The Blessing by Pearl Took
Agape4Gondor · 5 March 2008 · Chapter 26: Their Own Paths to Take
Really lovely chapter. I had hoped that a further draught of the entr drink would mayhap have healed Pippin - but I guess not. Though the love of his friends will help him through anything. What a glorious farewell you wrote!
Author's reply
Thank you :-) No, that sort of healing isn't in his future, but there are many sorts of healing. I'm so glad you enjoyed the farewell, Agape :-)
Agape4Gondor · 5 March 2008 · Chapter 25: Farewell
I missed this somehow - a thoroughly lovely chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you so much Agape :-)
shirebound · 5 March 2008 · Chapter 27: Afternoon Delight
What a beautiful chapter; you ladies make a wonderful team! It's delightful how Tulip is being woven into so many tales. Ohhh, Pippin playing an Elven harp is a sweet image. The sons of Elrond are very gracious and generous. And the love and care the hobbits feel for one another is so obvious.
Author's reply
Thank you shirebound, my mentor :-) Of all the Elves, I think I like the twins the best. I'll make sure C&G read the reviews. Thank you!
Garnet Took · 5 March 2008 · Chapter 27: Afternoon Delight
So glad to see a new chapter of this, Pearl. I can see Cathleen's touch clearly.:) I know Golden has been encouraging you all along the way. I hadn't thought of it before really, but music really could be a key to Pippin having a fuller recovery. The story of Pippin learning his first instrument was cute. The ending of this chapter was so sweet. The love between the cousins is wonderful. I am really excited about this story and want to see where it goes. I want to offer your muse just about anything he/she wants to keep enspiring you.:)
Author's reply
Thank you so much Garnet :-) I will make sure C&G read the reviews. As you know, on this story in particular, I really value your opinion. I'm glad we are still up to your expectations. Music will keep showing up :-) I'll let my muse know it is getting offered bribes ;-) Thank you!
Hai Took · 25 January 2008 · Chapter 26: Their Own Paths to Take
I was so happy to see an update! This story holds me enthralled! I loved this little scene with Strider and Pippin. A very nice little "connecting" moment. Good of Pippin to share everything with Strider and I liked how he let Pippin come to his conclusions on his own. He is certainly very wise, Gondor's King :) Oh I just can't bear good byes. You guys wrote the Fellowships parting very well! I don't think I have ever read a better one. Gimli puts on such a tough front and I really like how you have written him this entire time! I still wanted to take the "easy" way out and thought maybe the Ent Draught would cure Pippin but it seems he will indeed return home with it. Oh well I'm still looking forward to them all being home and seeing how Pippin handles having the falling sickness when he is home, or perhaps more nerve wracking how his family and the ones he loves handle the falling sickness. Either way looking forward to more. Thank you so much!
cathleen · 24 January 2008 · Chapter 26: Their Own Paths to Take
Pearl, this has to be one of the most emotional chapters of all. You have truly outdone yourself! Your characterizations are tremendously done, as are your descriptive details, and both add an unfailing sense of reality to this tale. When a writer touches the reader's heart with such a depth of feeling, she has achieved her purpose and even gone a bit beyond it. In the telling of the story it has ceased to be a mere 'story' and has become a real world for the reader. And this reader was able to enter your creation and live the story to its fullest. And that, my friend, is the mark of a true artist. I felt the emotions as if I were there with the characters and part of the scenes, as I have all the way through this wonderful story. Thank you for an extraordinary experience!
PIppinfan1988 · 22 January 2008 · Chapter 26: Their Own Paths to Take
This was a fantastic gap-filler! Pippin and Strider talking upon the battlement at Helm's Deep was true to the moment and just lovely. Their tones, emotions, very much in character and not over the top. It was all very well spoken, very perfect. You certainly have Gimli's character nailed, and Legolas, too. I loved your glimps into the Many Partings and farewells. Loved the scene of Pippin renewing his Vow of Service to the new High King. I especially loved the scene of Aragorn lifting his ring into the rays of the sun in farewell to his friends. Awesomely done!
