Matchmakers by Pearl Took
Polly Danderfluff · 28 December 2007 · Chapter 3
I absolutly loved that! Pippin shaved his foot hair off! That was great! I laughed aloud which just made my family look at like I was crazy or something. I also loved it when Pippin swooned when the merchant realized that he was the lad who had stolen from him. That was one of the greatest stories I've ever read! Nice touch with Strider asking for a cell for a thief. Keep up the good work!
Larner · 24 August 2007 · Chapter 3
Excellent solution! Poor Pippin--to be recognized and think he's going to be flogged and hung! Poor, poor lad! Heh!
Author's reply
Thank you Larner :-) Just when he thought he was going to be all right too. At least a broke Strider's monotony!
Larner · 24 August 2007 · Chapter 2
To shave the hair on his feet would indeed be a sacrifice. Now, to see how they handle the situation.
Author's reply
One of the biggest I can see a hobbit making. They are awfully proud of their foot hair ;-)
Larner · 24 August 2007 · Chapter 1
Now this is a very interesting premise indeed. It will be interesting to see where it leads.
Author's reply
Thank you Larner :-)
Elanor Silmariën · 15 September 2006 · Chapter 3
What a lovely little story, Pearl! I love the way you write Pippin. God bless, Ellie
Author's reply
Thank you, Ellie :-) It is so nice to know readers like the way I write Pippin, he has always been my favorite character! Blessings to you as well!
Bodkin · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 3
Delightful, Pearl. And just the kind of people who are likely to be overlooked in the immediate aftermath of war, when just finding non-leaking roofs and enough to eat are going to be the priorities. And then, by the time official eyes turn towards the adolescents, they will be criminalised. A very good thing that Pippin was there and watching. Even if it did anger Merry. (Who would have been right in the middle himself, if only he had been told!)
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Bodkin :) Merry would have had his hand in the merchant's bins had he been told, but I felt Pippin would still be wanting to prove himself a bit by showing that he could see a problem, find out more about it's cause, and come up with solutions on his own. However, being Pippin, he would forget to find out what might happen if he were caught ;-) I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Dreamflower · 27 July 2006 · Chapter 3
What a lovely little story! I can just imagine those two taking interest in helping others in just that way. Of course, Pippin *would* come up with an idea so potentially hazardous! But thankfully it all worked out beautifully in the end! Still--I wouldn't want to be Pippin when Frodo finds out. LOL!
Author's reply
Thank you so very much, Dreamflower :) I'm glad you enjoyed it. And no, I wouldn't want to be Pippin then either. Strider has it right when he says that Frodo knows how to handle errant Tooks!
Armariel · 26 July 2006 · Chapter 3
Whee!! Delightful story-telling. "Grimy" hehehehehe...That Pippin is most unexpected, yes? even to shaving his feet! Thanks for another lovely tale. ~~~{~@
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Armariel! I'm glad you liked it and thank you for the kind words :) You are most welcome!
Andrea · 26 July 2006 · Chapter 3
“And Ricimer.” “My lord?” “See if there is a cell available to lock up a thief.” “Strider!” Pippin cried out, while the King heartily laughed. LOL!!! Merry and Strider (oops, I wanted to say "the King", of course) just love to tease poor Pippin! I also loved that bit about just turning him over to Frodo, and Pippin's reaction to that. But I must say our two hobbits' plan is perfect. That will work, and many people in Minas Tirith, form lads over widows to merchants will be happy about it. Maybe, your muse will tell you how Pippin informed the lads about their good luck. I would really like to read that :)
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Andrea :) You aren't alone in wanting more. We'll have to see what happens. My mind/muse is already on a different story altogether so it may be a bit for an epilogue for this one. Pippin simply avails himself too well for teasing, it's the curse all "youngest" must bear :)
SlightlyTookish · 26 July 2006 · Chapter 3
Heehee, I love seeing Aragorn joking around with and teasing his hobbits. This was a very interesting story, Pearl, I've never seen anything quite like it. I like the idea of Pippin wanting to help these children, because he is so compassionate and wants everyone to be happy. I liked Merry's concern for Pippin and of course the happy ending :)
Author's reply
Thank you so much, ST :) Nice to know it's possibly unique! Aragorn knows that is the proper way to handle hobbits :) I'm so glad you liked it! Thank you!
PIppinfan1988 · 25 July 2006 · Chapter 3
*applause, applause*!! That was a beautiful story! Oh, how I loved the interaction between Merry and Pippin--everything was wonderful! I always like seeing the hobbits interact with the the children and rest of the folk of Minas Tirith, too. Everything should work out in the end for all concerned. :-) Thank you for sharing this sweet, sweet tale! Pippinfan, et al.
