Pearl Took
· 23 April 2006
· Chapter 6: In the Still of the Night
Oh! Our dear lad!!! I can so understand him though. He had to see for himself. Post more soon so he isn't laying there unconscience for too long :)
Thisis soooooooo good!
Author's reply
Hullo Pearl!
Yes, Pippin *had* to see for himself, but even more, it was love that drew him.
LOL, yes'm! I shall get to writing tonight...but I can't say when it will be ready to post.
Thank you, mentor! And thank you for your encouragement and for reading. :-)
Pippinfan
shirebound
· 23 April 2006
· Chapter 6: In the Still of the Night
I don't blame Pippin for being drawn to Frodo and Sam's bedside! But now he'll be watched even more closely, I suspect. :D
Author's reply
Thank you! How could he *not* be drawn? He loves Frodo and Sam, too. Just wait and see what happens...
Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
Garnet Took
· 18 April 2006
· Chapter 5: On Your Feet
Very nice chapter. I'm glad to see the hobbits starting to open up about their sorrows. It's nice to know Merry is drawing a happy scene, and I can truly understand Pippin being transported by his music. Sometimes you can get so wrapped up a piece you are performing that you totally lose track of where you are and what's around you; there is only you and the music.
The bit with the yo-yo was cute.
Thanks.
GT.
Author's reply
LOL, hey, I get like that when I'm playing a CD in my jeep! Seriously, I know what you mean. Believe it or not, I used to be a bit musical when I was a child.
The "toy storyline" is something very minor in this tale, yet I like to think most adults are inclined to indulge children--or hobbits that they *think* are extremely childlike. Pippin would probably remind other soldiers of their own children that they miss terribly. And Pippin is still young enough to enjoy his wee gifts. :-)
Thanks again for reading--and for the betas! I've gotten to a few of them already.
Pippinfan
Garnet Took
· 18 April 2006
· Chapter 4: False Impressions
This was a wonderful chapter. I like the way you opened it with the sweet little scene about the bath and then took it into a darker rhelm. It's sad to think of Merry making such drawings, but it also quite believable. Both Pippin and Merry experienced a great deal a trauma in a very short time, and they would most certainly need a way of dealing with it, especially if they don't feel they can talk to anyone about it. What a situation to be in.
I like your reasoning that Aragorn and the hobbits developed an openness with each other concerning their feelings about what happened to them during the war that lasted until the end of their lives. Nice way to tie it all together.
GT.
Author's reply
Hello, GT!
I just figured half of *getting* better is *feeling* better, and we all know how much Pippin likes his baths. :-)
As for Merry and his drawings, I imagine Pippin's outlet being his music, why can't Merry have one? He needs a release as well as anyone.
I hate to be so irreverent, but when you get down to it, the High King puts his trousers on one leg at a time like hobbits do. ;-) I like to think that Aragorn was open about his fears in confronting an enemy head on (to some degree, at least) in order to help the young hobbits--and I think it was that openness--that healing, if you want to call it that--is what drew them back later in life.
Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 17 April 2006
· Chapter 5: On Your Feet
I love the way Aragorn is seeing to his patient's emotional needs as well as their physical ones. His gifts will be of great help in their healing process. Merry was wonderful too, helping Pippin along and supporting him. Great chapter and excellent research into the name of the yo-yo.
Author's reply
Well, you've always been great with sharing your research--so, I like to share mine, too. LOL, I welcome any suggestions for the Elvish name--I sort of winged it with the back pages of the Silmarillion. That's why I rarely write anything Elvish in my tales. :-P
Aragorn *is* a big part of their coping with life after the War. They have several months together to build up a rapport and trust that will last a lifetime. :-)
Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
Pearl Took
· 17 April 2006
· Chapter 5: On Your Feet
Ah good old Strider!! Not only gifts to help occupy idle hours but to lift the hearts of war wear hobbits. Now that I play fiddle, I agree, it would bother dear Pippin's ribs.
