Reviews (79)

Lyta Padfoot · 11 January 2004 · Chapter 30: Arrival

Pippin was VERY lucky Pimpernel gave birth before she really got started into him! Glad Ferdi didn't miss this one.

Grey Wonderer · 11 January 2004 · Chapter 30: Arrival

Very nice chapter. Pippin is in trouble now, but he got very lucky that the baby decided to show up when it did. A very big distraction I'd say! LOL

FantasyFan · 7 January 2004 · Chapter 29: Resolution

I wonder how many of the Tooks in the courtyard will be satisfied by Pippin's explanation of false accusation, restitution and reparation? He gave no details to them at all, I am sure for the sake of getting Ferdi to bed, yet the story will have to come out. My own curiosity would be bursting, and I've not got a drop of Tookish blood (that I know of)- probably more rumors of 'what really happened' will be swirling through the Talk, now that all are back, than there were before. Perhaps the first trial of the loyalty of Pippin to his escort is that he must trust them to tell the story fairly. Of course we will see Nell and Ferdi's baby born soon. There will be a tender reunion, once Ferdi's head allows it. But I am more interested in the reunion of the other family - Farry and Pip and Diamond. All Pip's good intentions towards his son will be for naught if Diamond isn't brought into the bargain. There is such a tremendous opportunity for growth for this family in the crisis Farry has brought them to -- I don't want them to miss it.

Lyta Padfoot · 6 January 2004 · Chapter 29: Resolution

Yeah! A new chapter! The two storylines finally merge.

Lyta Padfoot · 31 December 2003 · Chapter 28: Bound and Determined

The menfolk are going to be in for it....

Lyta Padfoot · 29 November 2003 · Chapter 27: Not All the Talk...

Pippin's going to be in VERY hot water when he gets back. The Talk will be making up for lost time when word of what happened breaks loose.

FantasyFan · 22 November 2003 · Chapter 26: To Squelch a Rumour

Well, this is an unexpected chapter. I had fixed in my mind that this story was about 24 chapters long, and since you were already on Chapter 26, I figured we were well into the wrap-up. (Raven says, "Who updated? Ooo, Runaway. Is this the end?" so I'm not the only one.) Now, you've gone back to the beginning to tell the story from the point of view of those left behind. It's intriguing; we know something must have been happening at the Smials all this time. Nell and Diamond and the women of the Tooks have always seemed strong and interesting characters, but not as well fleshed out as the men, so I'm glad to see more of them. Certainly it makes sense that somebody must have been 'managing' Diamond if she was to be prevented worry and fear during this somewhat extended absense. Now that we hear that Nell and Meadowsweet also know the secret, they are the obvious candidates - their job will become much harder, once the secret is out and Tolly has been taken away. Diamond's not a fool, and the lack of post from Pippin isn't going to be excused away forever. Once Tolly's arrested, will suspicion fall on Meadowsweet at least? This brings up an interesting question: had the trial gone otherwise and Ferdi and Tolly been banished, would Nell and Meadowsweet also have taken the brand and been exiled as 'part of the conspiracy'? Is there precedent in this somewhat paternalistic society for banishing a female? (not to mention the sister of the Thain). Of course, we won't have to find out the answer to this question, but there are some interesting implications for relationships here too, between the women and within the couples. (And if Ferdi misses another birth, he won't have to be banished because Nell will kill him.) I've always been somewhat uncomfortable with the idea that the menfolk are constantly trying to protect the womenfolk by keeping them ignorant of any potential trouble. Everything I've ever heard about these ladies makes me think they are courageous, strong, sensible, clever and resilient, every bit as much as their husbands at times. To be constantly keeping them cosseted denies them the chance to add their strength to that of the menfolk in facing potential troubles, and makes them an additional burden to be worried about, instead of assets and helpmates. Knowing that something may have gone wrong hasn't made Nell and Meadowsweet swoon and wring their hands, although you have threatened Nell's pregnancy. I'd love to see the women sharing the truth, and thus sharing the burden, supporting each other in contrast to the men who are simultaneously ripping each other apart, surprising them and showing them the way it could be done (but that probably isn't going to happen, from what I see in this chapter, and it probably wouldn't make as exciting of a story either). Are you going to tell the entire story from this point of view? Will it be as long as the 'main' action? If so, I wonder if it would be better to intercut the scenes of the Smials with the scenes in the Woody End like you've done the Buckland scenes? As Raven's brother says, you are the master of telling the same story over again with just that little twist that makes you think twice - it's almost your signataure - and we're all looking forward to this story being longer than we'd anticipated.

