cathleen
· 19 January 2008
· Chapter 999: Epilogue
Pearl, I'm kind of starting backwards here! I've read parts of the middle and the ending, and am now starting on the beginning. It looks like a magnificent story thus far. But then, how could it not be when you are the author? Thank you ahead of time for another great tale!
Author's reply
It's a good thing you are so familiar with LOTR or none of this would make much sense with reading it that way :-)
Thank you so much, you are too kind.
You are welcome, and I hope you continue to enjoy it :-)
ruby
· 8 January 2008
· Chapter 999: Epilogue
Loved it! I've always wanted to find a story about Took fairy blood! I don't have much to say from a critical point of view, but then I'm not a critic! Keep up the good work.
Author's reply
Thank you so much ruby :-)
I've written a few other stories that have touched on the Faerie blood in the Tooks. I'm so glad that you enjoyed my take on it. Thank you for your kind words!
AspenJules
· 9 June 2006
· Chapter 999: Epilogue
Wow, Pearl.
I started this story thinking it was simply going to explain your OC Cullasisul to me. I had no idea that it would change my view of the whole story of LOTR forever.
I will never again be able to read the stories without imagining Esme at home living it through Pippen... or know what they were going through with a detail unimagined before. What a work you've created.... you've added depth, texture, color and pattern to a part of Tolkien's story that I always had a little trouble piecing together before. Such richness of detail, such wealth of imagination... I could go on and on. I wish I had been reading it as you were writing it.. as it was I got a little bit here and a little bit there and didn't review as I went along because I didn't want to be pulled out of the story any more than I already was. Let me just say, THANK YOU for your effort, work and dedication to such a wonderful story. *BIG Belated Hugs* AspenJules
Author's reply
Thank you so very much, AspenJules :) It was a labor of love that went through many a dry time (writer's block) and many a time of hardly being able to stop writing and tend to real life. It was a story ripe for the telling that I knew would be a major work as there was so much that Tolkien hinted at but left untold. My biggest fear was the Took - Fairy connection and Cullassisul as it could be seen as bringing a bit of AU into the story and I wanted it to stay very close to the books. But the readers that left responses, they at least all enjoyed it and felt it fit Tolkien's universe well.
Thank you for taking the time to read it and thank you for the kind compliments :)
Beethovens7th
· 1 June 2005
· Chapter 26: Tremors, Terrors and Healing
What a moving chapter. Filled with tension and emotions. Emotions of all. Interesting to see also saurons thoughts. I liked also that you showed the evil tension spreading through the shire. and the ways in which you showed it. the "not quite right soil, and rows for planting" These pure things would be corrupted by S's evil wouldn't they! The war is winding down now, but the story not close to ending! Your story fills in many gaps doesn't it. I will try to read more often now that life is settling. Huggles to you. Maybe your day be brighter.
Beethoven's 7th -- Herder of Plot chickens.
Author's reply
Thank you for responding! Yes, unfortunately, evil taints so very much. My day has improved greatly - thank you :) I'm glad you are enjoying "Fear".
PIppinfan1988
· 16 April 2005
· Chapter 999: Epilogue
"He and the others began to tear whatever cloth they had into strips to bind around any part of saddlery or bridle that was metal and might jingle as they walked through the fields and into the woods." - PT
Brilliant!! Hehehe...so *this* is how they got past those ruffians? I love the forethought you put into this whole story. You have a wonderful imagination, Pearl. :-) And the reunion of Pippin and his parents--beautiful. I LOVE the part of Pippin offering his sword in the service of the Thain. So well done!
Sam's taking his mother's shawl off her rocking chair was a sweet touch. The entire scene of Merry returning home was a beautful ending. So much love, and so many tears--not for just this chapter, but the story as a whole. (Applause, applause!) Bravo, Pearl! Stand up and take your bow! Thank you for this lovely story. :-)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Heaven help me! I was looking at a new response here and what do I find? I find I never replied to you here! :-O
I'm sure I did via chat or email, but how wrong to do nothing here at SOA.
I'm so very sorry, Pippinfan.
I'm so glad that all those wee touches made the ending for you. As you know this story took a lot out of me and it has meant so much that readers have liked it, but you in particular as you were there behind the scenes encouraging me all the way.
Thank you so deeply.
Hugs,
Pearl
PIppinfan1988
· 16 April 2005
· Chapter 45: Then World Behind and Home Ahead
What wonderful detail! For as much as I've read that part in the Book, I still like to wonder at the fillers--and you filled them all in quite nicely! I'm biting my nails--I don't want it to end!! I am already giving you a standing ovation--do ya hear it? Thank *you* so much for taking the time to write it all lovingly and not hurry--even when you probably wanted to. This tale is rich with detail, original characterizations, and woven with love. Onto the epilogue.
Pippinfan
PIppinfan1988
· 16 April 2005
· Chapter 44: Lotho Sackville-Baggins, Chief of the Shire
"Shakey had said, his voice so very warm and soothing. He always showed such concern." - PT
Perfect, Pearl! Saruman still had the ability to sway/give illusions with his voice. Brilliant!
Oy! LOL...I shouldn't laugh...but...oy. I have nothing but high praise for you in this chapter! I wouldn't have the guts to write this--and indeed it was a fact of the Occupation. And something for the lads to clean up during the Scouring. Bravo, Pearl! Well done! Onto the last chapter...
