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Pearl of Great Price  by Lindelea 3 Review(s)
mariaReviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 1/17/2004
Wonderful story! At first I feared it would be too Pearl-centered, which might lead the way for the dreaded Mary Sue-effect. But you've also included a great deal of intrigue, especially with the latest Pippin and arranged-marriage story line, so this story became even more multilayered and fascinating. Please continue!

Author Reply: Ah, the dreaded Mary Sue-effect. D'you know, I have never read a Mary-Sue story? Have heard a lot about her, tho...

Thanks for the review!

FantasyFanReviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 11/30/2003
As far as F. being Thain or not, you are probably right that it makes very little difference. He held the title, but not the power by any sense of the word. Tolkien implies that he was thoroughly overshadowed by his mother, extending even to not being able to find a wife despite his prospects (or because of hers). I imagine after a while, he refused to marry to spite her: he would have the control in the end, even if it meant the end of his line ( a classic passive-agressive stance). What the rest of the Tooks thought of him is more of a mystery. She was respected if not universally beloved, but it's up to you if he was treated with pity, contempt, a grudging admiration, or barely tolerated.

FantasyFanReviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 11/29/2003
Actually, you were right the first time, he is the Thain. He succeeded to that title on the death of his father in 1380, but until the death of his mother in 1402 he was not the head of the family. Whether or not he would claim the title of "the Took" I am unsure, I would guess not. The descent of the title Thain is the footnote No. 7 to Letter 214 (bottom of page 295 in my edition). I would imagine that he has an escort as you described, but no more power than a bachelor son who was not yet Thain.

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