Tim the Enchanter · 22 November 2003 · Chapter 26: To Squelch a Rumour

Nice to see what has been happening at the Great Smials. I wonder what Pimpernel and Diamond will think when they learn what has happened - and what has almost happened. I suspect a turnabout on the situation in "Flames" where Pippin lectures Pimpernel on suspecting Ferdi unfairly. She's Paladin and Eglantine's child as well and her righteous anger should be dreaded too.

Tim the Enchanter · 10 November 2003 · Chapter 25: Reparations

And here I thought Pippin LIKED causing a stir - guess he has followed the trend oft seen in humans and grown more conservative with age. Good to see Faramir complete his confession.

FabtasyFan · 10 November 2003 · Chapter 25: Reparations

Aha, there was a good reason for stopping short the revelation of Farry's story in a previous chapter. Farry's maybe more impressed with his Da than before, or he's slowly realizing the severity of what has just happened, but now he's decided to be perfectly honest. I wonder if Pip is thinking back to all the farm food he might have pilfered in his past life as a wastrel, and if he made reparations to all those farmers?! And here, you've found the perfect way to let Farry keep up with the chores, to earn a new saddle. The hobbits in the barns can't say much about him not keeping to his place, if he's making up for wrongs done to another common hobbit. Most will think Farry's being punished for running away, except Farry himself, and the rest will have the satisfaction of seeing that their leaders (and their sons) don't put themselves above the law. The escort is amused now, but if they think on it for long, they might be glad to see Farry growing some hobbit-sense - after all, they don't want him to be as much trouble as Pip was. As usual, your chapter titles have more than one meaning, as you could also consider this Pip's reparation to his son for not seeing and tending to his needs before now. With Pip's new resolve to train his son, just in case he might live, and Farry's sudden fondness for chores, Diamond isn't going to know her changed family. I see you've also started posting 'A Small and Passing Thing' on ff.n, and I noticed a few changes in the first chapter, I think. I'ts going to be fun to read there, when I've already seen so much of it here, in process.

Tim the Enchanter · 7 November 2003 · Chapter 24: Truth, and Trust

No wonder Fredi repressed that memory. Very haunting. Especially going from the lighter openning. I loved the part when Rosemary, Robin and Ferdi tell Merry that Pippin is lying about how much he's eaten. So Ferdi still sees Pippin as the hobbit who ditched him and got him shunned. I imagine that is an image difficult to shrug off, but Ferdi is fundementally fair and sensitive to injustice. Having been given some food for thought he will chew on it a while. After all, if Pippin can change so can Ferdi. Regarding chores - surely Pippin could find something for Farry to do? Hobbits seem the type to believe that idle hands make mischief. Why not have him watch younger kids (didn't Merry serve as Pip's minder? They are he's almost on the same social level), help his father in the office, or play go-for for Diamond. Maybe he can help answer correspondance for his parents, the Thain must recieve a great deal of post.

