Glad to see an update :)
I'd not mind sleeping with Merry and Pippin burrowing in my sides myself ;-)
Anyway, this is getting more and more interesting. So they don't want to simply show up with Boromir in tow to put an end to that gossip, but to sneak in and find out more? Can't wait to know how that will work out! I'm sure Éomer will help; I wonder if he could arrange a meeting with Faramir outside the city ...
Oh, hadn't thought of the ban of men before. But it should be possible to work around that. I never thought of the Old Forest really as a part of the Shire; somehow I've thought of the hedge as the border. And the Hobbits don't go into it much anyway. Even if Aragorn sees this differently, he simply could make Boromir the exception to the rule, as his good intentions are proven. The ban was supposed to protect the Shire, and what's better than have someone like Boromir around to protect the Hobbits? ;-)
Larner
· 1 December 2008
· Chapter 24: Going South
So very apt, the image of the Hobbits caring for Boromir as he once did for them, and those who will grieve if he's made to leave the Old Forest!
A gentle, anticipatory chapter.
Kitty
· 12 May 2008
· Chapter 23: Journeys Expected and Unexpected
How nice to return from vacation and find this update!
Glad Saro and Boromir had such a wonderful honeymoon. They deserve it, and I truly hope all will be well with mother and baby.
Well, I wanted Boromir to meet his beloved little brother again, but *this* way to bring them back together is quite unexpected and much more dramatic than I ever thought possible! Of course, that is the only way to bring Boromir back to Gondor without endless arguments. I certainly hope they are in time to prevent any bad repercussions. And what a shock people are in for!
Can’t wait for more – I hope the next update will not take so long!
Oh, and btw – just realised chapter 22 is missing in the chapter list. Is it truly missing or only the last two chapters wrong numbered?
Pearl Took
· 8 May 2008
· Chapter 23: Journeys Expected and Unexpected
Awesome, Pipkin!! You're writing, always excellent, only improves with every new chapter.
Your characters and settings are rich and detailed.
Dandy is an interesting character :-) And I love:
"“Merry can’t,” Merry said, “Merry is going, too . . ."
MEWD!!!
Larner
· 7 May 2008
· Chapter 23: Journeys Expected and Unexpected
Now, this is courage! Alas such strife has been created. Now, to dispell it! Wonderful!
cathleen
· 7 May 2008
· Chapter 23: Journeys Expected and Unexpected
Oh, Pipkin!!!!! I was so very excited to see this new chapter and know that you are writing again, how wonderful! And what a truly touching chapter this is. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. As you know, I am a huge Boromir and Pippin fan as well, and I adore stories where the big man lived, rather than come to such a tragic, senseless ending.
Thanks you again for writing this tale, I look forward to more!
Kitty
· 29 June 2007
· Chapter 22: The Dance
Pipkin, I am very sorry for reviewing so late, though I was so happy to see a new chapter – somehow I simply didn’t get around to do it. Am still behind with mails and reviews quite a bit. I hope you didn't think I've abandoned you.
Reading about all these delicacies makes me hungry! The food couldn’t have been better if Boromir would’ve had his wedding in Minas Tirith
Merry was great with the way how he distracted Pippin and Boromir (while he himself is disgustingly unaffected *grin*), and I loved these little reminders of the quest and particularly the dancing on Caradhras.
I am glad Boromir and Saro has such a wonderful wedding and all these friends with them, so the day was truly special for them. Nice to know they think of the hobbits as being their adopted family. And the song was beautiful and touching.
And obviously the wedding night was very ... um ... successful for the newlyweds. I look forward to the baby, and I hope truly this time poor Boromir is allowed some children and a long and happy time with his beloved.
A wonderful chapter, my dear – my only complaint is that Faramir wasn’t there to witness the wedding!
Author's reply
I am so terribly sorry to be late in turn, but I'm hunting down all those stories I wanted to nominate for a MEFA, and that can be so time consuming, especially since they're strewn around so. So do please accept both my thanks AND my apology! And yes, he does deserve a little happiness, doesn't he?
PipMer
· 19 June 2007
· Chapter 22: The Dance
Pipkin, I am loving this story so far. Please tell me there's more to come!!
I love the way you describe the spiritual journey that Boromir is on. It rings true for me, for my own life. The only hint Tolkien really gave in LoTR of any spirituality was when Faramir looked to the west at the setting of the sun, so I love how you have added to his wonderful story with your own set of values.
Thank you for writing such a beautiful story!
Author's reply
More to come! Rest assured in that regard. And thank you for the review...it means a lot. And sorry so late with this last one, hubby has been very ill.
Larner
· 13 June 2007
· Chapter 22: The Dance
There is grief to remember, but so much more joy! A friend thought dead but found again, now thriving; a cousin and friend found in the midst of ruin, called back to life, but then leaving; lords lost, friends found; and love rules this night as it ought to do.
A wonderful night of memories and lovemaking. I only wish three others had been there for the wedding, for it would mean so very much to Faramir to rejoice for his brother's happiness, for Aragorn to be glad Boromir had found redemption and forgiveness for himself, and for Frodo to rejoice to see how happy and fulfilled the rest were.
