If I had a Hammer by Grey Wonderer
good_one_pip · 25 October 2005 · Chapter 2: Part 2
Those meanies! All of them are so nasty to poor pip, except maybe Sam and Frodo. I just want to give Pippin a big hug and tell him that nobody trusts me with tools either!
Author's reply
Tools can be trouble for nearly anyone without much experience. Pippin may just be having a bit more trouble than most at this point! Thanks for the review and I hope you enjoy the story!
Larner · 25 October 2005 · Chapter 16: Part 16
I'll admit I'm reading a bit backwards tonight. Got a bit out of order there. Love what gossip is doing both to that wheelbarrow and to Tunnely. Just hope that Tobias doesn't decide to go sabotage the thing.
Author's reply
I do that. I get turned around about how many chapters of a story that I have read and I read it out of order. No matter. Feel free to read it in any order that you like. I had fun writing the gossip. I don't what that says about me, but there you have it! LOL
Larner · 25 October 2005 · Chapter 17: Part 17
Having been the victim of my own overactive imagination throughout so much of my life, I had to giggle over this chapter. Now, which bed did the two of them end up sleeping in--Merry's, right? Oh, this is too rich!
Author's reply
I have quite an imagination too and sometimes I just get an image that sticks with me. I think Pippin's discription just got into Merry's head and stayed there. LOL They did wind up in Merry's bed. I know I wouldn't have been able to sleep in that bed even knowing the truth of things. LOL
PIppinfan1988 · 24 October 2005 · Chapter 17: Part 17
Things are *finally* coming to light with Pippin... lol, dead bodies. And I was rolling when Pip's fright turned on Merry and even *he* couldn't sleep in the bed! Berilac is such a punk! I hope Merry gets back at him for scaring poor Pip. Are you going to take us to the fair?? I have a taste for toffee apples! Thanks for a fantastic chapter! Pippinfan
Author's reply
We will indeed be going to the fair and I promise to put in a toffee apple vender just for you! Look for the vender and the apples. You have just contributed to the chapter about the fair. Glad you are enjoying this one and thank you for reviewing!
MaidenofValinor · 24 October 2005 · Chapter 17: Part 17
That's clever! I was thinking that maybe someone had died in the bed, but then I thought no... and I was sort of right! Poor Pippin..always believing what everyone says. That twist at the end though, with Merry getting scared too...that's great! Very good job!
Author's reply
You were extremely close on that. Pippin thought that there had been dead bodies on the bed and so it came down to the same thing. Merry just got caught up in it all and sometimes imagination will do that to you. Thank you for reading and for the lovely review!
Baggins Babe · 24 October 2005 · Chapter 17: Part 17
Ah, so it was the bed! Berilac is a very naughty hobbit and I wouldn't want to be in his furry feet when Merry catches up with him! Poor Pip - and now his imagination has made Merry scared.........or is Merry kidding, just to make Pip feel better about himself?
Author's reply
Yes, it was indeed the bed thanks to Berilac. I am sure that Berilac is in for some trouble over this. Merry was actually nervous. I think he could see the image that Pippin was discribing even though he knew it wasn't true. Imagination is a powerful thing.
Andrea · 24 October 2005 · Chapter 17: Part 17
Oh my god! Who would have thought of this? What Berilac Brandybuck did, was really cruel! Is there any possible way to escape the rage of Merry? And I wonder how they will tell Frodo about it. They simply have to tell him, but how will he react?
Author's reply
You may be surprised about what is coming next. It was terrible of Berilac but I am sure that someone will get even. Merry is pretty angry. Thanks for reading!