FantasyFan · 7 November 2003 · Chapter 24: Truth, and Trust

It's a shame that Farry will not be able to do any chores once they get back to the Tookland. How will he become a competent administrator, if he has no concept of the details of what he is administering? He's not of an age to start helping his father administer, but there are things he could learn at his age, most of them involving starting at the bottom. There's got to be some way to create a roving apprentice junior Thain position, where Farry is kept out of trouble at the same time he's learning a variety of the tasks at the Smials, gradually increasing from the lowest to the higer levels as he gains strength and judgement. (He'd definitely be away from his snooty cousins this way. Can't see any of them milking a cow.) Put Pip's clever brain onto this task, won't you? I see Merry thinks as I do, that Robin should come to Buckland. I didn't know his age, and I'm not surprised Hally and Rosemary are reluctant to let him go, but Merry is nothing if not persistant. By the time Robin is old enough, Merry will have him. There's no doubt about it. For the mean time, he's managed to wiggle out a compromise that will ensure nobody forgets about the need. We are down to the last talk of trust here. Rosemary calls Ferdi to task to update his view of Pippin, to put away cynicism based on the past, and really trust. It's hard to have all your assumptions yanked out from under you, and here's Ferdi's chance to grow from the crisis. Rosemary's remembrance of the fire is very interesting. Ferdi's mother didn't die of the type of madness I have been envisioning: a long slow loss of faculties. She died of shock and grief, at the height of trauma. Although not everyone tries to throw their children in the water at a moment like that, an irrational response is almost expected when your world has just been destroyed, even from the most normal of people. How could anyone hold that against her long after her death, or fear her children could spontaneously erupt into madness with no like provocation? That's gossip taken to the point of slander. She was a victim of the fire as much as the others: she died trying to save her children, even irrationally. Those Tooks - where is their compassion!?! Rosemary above all others knows the circumstances, and should have trusted her brother more than she did. Upbrade him for his stupidity and pride, yes, but not think him mad. I'm glad Ferdi woke up, to share apologies with Rosemary and have no recriminations left between the siblings. (An idle thought - I wonder if the passing Brandybuck was anyone we know?) One more chapter?

Shireling · 7 November 2003 · Chapter 24: Truth, and Trust

Hi Lindelea and Jo. So pleased to find another chapter. This one is so full of understanding and compassion- how quickly things can change in the course of a day. Beautifully handled as always. Helen. (whispers to Jo...how is 'the other wizard'?)

FantasyFan · 3 November 2003 · Chapter 23: Restitution

Since I am behind, I'm just going to make one review for the last two chapters. (Surprise Parties. They are so much work, they get in the way of important things like reviewing.) These are two very important chapters and I think you and Jo have done a masterful job dealing with the issues. As Merry says, "We have turned this situation from evil to good, I think.." I think everyone learns something from the near-tragedy. There's tremendous opportunity for self-awareness and growth for all the characters, but especially for Pippin. What you thought was going to be a throwaway story has many implications for his future thought and action. How much it must have hurt for Pippin to hear Ferdi say he does not trust him. Between his aching head and the emotional upheaval of almost being branded and banished, Ferdi has very little to lose and is being much more outspoken than usual. It's probably a relief to him to have years of biting his tongue released in plain speech. Not only does Ferdi not trust Pippin, he doubts that Pippin is capable of understanding the seriousness of a solemn oath. That has to wound Pippin to the core. Fidelity to oaths is so important in Tolkien's universe; it is at the core of personal honor. Pippin has had occasion to swear oaths, and he does invest his oaths with great importance. But Ferdi does not see it in his actions, and does not trust him. Pippin has never taken himself too seriously, and perhaps that has lead to the impression that he takes nothing seriously. We've seen him change and grow a great deal over the years, seen him mastering himself, seen his wit and his sorrow. Perhaps he's become just a bit complacent, knowing himself to be a good Thain and trusting that his unusual experiences will see him through judgements and turmoil. Clearly this crisis knocks the underpinnings right out from under him. He's not automatically better than the other hobbits. In fact, he has much to learn about service. The talk of banishment is brilliant. I had forgotten about the part of your justice system that specifies the punishment for false accusation, but these issues are truly that serious. False accusation and the lack of trust are the heart of the rest of the escort's thoughts of resigning and Regi and Berelac's protests, and if anything could, they would be what destroys Pippin's thainship. Pippin's been to wrapped up in his fear and misery to give full attention to all the consequences, but Merry knows. I love the look of sorrow he gives Pip, though Merry's strength to see it through nearly falters. An oath of loyalty is the perfect thing for Pip to do, restitution that goes well beyond unimportant gold to the heart of the matter and will bind him for his entire life. Though Ferdi accepts Pip's oath of loyalty, I am sure he is still reserving judgement. Pippin's insistance on the whole ugly truth being told, no matter the cost to himself, is the first payment of his debt. The hobbits of the Smials and Brandy Hall are going to be shocked, and the talk will fly. Pip's standing in the popularity polls is bound to drop a few points, but hopefully they will see a new resolve to service which will stand him in better stead eventually. Then there's Everard. His dismay at his failure of judgement, and your description of him as "one who had always tried to walk uprightly, who had held himself to a higher standard" reminds me of what Tolkien said of judgement of intentions (although he was talking about Frodo): "To ourselves we must present the absolute ideal without compromise, for we do not know our own limits of natural strength (+ grace) and if we do not aim at the highest we shall certainly fall short of the utmost that we could achieve. To others, in any case of which we know enough to make a judgement, we must apply a scale tempered by 'mercy': that is, since we can with good will do this without the bias inevitable in judgements of ourselves, we must estimate the limits of another's strength and weigh this against the force of particular circumstances. We frequently see this double scale used by the saints in their judgements upon themselves when suffering great hardships or temptations, and upon others in like trials." Not that Everard's a saint, but he clearly holds himself to the highest standard, and Ferdi and Tolly's response to him is tempered with Tolkien-typical mercy. You do such a wonderful job of keeping your ideas in line with canon. Then of course, the other part of Pippin's oath, to his son. This is a conversation I've been waiting for, for a long time. If Pippin weren't already on his knees, this would have brought him there. I'm eager to see him live out this part of his promise, and to see how each deals with the next crisis of health. The next thing to do is to bring Diamond into the new understanding and openness between father and son. It hasn't come out yet that Faramir also thinks himself guilty of causing the miscarriage. Great chapters, thank you!