Author's reply
Oh, thank you so much Pippinfan! I'm so glad you liked it all and that it all felt true to you. It's been awhile since I've worked on this and I'm so relieved that it is like the rest of the story has been.
Andrea · 22 January 2008 · Chapter 26: Their Own Paths to Take
Great chapter, Pearl! First of all, I think it's very understandable that Pippin - and Frodo - might have considered staying in Minas Tirith at Strider's side. And I believe him that he was rather torn in two, because he also wanted to see the Shire and his family again. And as we know, he is needed there! I very much enjoyed the parting scenes, especially Gimli's hugs for the hobbits. And I loved it that they recited Bilbo's poem about Strider and Pippin's alteration of the last line. I'm looking forward to reading more! Thank you, Pearl and Golden!
Author's reply
You are welcome Andrea, and thank you :-) It has to be hard to face the familiar people and places when you yourself are so changed. I'm glad you liked Gimli's hugs! We're glad you are enjoying this and looking forward to more
harrowcat · 22 January 2008 · Chapter 26: Their Own Paths to Take
Oh that is such a great improvement on this scene in the book! How do I explain crying over my keyboard at work!
Author's reply
Thank you so much harrowcat, from both of us :-) I hope your keyboard still works ;-)
Larner · 22 January 2008 · Chapter 26: Their Own Paths to Take
Ah, a peaceful parting; and I so appreciate Pippin thinking of remaining, as I've thought he would think possibly a good thing for Frodo to do. No--the folk of the Shire aren't ready for the changes; but will need the four of them. And once the Battle of Bywater is fought and won, Pippin will have shown himself most worthy of being the next Thain, and more will be willing to learn disabilities aren't necessarily as awful as they first appear.
Author's reply
I don't blame him either for considering staying in Minas Tirith. We'll have to see what going home will bring. Thank you so much for reading and responding Larner! :-)
Dreamflower · 21 January 2008 · Chapter 26: Their Own Paths to Take
Pearl, you have outdone yourself with this chapter. From Pippin and Aragorn's heart to heart talk on the battlements to the final farewell, you didn't hit a single false note. Each person's leavetaking was very much in character--I loved the hobbits saying a final farewell by reciting Bilbo's verse, and Pippin's renewing his allegiance to Gondor. And I may be wrong and just imagining things, but, well I'm wondering if I saw a glimmer of hope for Pippin's recovery (at least partially) in this chapter...
Author's reply
Thank you so much Dreamflower, nice to hear that it all rang true and that the characterizations were good. The part with Bilbo's verse was a nice gift from my muse, it was just there when that moment came.
pippinsgirl · 21 January 2008 · Chapter 26: Their Own Paths to Take
Your welcome! Yeah I have people tell me that I misspell words some of the time so I try to let people know when they spell something wrong. yeah if I was in Pippin's suitioation I would probably choose the easier path too. but for Pippin, it would mean that Merry might not go with him (I'd highly doubt it but you never know what that tricky Brandybuck has up his sleeves) Pippin does have alot to go through, and it would be hard to choose. Ah! g2g (but I don't wanna) haffta go to bed!! Me be a good Pippin ( since that's my nickname!!!)
elanor winterflowers · 21 January 2008 · Chapter 26: Their Own Paths to Take
Oh, Pearl! This was quite beautiful, so very touching and layered, and so neatly interwoven with canon text. I think you captured the maturing Pippin perfectly; his dialogue was excellent, and the little scene in which he reasoned out his fears of going home, and then his fears of not going, was really impressive. I have to admit I nurture a childlike hope that the parting Ent-draught proves magical! A lovely chapter; thanks so much!