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Thank you so very much :) No, not really a laughable chapter but I understand. Only following Prof. Tolkien's insinuations ;)
Beethovens7th
· 29 March 2005
· Chapter 25: Doing What We Can
Bravo again.
How clever of the hobbits to fake deaths. In the conditions they are being forced to live in, deaths of elderly are likely, so it was an excellent plan. I hope that if evil half orcs ever take over where i live, that i live close by you, you seem very able to come up with ways to trick them!!! Lets just hope they haven't read your story though!!
Congrats again on finishing this story. One of these days i'll find the time to read it all, for now, I"m plodding along
Yer fan,
Beethoven's 7th
Beethovens7th
· 21 March 2005
· Chapter 24: Deeds Done in the Dark
WOW! Awesome chapter. So full of good stuff i hardly know where to begin. Here is a quote i found especially good. "I bet I could see home in that glass. I bet I could see how my parents are if I . . ." Ah, yes, the palantir sucking him in. offering what he most desires, a glimpse of home! Actualy, i have in mind a small story of pippin while he is being haunted by the palantir, I will keep this chapter in mind if I get around to writing it.
And this part! chilling!! Poor esme!
"It is Him."
Esme knew the voice, though it held none of its usual melody.
"It is the Dark One."
The voice quavered. The cold sank deeper into Esme’s heart.
"I cannot break the bond The Dark One has forged. I cannot. My Tookling is alone before Him."
Wonderful! So much insite given in this chapter. And as usual, sprinkled with all of that detail you are so good at including.
PIppinfan1988
· 19 March 2005
· Chapter 43: The Whole Shire
Love that ending! “It just needed a nudge” is perfect. I can agree that the hearts of the hobbits were long preparing for something to nudge them just shortly before the warriors returned from the south. I heard it in the words JRRT had Rosie speak to Sam before the Battle of Bywater. As PJ wrote in the movie, “there is always hope”. Thanks for sharing. :-)
Pippinfan
PIppinfan1988
· 19 March 2005
· Chapter 42: Sharkey
You paint a very grim picture on your canvass, dear Pearl; you are a very gifted writer. I can see every detail clearly...and I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for more! Lobelia’s spunk shines and Sharkey’s evil makes my skin crawl. Absolutely wonderful! I thank you so much for tackling this most difficult portion of the War/Journey.
Pippinfan
PIppinfan1988
· 19 March 2005
· Chapter 41: Buckland
Yikes...! What a remarkable imagination you have, my dear! Brilliantly done. Our favorite wee hobbit seeing/experiencing unfathomable horrors...it’s as if he’s going through atrocity of Sauron’s inquisition through the palantir again. That was a fantastic, rivetting chapter! Thank you for writing this wonderful tale. :-)
Pippinfan
PIppinfan1988
· 19 March 2005
· Chapter 40: Revelations, Celebrations and Visions in Rivendell
Wow....absolutely awesome!!! The entire dream sequence is so well put together and exquisitely written! You portray the hobbit characters most wonderfully here in Rivendell. You have all four perfectly pegged. Marvelous, Pearl–thank you for sharing!
Pippinfan
PIppinfan1988
· 8 March 2005
· Chapter 39: Doubts
Oh, I love this quiet resolve that Rosie has! It’s exactly how I remember Tolkien wrote her character. It seems as if the rest are losing hope; which is setting the stage for a proper homecoming for the lads. :-) Very good!
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 6 March 2005
· Chapter 999: Epilogue
Perfect in all respects. I loved Pippin and Esmeralda finally getting a moment together alone while Merry "cleared out the snakes." It was lovely to the very end. You did a brilliant job on this one!
Author's reply
Thank you so very much. And thank you for staying with me to the end on this :)
Grey Wonderer
· 6 March 2005
· Chapter 45: Then World Behind and Home Ahead
Love how this fits exactly with the book. This is such a wonderful story!
Grey Wonderer
· 6 March 2005
· Chapter 43: The Whole Shire
Love the moments between the parents. Nice looks into all they have been through together and dear, dear, Freddy!
Grey Wonderer
· 6 March 2005
· Chapter 42: Sharkey
Love Lobelia's outrage and the fact that she was willing to stand against even her own son on this.
Grey Wonderer
· 6 March 2005
· Chapter 41: Buckland
Enjoyed Pippin and Elrond clearing the air. Also liked the fact that Pippin admitted to having used his farie eyes to win his won way at times and that he realized it was wrong and quit. I wonder if most children would have been able to resist the temptation?
Larner
· 5 March 2005
· Chapter 999: Epilogue
Ah, lovely, lovely, lovely.
Thanks for quite a tale.
Author's reply
Thank you Larner :) I'm glad you enjoyed it all. Thank you so much for responding, it really means a lot :) Thank you again!!!
Larner
· 5 March 2005
· Chapter 44: Lotho Sackville-Baggins, Chief of the Shire
Ah. Saruman the NASTY! NASTY, nasty, nasty! Am almost through, and sticking through it.
Author's reply
Thank you :) Sorry I hadn't responded sooner :( But thank you so very much :)
Larner
· 5 March 2005
· Chapter 43: The Whole Shire
Yes. come home, Travelers! Come home and nudge!
Larner
· 5 March 2005
· Chapter 42: Sharkey
Too bad the wrong worm turned.
Larner
· 5 March 2005
· Chapter 41: Buckland
Wonderful forebodings.
Larner
· 5 March 2005
· Chapter 40: Revelations, Celebrations and Visions in Rivendell
Love that the comfort is going both ways now the Pippin has emotionally come of age.