Pearl Took · 24 October 2005 · Chapter 17: Part 17
AH HA!!!! I was right, it was the bed :) :) Berilac is wicked, I hope they get him good. And Pip does have a wonderfully powerful imagination ;) Mr. Tunnely is sure tying himself up in knots, he's as gullible as Pippin! (it's rude, I know but) More! Hurry!! :)
Author's reply
Yes, you were right about the bed. Someone else suspected that it involved Frodo in some way and so between the two of you it was nearly solved. Such clever people! Mister Tunnely is allowing himself to get caught up in rumors about the giant wheelbarrow with the extra features, isn't he? Maybe he and Pippin do have a thing or two in common. More will be coming before too long and thank you for the reviews!
henry · 24 October 2005 · Chapter 17: Part 17
Oh.. poor Pippin. That really was a cruel prank. It's not easy being the youngest with such older cousins. I loved the fact that Pippin succeded in not only scaring himself from sleeping in the bed, but also frightened Merry, the reasonable and levelheaded one. Great chapter. Henry
Author's reply
Thank you. I figured that just hearing about dead hobbits being in the bed might make it slightly creepy for Merry even if he was positive that nothing of the sort had ever happened. LOL Thank you for reviewing!
Bodkin · 24 October 2005 · Chapter 17: Part 17
Well, I just hope Merry and Pippin put a lot of thought into a suitably painful revenge on Berilac, because he deserves it. And d'you know, I'll bet that Merry's reluctance to sleep in that bed was enormously reassuring for Pippin. If Berilac's story can make his big, brave, brilliant, bold cousin back out of staying in that room, then Pippin isn't such a wimpy little baby after all! Brilliant move, Meriadoc. Did you plan it that way, or were you being totally genuine? (Pervinca's brother-torture strikes me as hilarious though. Mean, but hysterical. Have you written that one in full? It's as good as the hobbit-eating chickens.)
Author's reply
I am sure that at some point, Berilac will be made to pay for this one. He was creative, wicked, but creative. I think that Merry's own fear was a help to Pippin's ego. I actually didn't mean for Merry to pretend either. I know that sometimes just hearing something and having the image planted in your mind, even if it is only imaginary, can turn you against something. I decided that Pippin's discription might have stuck with Merry even though he knew that there was no truth to it. Pervinca is nearly as clever with her torture as Berilac, isn't she? I haven't written that one out in full but I may have to do so at some point. There aren't any farm animals (Killer chickens or goats) in it, but it does involve the barn. LOL
pipspebble · 24 October 2005 · Chapter 17: Part 17
LOL with delight! Oh, I love it, I love it! You have outdone yourself with this chapter, my dear, and still left me salivating for more. *lovesthissomuchcouldsqueeallday*
Author's reply
Thank you! Love your reviews so much too. LOL Glad you enjoyed this part and there will be more. I have a fair to get to. Thanks for the lovely reviews!
shirebound · 24 October 2005 · Chapter 17: Part 17
What a fascinating explanation! But of course everything still isn't resolved, is it? (And Pippin really does have a powerful imagination!) :D
Author's reply
No, I just can't seem to get everything to resolve on this one. Good thing that this wasn't a drabble isn't it? LOL Pip is a very imaginative hobbit and it can get him into trouble at times.
Anso the Hobbit · 24 October 2005 · Chapter 17: Part 17
That Berilac! But lol! Merry is a tad afraid too. Pippin has such a vivid imagination that he scared Merry, lol. I am thinking that if Frodo ever hears about this he is going to be quite upset with Berilac too.
Author's reply
Yes and Berilac knew that Pippin wouldn't want to tell this to Frodo because of how upset he might get. It made it even harder for Pippin to find a way out of the problem but finally, like he always does, Pippin decided to bring the problem to Merry. Thanks so much for reading!
Dreamflower · 24 October 2005 · Chapter 17: Part 17
Uh-oh. If Berilac starts running now, do you suppose he could get far enough away by the time Merry gets home? Otherwise, Merry just might be the first hobbit in the Shire to commit justifiable cousincide. Of course, it's no worse than Merry's story about Toffin, I suppose. But it's one thing for Merry to play a scary prank on Pippin, and quite another for someone else to, LOL! Poor Pippin. But his trusting nature is one of the reasons we all love him so much. And I was definitely wrong in my guesses. I was thinking it was something old Tobias Tunnelly had said.
Author's reply
Believe me, for a while Tobias was going to have been responsible. There were actually three reasons that I played around with but Berilac's horror story won out in the end. The other two seemed a bit less workable. But, hey, Tobias can't be responsible for everything. LOL You're right that it isn't any worse than the killer chickens except for the fact that it involves Frodo's parents. Merry was not at all pleased. Thanks for the review and there should be more soon!
