Yeah! Frodo to the rescue, that's what I was counting on!
But I had not thought that the sunburn would be so serious. Poor Pippin!
Mistress Hollyhock, however seems to know exactly what to do. That makes me feel better :)
I wonder what Merry will do if he comes to know what happened to his little Pip. He *will* know very soon, the one way or the other, that's for sure!
Author's reply
Frodo to the rescue, yes. I do so love Frodo being the hero to his younger cousins.
The sunburn is pretty dreadful, but Mistress Hollyhock is a good healer.
Merry will be finding out very soon.
harrowcat
· 2 April 2006
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Ooh, poor Pippin and well done Frodo. Ever the gentlehobbit even in an emergency. Now, just so long as Pippin doesn't suffer problems with his kidneys from dehydration.!
Author's reply
Well, yes. Frodo is always a gentlehobbit, no matter what the circumstances! And rest assured, any complications Pip suffers will be well within the reach of the state of hobbit medicine to cope with.
Frodo to the rescue this time. Nice to see that in a fiction. I do like it when Frodo has a chance to be the hero. Nothing hurts quite like sunburn. This entire thing reminds me of my very blond younger sister the first trip we ever made to the beach. So was as red as it is possible to get at one point, no blisters, but very close. So nice to read all of this here and so much easier for me to comment.
Author's reply
You will often find *my* Frodo to the rescue. I like to think he was a hero long before he left for the Quest, and I adore showing him taking good care of his younger cousins. It's one of my favorite things.
Sunburn's horribly painful, even a minor one. My son had several as a child. He *hated* sunscreen.
I'm glad that you are enjoying it here, as well. And Lin's made some really nice changes in it for the better, don't you think?
I am behind! Not one, but two chapters behind. I always feel so very sorry for poor Pearl when I read anything about Lilia and her death. Such a dreadful circumstance to be in when innocent! Thinking of that, I have never actually read a fiction about this in which Pearl was actually guilty. That would be a complete twist wouldn't it?
Author's reply
Yes, poor Pearl and her family.
And, you know, that *would* be an interesting fic...maybe one *you* could tackle...
Bodkin
· 2 April 2006
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Good thing Frodo thought of looking on the roof. Pippin isn't going to be feeling too good. The sooner the healer gets him in cool water and starts to rehydrate him, the better.
It's just one thing after another!
(Get Hyacinth scrubbing the cowsheds, Euphorbia! You want to be able to eat your dinner off the floor.)
Author's reply
No, he's not going to feel well at all. But he's going to get plenty of love--though, unfortunately, cuddling will be too painful.
*giggle* Euphorbia just might take your advice!
Tigger
· 2 April 2006
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Oh *no*!! Poor Pippin. Little lad not only has a severe sunburn, but sunstroke more than likely as well. Things will not be pleasant for him for the next little while. I've had/done both, so I know all too well what the poor little lad is in for.
Looking forward to the next chapter and me thinks Merry will be allowed to see Pippin after this. Am I right?
Author's reply
No, the poor lamb is in for a rough time. But he's going to have lots of people rallying around, now, isn't he?
Well, of course. The punishment has served its story-external purpose, which was to keep Merry out of the way while Pippin baked. Now that he's been found, Saradoc would have to be heartless to still keep them apart.
GamgeeFest
· 1 April 2006
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Poor scorched Pippin! A regular sunburn is bad enough, but his sounds industrial strength. He's going to be in a good deal of pain for quite awhile. As if he (and his family) didn't have enough to deal with already.
Author's reply
"Industrial strength" just about describes it. And yes, they've all got a lot on their plate right now, which is why the plot gets so thick.
Larner
· 1 April 2006
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
I was so worried such a thing might have happened. Poor tike! Now to see to it that he gets cooled properly and rehydrated. Am so glad it was Frodo who found him.
*And tell Ms. Lindelea I liked the interlude as well.
