curiouswombat
· 4 October 2014
· Chapter 2: Part 2
I always think it is a shame that people don't often leave reviews after the first few weeks of a story being posted.
I had not read this before - I have actually come to it from the link at the MEFA Archive - and I just want to say how much I enjoyed it. I do love the idea of Pippin doing at least as much for the reign of the new king, in his own way, than any of the others.
And the image of Boromir 'defiling' the fountain made me giggle, and will continue to do so for quite a while!
Mysterious Jedi
· 23 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Part 2
I like your story.
<>< Saved from sin through Christ,
mj
Author's reply
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Pearl Took
· 17 October 2005
· Chapter 2: Part 2
This is wonderful, I'm all teary. I quite obviously haven't read enough of your stories.
I loved all the descriptions of Pippin's Elvish.
I loved his handling of and enjoyment with the lads of Gondor.
I loved his desire to give the children places to play.
Simply and thoroughly wonderful!!
Author's reply
Thank you! I am so glad you enjoyed this one. The idea came from Pansy_Chubb. She was the one who sent me the bunny and Marigold's Beta did wonders for it all. For some reason I could hear Pippin mangling Elvish, though still singing it in a very lovely clear voice, just mispronouncing every single word. LOL I also thought that coming from a place as lush and green as the Shire it would be hard for Pippin to understand lads playing in the streets of the White City without any grassy areas in which to run. Thanks for the lovely review!
storyfish
· 28 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Part 2
Wonderful story, GW! I didn't plan on reading the entire thing before class this morning, but your story just hooked me in. The whole story arc is just so satisfying--everybody thinks Pip's just messing up again, but in reality he's showing just how thoughtful he is--and what a great Thain he'll be someday. :-) Thanks so much!
Author's reply
Thank you so much for the lovely review. I am glad that you enjoyed the story. I do think that Pippin must have been a wonderful Thain once he took on the position and I think that might have been due to his experiences away from the Shire as well as his own personality. Thanks for reading and have a great day in class!
Anso the Hobbit
· 22 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Part 2
*applauds*
What a wonderful story! :D
Author's reply
Thank you! I am glad that you liked it and I thank you for reading it!
Anso the Hobbit
· 22 September 2005
· Chapter 1: Part 1
Lovely! I love all the little details in this. I am a bit amused though, of Pippin being so carefree to play with the children. One should think he would stop at talking with them.
Lovely conversation between Frodo and Merry, too. :D
Author's reply
I was remembering Pippin going around the City with Bergil on the first day that they met. I think since hobbits age differently and since they are also more carefree with their emotions that Pippin would have still been young enough to engage in a bit of play. I also think he was trying to help Ty fit in with the older lads.
I wanted a bit of sometime between Frodo and Merry. They are and have been so close and I do believe that Merry would have valued Frodo's advice even after coming of age. Thank you for reading!
Dreamflower
· 19 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Part 2
*heaves a great sigh of happiness*
What a wonderful and satisfying story, GW. It is, of course, filled with humor--I don't think anything you write would be totally devoid of humor--but it is a serious and loving look at the rebuilding of a City, and how there are many different ways to contribute to such a task.
I adore Pippin in this. He's still so completely Pippish, falling into trouble without ever trying, and yet still grown-up enough to take responsibility for his actions, and mature enough to see what truly needs doing.
Thanks so much for sharing this lovely, lovely, lovely story! I truly do think it's one of your best ever.
Author's reply
Wow! Thank you very much for that amazing review. One of the things that I love most about Pippin is that no matter what he seems to maintain his innocence and his spirit of fun. He just continues to be Pippish no mater what. All I can say is that I had a terrific Beta on this one and a wonderful plot bunny to work with. You just gotta love a good plot bunny!
Dreamflower
· 19 September 2005
· Chapter 1: Part 1
Oh, GW, this has *got* to be one of your very best stories yet! It's not fair that I didn't get to see it when you first posted it!!
There's so much to adore about this: Merry's and Sam's annoyance at Pippin's "desertion", Pip's quick sympathy for the children, and his stout defense of his King! I love his interaction with the various shopkeepers and with Ty, who surely reminds him of himself. I adore the little asides with Aragorn and Faramir, as they discuss the very problem that Pip is already addressing.
And the part with Frodo and Merry discussing Pippin was a perfect gem. I most especially loved this part:
You taught Pippin how to look out for himself, Merry, now let him do it,” Frodo said.
“I may have taught him to look out for himself but I am having trouble teaching myself to allow him to do that,” Merry said. “How do you let go?”
