so more is coming. Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
Dreamflower
· 21 August 2005
· Chapter 21: The Fate of One
Oh my, Pip's going to be devious! *grin* I have a slight hunch I might know what his argument is, but I won't say, because I don't want to know if I'm right--I'd rather be surprised.
I'm glad Diamond's uncle is on her side, and I was very touched by Viola's sweet gesture--(and Mr. Greenfield)--even her brother seems uncomfortable with what his mother has asked him to do, so if push comes to shove, Opal may not find herself with much support.
I hope Pip takes his father's advice, and takes Merry along with him. It couldn't hurt to have a friend at his back--and who else would watch it better?
Author's reply
Yep, Pippin has got something up his sleeve (again). You must tell me what your hunch "was" after the next couple chapters! His argument will probably take place in ch. 23. If your hunch is correct, then I'll leave you alone about the prisoners in Edoras. ;-) (Either way, I'll back off, lol)
You may be right about Opal. And absolutely about Merry, but I also wanted Stella to go along, too, but we may have to leave her at the Smials. ;-)
Thanks for reading!
Pippinfan
Larner
· 16 August 2005
· Chapter 20: Fire and Ire
Good enough, then. Am glad to see this turn of events.
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed it! :-) Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
Dreamflower
· 16 August 2005
· Chapter 20: Fire and Ire
Ooh,ooh,ooh! I *love* this chapter. Pippin dancing himself to exhaustion with Diamond, Merry dancing with her as well, and the scene with Petunia was priceless! I just adored the way Diamond lept to Pip's defense, and also Merry's quick reflexes in stopping Petunia from harming Diamond.
Diamond's relatives, though--that worries me a good deal. I've known all along that Diamond was not eager to be home with her family, yet this smacks of something more than just her trauma over her father's death...
Pippin's going to fight this time, though...
*YES!*
Author's reply
LOL...when my sister and I were in our teens--a *long* time ago--she used to coerce me (older sisters have that flair) to dance to exhaustion! But really, it wasn't like she had to twist my arm--I like to dance, and therefore, so do my hobbits. ;-)
In a way, that was for *all* the working hobbits. I hestitated to write that bit because I imagined that someone would call me on it--but then, all I had to do was think about how Rosie would react if somebody insulted her Sam.
Oh, yeah...somethins' afoot for Diamond's backstory--and Pippin ain't goin' down without a fight this time. :-)
Thank you for your encouragment and thanks for reading!
Pippinfan
Connie B.
· 16 August 2005
· Chapter 20: Fire and Ire
What a wonderful surprise, to wake up this morning and find a new chapter. I wasn't expecting one till Thursday.
As soon as I saw the title I started saying "oh no" over and over again. I knew something not good was about to happen. I didn't have a clue that one of the events, a good one after all, would be Diamond telling Petunia off. Yay!
I'm really worried about the relatives that Diamond's mother has sent to bring her home. I'm trying to figure out just what is with this family. They know that Diamond has had an accident, one that may leave her with a permanent scar, but they should also know that she is happpy where she is. I have a feeling, though, that her mother only cares about two things; image and advancement. I get the empression that she is using her daughters to try to "work her way up the food chain", as my daughter would put it.
I can't wait to see Pippin deal with these people. He's mad as heck and he's not gonna take it anymore. There's no way he's going to let Diamond's mum manipulate him, or anyone else.
You know, I haven't even met her mum, and I hate her. That sounds really bad, I'm sure she thinks she's doing the right thing, but I still think she's a caniving slug.
Thanks for the quick update. I can't wait for what comes next.
Connie B.
Author's reply
"You know, I haven't even met her mum, and I hate her. That sounds really bad, I'm sure she thinks she's doing the right thing, but I still think she's a caniving slug."
LOL...let's just say that some folks should have to pass a test before having children. Opal is one of them. Dreamflower's Hyacinth (A New Reckoning) is another...LOL. Your daughter is quite astute, however, there is something about Opal's "food chain" that will be revealed soon.
Thank you for all your encouragement and thanks for reading!
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 14 August 2005
· Chapter 17: Not In Love
Looks like everyone is on to Pippin's feelings except Pippin. He may just be getting more help with this than he needs. I think he and Diamond are out-numbered at the moment. Merry was so sweet in this chapter. I loved his surprise that Diamond knew so much about Pippin and about the quest. This is such a hobbity story!
Author's reply
Someone else said the same thing--seems we all think alike! You'll see more "natural" magic take place in an upcoming chapter. She had to pass the "best friend" test--and she passed with flying colors. Wow...you're the first person to say the tale is hobbity--thank you! :-) Thanks again for reading!
Pippinfan
Larner
· 12 August 2005
· Chapter 19: Shall We Dance?
Aha--very satisfying, and to honor her by wearing his livery as well! Wonderful!
Author's reply
Why thank you! I thought that the livery was a nice touch, if I say so myself. And I *rarely* pat myself on the back! Thank you so much for reading!
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 12 August 2005
· Chapter 16: A Family Meeting
I love Viola. She is so sweet and so supportive of Diamond. She makes a very good friend. I also love all of the gossip and speculation in this chapter. Pippin may not realize it, but it seems that everyone has an interest in his love life. LOL His reaction to Merry's letter was cute too. "Am I through being the minder?" LOL Enjoyed every word.
Author's reply
LOL...Dreamflower said that, too--and I didn't figure out why until I got halfway through New Reckoning! I like that name. And yes, she is--and is going to be--one of Diamond's best friends at the Smials. Yeah, ol' Pip may be thirty-six, but he's still a lad at heart. :-) Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
Hai Took
· 11 August 2005
· Chapter 19: Shall We Dance?
Oh, splendid! I'm so glad that Diamond and Pippin now have their feeling out in the open. Pippin teasing Pervinca about it was great and her husband telling her not to push, lol.
I liked Paladin calling all the lasses huntresses, it certainly fits! Pearl and Pimpernel handled Miss Petunia very well! I'm glad they made her address Diamond kindly even if it was grudging and snide, she still had to do it!
I hope Myrtle will be a good friend for Diamond, someone who lives a bit closer than Pippin's sisters, except of course for Pimpernel. Myrtle was good about staying with Diamond and very kind of Myrtle to explain things to Diamond about where her and Pippin stood. I'm glad Pippin went to put on his livery, I'm sure that is wonderful! And Diamond it would seem understands it well.
Looking forward to more! I hope there are not unpleasant mishaps.
Author's reply
Well, there is still a bit more of the story to unfold...not too much, though--trust me, this story *does* have an ending! So there may be one or two more "unpleasantries" involved.
Petunia has yet to learn "good manners", but in the meantime, Paladin's childern and his nephew will draw the line of rules for her to abide by. I am glad that you enjoyed this chapter! Thank you so much for reading!
Pippinfan