More! More! More of your wonderful story :)
Author's reply
I'm glad you think so, too--on both accounts!
As you probably remember from the original tale, we're not quite finished with Pippin...so I am working on that right now. :-)
Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
shirebound
· 17 April 2006
· Chapter 5: On Your Feet
In order to gain and build upon their trust, Aragorn spoke of his first forays into battle from his youth...how they had affected him.
What a gentle, lovely way to begin this 'therapy'.
He looked to Merry with bright, green eyes, “I’m standing, Merry!”
For a while, as he played a folk song native to the Shire, Pippin’s mind flew up and away from Ithilien, away from all of the horrid memories of fearing and battling dark nightmares. Soaring high above snow-capped mountain peaks he sailed northward...toward home.
Dear Pippin!! How we do love him. :D
Author's reply
LOL, yes we do! And we also love Frodo, too--and we shan't forget him! :-)
I couldn't imagine Pippin or Merry being used to this sort of private conversation but eventually get the gist of it, and open up like budding flowers.
Pippinfan
Pearl Took
· 12 April 2006
· Chapter 4: False Impressions
Our poor lads :( They will be alright though. They have their friends and each other - and themselves for that matter :)
Well written and wonderful as always :)
Author's reply
Seems you and I also think on the same lines as well (we usually do!). Keep in mind what you've said here because I was musing on the same thing today at work--between counting and issuing, that is.
Thank you so much for all of your wonderful encouragement. :-)
Pippinfan
harrowcat
· 12 April 2006
· Chapter 4: False Impressions
I am glad that I dropped in to read this. Have enjoyed every minute so far. Please update soon as I can't wait for this sharing/discussion.
Author's reply
I'm glad you dropped in, too! And I'm glad you're enjoying the new tale. I wasn't planning on a thorough discussion to take place, but I think you've given me another idea. ;-)
Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
I like the idea that Merry is drawing about his experiences. That seems like a good way to rid himself of the images and to bring them into perspective. I only wonder what Aragorn has planned. This is still a very entertaining story. More soon I hope!
Author's reply
Seems we're on the same wave-length (as we generally are) as for Merry drawing about his experiences. My Pippin likes to express himself through his musical instruments. I think these methods are more or less to help the young hobbits feel that *they* are still in control of their lives, not the dark memories. I'm still thinking on Aragorn and what initally takes place...hmmm.
I am ever so grateful for all of your wonderful encouragement...and your friendship! :-) Thank you for stopping by to read. :-)
Pippinfan
shirebound
· 11 April 2006
· Chapter 4: False Impressions
Pippin was so clever in how he maneuvered Merry out of the tent so he could speak with Aragorn alone; and Aragorn very perceptive to go along with it. I wish I could "read between the lines" of what people say as well as they can!
Author's reply
I wish I could "read between the lines" of what people say as well as they can!
I think you're selling yourself short--I can assure you otherwise just by the wonderfully woven tales that you write! I'm not all that perceptive; I live vicariously through my hobbits. ;-)
Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
songspinner
· 11 April 2006
· Chapter 4: False Impressions
Hmmm. Nice! I've done art therapy with quite a few kids, and it does work. Some of them drew the terrors and then tore up the paper, or stomped on it. I must say that it works nicely for adults as well... :)
Author's reply
I wish I was as expressive as that--it might have saved me a lot of heartache earlier in life. ;-) I liked the stomping bit! I believe that everyone has some sort of outlet--or escape--for their anxieties and fears, and hobbits (at least mine) are no different.
Thank you for taking the time to read and leave a lovely review!
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 8 April 2006
· Chapter 3: Always There
I am glad that Merry got his guilt out and all was forgiven. Poor Merry is having such a hard time seeing to everyone and worrying about all of them. In some ways being the only uninjured hobbit was the hardest part of it all.