Author's reply
Yes, we have the "h", and now it's time for the "c".
It had to be Frodo. I had wanted it to be Frodo who found him from the start, which is why, of course, I had to get Merry out of the way. I love Frodo taking care of his little cousins, I just do. He's just so good at it.
Oh dear,poor Pip. This is not going to be good at all. Hope Frodo goes out to find him soon.
It must have been dreadful for Pearl and her family to have to endure these tales, and I'm glad she has a supportive family around her. That Hyacinth!
Author's reply
Yes, this was a very traumatic experience for Pearl and her family. It is one of the reasons, that, in my Shire Paladin and Eglantine send the children away from them for the first year Paladin is Thain: they do not wish to have their children to put up with that sort of thing until Paladin is firmly in charge, and can squash such gossip when it rears its ugly head.
Hyacinth is pretty dreadful.
PIppinfan1988
· 30 March 2006
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
"She had even outfaced Lalia herself from time to time and lived to tell about it."
ROTFL!! That is too comical! I loved it. ;-)
I absolutely adored the bit between Eglantine and Pearl--and the sweet moment between Paladin and his Tina. Just lovely!
“Reggie needs to put a curb on the tongue of that wife of his,” said Paladin. “Hyacinth hasn’t the sense of a goose, and the stupid--” Paladin bit his tongue and looked at his younger daughters, who had been watching and listening in horrified fascination, “--*creature*will repeat anything. And of course the more lurid the version, the better, so far as she’s concerned.”
Go, Paladin!!!
As always, I so enjoy the interactions between family members. Really liked the account of Bilbo's mischief with his cousins...a sort of prelude of things to come, if you will. ;-)
This story just keeps getting better and better with every read!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, Primrose is pretty formidable, isn't she?
And I'm happy you liked the bit with Paladin and Tina; that was one of the things that Lin encouraged me to expand on.
I do like showing the families *being* families, visiting and chatting and remembering old stories--it just seems very hobbity to me.
And I am glad you are still enjoying the story!
Andrea
· 30 March 2006
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Well, I really can't blame anyone of them for not being alarmed about Pippin's absence. They have already enough to worry about with the state Pearl currently is in!
Frodo, however has his suspicions, more than Paladin in fact. And I'm counting on him to be the first one to search for his little cousin - for Merry is not available.
So, this is a PippinHealers story? Oh my god... What will happen to the little rascal?
Author's reply
No, they're not alarmed; they think he's just romping around with his other cousins, and you are right--Pearl is a priority right now.
Frodo does wonder a bit--but he's got nothing to go by right now. And, let's say you're not far off the mark, as you will see in Ch. 6.
Yes, it's was originally a PippinHealers fic. And...
That would be telling, LOL!
Bodkin
· 30 March 2006
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
EXCUSE ME, YOU LOT!!! Have you forgotten there is a Pippin out there getting sunburnt?
Although having Pippin elsewhere is definitely a plus when you're trying to deal with this level of family upset. I doubt a playing child is top of their priorities just now - and with Frodo numbered among the grown ups, the only one who would have been looking after Pippin would have been Merry - currently in solitary.
They still haven't grasped quite the horribleness to which horrible Hyacinth will stoop, have they? Even if they're not fond of her.
Author's reply
Well, of course, they don't *know* that yet, do they? They think he's just out playing with his cousins.
Now, of course, you understand *why* it was necessary to give Merry such a punishment--he'd never have allowed it to happen, would he? And you are right--Frodo has his adult responsibilities now, and a family in turmoil is simply going to be relieved that a child is finding something else to keep his mind off things. I speak from personal experience on that one.
No, it's another 16 years or so before they realize that Hyacinth is not only horribly snooty and stupid, but also horribly wicked. And I'm not certain they *ever* realize that she was cunning as well...
And you've not yet begun to see just *how* wicked she can be...