Author's reply
Thank you so much elanor :-) I'm very glad you enjoyed it and found it all to ring true. It most likely won't have what you're hoping for, but it may have other effects. We'll have to see as there is much we don't know ourselves yet. You are most welcome :-)
pippinsgirl · 21 January 2008 · Chapter 26: Their Own Paths to Take
OMG I love this, it's so nice!! I was so excited when I found there was a new chapter I was like "YAY I HAVE SOMETHING TO DO NOW!!" I've been bored all day with nothing to do so yeah I was happy. I was a little suprized that Pippin had thought about going back to Minis Tirith with Aragorn. 'Not too far from here Peregrin Took had given in to temptation and looked into the Palatir of Orthanc.' I don't mean to be *can't think of the word* but you spelt Palantir wrong.....
Author's reply
Thank you for the spelling correction :-) That's what happens when you're your own editor, it's easy to miss things. I'm so glad that you liked it otherwise, pippinsgirl. Going home is a scary thing to have to face and in Minas Tirith he wouldn't have to face those fears. Thank you for responding and (again) for the help :-)
Garnet Took · 21 January 2008 · Chapter 26: Their Own Paths to Take
Oh, Pearl, this was so worth waiting for. I got misty-eyed at several points. Pippin worrying about what his life will be like when he no longer has many understanding people around him and worrying about any changes that may have to be made in his treatment was so believable. It makes perfect sense that he would be scared to go home. I also love the way you worked the Took Sight into the tale. All the partings were done so well. I felt sad right along with them. I'm glad to see you working on this one again. I'm really looking forward to what happens once they return to the Shire. How is Pippin going to carry out his role in raising the Shire, and how are the other hobbits going to handle finding out that he has the falling sickness. I can't wait to see how these things get worked through.:) Thanks for another great chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you so much Garnet :-) As always, it means a lot to know this is staying believable. That is very important to both of us. I'm glad it touched your heart. I'm looking forward to their time in the Shire as well :-)
shirebound · 21 January 2008 · Chapter 26: Their Own Paths to Take
"Even though I can no longer fight as a soldier, if things have gone wrong there should be something I can do to help. " Well spoken, Prince of the Halflings. Well spoken. In a full, strong voice Pippin finished the verses with a touch of his own. “Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The once crownless is now our King!” With that, the smallest knight of Gondor went down upon one knee before his King, who was still down upon on knee himself. Pippin deftly slid his sword from its scabbard and held its pommel toward his liege lord. Omigosh, what a farewell! I love everything about it; this is like finding a missing piece of the Professor's tale, told in full at last.
Author's reply
Wow! Thank you so very much, my dear mentor :-) There is no greater compliment than to be told that anything I've written fits so well with the Professor's own work. You've made my day! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Hugs!
pippinsgirl · 3 January 2008 · Chapter 25: Farewell
Wow that was quick! I was just curious cause it's one of my all-time Faveorite Pippin stories Better then alot of my un-fininshed ones
pippinsgirl · 3 January 2008 · Chapter 25: Farewell
Hullo!! Is it over of are you going to be making another chapter? I just finished Return of the King last night I've been reading it for like 3 months! I think I did pretty good even though I've already heard the book before
Author's reply
Hullo :) Most likely we're only about halfway finished, so there is more to come. I just hope some of it starts writing more easily so it will quit taking so long. Thank you for checking in on us :)
cathleen · 4 December 2007 · Chapter 25: Farewell
Ah, a heart wrenching experience for Pippin and Merry both. I'm so glad it ended on an upbeat note! I love Sunshine too!
Author's reply
Thank you cathleen, I needed an upbeat note ;-) So glad you love Sunshine!
cathleen · 4 December 2007 · Chapter 24: Swordplay
So hard to hear the truth sometimes, especially when it seems so final. My heart really went out to Pippin, and Beregond too. This was another very sensitively written, lovely chapter of this awesome story! Thank you Pearl!
Author's reply
You're welcome and thank you cathleen :-) It means a lot to have you reading this!
elanor winterflowers · 17 November 2007 · Chapter 25: Farewell
I'm a bit late, but may I say I also very much admired the scene with the dipping swords--really nicely done! And I liked seeing Pippin come into his own so completely; I don't think he thought once about his own difficulties, and what a difference that made to Merry in his time of need. There were so many clever associations made in this chapter--really so impressive! I think most of them have already been mentioned, but here is one I had never thought about and enjoyed realizing for the first time: "The bond between the hobbit knights would now be even stronger than it had been before, if such a thing were possible. They had risked their lives for Eowyn and Faramir and the hobbits were nearly bursting with joy that their dear friends would soon be married." I continue to follow your story with great admiration!
