Poor Pearl. She must be feeling just awful now, and so self-conscious. There's no doubt she knows of the rumors going around about her and I'm sure even she would have tolerated the height of the roof to get away a bit. At least Pippin is finding some respite, though I hate to think of the sunburn he'll have if his nap turns too long.
Author's reply
She is feeling rather dreadful, there is no doubt of that at all. She can tell that she's being talked about, and I am certain that she's got a good idea of what's being said.
Pippin's so young, that a bit of physical activity is a release for him from the stress of the day. No doubt it would have been better for him if he could have had Merry with him, though.
Andrea
· 23 March 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
He cast a glance at Frodo, who stood a little apart and alone. He had often heard the story of how Frodo’s parents had died when he was about the same age as Pippin was now. Looking at his cousin’s pale face, he fought back the urge to run to him and hug him, for that would not be proper right now.
Oh, I like your little Pippin! Like Merry he cannot stand it when Frodo is unhappy, but as a Took and a (vaguely) possible future Thain he knows of course what's proper!
I can imagine that Pippin felt much better, once he was alone high on the grassy roof and could finally get rid of that collar ;-)
But like harrowcat, the first thought that came in my mind was: sunstroke! And I really hope I am wrong.
Author's reply
Oh, he so hates to see Frodo unhappy, and Merry as well. And his restraint is more from pleasing his parents, whom he can tell would prefer that he "behave properly" than from his own concern with propriety.
You will see...
harrowcat
· 23 March 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
What a beautifully descriptive passage from Pippin's POV. I just hope he doesn't get sunstroke now and add to the problems. ?Can hobbits get sunstroke?
Author's reply
Thank you. I wanted to do the funeral from his POV, because it was his very first encounter with such a thing, and he would be seeing it from a unique perspective.
Well...that would be telling. But bear in mind that it was first posted to PippinHealers group.
Andrea
· 22 March 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Oh my, that was a hard punishment, not only for Merry but also and particularly for Pippin.
Saradoc sighed. "Yes, Merry, I will tell them." Such stubborn pride. He must have that from the Took side of the family.
Well, I have a theory that pride is a Brandybuck trait, whereas the Bagginses are famous for their stubbornness. But hey, taking into account how close our three cousins are related it might be very difficult to find out the origins of those traits ;-)
On the other hand I'm not convinced yet that Sara can withstand little Pippin's tears for long...
P.S.: I'm so glad you liked my double dribble. At the moment there is no place where I put my stories, because that very piece was my first one ever.
My muse is a little lazy, you know. Maybe, when I have some more, I'll post it :)
GamgeeFest
· 21 March 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Poor Pippin. As if it wasn't bad enough having Amethyst say that to him, now Uncle Sara went and took his Merry away. It's true Merry could have handled things differently, but I can't blame him for acting the way he did either. It's hard sometimes to do the mature thing when someone is being so blatantly rude and obnoxious.
Author's reply
Yes, poor Pippin. But it wasn't only Saradoc's fault. Blame the evil Author, who needs very badly to have the cousins separated so the plot can move forward.
Merry is half Took. His Brandybuck half usually keeps his Tookish impulsiveness under control, but one thing that is just about guaranteed to snap that control is to have someone harm his Pippin or his Frodo, and most especially if he sees that they have deliberately set out to do harm to his cousins.
PIppinfan1988
· 20 March 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Go, Merry. That wee wench ought to count her lucky stars that's *all* he did. LOL, and I think the Brandybucks have contributed their own bit of stubbornness to young Merry.
I didn't catch the part between Folco and Freddy the first time--his little remark is absoulutely hilarious. :-D
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Well, she *was* a lass after all. I am quite sure if it had been a lad tormenting Pip so, Merry would have laid him out flat. *grin* Yes, I agree, I think Brandybucks have their own brand of prideful stubbornness, but Saradoc doesn't seem to agree, LOL!