Tigger
· 30 March 2006
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Poor Merry. I feel his pain, but (And I speak from experience here.) we lasses do have certain advantages at times. Although I never did anything as bad as Amethyst, there was the odd time...
I think all girls have been able to use that particular advantage since Time began. All part of being a girl. ;o)
Glad to see the Family coming around Pearl to support her. I also see Paladin did not hit far from the mark on who the suspect of the poison was. How do they stop it though? I'm sure we're about to find out soon and looking forward to it.
This is a great story. Can't wait for more.
Author's reply
It's an advantage that is entirely due to the fact that there are those who believe in being gentlemen (or gentlehobbits) in the world. To a young lad brought up to be respectful of females and to never take advantage of being physically stronger and bigger, the advantage goes to the lass, because she can do as she wishes without fear of retaliation. If, however, she tries such a trick on a male who was *not* brought up to believe in protecting the "gentler sex", she will soon find that it is no advantage at all. It is a sad commentary on the world that such chivalry is becoming rarer and rarer in a search for equality.
But, yes, the advantage does exist.
The Family has a good idea of who is helping *spread* the poison--they just don't think that Hyacinth is smart enough to have *started* it. She lasted as long as she did because of being constantly underestimated...
Periantari
· 29 March 2006
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
I'm really enjoying this so far. i can't wait to hear where is Pippin and see what else happens (since this *is* a PippinHealers story... :-0)
... it's all so intriguing with the plot and everything...
I love especially how you have Merry so protective of Pippin and then likening to when Frodo protected Merry by striking Lotho. Caring cousins --best characterisations.
And poor Pearl being blamed for the death. ...i want to actually meet Hyacinth soon... the boldened parts in the beginning is interesting, i must say.
I look forward to more. :)
Author's reply
Well, I hope to have the next parts up soon. It's taking me a little longer to incorporate the beta changes, as I am working on my husband's laptop still. It may be the weekend before I have my own put back together and running. 8-( I'm glad you find the plot intriguing--I think that the Great Smials must have had a good deal of intrigue during and immediately after, Lalia's reign there.
The cousins are very protective of one another. I like that: "caring cousins". I think in many ways they are actually closer than brothers, as there is no sibling rivalry to enter in.
Yes, poor Pearl. This is one of the worst experiences of her life so far. Hyacinth will make her first appearance in the story soon, but first we have to get Pippin off the roof...
Larner
· 29 March 2006
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
I certainly can't fault either Frodo or Merry for offering the protection they did, and it does appear Hyacinth is quite the baggage in this case. Having to wait on her husband's relatives is perhaps too good for her! It's quite the situation, worrying about Pearl. Now, hope young Pippin isn't so nastily toasted he needs a healer....
Author's reply
"Quite the baggage", yes. She certainly does get off lightly for the amount of trouble she causes. The problem is, everyone thinks she is so shallow that no one actually thinks to plumb the depths of her selfishness and greed. They take her at face value, and think she is too stupid to come up with anything very complex. Hyacinth would have been a fair match for Lotho when it comes to greedy machinations, actually.
Well, we will have to see--Lin's working away on Chapter 6!
Ah, you're leaving us in dreadful suspense here! Somehow I know all is not well with Pippin.
Oh, poor Pearl! If she could just get away from it all!
So nice to see the aunties again-I love them.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Trust your instincts, my dear, they won't lead you astray...
But, really, we needed to see what was going on with Pearl. And I'm so glad you like the Aunties; Primrose and Peridot are a couple of my favorite OCs (well, sort of OCs--Paladin *did* have older sisters, we just aren't told their names...)
I'm glad you are enjoying this.
Ugh, ugh, ugh!!! I can't *stand* that Hyacinth's daughters right now! I can't believe I'm saying that, for of course I know they turned out well in the
end, but...ugh! Amathyst did deserve it, and it's hard on all three cousins for him to be punished in such a way. Poor little Pip! And you have a way of
describing that melancholy that will creep over Frodo that makes my heart lurch, and for a minute I was almost angry with Saradoc. Oh, and you do the POV
of a child wonderfully! I really can't wait for the next one!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, Hyacinth's daughters are pretty bratty right now--fortunately for them it was not too late when they got out from under her influence.
