Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

Pearl of Great Price  by Lindelea 3 Review(s)
ConnieReviewed Chapter: 30 on 1/17/2004
Whoa! I wondered what was finally going to turn Pearl against that old bat. Now I know. I won't repeat what I said when I read that Lalia actually put the Ban on Paladin. I called her a very unflattering name.

If you can't tell, I'm really enjoying this story. I'm glad to see the story of Lalia's demise fleshed out.

Thanks.

Connie.

Author Reply: An unflattering name! Good thing she didn't hear you or it would be water rations at the very least!

Well, now you know what turned Pearl against Lalia, and if you've read any other in the series and wondered at how different Paladin is in this story, you are now seeing how Paladin's relationship with his son began to change.

So glad you're enjoying the story! Thanks for reviewing. Stop by again anytime.

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 30 on 1/17/2004
Good for Paladin! I am glad he stood his ground, but I'm not quite clear on something. I she now forbidden to speak to Pearl as well? Also are all but Pearl banned or just Paladin? It is a wonderful story. I liked Ferdi telling Pearl to change songs. He knew that the other song would be too painful but Pearl didn't. I can't wait for more of this one.

Author Reply: You have your answer in the next chapter: "The Long Ride Home" I'm sorry to say that there is more angst than joy in the story from here on out. It is, after all, a tragedy. Of course I cannot write an ending that is a total "downer"--I am a sucker for a happy ending--and so you will have a bit of relief in the final chapter.

Lyta PadfootReviewed Chapter: 30 on 1/17/2004
The little exchange between Ferdi and Pearl was wonderful, Ferdi's concern for Pippin isn't just for his physical well-being but his emotional as well. Pippin may have been up a tree but he's safe now; its Paladin who is the coney and the Mistress who is the fox. Lalia is back in tyrant mode again. She can vent her anger at the Brandybucks on Paladin, but there will be consequences closer to home since the farmer is liked by her son, well thought of by the Tooks, and the father of her helper. I imagine Paladin will blame Pippin's recklessness for sparking this situation and come down hard on him even though his ordeal ought to have been punishment enough. Poor Pearl, pretty horrible to have to watch. Towards the end there was a touch of the later version of Paladin.

Author Reply: Yes, Ferdi pays attention to all the little details. I do hope he's not a "Marty Stu" in disguise. I try not to write him as "perfect", but it is difficult, when he has taken on such a life of his own. I think there may be some nepotism involved... d'you suppose the Muse is related to him?

Again very incisive, yes, Lalia is the fox and Paladin's the coney now. As I mentioned, responding to another reviewer, the story is pretty sad from here on out, with only a bit of sun peeking from the clouds in the final chapter (and how am I going to pull *that* off??? Sure glad the draft is already written or I'd be getting worried about now).

Return to Chapter List