While We Dwelt in Fear by Pearl Took

Reviews (226)

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Larner · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 26: Tremors, Terrors and Healing

I so love the image of Aragorn, the King, the Healer, the hope returned to mother, son, and nephew as it returns to the free peoples of the West. Love your usage of words.

Larner · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 25: Doing What We Can

I have found I resent Lotho and his "rules" more and more over the years. Well written and engaging. I may get caught up soon.

Lindelea · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 40: Revelations, Celebrations and Visions in Rivendell

Oooo (shivers, and it's not just the ice cream talking) I do love your Merry, and his talk with Frodo. And Elladan, good for him! So observant. But Esme? What is happening to Esme, that she needs Pippin's bolstering? (Hmmm, a bolster is a pillow. Did I just make a bad pun?) For a moment I thought Pippin might be comforting Freddy, also half-Took, in the Lockholes. More! Please? (and yes, if I have time I will type in the next chapter. It will probably have to wait until early tomorrow, though, if I can drag myself out of bed before everyone else. Dh is due home soon and he'll take over the 'puter then. And I haven't finished the RL writing I need to do while the children are occupied on a project...)

Author's reply

The next two chapters will be posted tomorrow ;) Yes, that was a bad pun . . . but a good one :) Thank you so much for reading and responding :) Hope the RL writing goes well.

Lindelea · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 39: Doubts

You brought me to tears with this chapter, you and your brave hobbits facing adversity. Paladin, wishing he could go back to the land. Little hobbits eating nightshade berries. Adults tightening their belts, and the brighter children figuring out what's going on. Brandybucks hiding others. Cottons helping the less fortunate and fomenting rebellion. (And I can just *see* Daddy Twofoot and the Gaffer on that bench!

Author's reply

The scene with Paladin and his granddaughter was one of the first I invisioned for this story and I had to wait all this time for it's place in the story. I'm glad it had a strong affect. It means a lot to me that you and others have come to care for these hobbits. Since you have written so much about many of these same hobbits yourself, praise from you is special indeed. Thank you so very much. :)

Lindelea · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 38: Enlightenment and Madness

Ah, what thought-provoking writing, as usual, contrasting Lobelia's slow wakening to Lotho's illusions ("They were all sunny days"). VWD! (yes, I am reading rather than typing. And I really ought to be doing RL work but sneaked a peek in spite of myself)

shirebound · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 40: Revelations, Celebrations and Visions in Rivendell

Oh my! An Elrond-Pippin scene is such a rare treat, Pearl. I love it when Elves (or wizards) learn something new about hobbits, and Elrond has had a real "eye opener" in this chapter. *hugs Pip*

Author's reply

I'm so glad it has worked well, thank you so much. There's another to follow. I had tried this exchange between Pippin and several characters, in the end, it had to be Elrond. Pip thanks you for the hug ;)

Larner · 1 March 2005 · Chapter 24: Deeds Done in the Dark

Oh, this is one part of LOTR that always left me feeling bereft. Poor Merry, poor Esmeralda, both worried for Pippin's safety and wellbeing.

Larner · 1 March 2005 · Chapter 23: Took Moot

Excellent planning--just what I love to see happening.

Grey Wonderer · 1 March 2005 · Chapter 38: Enlightenment and Madness

Lotho is a very poor general isn't he? He is very much out of his element in planning defense. I suppose most bullies would be though. Always the ones doing the attacking and never the ones having to defend themselves. Horray for the Tooks! Looking forward to more.

Author's reply

Yes, I definately joing Frodo in feeling pity for Lotho. Tolkien has the right of it, greed and wanting to lord it over others leads to this kind of downfall. Lotho was in over his head allmost from the beginning. Thank you so very much for reading and responding :)

shirebound · 1 March 2005 · Chapter 38: Enlightenment and Madness

"So, Lobelia Bracegirdle Sackville-Baggins, you got what you always claimed you wanted. You live in Bag End and I truly doubt either the Thain or the Master, have more wealth. All the Shire has seen you and your son rise to the top while they’ve all been put in their places." She searched the face in the mirror, delving deep into those eyes surrounded by the wrinkles of time. "Huh!" she huffed. "And I can see just how deliriously happy you are with your life, old lass." Oooh, it's fascinating to see Lobelia's slow but shrewd assessment of what she finally had obtained, and how empty it really was. You really show us the slow burning anger that would have led up to her 'rebellion'.

Author's reply

Thank you :) Yes, I've always liked that she changes in the end. Thank you so much :)

Larner · 1 March 2005 · Chapter 21: The Second Awakening

I am glad Esme is helping Pippin as she is.

Lindelea · 28 February 2005 · Chapter 37: In Green Eyes

*sigh of relief* I am so very glad you posted these two chapters together. The last was a strain to read, this one started out so but ended in such a lovely and loving way. It makes perfect sense, the way you explain fairies as akin to elves in the way hobbits are akin to men. VWD!