Shireling · 2 November 2003 · Chapter 23: Restitution

Lindelea, This is a great story, very powerful and thoughtful. It is a treat to read a story where the characters are mature and 'real'- reacting to difficult situations and having to deal with with the consequences of misunderstandings and poor choices. Well done. Helen.

Tim the Enchanter · 1 November 2003 · Chapter 22: Debt

We're almost to the end... I hope you have another story planned that is the equal of "Runaway" - I'm going to miss checking for new chapters. Your take on hobbit justice is wonderful.

Tim the Enchanter · 1 November 2003 · Chapter 23: Restitution

Farry asking Pippin not to die was heartbreaking. It speaks well of Pippin that he could not lie to his son.

FantasyFan · 28 October 2003 · Chapter 21: Facing Facts

This chapter begins and ends with Merry and Pippin trying to come to grips with the fault in themselves that almost allowed a terrible thing to happen. Merry has seen it first - leaving the celebration and dragging Pippin with him, and in the process scaring the Escort back into silence. Pippin has two hard lessons to learn: his actions toward Ferdi and his actions toward his son have painful consequences. They touch on how contact with Men may have changed them, but really that's too much of an excuse, the responsibility lies much more with themselves and they know it. Merry's always been cocksure, and Pippin impulsive. Men didn't make them that way, and years of responsibility and accolade haven't cured them of their faults. I love Merry bringing up Aragorn's masterful judgement of Beregond, and the rememberance of Frodo's mercy. Justice tempered with mercy, judgement without vengance, openness replacing anger. Those are all difficult things to get one's head around, and even more difficult to put into practice. How will Merry and Pippin redress the wrong done to Tolly and Ferdi? Can they keep the escort from all resigning? And Regi and Berilac too? Merry hints Pippin may even be forced from the Thainship - it could happen if all have lost confidence in his judgement. Plus there's no certainty Pip and Diamond can rebuild a good relationship with Farry. There's much to do in your last few chapters. (Now I've got to go see if Pip has a pen on his desk during the judgements in Truth)

Tim the Enchanter · 28 October 2003 · Chapter 21: Facing Facts

That branding iron image is very unsettling. I assume the idea came from historical punishments? Interesting conversation between Merry and Pippin.

Tim the Enchanter · 27 October 2003 · Chapter 20: Sifting Truth from Error

Its one thing to hear it from Ferdi - but quite another for Pippin to hear it from Farry himself. Poor Pippin, but unlike Paladin he at least he realizes where he went wrong and can try to move their relationship onto a better path.

