Three more chapters!? I can't keep up with you!
Figure like a hunting hound and short, dark wavy hair...I dunno, Estella, you sound pretty cute to me! :D Maybe not the hobbit standard of sexiness, but still...
I love this portrayal of feminine friendship, and also your comments on gender dynamics. Hmmm...may need to take a good look at my female characters and see if they pass muster.
Author's reply
Um... yes, they do. Quite easily, as a matter of fact. Hyacinth is probably one of the most well developed female characters I have ever read in a fic. She wasn't perfect (acting) but was truly believable. I even loved her epiphany at the end of the story - it was really true to life. I really can't even think of another female character who I found more realistic, though there are others I have liked more (though I am sure that was your intention).
Larner
· 27 January 2006
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
I'd wondered if there was such a tie to Frodo. First the gift of starlight, and then the look of her as she was at her most ill. But he does need to get realistic about the situation.
Author's reply
Well, considering the author, was there ever any doubt of there being a tie to Frodo? Hehehe! He does need to come to his senses, but he's a sensible creature by nature. He just needs a little help from his friends.
Me
· 27 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Seems churlish of me to leave a review that has no reviewness to it.
I like the relationship between the cousins, and the way that Pippin can take the lead when necessary just as he did among the Uruk-hai. Nicely done.
I like Merry's instinctive defense of his wife and his old-fashioned blush when "the subject" is brought up.
Lovely story!
Author's reply
*Preens*
I have to admit, these are two of my favorite chapters. The boys are definite favorites of mine. :D
Me
· 27 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Interesting comment about gender dynamics.
I think most of the women I write are strong. I realized that it is almost an obsession (strong female characters that is) when I deliberately made, against my own inclination, one wife somewhat weepy, clingy, wimpy, and prone to faint in emotional distress. Even she shakes her head at herself on waking. But I know women like that IRL as well so I guess it's not such a bad thing for a change.
Author's reply
Yes, yours are good too - that was one of the reasons I approached you originally - though if I get into specifics, then 'Me' will be revealed. LOL!
harrowcat
· 27 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Well - its a start Pippin. At least he admits there is a problem. Now to get him to see ways to solve it - but not too befuddled with ale I hope. *g*
Author's reply
LOL! Not too. He's a thoughtful thing though. It might take a bit of logic (from Pippin?) to get him to see what he should do next.
aprilkat
· 27 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
This is the conversation I've been hoping for. Only Pippin will be able to penetrate Merry's caution, and obviously even he is going to have to work hard to do it.
So - the Took is going to get him drunk and soften him up?
Author's reply
Hehehe! Well, not too drunk, and Merry has always been a thoughtful sort. It might take a bit more than drink to let him see the error of his ways.
aprilkat
· 27 January 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Thank goodness for good friends like Diamond who can bring a little perspective to the situation. Very nice scene.
Author's reply
Yes, the Tooks will be quite helpful in this situation, I think! ;)
Larner
· 26 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
So Merry now has to remember the way of it, does he? Poor Merry. And Diamond's realization that Merry has lost too many too close together to open easily back to his wife is all too accurate. Alas, our poor Merry.
Author's reply
Yes, it is very much 'remembering the way of it'. Once you get out of the habit, it becomes harder to find time for it and pretty soon you wonder how it could once have been so easy... It is a slippery slope Merry is on, certainly.
Larner
· 26 January 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Ah, poor Estella. And quite the reason for Merry to become remote physically.
Author's reply
I had hoped it would be seen as credible. Thank you for letting me know I was able to communicate it clearly. :D
SilverMoonLady
· 26 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Am desperately biased, I know, but I still think this story is absolutely purely delicious emotional genius!:) Beautiful!
Author's reply
*Squee!* I can handle bias - especially when it is in my favor. ;)
I got your text msg - hope you warmed up on the way home! I was in a chat all evening or I'd have called! Better luck next time!
Dreamflower
· 26 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Yes, Pippin! Good for you! Merry may be older, but the difference by this time in their lives really is negligible.
Poor Merry. It's very clear he is scared to death. It's not just being afraid of hurting or harming her, is it?
I do hope he will finally open up to Pippin. He needs to.
Author's reply
I think you'll find the answer to your question (at least as Merry sees it) in the next chapter. But even he doesn't see everything, or understand totally why it is that he has responded the way he has. However, being a 'guy', he's going to look for some logical reason for his reaction.
I love writing gender dynamics. In far too many fanfics (written by women, no less) I see shallow, stereotyped and unadmirable female characters. I hope the women writing them don't really see their gender that way, but I get very tired of reading them. I wonder if people are so afraid of Mary Sues that they can't make a female character with depth, intelligence, courage and femininity. We know they exist that way in RL - the authors themselves are proof of it.
Auntiemeesh
· 26 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
"I am sure you were most attentive," continued Pippin, trying so furiously not to grin that his own cheeks flushed, "but consider, perhaps, that wasn't the kind of 'attention' your lady wife was starting to feel the lack of?"
It can be so difficult to be delicate when the subject matter is sex, and clearly Pippin is enjoying himself rather more than he should be, lol. But he's right, Merry really does need someone to talk to, and I'm glad Pippin didn't back down when Merry snapped at him. :)
Author's reply
Heheh! I had a ball writing Pip in this. He was saying what I probably would have (self-insertion anyone?). You don't back down when it's someone you care about.
Auntiemeesh
· 26 January 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Oh, poor Estella! To be so sick, for so long, and then just when she's finally feeling herself again, she gets sideswiped with something else.
And poor Merry! Her illness must have been devastating for him and I can understand his fears.
