Larner
· 9 April 2014
· Chapter 9: Day Five Part Two
Good reasons to return to the office tonight. I rejoice that he is now in charge and is willing to undo some of his father's more disastrous actions. And he's doing well to plan for time with his beloved wife!
Author's reply
Yes. He really needed to get those things done. I'm really looking forward to writing the plans he has for Diamond. It's going to show that, just because he's a responsible leader, he can still be the funloving hobbit he is by nature. Got a couple of sticky moments to get through first.
Thanks for the review. I am so encouraged by all the thoughtful comments.
Dreamflower
· 9 April 2014
· Chapter 9: Day Five Part Two
Another interesting chapter.
I'm curious about what's happened to all the profits Paladin was making; being such a tightwad and not spending it outside the Shire, he had to have some of it squirrelled away somewhere.
I'm so glad that Diamond and Faramir are keeping Pippin grounded. He needs that so much right now.
Author's reply
That's a good question. I know that some people had figured out that Paladin was losing his mind and had taken advantage by charging him more than things were actually worth but I'm going to have to think that through and cover it since I don't really want to leave too many loose threads. :) Looks like days six and seven got more busy than I had thought. Thanks for the nudge. I know day eight is going to be the last one and I have the end of that day worked out. Guess I'd better get started on the rest.
Thanks for the thoughtful review that keeps me on track.
shirebound
· 9 April 2014
· Chapter 9: Day Five Part Two
What a full, productive, and satisfying day. It must be overwhelming to be responsible for the whole Shire, especially since there's still so much to be put right.
Author's reply
Yes, he's still learning the ballance that he will need to do the best job. This was a busy day but I think it also helped Pippin get his thoghts together, which he needed to do. Now he's just got to start putting things into motion and yet not go too quickly or he'll upset the whole clan.
Lindelea
· 9 April 2014
· Chapter 9: Day Five Part Two
Oh, my! Paladin sounds worryingly like Lotho! (Though, perhaps, for different reasons...) The comparison to Denethor was also thought-provoking.
I think the Shire is very lucky to have someone like Pippin as Thain (and Sam and Merry there to help him).
And I know I've already mentioned how I love the way you sketch his relationship with Diamond.
Author's reply
I hadn't even thought about the possibility of him seeming like Lotho. I hadn't entended that. Oops! I did intend that he have a lot in common with Denethor. I think he was asked to take charge of an already foundering ship and then the ruffians moved in and he just didn't know what to do. He just wanted to protect his own and I think it finally unglued him.
Pippin and Sam and Merry are definitely a great working team and the Shire is now in the best of hands.
If you like my Pippin and Diamond, just wait till the last chapter. Pippin has a sweet surprise in the works for his precious jewel. :)
Lindelea
· 6 April 2014
· Chapter 8: Day Five Part One
Alas, poor Paladin!
Your solution to the finances makes perfect sense, that Paladin was trying to make Tookland self-sufficient. The year of the Troubles must have scarred him and the rest of the Shire-folk, and if he'd been complacent before his son disappeared with the others, I'm sure it was a rude awakening, and a desperate scramble to keep the Tookland free even as the rest of the Shire fell all around them. When you think about what the hobbits were up against...
Ah, but Merry is such a good friend. He tells Pippin hard truths, but has confidence that his cousin will find the right path to tread.
(I love your Pippin and Diamond together. They're adorable. Diamond is not feeling all that well, eh? I hope that might have a happy interpretation...?)
Author's reply
Glad the situation with the finances and the self-sufficiency makes sense. I really think that if this were modern times, Paladin would have turned into one of those doomsday prepper people. He just didn't deal well with events. He had lost his son, or so he thought, and he had to think quickly to save the land he loved and, when all was resolved, he just never could get past it. He feared that there was nothing to stop it from happening again and he wanted to be a step ahead.
In the end, Merry and Pippin could say anything to each other. They might not take it well at first but they at least think about what the other has said. Having that kind of friendship is a very special thing.