GamgeeFest · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 17: Part 17
What stinkers Vinca and Berilac are! lol, just the sort of things older kids will tell a younger kid, especially one as guillible as Pippin is. And Merry, knowing better, gets fooled too. Well, I was of course completely wrong in my guess, though I was right that it had something to do with Frodo. I wouldn't want to be Berilac when Merry gets back to Buckland.
Author's reply
I think Pippin being so easy to fool and the youngest must have put him in this sort of mess quite often. Pervinca would have had plenty of chances to tease him. Berilac may have gone a bit too far this time. LOL It was pretty clever of you to guess that Pippin's sleep problem was related to Frodo in some way on the little information that I gave out. Thanks for the review!
SlightlyTookish · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 17: Part 17
Ooh, finally we know the answer! What a horrible trick that Berilac pulled. Everyone is so mean to Pippin! I do love how even Merry was afraid at the end :) This is such a great story and it's definitely one of my favorites of yours, GW. I'm also glad that it's grown to so many chapters. More, I say! :D
Author's reply
Well, thank you and there will be more. I have to get that wheelbarrow to the fair you know. It seems as if Berilac thought he had this all figured out but he didnt count on Pippin breaking down and telling Merry. Now, who can say what might happen. LOL
pipspebble · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 16: Part 16
...Merry Brandybuck. That lad was trouble walking if ever he’d seen it. ... That line made me laugh out loud! I love that Pippin's wheelbarrow is now the talk of the town, and looks like old Tobias is finally going to get his comeuppance. This continues to be a very enjoyable, and curiously fetching, story. When are you going to solve the mystery of Merry and Pippin's lack of sleep? Waiting breathlessly for some answers here. Boy, do you know how to plant that hook. ;-)
Author's reply
The hobbits in this story do love a bit of gossip, don't they? Glad you enjoyed Tunnely's thoughts about Merry. I figured that Mister Tunnely might still be remembering the threat that Merry made earlier in the story and that he might still be a bit nervous about Merry. More answers are coming soon. Maybe late tonight and thank you for the lovely review!
GamgeeFest · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 16: Part 16
LOL, I don't know which part I loved best - all the celebrating or all the wild rumors about the wheelbarrow and Sam becoming a carpenter. It's wonderful to see Pippin so excited and Sam getting his share of the praise and attention. And now Tobias Tunnelly will be sweating bullets - or whatever it is that Hobbits sweat, as they don't have bullets, lol - until the fair comes around. Such a fun chapter! Can't wait for Tunnelly to swallow his words. He needs to be taken down a peg or two, or twenty. :)
Author's reply
LOL Your review with the mention of bullets made me laugh. I thought Sam and Pippin deserved a special celebration after all of the work I've put them through. Now, I wonder if Sam will teach a bit of carpentry on the side once he's heard the rumors of his own success? Thanks for the review!
shirebound · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 16: Part 16
so that's how rumors get started! Good heavens. This chapter is so full of happy hobbits! "Let’s all go to the Green Dragon for supper in honor of this unveiling of the finest wheelbarrow in the Shire," Frodo suggested. "I will personally see to it that everyone present has more food than they can possibly eat." "I realize that you are very wealthy, Cousin," Merry said, his arms around Pippin holding the younger lad in place which was becoming very difficult. "But are you sure you can afford to feed us to our satisfaction?" Adorable. You've got me hungry, now.
Author's reply
I think I must have been hungry when I wrote it. LOL Glad you enjoyed it and more is on the way. I enjoy writing happy hobbits and so I had fun with this chapter. Have a snack. I plan to. Thanks for reading!
Auntiemeesh · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 16: Part 16
Yay! Pippin's finally finished his top secret project. He's so cute when he's all excited like that, and it's nice to see him really happy for the first time in a while. I love how the rumors of Pippin's wheelbarrow and Sam's carpentry goals are spreading and growing so quickly. And poor Mister Tunnely, afraid that his students won't win all the prizes this year. That hobbit had his chance to teach Pippin and inexplicably chose not to. It does make me wonder how all of his other students do so well with him, when he didn't even bother teaching Pippin basics like how to hold a hammer or measure the wood. This was a great, fun chapter! :D
Author's reply
I think Tobias Tunnely's other students do so well because they don't require any special help like Pippin did. I believe that Mister Tunnely is one of those instructors that just works well with children who already have talent or have done some carpentry before. That way he can take credit for something without too much effort. Pippin was a challenge. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. I thought it was time for a little celebration and a break from the angst. More soon!