Author's reply
Aw, shucks *blushes* Thank you so much, Pippinfan, for reading, responding and encouraging :) It is my pleasure to give you an entertaining story :)
AspenJules · 25 July 2006 · Chapter 3
I'm with Harrowcat - it's over??? Awwwww! *pouts* But it was delightful, Pearl! I also loved Elessar's appreciation of the distraction and entertainment in an otherwise boring morning, and was reassured that that was his reaction, LOL. Good for the hobbits, stepping in to handle a situation that no one else had noticed yet. We need more of that sort of initiative in this world. However, lolol... I was reminded jus a bit of "Huck Finn" or "Tom Sawyer" in this. Hope those widows are up to handling teenaged boys who've been on their own. Hopefully they have not been on their own too long to remember and appreciate what a real home is like. LOL Feel free to add more, Pearl - I'd gladly read it!!
Author's reply
Thank you so much, AspenJules! I love that it made you think of Mark Twain's stories - yes, I hope those widows are ready for this ;) I don't the the boys are that far removed from at least having one parent around so that should work well. As I said to harrowcat - I'll nudge my muse and see what (if anything) happens :)
harrowcat · 25 July 2006 · Chapter 3
It's over? Oh!! :( I want to see Pippin encourage these lads to accept this decree and come out of hiding etc. Apart from that I really loved the Merry Widow, oops Merry's Widow. Great story.
Author's reply
Hahahaha you caught that, harrowcat, well done! I wrote it, then stopped . . . looked at it and said, "Oh, why not!" I'm glad you enjoyed the story. My muse hadn't given me that part of the story. I'll tuck it away and see if she does :) Thank you for reading and respoonding :)
EstellaB · 25 July 2006 · Chapter 3
Although i loved the entire story, I think the thibng that stuck out most for me was Merry's (and later Strider's) teasing of Pippin. In just stikes me a beautifully in character, especially where Merry was originally terrified that Pippin would be flogged and hand. I can see Merry and Pippin doing something like this to help Gondor's residents during the aftermath of the War-thankyou for a lovely read :)
Author's reply
Aw! Thank you so much, EstellaB! High compliments indeed :) You are most welcome and thank you for reading and responding :)
shirebound · 25 July 2006 · Chapter 3
Yay for good-hearted, clever hobbits, and just Kings, and for the White City once everything is settled! How wonderful, Pearl. The King, after his initial shock at the revelation, rather enjoyed the bit of excitement that it brought to what had been a boring morning. *giggles*
Author's reply
Thank you, shirebound :) :) I like happy endings, as I know you do ;) Thank you for reading and responding!
Lindelea · 25 July 2006 · Chapter 3
The King, after his initial shock at the revelation, rather enjoyed the bit of excitement that it brought to what had been a boring morning. LOL, that's the Strider we know and love. “What with flogging and hanging, you would have had a marvelous story to tell my family.” Ah, hobbity wit. His thoughts strayed a moment to someone else who had been crushed, but survived. A poignant moment. Great thinking on Merry's and Pippin's part! And I love the ending. But off the topic for a moment, my heart goes out to the mother whose three-year-old was killed by a falling mirror at Wal-mart recently. She was only five feet away when the accident happened. So very sad. The widow reminded me of this. I guess what I'm trying to say is that your writing is so often so very "real".
Author's reply
Oh my goodness! I'd not heard of that accident. Yes, that's a horrible thing, that poor mother :( I'm glad you like how I've written everyone and I'm glad you enjoyed the story :) Thank you, dear Lin, for reading and responding. You're a dear soul :)
Andrea · 25 July 2006 · Chapter 2
He shaved off his foot hair? My God! It was a good thing that only Merry found out about the stealing. I had forgotten about the cruel Gondorian customs, but I can very well imagine that they did things like flogging and hanging to thieves. So I can understand Merry's anger that under the surface is only fear for his little cousin's life. I'm really glad that Pippin is such a good thief ;-) And I'm looking forward to finding out what the plan of our cousins will be. It is true (not only for hobbits) that while enjoying a delicious meal you come up with the best ideas ;-)
Author's reply
Thank you, Andrea, for reading and respoonding. Yes, he shaved off his hobbity foot hair. He's a brave and determined hobbit. Most cultures were tougher on criminals back then - and some still are. I think you'll like their plans :)
Lindelea · 24 July 2006 · Chapter 2
*shiver* Y'know, after researching the Middle Ages I have quite as dark a view of Gondorian justice as you do. But it does not sit comfortably. I see you had anticipated my question about Pippin's feet! The tale unfolded in a rather orderly fashion, for Pippin, This is such a telling remark! I loved the last line, and am glad it was Merry who caught Pippin and not someone else!