“I am still trying to let go of you, Merry-lad,” Frodo laughed. “You best ask someone wiser than myself for that knowledge.
Merry said, “I know of no one wiser than you, Cousin.”
And then the fountain episode. *chortle* Now *that's* going to be a conundrum for Aragorn indeed. I look forward to his expression when Pippin is brought before him.
Now on to the next chapter...
Author's reply
Well, it certainly is nice to see a review from you again! I've missed these. I am so pleased that you like it. The plot bunny was presented to me by Pansy Chubb through Marigold and I wanted to write it the minute I read her idea. I haven't written too many stories that take place during the Quest and so I was pleased to be able to use the rest of the Fellowship, Bergil, and Faramir. Glad you liked the Frodo and Merry conversation. Sometimes I get busy writing Pippin and Merry and forget to include Frodo as much as I should.
As to the fountain, well, I like getting Pippin wet for some reason. LOL I always seem to be tossing him in the water at some point in my stories. Thanks for reviewing this when I know that you have so much to catch up on!
rabidsamfan
· 19 September 2005
· Chapter 1: Part 1
Well, this was a delight. I loved it that you included Bergil, and loved it even more that Pippin's hard "work" did such good for Aragorn.
Although I suspect that the boys will still require a good wall to play their game against, even if they get grass and trees!
Author's reply
Thank you and I am glad that you liked this one. Pansy Chubb's plot bunny and Marigold's Beta made this one easy to write.
GamgeeFest
· 18 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Part 2
LOL, only Pippin could get into trouble for wading in a fountain. That's a good idea Pippin had about finding somewhere for the children to play though. Gondor never did seem very kid-friendly to me with all that stone.
I loved everyone's reactions when Pippin was hauled into the dining room, and Faramir and Aragorn trying to have a serious conversation about what Pippin's punishment should be. It's also very fitting that Pippin would be more afraid of his cousins than Strider.
And the Elvish singing - LOL! Poor Legolas and Frodo, having to endure that trauma. :) Ty was a cute kid and Pippin can finally put his knowledge of being the youngest to good use.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing and for reading. Glad that you liked it. You know that Pippin can get in trouble almost anywhere. He's talented that way. I figured that Pip would be good for Ty and I am glad that you liked Ty in this. Thanks!
SlightlyTookish
· 17 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Part 2
The End?? But there must be a sequel! I want to know about Pippin's "official appointment" with Aragorn!
This is one of your best stories, GW. I love how you show Aragorn settling into his duties as king and winning over his people, and Faramir advising him. The memory of Boromir gave me a giggle, and I love the bantering between the hobbits and just everything about Pippin :D
Author's reply
Why thank you. I had fun writing this one. I may wind up writing more about this one after "Hammer" is finished. For now, this really is all that there is. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!
Bodkin
· 15 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Part 2
So there you go! Pippin the wanderer proves to be the one whose ease of manner and ability to get on with allcomers can encourage the people of the White City to open their minds to the king.
Pippin and the boys scrubbing the fountain is actually a clever high-profile way of showing everyone that the king tempers justice with mercy and understanding - and the story about Boromir is just a massive plus. Although I imagine that a hung-over seventeen-year-old accepted his punishment rather more grumpily and with rather less grace.
And then there's the singing! Pippish, indeed! And Legolas's pained expression when he congratulates himself on the graciousness of his response to mangled Elvish. And Haldir teaching the songs in order to penalise Legolas for the dwarf's presence. And Gimli's indignation and the hint of revenge in his eyes. This is just one delightful incident piled on another until the whole concoction is so rich!
The formal appointment with the King - at the same time and place as the informal meeting with Strider - will certainly result in some allocated play areas for children. Which is probably a good thing - as long as they are chosen for something other than being out of the way and not wanted by anyone else.
Splendid end to a splendid story. So pleased to read it.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for this lovely detailed review. For some reason I just thought that Pippin's accent might be at odds with the Elvish language and I could just see Haldir getting even for the Dwarvish visitor. I did so want Boromir in the story and so a prior adventure seemed the perfect way to have the entire Fellowship in the story. I get the entire Fellowshi[ into a fiction very often as I mainly write pre-Quest. I always worry about non-canon incidents cropping up in my Quest and Post_Quest writing so I try to stay Pre_Quest. I am so glad that you enjoyed this one and thank you for your help with the format issues. Otherwise this part of the story might have been nearly unreadable. LOL
Baggins Babe
· 15 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Part 2
I really loved this story - so hobbity of Pip to go off with the children, and how sweet of him to think of them not having anywhere to play. Wonderful, too, that he managed to remind everyone of the Shire and why they had gone on the Quest in the first place.