MaidenofValinor · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 16: Part 16
YAY! Pippin's wheelbarrow is good! We still don't know about the sleeping situation, though...the suspense kills me!
Author's reply
More soon. Ignore the suspense. LOL I hope to post something tonight, late. Thanks for reading!
PIppinfan1988 · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 16: Part 16
"Don’t rightly know for sure, but I hear tell that you could put old Duff Hillstead’s oldest daughter in it and it wouldn’t tip over," Mister Burrows said." LOL, G.W., you're so bad! It's a good thing I read this at home today or I'd be mighty embarrassed from laughing my butt off! Hmmm...I wonder if *I* could tip it over.... :-P Probably be like one of thos Fisher-Price toys--I'd most likely break the thing. The snowball storytelling was absolutely brilliant! The *best* storytelling "grows" with the telling. I'm surprised Proudfoot did't spread the romour that it had an extra compartment for riders...lol. Excellent storytelling on *your* part! Have a toast on me! :-) Pippinfan
Author's reply
Rumors of this wheelbarrow are greatly exagerated, especially since no one has even seen it. LOL I just wonder if it will be able to live up to the hype when it makes its appearance at the fair. Maybe they will judge it by letting Duff Hillstead's oldest daughter sit in. Maybe not. Glad you enjoyed that one because there is more to come! Thanks for reading!
PIppinfan1988 · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 15: Part 15
I'm sorry I'm delinquent in my two cents here, but I LOVE how you're doing Merry's dreams! Kind of eerie for this time of year, don't you think? ;-) Pippin is the typical teen: "Why can’t I be quiet and still without folks thinking something is wrong with me?" Oy, I remember those years! Oh, and the Gaffer! LOL, he and his Sam are like two peas in a pod! Natually, though. :-) On to the new chapter... Pippinfan
Author's reply
Hey, I missed this one when I was writing responses a minute ago. So glad that you liked the dream business. It does fit in with the season. I hadn't thought about that. Pippin is going through that teen phase in a big way in this story. Luckily everyone is being patient with him. And I am totally enjoying writing about the Gaffer. Thanks for the reviews. I always look forward to hearing from you.
Andrea · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 16: Part 16
"This is the most amazing wheelbarrow that I have ever seen!" Merry pronounced. "It’s brilliant!" I think, nothing made Pippin more happy and proud that night than this comment! Pippin deserves every single word of approval. He had a very hard time with that wheelbarrow ;-) It was funny to see the wheelbarrow "grow" through the gossip. I particularly liked the one with the cover to protect the firewood. It's possible that Mr. Tunnely is up to something. But since he's so afraid of Merry he might as well do nothing. Let's wait and see!
Author's reply
Merry did make Pippin feel really good about his wheelbarrow. Pippin looks up to Merry and so naturally his words of praise meant a lot to Pippin. I think the hobbit-gossip-mill outdid itself on this wheelbarrow that NONE of them have even seen! LOL But Mister Tunnely is certainly worried now, isn't he? Thanks for reading!
Anso the Hobbit · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 16: Part 16
I grinned all the way through this chapter, lol. Pippin is bursting and so are Frodo, Sam and Merry too, lol. This was wonderful and I just had to laugh at the talk at the end with Tunnely. He certainly got what he deserved. :D Looking forward to more of this!
Author's reply
So glad this made you laugh. I wanted the celebration to be a happy one because I think they all deserved it; Sam for being so patient and helping Pippin so very much, Pippin for not giving up, Merry for stepping back and allowing Sam to help Pippin and for being patient with Pippin, and Frodo for putting up with it all! Tobias Tunnely did get a bit of what he deserved in this chapter and I am sure that he will be getting a bit more. wink