So wonderful to see you able to continue this again, and hope that through the summer you'll be able to post more. Welcome back, PS.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your kind words. This was an important chapter for me (and for Boromir, Saro & friends, I'm sure!) and I needed this to be well done. Life has been rather busy of late, hubby was and still is ill, but I'm hoping to make much progress this summer.
Pearl Took
· 23 November 2006
· Chapter 21: What Grows in the Old Forest
I'm so glad that Saro and Boromir have become betrothed and have a date set :-) And how wonderful of them to give Yule gifts to the little ones of Bree. There is indeed a kindly magic in the Old Forest!
Kitty
· 23 November 2006
· Chapter 21: What Grows in the Old Forest
Hmmm ... it seems as Bob Ferny isn't as bad as his brother. Now I am glad he seems to recover, though I'd not expected to feel this way about him. Anyway, it was sweet of him to give Saro the ring. At this point I felt truly sorry for him, though it was his own fault he didn't get the woman.
As for the romance between Boromir and Saro, as you surely can guess, I'm happy with the progress they have made. And I'm absolutely sure the hobbits, and particularly the women, are thrilled about it.
And now please excuse me - I'm off with Saro to do a bit of plotting. We need to reunite Boromir with his beloved little brother! ;-) (Honestly - you *need* to write that!!)
Look forward to the next update!
Author's reply
Sorry so late getting back to you. Thanks so much for the review, and sorry I was late with the update, too...
Larner
· 23 November 2006
· Chapter 21: What Grows in the Old Forest
Yes, to listen to that voice is a blessing. And he has opened himself to that blessing indeed.
Pearl Took
· 4 October 2006
· Chapter 20: Planting and Reaping
*sigh*
Love!
The songs are wonderful - did you write them?
Beautiful and wonderful!!!
Author's reply
Oh, Bless you, Pearl! Yes, I take the blame for the poems. I hope they served well. You know, romance is something I found difficult to write. I wanted it to sound like it really feels when one falls and falls hard, but I didn't want it to be saccharin and schmoopy. Not that shmoopy is bad, you know, but anyway... Thank you so much for your review! I've been just swamped lately so getting to update and get reviews has been a real blessing! From you especially, since I know how busy you've been.
major hugses,
Pipkin
Kitty
· 4 October 2006
· Chapter 20: Planting and Reaping
Hm, it seems Bob Ferny has at least some brain left. But I still hope he will not do anything stupid.
Very romantic chapter. Boromir and Saro are so sweet together *sighs contentedly* And Pippin's song was so fitting for the couple in love with each other!
Oh, and I was sorry to learn about your computer problems in your last reply. Believe me, I know how frustrating that is. No wonder you need your time! Don't worry, I'll not give up on this story, I'm *much* too curious how it will continue.
Author's reply
Thank you so very much! I'[ve always wanted to play up Pippin's musicianship. Blame Billy Boyd! Still having computer probs, but I'll muddle through until I can get something better.
What I've learned from writing this is that romance is a lot harder to write than I had thought!
The next chapter should be up fairly soon. Thanks so much for reviewing! I cannot stress enough how important it is to review, and it means a lot to me that you took the time. The next chapter should be up shortly.
hugs,
Pipkin
Larner
· 3 October 2006
· Chapter 20: Planting and Reaping
Bob has lost his honor and his sister, but might just find his honor back if he'll take the chance.
Sweet laughter.
Author's reply
Indeed! If there is one thing I know, it is that while there is life, there is hope, and change, even remarkable change, is possible if one has the capacity to be fearlessly honest with oneself. Thank you so much for reviewing! It does mean so much. The next installment should soon be ready.
hugs,
Pipkin
Larner
· 3 October 2006
· Chapter 19: A Seed is Planted at Harvestmath
The Dunedain do tend to give their hearts completely. I only rejoice this has happened a second time for Boromir, and am certain Ruby rejoices in her husband's completion.
Author's reply
Yes, she would, as anyone who truly loves someone would want them to be happy. And yes, they do give themselves completely. This is greatly the reason Boromir could learn to make of himself a new man. Once the heart is set on something, it is as though set in stone. Thank you so much for the review, I can never say it enough: show a writer what they are doing right and it makes a better writer of them. When I get a review, it makes me want to give the reader something worth the reading and reviewing.
hugs,
Pipkin
Kitty
· 29 July 2006
· Chapter 19: A Seed is Planted at Harvestmath
Only some days ago I had wondered if you would update this - and here it is :)
That was a sweet chapter, Pipkin! Saro was so happy about her new dress - for her it must've been a very special occasion.
“You see, my friend here,” he gestured at Boromir, “has none of the fairer sex to help him make his home a proper abode, Do I detect a hint here? *grin* You know, Boromir is so sweet with children, it is about time he gets some of his own. Well, he is a kind heart, anyway, and it was very nice of him to dance with the poulterer's daughter.