Saddly, Diamond is not expecting. This is a story set in my universe where they have problems in that area. It will be almost four more years before their next little one comes, and it will push them almost to the breaking point. The two stories that cover this are on SOA and the third one is being worked on. I have a goal to have it done by May 25 of this year. (Fingers crossed)
Thanks for you insight. It is very helpful.
Dreamflower
· 6 April 2014
· Chapter 8: Day Five Part One
Ah Pip! He does need the time to grieve, but he's also on the right path to start turning the Tooklands around and achieve prosperity for the whole Shire.
Merry's visit was good for him and he gave his younger cousin some great advice.
I'm really beginning to look forward to his encounter with the wool merchants...
Author's reply
It's looking like that meeting may be just about the last thing in the story. I'm guessing two or three chapters to go, plus an epilogue.
You're right, having Merry there to encourage and give some timely advice really helpe Pip. Now that he's gotten the real grieving process started, he can begin to move forward and make the Thainship his own.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. These reviews keep me focused and on the right track.
Larner
· 6 April 2014
· Chapter 8: Day Five Part One
I'm sure he needed that cry right then. It's been a roller coaster of a last few days as he takes in what he needs to know and do, and he realizes just how badly his father managed to mismanage things while trying to protect their people.
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner.
I'm hoping that didn't seem to girly or anything but Pippin always was the emotional one of the four. :)
He really needed that, I agree. It was a good cleansing cry that will get him over the a major bump in the grieving process. Plus, you're right, he's had a lot to deal with and the realization is hitting home. He knows now that he was kept in the dark even though he was supposed to be training to take his father's place.
I think now they can start down the road to putting things right and rejoining the Shire they never should have become cut off from.
Thanks for sticking around for the whole wide ride. :)
shirebound
· 6 April 2014
· Chapter 8: Day Five Part One
“It will be all right,” Merry whispered to him. “It’s also all right to grieve your da. He loved you even if he’d forgot how to show it
What a compassionate, perfect thing to say to his dear cousin. They're so lucky to have one another. I think the best years the Tooklands have ever known are right around the corner.
Author's reply
Thanks, Shirebound.
They really are the best thing for each other, except for maybe their wives. :) And, yes, I believe you're right. The best years are just ahead.
Larner
· 4 April 2014
· Chapter 7: Day Four Part Two
I rejoice that Eglantine was there to temper the Aunties' tempers! Heh! Glad she threw them out when they got too brash and indelicate. Why some people are certain that they can become increasingly rude and get away with it with age I don't understand, although I certainly have taken advantage of that tendency in my own writing, too. Heh!
As for Aragorn's two missives--good for him! He has the best three counselors there probably are amongst the Hobbits of the Shire!
Delightful chapter.
Author's reply
Thanks so much for the review.
You're right, some people think that age or their life experiences give them a right to be rude. I dealt with one yesterday and by the end I was in much the same state as Diamond was over the aunties. Fortunately, I will probably never have to deal with this guy again but she's going to have to learn how Eglantine keeps control of the situations in the Smials.
Aragorn does have three wonderful advisors now, and he get to have them for almost the next 50 years. Now that's a model of consistency.
Thanks for you encouraging words.
Lindelea
· 4 April 2014
· Chapter 7: Day Four Part Two
Nasty old aunts! Good for Eglantine, to throw them out!
How I love Merry! “I found your wayward husband,” Merry called to Diamond as they entered the sitting room.
And understanding Pippin... “Come, dearest, tell me what happened. I know you don’t cry over ‘nothing’. I may not always understand what makes you cry, I know that you have reasons for it.”
And so nice that he can finally relax in the company of one he loves and trusts... Pippin placed his cup and saucer on the table and settled more comfortably into his chair. For a moment Merry thought he looked like the young tween he had been and not the Thain he had become.
(and I love the distribution of giftings: brains, and silver tongue)
Pippin sounds like a warm, wise, and loving father.
I love the long talk and the way the level in the brandy bottle measures the progress of the evening.
The letters are very well done!
Author's reply
I love starting a long Friday with a review like this.
I'm glad you picked up on some of the little touches I tried to add to this chapter. When I was writing them, I knew you'd notice. :)
Thanks for you continued encouragement.