The part with Freddy and Folco is new, and you can credit Lin for the idea--she was sure that Folco would come up with one of his clueless remarks if he'd been there!
Larner
· 20 March 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
This is far too hard a punishment for poor little Pippin to have to deal with, the dear lad.
All too believable, I fear.
Author's reply
Yes, any time a punishment for those lads involves separation, it means a punishment for them both--not just the miscreant.
I'm glad you found Merry's behavior believable. He's far too well brought up to give her the smack she deserved, but he miscalculated if he thought a hair-pulling was a lesser offense in his father's eyes.
Larner
· 20 March 2006
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Dear Frodo--forever youthful after this; but unable to exploit his youth for the cousins he loves best.
Author's reply
It's going to be a while before anything is noticed as to his not aging. His cousins are just *used* to him being so much older than they, that it will be quite some time before their perception catches up to reality.
But right now, it's barely ten months since Bilbo left, and Frodo has to keep his dignity on hand for the older family heads.
Larner
· 20 March 2006
· Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Getting caught up. To see such an accident must have been horrible. And of course the gossip would make it as nasty as possible.
Poor Pearl. Poor Pippin. At least they have Frodo to look forward to seeing.
Author's reply
Yes, they will be very glad to see Frodo, although things may not go quite as they are expecting.
And yes, the gossip was nasty indeed!
Bodkin
· 20 March 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
There are times and cases, Saradoc, where kids should get prizes for behaving badly. And this could well be one of them!
Amethyst is a nasty, vicious little besom who deserves to spend some time in the pillory, having rotten eggs thrown at her. Hair pulling is really quite moderate!
(Of course the passing troll should really head for Hyacinth and save everyone a lot of trouble!)
Author's reply
I should do an AU version of this. Of course, it would be *very* short! LOL!
Well, Amethyst has only her mother to go by, so it's no wonder she's behaving so badly. Personally, I thought Merry was rather restrained in pulling her hair, but his father is not going to agree with that. And it is very important that he punish Merry and not give him a prize, or we will be back, once again to a *very* short tale, *grin*!
And the passing troll, I hope, would have plenty of ant-acid on hand if he ever did decide to snack on Hyacinth. I think she would give even a troll heartburn!
harrowcat
· 20 March 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Oh my! That may be justice but it is very harsh! Our poor lads. ('Tho I can't imagine that you are going to keep those three apart for one minute!)
Author's reply
Well, I kind of *need* to keep them apart, and for more than a minute, or the story won't happen.
But Saradoc is meting out what he thinks will be the best punishment he can. We shall see how long it stnads...
I love Merry to the rescue. I think that's why I so often put him in that role myself. I did love how he came to the defense of his cousins even though it was not exactly proper behavior. Had I been in Saradoc's position, I doubt I would have done the proper thing on this one. LOL
Author's reply
Well, there were any number of reasons why this had to play out as it did, including Saradoc's punishment, as you know.
But Merry is always going to come to the rescue if he possibly can, whenever it concerns either Pippin or Frodo. He just is. Which is, of course, *why* Saradoc had to give him this punishment.
Otherwise, Merry would not have allowed to happen what has to happen next.
*evil grin*
Looks like Pervinca can't be trusted with a secret. I don't blame her. It was so distressing and it must have been the only thing on her mind at the time. I liked the way Merry insisted on hearing the whole story since Pervinca had already let some of it slip. I am enjoying reading this one again.
Author's reply
Well, after all, she's only a few years older than Pippin, and very distressed. And Pimpernel wasn't much better at hiding it either. But of course, Merry *would* insist. He's not one to leave things be.
I'm glad you like it the second time around. I hope you like the improvements that Lin and I are making in it!
Oh, poor Pearl! But honestly, I can't believe every hobbit in the place doesn't know who started that gossip--it's Hyacinth, of course! Mean thing!