Boromir's 'defilement' of the fountain made me roll about. That wouldn't have been inspired by a well-known tale about a fountain in Wellington, NZ, and two very naughty hobbits, would it?! :-))
Author's reply
I thank you for reviewing and I am pleased that you enjoyed this.
As to Boromir and the fountain, the answer would be yes. LOL That did make me think of this but I was also dying to use that line, "Gondor has no King." Those two things together and the fact that I wanted Boromir in this story somehow came together to make that part of the story. I started to credit the "Wellington Fountain Incident" at the end of the story but decided to see if anyone noticed and so far you are the first to mention it. LOL
lindahoyland
· 14 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Part 2
This was just delightful,thank you for a most enjoyable read.I should love a sequel.I did think that Pippin's 'defiling' of the fountain" was not the worst that could be done to it,as Boromir proved !
Author's reply
Boromir did go a bit too far, didn't he? LOL Thanks so much for reading. I will do some thinking about a sequel and see what comes to mind. Maybe Pansy Chubb who gave me this plot bunny has another idea.
PIppinfan1988
· 14 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Part 2
I tend to agree! There's no place like the Shire...as I turn a pirhouette in my ruby slippers...
I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this most exquisite tale! If I weren't at work, I would have shouted and did a jig on top of my desk when I read that portion of Pippin learing Gondorian law!!! Inside, I was all giddy with joy! But bless his wee, little hobbity heart. I think you bundled everybody's idea of Pippin Took in this lovely story. He's caring, innocent, *knows* how to have fun (i.e., mischievous), courageous, clever, and the sweetest hobbit...okay, ONE of the sweetest hobbits JRRT invented. :-) Thank you so much for an amazing, well-thought out story. I enjoyed every line of it. Thanks again and take your bow. *more applause*
Pippinfan
p.s. Part II was about 15 pages...but still well worth it. :-)
Author's reply
You are just way too nice, but I love it. LOL You say the nicest things in reviews. Makes my head swell. I always enjoy writing Pippin. I thank you for the page count too. It was fun knowing how long the story was. I had no idea. I thought this was a short story! For some reason the two of us seem to have turned Pippin into a scholar of the law. Now that would be an entertaining tale, "Hobbit Law". I can see the courtroom now with the jury all in the box eating their way through the trial while the judge consumes pint after pint of ale. I thank you and your ruby slippers for reading!
Daynawayna
· 14 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Part 2
Wow, Grey Wonderer! That was an AMAZING story! I love how you got the plot bunnies to work together and.... wow. I love kids and Pip, so I knew this would be a goodie.
You got everyone right. I liked Aragorn being uneasy about meeting with 'his people' and I loved how Pippin set them straight about him. And precious Ty! How adorable! Pip'll make a great dad someday. Lovely job. :)
Author's reply
Thank you. So glad you enjoyed the children. Pansy Chubb gave me such an entertaining bunny that it was fun to write it. I appreciate your kind words and thank you again for reading!
Tigger
· 14 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Part 2
I thank you for the painful experience of snorting Apple Cinnamon Tea up my nose when I read about Boromir's defiling of The King's Fountain. Oh *my*....I could just hear Sean Bean's, "Gondor has no King." as I read that, I'd just taken a sip of tea before reading that and next thing I knew...Cinnamon in the sinuses *hurts*, but I'm also grateful to you too. My Fall Sinus battle has begun, so at least they're clear. For now. :oD
What a wonderful second chapter and there they all were. Ready to dress Pippin down for disappearing and Aragorn found out after all in the end his youngest Knight *was* up to good after all. I was glad to see the other hobbits, especially Merry, realize it too.
I loved the "Pippish" comment. Have to remember that one. :oD
Wonderful story and I hope we get a sequel. I mean, you've got to tell us how Aragorn finds a place for the children to play after all!!
Thanks for the great read!! :o)
Author's reply
Ouch! Sorry 'bout that. I have bad sinus in the fall also and so I may have to try snorting Apple Cinnamon Tea. As you know, some days nothing works.
So glad that it gave you a laugh or two. The Pippish thing was something that I used in some of my other stories to discribe the way Pippin talks when he is smaller and whenever I can I stick it into the story.
I don't know if there will be a sequel but it is something to think about. Someone else mentioned it too. I might just have to do that. Thank you for reading and sorry about the tea.