Dreamflower
· 3 April 2014
· Chapter 7: Day Four Part Two
Oh dear me! You don't mean to say Pippin thinks his Tookish kin need to earn their keep? Maybe having to support a caboodle of mooching relatives is why Paladin was such a tightwad!
Poor Diamond--she needs to remember she's the boss now! Good for Eglantine reminding her.
Aragorn's letters were very timely and useful. I think perhaps he *ought* to frame the proclamation and put it in a very prominent place: a reminder that this Thain is on personal terms with the king!
Author's reply
Wouldn't it be funny if he did start making the high and mighty Tooks do something to justify their being there. I'm not quite ready to do that...yet. I am thinking of a way for Pippin to let Regi know though that, if he gets too mad about something and issues an order that seems too over-the-top, wait 24 hours before carrying that order out. Pippin is likely to see reason and change his mind and he wouldn't want people to think he was flighty, now would he.
I'm thinking about having him frame the letter.
And, Diamond is a strong person and she will take control. She was having a "bad day", if you know what I mean.
Thanks for the review.
shirebound
· 3 April 2014
· Chapter 7: Day Four Part Two
That letter was definitely worth the wait. And how clever (of you) that the letter from the King was sealed differently than the letter from 'Strider'.
They did not speak as Thain and Master but simply as Pippin and Merry.
What a sweet detail. I think this is my favorite chapter so far. :)
Author's reply
Oh, thank you so much, Shirebound.
I had a bad day and had a hard time getting this chapter to post. Formatting was a mess. But your kind words just redeemed the evening for me.
Glad you liked the part about them talking as just Merry and Pippin. Everyone has been so focused on Pippin as the Thain that I felt he needed some time to be who he's always been. I could just see them remembering old times and their adventures and leaving all business of their offices till the morrow.
Thanks again for your encouragement.
Lindelea
· 2 April 2014
· Chapter 6: Day Four Part One
Lovely chapter!
I like Pippin -- all grown up, is it possible Sam doesn't realise it until this moment -- establishing their relationship at the start (or maybe I should say "re-establishing" in that he's letting Sam know in no uncertain terms that his elevation to Thain does not affect their friendship as it has grown and been to this point).
(Am I making sense? Too much coffee this morning, and also pressed for time but I wanted to write a review to this before diving into the day, or I might never get around to it.)
And the way he goes at the sheep/wool figures -- his thoroughness (don't want to base a decision on just two years when I can look at five) does him credit.
Regi's answer puzzles me, regarding the fatness of the Thain's Hoard. You'd think so? Does that mean all is not as it appears?
The faerie wife explanation makes sense.
Also, Pippin's talking with Regi about the ways of Men rings true, and goes well with JRRT's Edict banning Men from the Shire.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for the thoughtful, and thought-pervoking, review.
You made perfect sense about Pippin and Sam's relationship. It is something that they have grown over time and Pippin wants it to contiinue to grow in the way it should and not be trammeled by his elevation to Thain. This event though is the last step any of them needed to take to have them all grown up so to speak.
Now I've got to figure out what the problem is in the treasury of Great Smials. You caught me on that and now I've got to figure out the mystery. I think I have the beginnings of an idea that I started working through over a Caramel Apple Spice at Starbucks in Target today. Anyway, I will resolve the problem, I promise. And, if I don't, you have the right to demand a story in which I do.
Glad the faery wife part worked. I was a little nervous about that, especially when the plot bunny hopped off into left field.
Thanks again for the review. It really was helpful.
Dreamflower
· 1 April 2014
· Chapter 6: Day Four Part One
A very nice chapter! I most certainly agree with you on the basic origin of the "Took fairy wife", as I've never thought a union of Elves and hobbits logical, and traditional fairies don't seem to have a place in Arda. Of course I've made use of that myself.
I loved Pippin reassuring and encouraging Sam for a change, and I am REALLY looking forward to seeing the results of his investigation into the sheep farmer's claims!