Author's reply
Yes, 'twas a good thing indeed! I was hoping people would think of the boys noticing Adalgrim's bare feet and wonder about why nothing was said about them being hairy ;) This was important enough for him to make a rather major sacrifice, though as Pippin says, it'll grow back. They made altogether too much use of torture back in those days, though with the way their prisons were, I rather think execution was nearly a kindness. I do think Gondor would be advanced enough to have legal recourse for people accused of crimes as well. Thank you for reading this and responding, Lin :)
Lindelea · 24 July 2006 · Chapter 1
LOL! Finally got back. Loved this: “Adalgrim, at yer service,” Pippin replied while in his head he was hoping his Grandfather’s honor wasn’t being too horribly offended by the number of lies his progeny was telling, including the borrowing of his name. And Adalgrime! LOL! The only sticking point I had was that the boys didn't notice the furry feet. Don't know whether you've dealt with that in a future chapter or not. I did think of a possible solution. But I must read on to find out what happens next!
Author's reply
Hi Lin :) I saw this after I answered your post to chapter 2. Sorry. I'm glad you enjoyed the fun I had with Pip using his Grandfather's name - and the fun that Cunrad had with it :) Thank you!
PIppinfan1988 · 24 July 2006 · Chapter 2
A Big AHAAAA! Yikes--a bald foot! I suppose hobbits are good for Burglaring...so Pippin was the man, er, the hobbit for the job. :-) Now I'm curious as to what Merry is going to propose! Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yep, bald hobbit feet. His foot hair better grow back before they get home ;) There seems to be a bit of a tradition of petty larceny with this group of hobbits. Bilbo burgled, Frodo stole from farmer Maggot, we know Merry and Pippin also did garden raids. They're a bad bunch!! Hehehehe Thank you for reading and responding dear Pippinfan :)
shirebound · 24 July 2006 · Chapter 2
Bergil could have easily been one of those lads. Ohhh, how heartbreaking! How could Pip have done anything other than what he did? Now I'm anxiously awaiting the resolution.
Author's reply
Hi shirebound! :) He could not have done anything else, he's Pippin Took :) Thank you so much for reading and responding, my dear mentor :)
AspenJules · 24 July 2006 · Chapter 2
Pearl, this is delightful! Dear sweet concerned Pippin, and those poor boys! I'm glad *someone* is taking an interest in them! I suppose with all that is going on they must just have been overlooked, but I would hope that had it been Bergil who ended up like that some of the men in his company of Guards would have taken an interest in him. *Sighs* I am looking forward to seeing what Pippin's ideas are, and Merry's needs. *chuckles* I guess Merry really knew how important it was when he noticed Pip's shaved feet...
Author's reply
Yes, the shaved feet clinched it. Only something very important would make a hobbit shave his/her feet. It is easy for those who appear to be alright or cared for to be taken at face value and no one know they really do need help. Thank you for readin and responding, AspenJules :)
harrowcat · 24 July 2006 · Chapter 2
Ah! We really begin to see where the title is coming from now don't we? I feel so sorry for these boys - just like Pippin. And I love the relationship you are showing between them.
Author's reply
Thank you, harrowcat :) I hated using a title I think is a potential give away, but it was what fit the best. Pippin is a caring soul :)
EstellaB · 24 July 2006 · Chapter 2
*hugs Merry and Pippin* I'm so, so glad that it was Merry and not Sam who saw Pippin. Or anyone else. And I feel so sorry for poor Pip, shaving off his foothair! And Merry, going around thinking that Pippin was a common thief!
Author's reply
Yes, this is one time I don't think Sam would have handled things well. It is such a part of who hobbits are, but Pip knew the lads were worth him having odd looking feet for a while. Merry and Pippin thank you for the hugs, EstellaB :) and I for the response :)
harrowcat · 24 July 2006 · Chapter 1
This sounds like kind-hearted Pippin has discovered a real problem going on for these lads. Tpical of him to try and do something about it without telling Strider first!
Author's reply
Hehehe, yes! He's wanting to handle things on his own as he's feeling most grown up, what with being a knight and all :) Thank you for reading and responding, harrowcat :)