It's like Frodo to pity even Lalia, and really it is sad that she should be so unloved. But Esme is right: she brought it on herself.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Well, not really, because most people do not realize how sly and clever she is. They think she is merely stupid, spiteful and snobby; and so if she prefaces what she says by saying someone *else* told her, they won't really know any different.
Frodo is tender-hearted, though not as much as he would later become. But, yes, Esme is very right.
How typical of Pip to worry about his sister - and I wonder if Merry is up to something? He made no promises, and there's that Brandybuck refusal to take things lying down........
I imagine there was much relief on the quiet when Lalia went - she must have been an appalling old harridan to live with! I've often wondered if all those years under her thumb soured old Ferumbras. There's so much I want to know. Can't wait for the next bit!
Author's reply
No, Merry made no promises--he was careful about that, and Eglantine noticed it as well.
My Ferumbras is not so bad as others, but he is more than a little self-centered, and somewhat on the wimpy side. He tends to get his way without committing himself to doing anything.
Andrea
· 16 March 2006
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
This story grows more and more interesting!
From the other reviews I conclude, that Hyacinth has earned herself a real bad reputation already (maybe in other stories). And when I look at what Bilbo said about her, she must indeed be terrible.
I think it was only a matter of time before Pippin found out about Pearl. And it's just like him to try to protect his sister.
But what about Merry, I wonder. He did not promise his aunt to ignore the gossip. I think Merry will try to do something. But what? Well, we'll see :)
Author's reply
Hyacinth's previous appearance was in "A New Reckoning" which is my long post-Quest story. And yep, she's pretty bad, especially for a hobbit.
Well, Pippin's a good brother, and would naturally be upset at anyone saying wicked thing about his sister. As to Merry--well, it's inevitable, I think. As to what, you will soon see.
Bodkin
· 16 March 2006
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Actually, I feel quite sorry for Euphorbia for getting stuck with Hyacinth. Couldn't they find her a little hut somewhere miles away from everyone where she could be left to look after herself. Less of a punishment for her, but less of a punishment for everyone else, too.
I notice she's clinging to Ferumbras's shoulder - for the ease of whispering nasty thoughts in his ear, I should think. While Reggie is doing his best to keep his distance. (Wimp.) And poor Pearl ends up being the victim of it all. In a mud-sticks way. Well, I hope the usual suspects manage to clear her name.
Author's reply
*snerk*
Being eaten by a passing troll is one thing - still seems quite a good plan, though it might not do much for the plot! But hobbits are nicer than Men and more balanced in their dealings with people - I can't see Paladin just saying Go! - without having something to do with 'where' in his head. - He (and even more Pippin) wouldn't be able to deal with her sleeping in ditches or starving. Plus the Shire is quite a male dominated society (politically rather than crushed and hard done by hobbit lasses) and I think that they would find it harder to banish Hyacinth than the Bankses and Bracegirdle.
You recognize that? LOL! That's one of the reasons she got sent back to her family, so her brother and Euphorbia are just stuck with her. *grin*giggle*
You may not feel so merciful to her anyway, by the time you finish *this* fic!
Yes, she is whispering at Ferumbras. But don't count Reggie out--he's got *his* own agenda, as well.
As for Pearl, we shall see...
harrowcat
· 16 March 2006
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
This is great Dreamflower - the plot thickens! I like the look at the change in circumstance when Frodo takes over as Family Head. Not something I had thought of before. It must have been very difficult, especially being so young.
Author's reply
Yes. While, really, Bilbo did the right thing in getting away from the Ring while the getting was good, he did not do Frodo any favors by leaving him in charge when he had barely reached his majority: it would be like a modern day CEO of a family run business (rare any more, I know, but a few exist) deciding to retire the day their kid turns 21, and turning the running of the business over to them. They'd be hard put to it to get anyone to take them seriously.
PIppinfan1988
· 15 March 2006
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
"The Master of Buckland had not got on well with old Lalia."