The end was so wonderful, with Boromir teaching Saro the Harad dance and them kissing in the end. And Saro thought about gossip if she'd dance with Merry and Pippin? *Now* I can hear the gossip! *lol*
But I am a bit worried about the one who was following them.
Update soon, please? In the meantime I have to re-read the story to refreshen my memory about earlier chapters.
Author's reply
Thank you so very much for your kind words. I do apologise for not updating sooner. My beta reader is very busy, plus I had two computers die on me, and now my writing computer has a fatal hard disk failure, so it has been slow. Please accept my apologies, and please don't give up on me! I'm hard at work on the next chapter.
Again, thank you so very much!
hugs,
Pipkin
Pearl Took
· 28 July 2006
· Chapter 19: A Seed is Planted at Harvestmath
This was as bewitching as their dance :) I love the comfortable banter between the three good friends. Beautiful, Wonderful, Delightful!
Author's reply
Thank you so very much! I wasn't sure I could write romance and I found it much harder even than I feared. I was so happy to see your review, because coming from my special friend, it is so very special to me.
hugs,
Pipkin
Kitty
· 3 April 2006
· Chapter 18: Planting Season
I’m so pleased you’ve updated at last!
Wonderful description of the Fair and of the children. Somehow I suspect I know just *why* Boromir bought all these comfortable things *grin* And it was so sweet they bought the dress for Saro. Pippin’s way of getting her to accept it was a bit obvious, at least for someone who knows of Boromir’s feelings, but it worked, didn’t it? *lol*
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your review, it means so much to me to know my story is being read.
Yes, Pippin's gambit was very obvious to a certain Brandybuck as well as to Boromir. Part of the fun in writing that scene was imagining the horror on the faces of Boromir and Merry. I also liked writing Pippin as being just a tad flirtatious (while still being mannerly) in convincing Saro to accept his gift.
Boromir's purchases have been fun, too. However, they are also telling in that he is now physically and truly taking root in his new home. Which is a device, true, but one which is needed for the story to ring true. His birthright guaranteed him to be born a pampered little Lord (my mental images of his infancy and childhood are vivid) so naturally he would want some of the finer comforts of life in his new home.
There is more fun afoot as he persues his interest in Saro, so stay tuned...
Pearl Took
· 30 March 2006
· Chapter 18: Planting Season
I love the wee urchins getting their treats and coin. And that clever Took! How can the gift look suspect in such a situation?
Most excellently well done :)
Author's reply
I'm so pleased you liked it amd am working on the nexr one now. (You know how special your opinion is to me!) I think you'll love it! Shakespearian devices and romance shall abound!
love and hugs,
Pipkin
Pearl Took
· 30 March 2006
· Chapter 17: Saro, Pretty Saro
Poor Saro! I'm so glad our hobbits and Man were there, as I think her uncle had evil deeds in mind.
I love Pip watching over Boromir, that is so sweet :)
Well done as always, m'dear!!
Author's reply
Squeenes! Your revies mean so much to me! I'm so happy you liked Pippin looking after Boromir. (Merry does it too, but more sibtly, plus he *tries* to look after Pippin. Poor lad! :D)
Larner
· 29 March 2006
· Chapter 18: Planting Season
So wonderful to see this updated at last. About time!
And of course Pippin would know about planting seeds and getting the harvest started! And love his plan! Devious as any Elf or Northern Dunedan!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! My beta Lindelea has been busy wil real life, and so hve I! But the next one is already in the works, and Boromir will have to win his love on his own merits at the dance.
I loved the humor in this last chapter, and I'm afraid I have fallen in love with little Holly, so you'll see her again.
Again, thanks for your review!
PS... would you care to donate a few recipes for my Billy's Loons harities project? It's for the purpose of helping all people who have suffered and died in natural disasters. It's called Recipes for disaster and you can find the details at my website, The Compleat Zen Boysist
Yesterday evening I've read the whole story, and I loved it! It is so wonderful to see Boromir again, and so close to his two favourite hobbits! You've described his slow road to healing very well, and his reunion with Sam was particularly touching. Of course they held no grudge against him, least of all Sam, who knows only too well what the Ring can do.
It's fun how Diamond and Estella fuss over Boromir - although I had pity with him during their matchmaking! And it seems it is useless anyway - Boromir needs no help to find a new love ;-)
Now I only hope Boromir will some day see his beloved little brother again, as well as Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli!
I look forward to the next update!
Author's reply
You won't have too long to wait, hopefull! Romance, hobbits and humor...who can resist! ;) Thank you for reviewing! It does mean so much to me!
Father Fox indeed! And which now is the father fox? I think the tables have turned, and I hope that Saro will soon relent and accept the invitations offered her by Boromir.
Still looking forward to the party planned and seeing the guest list, of course.
Author's reply
Father fox is going to have a challenge, to be sure...but then he always liked a challenge! I think you will approve of everything....Thanks so much for the reviews!
Pearl Took
· 31 October 2005
· Chapter 16: Bywater and After
*sigh* Wonderful!!! Such a heartfelt and wonderful tale. A million thanks, my dear, dear friend. (Well, dear, dear friends - Lin too :) )
Now I'm all caught up :)