Author's reply
Your're right; in the summary, I said it was Pippin's point of view...well, I believe I may take that out. In separating my hodge-podge of ideas in one particular chapter (in the old story), I've decided there is more to this tale than meets the eye.
Thank you so much for reading!
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 8 April 2006
· Chapter 2: Back Among Friends
I love how both Merry and Pippin each would like to crawl into the same bed but neither thinks that the other would understand this. Gandalf was wonderful in this chapter! I loved the blessing before leaving. I liked Merry's happy tears too. Lovely!
Author's reply
Wow...if *you*--the "Gandalf conessieure"--liked him, then all isn't too bad! ;-) As for M&P, I figure they're big boys now, but yet they still very much need one another at this particular place in their lives. Tears aren't always sad. :-)
Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
SlightlyTookish
· 7 April 2006
· Chapter 3: Always There
This is a nice display of their friendship. The bit where Merry turns away after the palantir incident is not explored enough in fanfiction and it was wonderful to see them address it here. I love all the Pippin-healing in it too. :)
Author's reply
Thank you! I was hoping their deep friendship would come across in a less confusing way this time, lol. As I told a couple of other readers, this was a topic on the old bb.net forum, and like you, I wanted to explore that a wee bit. The Pippin Healing is something I'm exploring a bit more, too; in the previous tale, I was extremely new to writing and didn't take advantage like I should have. :-)
Thank you so much for reading!
Pippinfan
Garnet Took
· 6 April 2006
· Chapter 3: Always There
True friends are the altimate gift. These two are such a shining example of what my daughter calls "BFF's" (Best Friends Forever). They may disagree, and even have words, or turn away from each other for a time, but they always manage to work it out. That is the beauty of brotherhood-type friendships.
Obviously I loved this chapter. This is wonderful stuff.
GT.
Author's reply
Oooh, Garnet! I had to do a double-take on that BFF, lol--but I totally agree! :-) That *is* the beauty of their friendship. :-) Hopefully, the story will continue to improve upon the old stuff--with the help of a good beta. ;-) Thank you so much--and thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
Garnet Took
· 6 April 2006
· Chapter 2: Back Among Friends
Oh, this was so sweet and so believable. I could just see the moment that Merry realizes that Pippin is awake, and going to pull through.
I also thought that both of them having the same feeling of wanting to be close to each other, and yet not following through on it, was so sweet in a very poiniant way.
This is just turning out so lovely. Keep up the good work.
GT.
Author's reply
Hullo, G.T.! :-) Always lovely to hear from you--thank you for the beta via pm! LOL, felt sorry for me, eh? :-P I shall get right to work on them.
I sort of borrowed from the emotions Frodo exhibited in the movies after the Ring was destroyed. Add to that the high emotions upon returning from a six-month deployment...and walaa. Its a total relief--the enormous task is behind you. I also sprinkled in a bit from the Bible--"It is finished".
As for sleeping in the same bed--they love each other as dear brothers, yet...they aren't children anymore. However, that doesn't mean they wouldn't share a bed for more practical reasons--such as warmth, rather than as each other's "security blanket".
Thank you so much for reading!
Pippinfan
Larner
· 6 April 2006
· Chapter 3: Always There
So good to see them comforting one another like this. They need it.
Author's reply
Yes, they do! And thank you so much for reading! :-)
Pippinfan
Dreamflower
· 5 April 2006
· Chapter 3: Always There
Awww...poor Merry, beating himself up over the night Pippin took the palantir. That's *so* Merry! And Pippin's easy forgiveness is so Pippin.
Of course they both want to be there for Frodo when he woke up--I look forward to it!
Author's reply
Merry turning his back on Pippin was a hot topic of discussion long ago on the Ernil I Pheriannath thread on the old bb.net forum. When I initially wrote this tale, their reaction to it was something I decided to explore a bit.