It's a sad but true thing for the cousins that the most effective punishment for one can't help but be a punishment for the others, even though it's not meant to be; poor Saradoc knows, but he really hasn't much choice. He'd jump at an excuse to let Merry off, if he can.
I'm glad you think little Pippin's POV rings true. He's a thoughtful and observant child.
Dear Miss Dreamflower,
Any chance of posting "A New Reckoning" to Stories of Arda? I haven't had any luck at all any time I've tried to connect with the Pippin Healers Group. (Yahoo and I just can't seem to make things work...) Also, please tell the lovely Miss Lindalea that we're all waiting with baited breath for the next installment. (And our thanks for such a lovely beta-job, too!)
Thanks again for a wonderful read!
Jeodo Brandybuck
Author's reply
"A New Reckoning" *is* on Stories of Arda already. You can find it on my author page. The only one that is *not* is this one, LOL!
But I do understand the yahoo problems--I've had them in the past, myself.
Lin's working away, and Chapter 5 will be up very soon!
And I am very glad you are enjoying the story!
I do find Hyacinth's part of this tale very interesting. I like looking at this through her view as she goes on with what is now, thanks to her behavior, her life.
Author's reply
Yes, the little "flashforwards" (opposite of flashbacks--aren't I brilliant, LOL?) let the reader know that at some point in time Hyacinth finally gets what's coming to her, even though it doesn't quite happen yet. I really felt it was necessary to do it that way, as I didn't want an angry mob descending on me with pitchforks saying "Why didn't she get punished?"
PIppinfan1988
· 26 March 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
"...and if Reggie had not been there during that little display, Hyacinth would have slapped some sense into the child."
If Hiacynth was there and did just that, then Saradoc would have witnessed her nasty deed. I wonder what his reaction would have been then? Maybe Hiacynth ought to slap some sense into herself. ;-)
You really have written Hiacynth's character extrememly well! She is one hobbit I'd like to meet in a dark tunnel at Great Smials someday in the fictitious future. In fact, I have often thought to name one of my minor O.C. lasses "Cynthia"--a derivative of Hiacynth, but I can't bring myself to do it, lol. Maybe if one of my lass-characters is less than a lady, then perhaps I'll revisit that name. ;-)
Little Pippin playing atop the Smials is soooo cuuute! He in his wee breeches with the buttons at the knee, little jacket and weskit... Can I have him? I can't promise I'll give him back, so you may want to think hard on it. :-) Poor little lobster...wait 'til he wakes up. :-O
Pippinfan
p.s. Sorry about the late review--I finally finished my challenge tale this morning and thought I'd reward myself. :-)
Author's reply
Hyacinth needs a slapping herself, but it's highly unlikely that it will ever happen.
LOL! Don't let *my* Hyacinth put you off a perfectly good hobbit name! After all there are only so many flowers you can use.
*giggle* Yes, wee!Pip is cute, all dressed up, and he's cute running around in the grass with no shirt, face it, he's cute whatever he does! (Poor little lobster? Bring on the garlic butter!)
Not all that late--I'm late responding too! It's hard using the DH's laptop. OOh--I am *so* looking forward to the next challenge!
Bodkin
· 24 March 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Thirsty. Sun. Half-nekkid. Sunstroke calls. Not what they need at the moment - although I suppose Pearl can lose herself in looking after her little brother.
Horrible Hyacinth might rub her hands together with glee, too, at the prospect of Pippin popping his clogs.
I loved Pippin's thoughts about his mother and how the Thain didn't seem too sorry to be burying his. Not, of course, that anyone who knew Lalia would blame him for wanting to fill that grave in quickly.
Author's reply
I've pretty much telegraphed the next part, haven't I?