Bingo! I didn't catch this the first time round, but I agree; there had to be dealings between the families, and I don't think Lalia helped relations. As for Ferumbras, I believe the apple didn't fall far from the tree, lol. I do love to read your Ferumbras because he *is* different from mine, except in one area.
I love your world of hobbits; it would take me forever it I sat here and listed each of them. One thing, though, is the relationship you've developed between Merry and his cousins--they're more like siblings than cousins, and I enjoy that immensely. I'm relly enjoying this tale!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
No, I don't think Rory would have got on well with Lalia at all. I am quite sure that the Brandybuck level-headedness and egailitarian "frontier" attitude would not have suited her one little whit. And I am quite sure he would have had no patience with a "family head" who put her own self-interests against the family.
I do think in many ways they are more like brothers than cousins; at least in Frodo's and Merry's case, that was actually true, for they *were* foster brothers the first seven years of Merry's life. Pippin, I think, spent a lot of time with both the cousins, but especially with Merry, so there as well a bond like brotherhood was formed. And yet, in other vital ways, being cousins rather than actual brothers probably helped the friendship be even stronger, for there was not the element of rivalry for the parents' affection that enters in, so there was no reason for them to squabble or fight.
What an interesting beginning! I'm looking forward to reading more. Thanks for a delightful (if somewhat macabre) trip to the Shire -- I love your descriptions.
Jeodo Brandybuck
Author's reply
Hello, Jeodo! It's good to see you again!
I hope the fic lives up to your expectations--it *is* a little bit macabre, at least by my standards--but I had fun writing it.
I meant to review this when you first posted it, but RL got in the way, as usual! I so looking forward to this tale as I've always been fascinated by the backstory of Lalia's demise and poor Pearl being accused. And you've brough Horrible Hyacinth into it too! She's rather like Lobelia - is she a Bracegirdle?
Can't wait for the next chapter - great beginning!
Author's reply
Hyacinth is a Brockhouse, but though I've not brought it into the story itself, in my mental backstory there is a Bracegirdle connection for both her and Lalia.
I will post each chapter as soon as it's finished with beta. The story is actually complete.
Bodkin
· 12 March 2006
· Chapter 1: Chapter 1
A Horrid Hyacinth story! Oh good, I'm sitting back in anticipation.
I bet I know just who would try to harm an innocent tween's reputation like that. And why. It took a long time for the comeuppance to arrive, but poetic justice turns up in its own time.
Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Oh, you have a lot to anticipate--Hyacinth reveals to the readers just *how* evil she really is--even though the other characters have a few more years to understand her duplicity.
Evil!Hyacinth is fun to write...
I am so glad this is being posted here. I find it so much easier to read and comment in this format than over on Pippinhealers. I thought Pippin's worry over not liking Lalia was very accurate. You do feel a bit guilty when someone you've never cared for dies. I also liked the fact that Paladin sent the children inside before bringing up the unpleasant details. They would have to know but not the minute they arrived.
Author's reply
Hi GW! Yes, it is a bit easier. But I had fun posting it over there too; it kind of livened things up a bit.
Pippin, especially would feel like that--he always wants to like people, and when he doesn't he feels guilty anyway; her dying made him feel even worse. And, yes, Paladin would want to speak to the adults before they said anything to the children.
mews1945
· 11 March 2006
· Chapter 1: Chapter 1
A very interesting first chapter. I feel sorry for Pearl, and poor wee Pippin as well. I'll be looking forward to your next chapter.
Author's reply
I hope that the story will continue to hold your interest; I had a good time writing it...
pipinheart
· 11 March 2006
· Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Nice..very nice...now you got me curious... Pippin is upset that he didn't like Lalia, she wasn't a nice either, couldn't blame him...and Merry, is more into waiting for frodo to come, very cute....
I wonder who put those rumors about poor Pearl.
And Hyacinth, deserves what she got, never liked her...
Please continue,soon...
Author's reply
Well, I am afraid Hyacinth is not a very likeable person...
The next chapter will be up as soon as the beta is complete.