Mum's the Word
· 14 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Part 2
Hurray!
You've shown well how good can come of a bad situation, and how even the smallest can be of help.
Excellent community-service assignment, glad the other boys came to help. Loved the singing.
Great job, Grey Wonderer!
Blessings,
Mum's the Word
Author's reply
I loved it when you reviewed the first half and mentioned the children needing a place to play. I thought to myself, here's one reader that will enjoy the out come! Thanks so much for the lovely review!
Sarah Barr
· 14 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Part 2
A charming little story. Well done!
Love and hugs,
Sarah xxx
Author's reply
Thank you! I am glad that you liked it and thank you for reviewing.
Hai Took
· 14 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Part 2
What a splendid story! I loved the way you showed Pippin so mature yet he was still a child as well, ready and willing to play. I certainly got Merry upset with not telling where he was going and when but he did good things as well as find a bit of trouble. I'm glad so many people listened to what he said about Aragorn and wanted to see why Pippin respected the King so much.
I especially liked the end with Pippin remindeing Frodo what it was all for. I did want a bit more and to find out how Pippin approached Aragorn about the place for the children and what they do to resolve it. It was a lot of fun and I loved the children you wrote along with Bergil!
I know you have another story out recently but I hardly have time to get on anymore so I have to get it in snatches! Thank you for the fun in this story!
Author's reply
Thank you for taking the time to review and read this one. I am glad you enjoyed it. I don't have a sequel planned at the moment as I am going to work on finishing the other one, but you have given me something to think about. Who knows, maybe I will write more on this one later.
shirebound
· 14 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Part 2
What a lovely story. The entire city (and its king) benefitted from Pippin's presence in Minas Tirith.
“I should like to hear Pippin sing in Elvish,” Faramir said, smiling.
“I have heard it,” Frodo sighed. “And it is not exactly Elvish. It is more like Pippish.”
*grins* I'd love to hear it, too!
Author's reply
Wouldn't that be wonderful? Tookish-Elvish! I'd pay to hear it! Thanks so much for reading and for the review.
Andrea
· 14 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Part 2
“Haldir told me that he would get even with me for bringing a Dwarf into the Golden Wood, but I had not expected such cruelty.” LOL! I'd like to hear Elvish with Took accent :)
So, after all Pippin's little "adventure" served the King a lot!
I loved it that the boys of Minas Tirith helped Pippin to clean the fountain.
Even Merry cannot deny, that what Pippin did, turned out to be good in the end. But I think, it will take him a long time yet to let his little cousin really go.
Author's reply
Somehow I could just hear Pippin singing an Elvish song with his accent. LOL Like you, I would love to hear it for real. Thank you for reading and reviewing and I am glad you enjoyed it.
PIppinfan1988
· 13 September 2005
· Chapter 1: Part 1
Absolutely fantastic!!! *applause* This is very exciting--I really like it when the hobbits mingle with children. Everything is brilliant...extremely plausible, transitions from scene to scene are handled very smoothly. LOL, maybe I should get somebody to beta my stories! Sadly, I'm too impatient. I hope you're not going to make us wait too long for Part II! I hope it's 19 + pages! Thanks for sharing this wonderful story. :-)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Wow, thank you for that wonderful review! I will post the rest of this on Wednesday and you can let me know how many pages there are. I have no clue. LOL Thanks for reading.
Elentariel
· 13 September 2005
· Chapter 1: Part 1
Uh oh! Will Aragorn be roaring with laughter, roaring at his guards or inwardly roaring at such a stupid rule? I mean, there isn't even a sign!
Author's reply
You will know come Wednesday exactly what Aragorn will do. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy the outcome.
Tigger
· 12 September 2005
· Chapter 1: Part 1
Wow...What a contrast in this tale. There's Merry and Sam wanting to kill Pip for shirking his responsiblities, when Pip is doing just the opposite. There's Faramir and Aragorn talking about how they need to do something to help the people of Gondor realize Aragorn is a much different person than Denethor and worthy of the crown, and there's Pip doing that very thing by telling the various people about Aragorn and all he did during the Quest.
I have a feeling Elessar will be displeased w/his youngest Knight, but once he finds out the entire story, Aragorn's mind might just change. :o)
Looking forward to more of this wonderful story.
Author's reply
Thank you. What a lovely review! It does seem as if everyone has their own list of concerns right now. Hopefully they will all come to realize that they are all working in the same direction. I will post the second half by Wednesday. Thank you for reading and reviewing!