And most certainly you have Hyacinth pegged.
Yes, Pippin could tell that the Thain wasn't too sorry; but he most certainly knew how *he* would feel in such a situation. It's that sort of empathy and ability to put himself in someone's place that makes Pippin so very likable.
And no, Lalia will not be mourned very much, if at all.
Larner
· 24 March 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Oh, dear--an invitation to sunburn if there ever was one! But I can certainly understand his feelings. And to notice at this age that Ferumbras wasn't particularly sorry Lalia was now dead was quite insightful.
Hope Frodo comes to find him before he's quite done to a turn.
Author's reply
Yes, an open invitation...
Pippin is pretty insightful. I think he would be noticing that Ferumbras was not especially sad. This was, after all, the first time he'd been to a funeral, and he'd be observing everything with those sharp green eyes.
Good ol' Frodo...
Tigger
· 23 March 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Interesting start Dreamflower. Hyacinth wouldn't have been modeled after Mrs. Bucket on Keeping Up Appearances, would she? Only that one is much funnier. What did Pippin do that was so dreadful to her? Interesting indeed. Looking forward to seeing where this goes. :o)
Author's reply
The short answer is "Yes, she would". When I first introduced her in "A New Reckoning", she was originally intended to be a bit of comic relief--a silly snob. But somewhere along the line in that story, she suddenly revealed to me a hidden "dark side", and she actually turned out to be pretty wicked underneath. But she's kept that part of herself more or less hidden from everyone except her husband. Most of them *do* think of her as being rather like "that" Hyacinth--stupid, silly and over-concerned with appearances. It helps that *that* part of her characterization is true. But people see only that shallow part of her personality, and don't bother to plumb the depths of the cruelty underneath.
As to what did Pippin do? He was born, that's all. And then to add insult to injury, he survived. Rather put a spoke in her wheel in her plans to make Reggie Thain (never mind that he doesn't *want* to be Thain.)
Oh dear - do I spy sunstroke for poor Pippin? Ack!
It was so sweet to see Pip's observations at the funeral - Ferumbras not speaking very warmly about his mother, Pearl looking pale and miserable, and how like our favourite Took to notice Frodo's strain and sadness.
Looking forward to the next chapter with great trepidation.
Author's reply
Well, keep in mind, I wrote this story for the PippinHealer's group...
Pippin is a very perceptive child when it comes to other people, and most especially he is observant of those he loves. And this is his first funeral--he could not help but be looking to understand what was going on.
I'll have it up as soon as Lindelea gets it back to me.
Excellent! I didn't get a chance to read this one when it first came out, but I'm enjoying it very much! I love your views of the scenery of the Shire, I'm enjoying the small-town gossip-y feel of some of the hobbits, (which goodness knows, the kindly professor seemed to acknowledge)the action is interesting, I love your portrayal of the hobbits, and am surprised to read a delightful version of Pip's sisters, which I usually don't enjoy quite as much as I'm enjoying these. Well done! I can't wait to keep reading!
Jeodo Brandybuck
Author's reply
This first appeared on the PippinHealer's yahoo group, as a serial. It has not been seen by those not on the group, and this version also is being beta'd by the talented Lindelea, while the one I posted first was "raw". So you will be seeing it in a much improved form.
I am trying here to convey that gossipy and insular attitude of hobbits that JRRT spoke of, as well as the atmosphere of intrigue that would have existed at Great Smials under the eye of such a domineering and selfish hobbit as he described Lalia being. It would only have been with the example of someone like Lalia, that someone like Hyacinth would have thought she could have any chance to succeed.
I am enjoying a chance to show more of Pippin's sisters. My idea is that they pretty much adored their pestiferous baby brother, LOL, and spoiled him rotten whenever they were not being run ragged by his boundless energy, or being driven crazy by his pranks. They have their moments, of course, as siblings will, but I think they were a pretty close family, overall.