Author's reply

Mysterious Ways, who reads all of my stuff before it's posted, suggested that I post these together for just that reason and that sounded like a good idea to me. Thank you so much for reading and responding :)

Grey Wonderer · 28 February 2005 · Chapter 37: In Green Eyes

I am sorry not to have reviewed recently, but I just caught up with a few chapters tonight and this is still a wonderful story. I love the fairie and her conversation with Pippin. I also love the fact that all of this time he didn't really believe the tales of the Took fairie bride. His comparison to the children of Gondor hearing tales of halflings was so interesting. It seems that many of the old legends and myths are true. Lovely!.....

Author's reply

I've often wondered how many are true. Thank you, GW, for responding so often :), you do just fine :)

Lindelea · 28 February 2005 · Chapter 36: Names

Dark and chilling, heart-stopping, makes you grip your hands into fists as you watch them pass by, much as the hobbits forced to watch, I imagine. The pain and despair are nearly palpable.

Hai Took · 28 February 2005 · Chapter 37: In Green Eyes

Poor Freddy! To be dragged throught the streets like that! I also feel bad for those who gave him up, they would have stood stronger if others hadn't been involved. How very difficult! Pippin's dream was creepy! That he would not only witness Freddy's being found and all but that he saw it as one of Ruffians who captured and hurt him! How terrible! Then to speak with Saruman! Yuck! Poor Pippin certainly had a terrible night of it! I am glad that he got to meet the Fairy though! How spendid! Now he will understand things more and hopefully he and Esmeralda will be able to talk on some of this together. Looking forward to more! Thank you!

Author's reply

More is one the way :) Thank you for responding, Hai :)

shirebound · 28 February 2005 · Chapter 37: In Green Eyes

This continues to be so very amazing, Pearl. "But you did not break, my Falcon. You held true to those to whom love binds you. Cousins, long trusted friend and Fellowship all." *sigh*

Author's reply

Thank You so very much, shirebound! I was beginning to wonder if anyone was going to respond to this latest posting. I'm glad that you feel the writing has remained at a good level. Thank you so very much, again!!! :)

Larner · 26 February 2005 · Chapter 20: The First Awakening

Again, a wonderful retelling from Pippin's point of view.

Larner · 26 February 2005 · Chapter 19: Choices

What a vision to see--the slaying of Boromir from Pippin's perspective. So very moving, the tie between Esme and Pippin.

Author's reply

Thank you most heartily, once again :)

Larner · 26 February 2005 · Chapter 18: In Plenty and In Want

Ah, Lotho--when you realize.....

Larner · 26 February 2005 · Chapter 17: Guilty Feelings

The Wise Fool and the two leaders who see the full ramifications of their choices. Wonderfully written, and very thought provoking.

Author's reply

Larner, Thank you for the responses :) I've been very busy and so haven't responded for a while. Thank you so much for continuing on with this story. I just today finished all the writing of "While We Dwelt in Fear", that's what I've been busy doing :) It is 46 chapters with a 3 part Epilogue, so now you know what you have left to go ;) Thank you again so very much :)

Larner · 25 February 2005 · Chapter 16: Rule Breakers

Lovely writing, and am trying to get caught up. Am way behind. Hope Saradoc believes her.

Beethovens7th · 24 February 2005 · Chapter 23: Took Moot

Oh lovely! Joyful clappings! People pulling together gives me warm fuzzies! I was so afraid they would pitch a big fit over Eglantine being allowed in the meeting, but i'm SO happy that Hobbits at least are above being too closed minded and were willing to listen to her. SHe after all had the most practical ideas! Yeah!! I hope to read more of the tooks soon! (Took moot!! too too funny!)

Beethovens7th · 24 February 2005 · Chapter 22: The Third Awakening

Could these have been the images in Tolkiens mind as he wrote that section of the book? He was more familiar with the harsh realities of cruelty and war than most are in this day and age. Your descriptions of the pain endured and the cruelty of the orc/urukhai are real and very believable. If not pleasant. Ah well. I know they get through this, but it seems to take so much longer when told in such detail as this. Once again. Great job. Keep going!

Larner · 20 February 2005 · Chapter 15: Rules

Very well told. I find I dislike Lotho more and more the more stories I see written about him.

Beethovens7th · 19 February 2005 · Chapter 21: The Second Awakening

woops, accidently clicked post before i was ready. Told you my mind was foggy today. This bit is so good. . So sad and real! Pain shot through Pippin’s heart. Best not to think of Gandalf right now. The pain and discomfort and all, so well done. I think it is giving ME a headache! (wink).((actually, that is just a sinus thing the kids passed on to me)) Great chapter! Will I ever get caught up!?!