Tim the Enchanter · 27 October 2003 · Chapter 17: Some Thoughts on Child Rearing

Re-reading this I see a resembance between how Pippin was raised and Faramir's current home life. It appears that some of Paladin's bad parenting habits have been acquired by his son. While Pippin would never be as insensitive or arrange a marriage for Faramir, he is setting up a situation where his son only knows him as a disciplinarian and it is other relatives who take up the role of mentor and nurturer. Its a easy trap to fall into.

FantasyFan · 25 October 2003 · Chapter 20: Sifting Truth from Error

This is really only half the conversation, isn't it? Farry has told the bare bones of his story, but really only up to the point that Ferdi rescues him. He hasn't told of the bargain, or of his time with the Bolgers, or if he's learned anything from it. All that's been said so far is enough to wound Pippin to the point he wishes he'd never heard of the Thainship. It's well enough for the escort to be relieved that the worst is over, but I don't think that's the truth of it for Pippin, or Merry. I haven't figured out exactly where Merry's head is at right now, but they both naturally will consider the larger implications of what has happened. They have to be sick at what they've almost done, and Pippin feels a tremendous burden of guilt and grief about Farry. There's more angst ahead, it seems. The idea of a truth-sifter fits in with what you show of Ferdi's talents in Truth, and here we see it also is a characteristic of Robin. In the back of Merry's mind, the part that isn't occupied with the larger crisis, I bet he's trying to think of some way he can get the lad fostered to Buckland as a apprentice of some kind, so Merry can have a share in the family's abilities and not let Pippin get a leg up on him. Robin's suddenly become too valuable to stay an obscure farm-lad in the Woody End. I love the way food metaphores are woven into the chapter: the tea nobody drinks in their shock and apprehension, the lie about food that brings out the truth-sifters, the breakfast Farry can eat now that his concience is clear, the fresh cup Rosemary offers her brother, the celebratory drinks once the tension breaks, and Pippin's untouched wine that neither warms nor comforts. Hobbits and food go so well together.

FantasyFan · 23 October 2003 · Chapter 19: Crime and Punishment

The hobbits find it almost impossible to do this terrible thing to their friend and kinsman. Somehow I find that comforting. Hilly and Haldi will follow orders if they have to, but they won't remain in the guard afterward. I was glad to see Regi speak up too, and bring the wrongness of it all out into the open. I have a feeling Ferdi and Tolly are going to remember who did and didn't stand up for them. It may take quite a while for trust to be restored, on both sides. It's very ironic: a few chapters ago they were all wondering if the attitudes of Men had infected Ferdi and Tolly, now Regi is asking the same thing of Pippin and Merry. Pippin and Merry are determined to keep evil out of the Shire, but what is injustice but a form of that evil? Hardness and cynicism don't sit any better on Pip and Mer than the cruelty and greed they accuse Ferdi and Tolly of. There's a very hard lesson in here, especially for Pippin. My daughter Raven says, "ARRGGG! There's no more to read! I'm glad Farry woke up. I couldn't read the last part fast enough. But too many cliffhangers!"

Shireling · 23 October 2003 · Chapter 19: Crime and Punishment

Lindelea, I'm so glad you posted a new chapter today. I read the previous one yesterday and i have been worrying all night how you were going to sort it all out. Now I can breath a sigh of relief and get a good night sleep. (Sad I know but I do get very involved in stories!!!) I'll try to be patient from now on. Helen

FantasyFan · 22 October 2003 · Chapter 18: Table Talk

The tension has worked its way up to a peak here, and angst is not far behind. How are you ever going to get Ferdi out of this one? There's no time left - he'll be branded and on his way over the border by this afternoon. Faramir's not waking up, and if he did, would they listen to him? It seems the idea of ransom and the ruffians have been left aside. There is no proof for them, of course, but it seems now that none is needed. Ferdi and Tolly are to be banished on the strength of imagined intentions. Merry's about to do the wrong thing, though for what he thinks is the right reason. He's put aside his anger, and is concerned for the good of the Shire. Maybe the fatal mistake is thinking that the good of the Shire can be served without compassion and mercy. When (not if?) you manage to rectify this injustice, how will Merry and Pip deal with what they almost did? Does this have implications for changes in the hobbit justice system? Can't wait to see what comes next.