Pippin forgiving Merry? Aways, dear, always! They're brothers of the heart and soul. :-)
As for them being there when Frodo wakes...that wasn't in the original tale...let me think on this. ;-)
Thank you so much for reading--and for all your encouragement. :-)
Pippinfan
shirebound
· 5 April 2006
· Chapter 3: Always There
He took Merry’s chin in hand to look him in the eyes so that his words would find a secure place.
That's a wonderful sentence. And it's so nice to see the cousins communicating so well, and sharing what's in their hearts.
Author's reply
Wow...thank you! I believe Pippin's natural intelligence and his close relationship with Frodo and Merry brings him up to their level of communication. Merry can keep Pippin entertained for only so long before conversation takes over at some point. :-)
Thank you so much for reading!
Pippinfan
Pearl Took
· 5 April 2006
· Chapter 3: Always There
Wonderful!! Warm, sweet and wonderful :)
A good thought, the turning away coming back to haunt Merry. And I love trying to keep Pippin entertained :)
Well done, dearest Pippinfan!!
Author's reply
Oy...tonight was bowling night...so I apologize for my late response. We sucked, btw, lol.
Thank you for the lovely compliments! I treasure all the encouragement you send my way, you know. :-)
At the time when I first wrote this story, we were discussing that very thing on the old Ernil I Pheriannath(sp?) thread on the old bb.net; how Pippin had to have seen Merry turn away, and how he must have been so hurt by it. Do you remember it? I used to soak up that kind of stuff. Yet, I feel that brothers (and sisters!) do forgive, as I feel Merry and Pippin are in spirit as much as by blood(brothers). There's just something about brotherly/sisterly love that runs deep into the marrow.
As for the entertaining of tweenaged Pippin, he is near to being an adult, yet he is still young enough to engage in fun games/toys. That is one of the reasons why I like their tweenage years. :-)
Thank you so much for reading!
Pippinfan
This was wonderful. You discribed his pain so well and his asking for Merry once he woke up was so in character. Not how am I or any sort of complaint, just 'where is Merry?'
I am dying to read more but for now I must try to sleep a bit or I will surely sleep at my desk at work. LOL I am using self control and not reading this one on ff.net by the way. I'm being good for the present. hehehe
Author's reply
Gosh--I think I've been asleep! How did I miss this review?? I am sorry for not responding right away. :-(
I'm glad the weekend allowed you to return to the tale--trust me; I understand your hectic scedule during the week, so please don't lose any sleep on my account. Otherwise, I may follow you from here back to W.V. to find out why you're sleepin at your desk, lol! :-)
Thanks again for reading!
PF
I must confess that I am tempted to read it on ff.net as well as here and I just might do so. Anyway, this is a wonderful prologue and I have enjoyed it very much! If I knew anything at all about Beta-type stuff like spelling and grammer and content then I would gladly offer my services but I suspect that the results would be frightening! LOL Anyway, it is my opinion that this prologue doesn't need a Beta. (Pippinfan1988 has no Beta, Pippinfan1988 needs no Beta! LOL Sorry, it just came to me.) Anyway, off to sleep for a bit but back to read later today! Looking forward to it!
Author's reply
Don't you dare, lol!! I'm probably too late anyway. Your beta results wouldn't be nearly as frightening as what you read at ff.net! Trust me on that one.
Go to sleep, my friend--see ya later. :-)
Pippinfan
Larner
· 1 April 2006
· Chapter 2: Back Among Friends
It is so good they have one another at the moment, for this is needful for both of them.
Author's reply
Yes, it certainly is. :-) Thank you for stopping by to read!
Pippinfan
Pearl Took
· 1 April 2006
· Chapter 2: Back Among Friends
Very well done, Pippinfan! I like them respecting each others space and maturity. Wonderful!!
Author's reply
Thank you, mentor! I should think at this point in their lives that they would only share a bed (or bedroll) for warmth in cold weather. Doesn't mean it never happens again (I never say never!), but it surely wouldn't be a casual thing anymore.
Thank you for reading! :-)
Pippinfan