Author's reply
Thanks so much, Dreamflower. You were one of the people that I hoped would like this chapter. I knew you were working with concept of the Maiar being involved with the hobbits and I had got this idea right before you started posting "Ancestress". I agree that fairies just don't work in Middle Earth and the elves just seem so distant from hobbits in so many ways that I can't really see them together. I could even see hobbits and men, but for some reason, as I've given it more thought over the years, I decided that elves just wouldn't be involved with one of the lesser second born races.
I'm glad you like the part with Sam. He was always encouraging everyone, but who encouraged him?
As for the sheep farmers, I'm trying to fit that in. :) I will say that Paladin pinched every penny till the image on the coin hollered.
Larner
· 1 April 2014
· Chapter 6: Day Four Part One
Whether a Maia-turned-Hobbit or an Elf maiden, whoever the Faerie Wife was left her mark upon her progeny. I rejoice that Pippin has done his best to use his own gift wisely and to guard himself from intruding unasked into the minds of others.
And I also rejoice that he appears to be digging deeply into his father's dealings with wool, fleeces, and yarns, as it appears that he will deal well by the sheep farmers.
Author's reply
I'm so relieved that this chapter didn't put everybody off. I have always seen Pippin as gifted in many ways but that he was reluctant to use some of them. He respects others enough to not use what he has for anything but the best reasons.
So many people see Pip as irresponsible, but they often forget that he grows up and has had good leadership modeled to him. He would look as the Thainship as his duty, just like being a Guard of the Citidel. He would put all his effort into it. Also this is a legacy that he will be leaving to his own son.
shirebound
· 31 March 2014
· Chapter 6: Day Four Part One
I believe in my heart of hearts that Frodo wanted you to be Mayor for as long as you’re here. He wanted your life to have a purpose beyond having been his gardener or even his dearest friend in darkest times.
What an interesting thing to share with Sam, and the rest of us.
And what a marvelous explanation as to why Pippin was so unique. I remember that he *saw* that Aragorn was following the orcs to find him and Merry, and other examples of his Sight. Well done, I like this a lot.
Author's reply
I think the three friends each know things from Frodo that they can pass on to each other when they need it.
I'm not really sure when it hit me that Pippin had some sort of foresight, it was very early on in my reading I'm pretty sure, but I knew then that it was important and defining element of he was.
Glad you stuck through this chapter and liked it. I'm feeling very relieved this morning.
Dreamflower
· 29 March 2014
· Chapter 5: Day Three Part Two
Aw...this was a nice respite after the unpleasantness in the last chapter! So good to see Pip and Diamond enjoying their time with Faramir, and then with one another. I love the pace of this story.
Author's reply
I'm glad you're liking it, Dreamflower.
I love writing loving couples, and having a delightful hobbit child in the mix never hurts anything. :)
Hopefully this rest will be just as satisfying as what has come so far.
Thanks for the review.
Larner
· 29 March 2014
· Chapter 5: Day Three Part Two
Nice to know that this first day proved productive and positive for both of them. I hope that the conference with Sam as Mayor goes well tomorrow, and I'm curious about the contents of the letter from Strider.
Author's reply
Thanks for the review.
I'm hoping I don't totally blow it with this letter. I'm going to be getting to Merry giving it to Pippin in either chapter 7 or 8. Right now I'm not sure how talkative Pippin is going to get in chapter 6, so that will have a part in when the letter comes out.
I'm getting nervous that it won't live up to expectations, but I'll do my best.
shirebound
· 29 March 2014
· Chapter 5: Day Three Part Two
I can't wait to hear about Strider's letter!
This was my favorite passage from this chapter:
“Yes, children, I’m sorry to say that we do.” She smiled at both of them and taking Faramir’s left hand while Pippin took his right, they walked back toward the Great Smials. Both parents swung their arms so that their son could take giant steps, skips and hops as they walked.
Author's reply
Thanks for the review.
I have to confesss that I liked that bit you quoted too. They love Faramir dearly and want to do everything they can to help him make wonderful memories of his childhood.
As for the letter, it's coming. Merry's still got it and will give it to Pip in either chapter 7 or 8, depending on how wordy Pippin get in the current chapter 6.
This letter better be good since it's getting this big of a build-up. Hope I don't blow it. :)
Thanks again for the encouragement.