It sounds to me like Estella's been a bit spoiled in this relationship up to now, and it's definitely time that she learns how to communicate openly and honestly with her husband.
I'm looking forward to reading more of this. :)
Author's reply
Well, don't be too hard on her yet - who couldn't be spoiled with Merry for a husband? ;) Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoy this story as much as I have enjoyed your pieces.
harrowcat
· 26 January 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Thank goodness for our friends and 'sisters-in-love'. It sounds like too many traumas for Merry to trust his heart won't break. I love the bit about the links between the two couples. Estella has to realise that there can't be a 'return' to her previous relationship with Merry. They must both heal, both physically and emotionally and forge a new passion in the present.
Author's reply
They must both heal, both physically and emotionally and forge a new passion in the present.
You pinned it. And in about two chapters, you will see how precisely you did. ;)
songspinner
· 26 January 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Oh, my. Yup - that's just what a best friend does. Comforts you and verbally thwaps you into common sense when needed. :) I like your two hobbit ladies. Merry's reaction is pretty normal for almost losing someone, from what I've seen. Common sense doesn't enter into it on that side, either. Well written and I can't wait for the next bit.
Author's reply
Thank you, Songspinner. I sort of like them too! LOL! And Merry's is a very common reaction, unfortunately, but hopefully not unsurmountable. He has to learn to see her in a new, and yet old, light. Thank you again for reading!
Dreamflower
· 25 January 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Oh, I *do* like your Diamond! She's wonderful, just what Estella needs to shake her into acting!
I loved the way you indicate how tightly the lives and hearts of these four hobbits are tied up in one another--Merry might fade away entirely without his Estella, and Pippin without Merry is not to be borne, and it's clear that Diamond knows this. I also like the way you indicate that the loss of Frodo is still raw--fifteen years or fifty or more--Frodo's leaving would still be painful for his cousins.
And Aragorn is coming to the north! Wonderful! I will bet that good old Strider and his lovely Queen Arwen might have some good advice as well!
This is a wonderful scenario, by the way--most Merry/Estella stories focus on their courtship, or the early days of their marriage. It's very realistic and painful and true to life.
Author's reply
most Merry/Estella stories focus on their courtship, or the early days of their marriage.
To tell you the truth, I think few fanfics focus on any of the married couples. It's almost like most folks think married life is boring! LOL!
Larner
· 25 January 2006
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
What fears to have! And she has reason to worry.
Gerald Durrell once commented that the bedpan was one of the quickest ways possible to the divorce court.
Author's reply
Yes, she does. And sadly, Gerald is right.
Inkling
· 25 January 2006
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
It's so strange to see you writing about copper curls, not dark! ;) But the psychological depth is there, as always. On top of everything else, I'm a bit worried about Eadoc...I hope they were able to bond?
Author's reply
I know! This one was an answer to a challenge that intended to be just a short little ficlet, but the bunny would not be satisfied with just that. It has grown to an almost 50 page story! Still not long, by some's standards, but pretty respectable.
Inkling
· 25 January 2006
· Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Poor Estella! I don't think they should have let her have a mirror. The last line is lovely...great heart, indeed.
Author's reply
Perhaps not, but I suspect she'd asked for it for several days in a row. I envisioned a very long recovery that has only just started showing signs of cogniscent behavior. They're probably still looking for responses that show she's getting her mind back and the mirror would have been a sort of test for this.
BTW, I am SO glad you are reading. I adored the last thing you did - Shakespeare would have been proud! - and I hope this gives you as much entertainment as your work always does me.
Bodkin
· 25 January 2006
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Oh dear. He's too protective of her and hasn't yet realised she needs to return to a sense of herself - and that his desire for her is part of that. I hope that they get past this. Although it could take a while.
Author's reply
hehhehe! And hence, the story! This was a fun one to write. I enjoy portraying married couples - there's such a wealth of stuff there to explore. Thank you for reviewing.
aprilkat
· 24 January 2006
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Oh, how sad that this change has come in their relationship unrealized by Merry (I assume unrealized, anyway). The "chill" may blight the bloom of their love as well as their passion.
It seems that Merry has taken on so much of the protectiveness of a healer and parent that he's lost his sense of HER.
I hope this is something they can work out. It would be so unfortunate if not.
Author's reply
hehehehe... I always try for happy endings - even if they are angsty ones. ;)
Dreamflower
· 24 January 2006
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Oh dear! He's going to be overly protective of her, isn't he? *So* Merry! And that means, of course protecting her even from himself--he's afraid of harming her and he's been caring for her like a small child--and he probably doesn't even understand this himself...
Author's reply
Bingo... you are spot on correct... poor guy, and poor gal, but Merry's not so proud that he can't face his fears and Estella loves him enough to fight to keep him.
Dreamflower
· 24 January 2006
· Chapter 1: Chapter 1
This is the Merry/Estella I love to see--so true and loyal and steadfast! I will look forward to seeing how Estella's illness has impacted their relationship.
Author's reply
Oh goody! I am glad you are reading! You will have to let me know if you think I 'got' him. I wrote Merry so badly in one fic that I have been trying to make up for my lapse in several pieces since. Guilt, you know. LOL! Hope you enjoy the rest.
harrowcat
· 24 January 2006
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
'But one could love without desire. '
One can as many couples have to find out very sadly. Relationships have to change when one partner has to become the carer. But can it change back again? I suspect that we may be finding out!
Author's reply
Yes, indeed - and I hope the finding is as enjoyable for you as the writing of it has been for me.
Larner
· 24 January 2006
· Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Yes, our Merry, our loving, dedicated Merry, intent on not losing another he loves so quickly.
Author's reply
Absolutely correct. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I have enjoyed yours.