Author's reply
Thank you so much elanor :-) It is another neat way Merry and Pippin are tied together I always thought. We're so glad you are enjoying our story!
Hai Took · 16 November 2007 · Chapter 25: Farewell
Oh! Poor Merry! He has grieved so long and had to keep it bottled up so long it must just be awful for him! I do love how you had everyone watching the other. True hobbit spirit! To think of someone else before yourself and to concerned for the other enough to forget your own troubles! I loved the guard slackening their swords when Pippin's went limp because of a spell. They are looking after him quite well. I am also glad to see Beregond and Pippin on such better terms at least that there is no more awkwardness. They were still friends even when things were difficult. I don't get much time to keep up on fanfic but this is one of the very few stories I can spare time for these days. Thanks for making it so well worth it! Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
"I don't get much time to keep up on fanfic but this is one of the very few stories I can spare time for these days. Thanks for making it so well worth it! Looking forward to more!" Wow, thank you for such an incredible compliment Hai :-) We will do our best to keep this story worth your time. Thank you! The hobbits looked out for each other during the Quest, I'm sure they would continue to do so afterwards, and I couldn't have Beregond and Pip stay at odds with each other either. :-)
pippinsgirl · 16 November 2007 · Chapter 25: Farewell
thanks for responding so quickly. No I wasn't too tired after it but moreso rather confused for a moment I couldn't really remember where I was. but after I was shakey for a good portion of the rest of the day. no one gave me any problems, well not really, I had to explain it to my friend because she didn't know until yesterday. in fact most of my teachers don't know.. keep at this story it keeps getting better soo fast
pippinsgirl · 15 November 2007 · Chapter 25: Farewell
YES!! THERE'S FINALLY ANOTHER CHAPTER!!! I really like how Pippin was there to save Merry before darkness took him. I'm glad that Merry and Pippin are getting along again, whereas before Merry was being somewhat cold towards Pippin because he didn't know how to react to Pippin's sickness. Many people don't know how to react to mine either. but obvisoualy mine is not as bad as Pippin's but it's still there nonetheless. just today I had a blank spell that lasted for about 3 or 4 minuets and I was in gym class. my teacher didn't know what was going on and he was trying to get my attention b/c we were getting ready to go up to the weight room. I haven't had a blank spell like that for a long time, I mean I have them all the time but none like that. I am loving this story more and more
Author's reply
Thank you pippinsgirl :-) I think they will all get better with things as the story goes along, although there will be set backs as well. I'm sorry to hear you had such a long blank spell. I hope you weren't too tired afterwards and that no one gave you any problems because of it. It means a lot to Golden and I when someone who knows these conditions personally is enjoying the story. That means we're keeping it fairly real and honest. Thank you :-)
Andrea · 15 November 2007 · Chapter 25: Farewell
There! If that hasn't convinced Pippin that he IS needed by his kin! I don't want to imagine what would have happened if Aragorn hadn't talked to Pippin! Pippin has a special gift, which is to simply be there for others: to listen to them, feel with them and last but not least to always manage to cheer them up. He only needed someone to remind him of that. Not only the hobbits but also the guards love their little knight. There was a moment when a spell took hold of Pippin and the point of his sword gradually started to lower. King Elessar allowed himself a slight smile as the swords of all those in the honor guard lowered at the same time, returning to their original places only as Pippin regained himself and lifted his. Anyone else would have thought it a planned part of their honoring King Theoden. Perfect scene, really! Thank you very much, Pearl and Golden!
Author's reply
Thank you so much Andrea! All that is why Pippin has always been my favorite :-) I'm so glad you like that wee scene. You are very welcome :-)