Grey Wonderer
· 29 March 2014
· Chapter 5: Day Three Part Two
I'm glad Pippin has friends around him now. It will help him so much to have their support. I hope you will be posting again soon. I'm looking forward to more.
Author's reply
I'm working on the next chapter now. I'm hoping to be able to get it posted Monday night, but how busy this weekend is may have a impact on that. I really wanted to be written further ahead before posting but 12 hour work/commute days take their toll on writing time. Glad you're enjoying this one.
Grey Wonderer
· 29 March 2014
· Chapter 4: Day Three Part One
Those three hobbits that came in to tell Pippin off certainly were rude! I do like the idea that Pippin could read minds though. lol I love hobbit gossip!
Another great chapter!
Author's reply
I wanted those three to be totally detestable. It would be interesting if he could read minds. I have him being gifted (cursed) with a high level of foretelling and I think if he'd had someone to work with him to develop latent talents, he'd have been able to at least sense hidden emotion and extent. I love toying with the Took Sight. I also plan for Pip and Regi to have a talk at some point and Regi to get a some education about the story of the faery wife.
Grey Wonderer
· 29 March 2014
· Chapter 3: Day Two Part Two
I like all of the ceremony. My favorite part is that Aragorn sent something special to get Pippin started out as the Thain. I love the idea that he selected the wine and sent it just for this event along with a note. Great idea!
Author's reply
I couldn't leave the King out, now could I? His note will get read later and you know he's happy to have all his old friends in positions that will help the kingdom.
Grey Wonderer
· 29 March 2014
· Chapter 2: Day Two Part One
(You want to reassure everyone that your heart and mind are focused here, with your people, and not wandering away into lands they cannot imagine.) I like that line very much! Merry is so right about that. The Hobbits would want to know that their Thain was thinking of the Shire only.
I'm glad Merry is there to help with things and Diamond also seems very organized and supportive.
Author's reply
Glad that you like my Merry and Diamond. I love Di a lot. She's fun-loving but well grounded and she loves Pippin dearly. Merry's doing what he does best, be a quiet support.
Grey Wonderer
· 29 March 2014
· Chapter 1: Day One
Hey, there! What a lovely surprise it was to find you posting a new Hobbit story! I popped over here to check on something and found this story. I think this is off to a great start. I liked the letters that were left behind for Pippin. His Father's was perfect, short and to the point. lol Looking forward to more, so I'm off to read the next chapter!
Author's reply
Yay!!!! I'm so glad you're still reading hobbit fiction. I'm having a great time being back and hope the muse stays around for a long time. Thanks for the encouraging words. Hope you enjoy the next chapters.
Lindelea
· 26 March 2014
· Chapter 4: Day Three Part One
From the start of the chapter, the writing pulls me into the scene. Pippin's wakening is almost poetic (though I'm sure it doesn't feel that way to him! ...having been dragged out of dreams myself this morning, earlier than usual)
Pippin opened his eyes to a world still cast in the shadows of waning night. He covered his face with his hands and rubbed at his sleep-fogged eyes. He gave a sigh as he let his hands fall back to his sides. Yesterday had been the stuff of dreams, today was his new reality. (I could go on quoting, but I won't.)
Horrors! Making early breakfast a more formal affair! Sure glad Pippin nipped that one in the bud. (Hope the servants took the hint, anyhow.)
Good to be prepared, and it showed in his dealings with the sheep farmers.
What are a few malcontents when you've skewered a troll, and probably stood behind the King for hours at a time listening to all sorts of discussions, I ask you?
And Regi makes me smile.
Author's reply
I'm grinning again just reading your review. Such encouraging things you say. :D
I'm glad my descriptive passages are working. That has been one of my weaknesses and I'm trying to do better.
I don't think first breakfast will become too formal, other than on Second Yule of course.
I'm sure Pip will give the farmer due consideration. I've just got to remember to include something about his decision.
As for the troublemakers, he's been pretty used to naysayers all his life. He knows they'd have just found other excuses if he hadn't provided them such easy ones with his being gone for a year and eveything else.
Thanks again for the review. Hope I can continue to live up to expectations.