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Pearl of Great Price  by Lindelea 3 Review(s)
FantasyFanReviewed Chapter: 36 on 2/8/2004
Viola and Bittersweet have got to be two of the sharpest Tooks in the Smials. Perhaps they've been trained up in 'managing' hobbits by all the grief a Took usually gives a healer, but I see them here coaxing and being firm when needed, and knowing instantly when someone has to keep quiet. There's no hiding Lalia's death, not that they'd want to: it was well witnessed. But the aftermath and the implications for Pearl are instantly grasped, and she must be silent for her own good. I'm glad Frodo has appeared. He's not intimidated by anyone, he's got a level head and he can be the one to focus on Pearl when everyone else is distracted by the disasterous hunt, the sucession, and arrangements for burials. Nobody answered Adelard's question about notifying the Brandybucks of Lalia's death, I see. Saradoc's hearing it at the Green Dragon, so he can send word home if necessary. I wonder, will they go to the burial? Lalial would not be happy...but now's the time to think of what will be best for the future, not belabor the past.

Author Reply: Thank you for the thoughtful review. Good analysis of Viola and Bittersweet: you have them down precisely.

Actually Adelard's question was answered, but Pearl did not hear as it was a simple nod of the head on the Thain's part and her eyes were still closed. However, this comes clearer in the final chapter, just posted.

I have deliberately left the succession of Thain up in the air in this story. Either Pearl has put aside the notion or all that has happened drove it out of her head. It may be that she discussed the matter with her father some time that summer and he dismissed her concerns with the assurance that of course his granfather removed their line from the succession; he remembers the old hobbit saying as much (and perhaps Hildigrim intended to put it down in writing but never got the chance?). Paladin will have to deal with the knowledge that he's next in line in another story. Not sure where that falls in the timeline. It might be part of the story of Pippin and Ferdi "burning down the Old Thain's stables" and it might not. Too early to tell.

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 36 on 2/8/2004
Way to go, Frodo! Someone to rescue Pearl and more importantly, show her some support. Continue soon.

Author Reply: Thanks! The last chapter is posted.

Lyta PadfootReviewed Chapter: 36 on 2/6/2004
Either the ban has been lifted already or Frodo doesn't care. I imagine Pearl needs to be with her parents, she's been though a lot. There is still her offer to marry the Thain, but Lalia's death has changed matters. She's the 'clumsy attendant' now. So Isum lives? Good. The Tooks have had enough to deal with.

Author Reply: Frodo didn't care. Of course, under Lalia who was head of the Took family only (I imagine a Ban pronounced by the Thain would be more far-reaching), this Ban applied to Tooks only (she was head of the Tooks), so it wouldn't hurt Frodo to visit Paladin, though it might hurt Paladin somehow.

Yes, Isum and Pearl have been intended for one another from the beginning...

Author Reply: Reading this over after it's too late to edit it, I see clearly that I really need that first cup of tea this morning...

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