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Where Roses Grow  by PIppinfan1988 3 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 15 on 1/17/2005
Great! About time Merry starts realizing someone is interested in him, too.

PervincaReviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/24/2004
Well, this chapter was certainly not what I expected, but I loved it. It's good that although Lilas is a simple-lass, she's not stupid. And the little hints about Diamond (well, I assume that's who you meant when Pippin spoke about the lass in his dreams). I really like how, even though this is an A/U, you're still managing to include a lot of aspects from the original story (ie, Merry and Estella - and you know how much I love those two!)

- Pervinca

Author Reply: Thank you, Pervinca! That's the thing with Lilas; she is a simple lass, but with her newest life experience and the Tooks guiding her and teaching her new things, her intelligence will rise more and more to the surface. She's learning how to express herself better. In the beginning of the story, I had her get frustrated with certain tasks or with trying to express her feelings--but that will slowly dimish as time goes on.

The lass in Pippin's dream can be whomever you want it to be--that's what he's doing!;-) I really want to try and stay away from Diamond until I have no other choice--who knows? Somewhere down the highway I may like to try a Diamond story and I wouldn't want ghosts of an AU Lilas appearing between the lines! :-P

Take care,
Pippinfan
p.s. I may dabble a bit with Merry and Estella, but not too much. Again--the same goes here as for the Diamond story!

Mistress HolblytaReviewed Chapter: 15 on 5/23/2004
Wow! Each chapter is getting better and better! I must say, this chapter was heartwrenching and beautiful. As was the last one! It is quite sad that Pippin and Lilas came together because of their pre-marital relation, but now that they are married they still haven't consummate their vows. Though Pippin's heart wasn't in it, it was sweet to see him try for his wife as well as hanging up the sign with their names on it. I was near tears when Lilas said, "My heart breaks just as easily as yers." and also the last line of that scene:
Pippin wiped a wayward tear running down his cheek before he turned towards his wife, “Yes.”

I enjoyed seeing Pippin go to both his father and Merry for his problems. I also thought you did a wonderful job showing that Merry is, though intelligent and with a good heart, not all-knowing or quite as mature as Paladin is. I especially like that Merry had to ask Pippin for advice for a change! Paladin had wonderful wisdom for Pippin. I love the way you portray his character - I've noticed that many writers portray Paladin as more of an authority figure, cold and distant. But I can't picture a father like that having a son like Pip! ^_^

I am being constantly amazed at this story and your gift for writing and character portrayal. I love Lilas and I also wanted to let you know that I think that the accent and speech pattern you have given her is something that really adds to her character. It is realisitic and not over the top, but extremley different from Pip and his family's way of speech. I cannot wait to see where this story goes. I never thought I'd fall in love with a story like this, being Pip's premarital relations and taking of a wife other than Tolkein's Diamond, but you have done a superb job!

Author Reply: Mistress, I honestly don't know how to respond to such wonderful reviews such as this one. I'm staggered, but I am also delighted that you're enjoying the story! Thank you for noticing all the little nuances; the turnabout of Merry asking for Pippin's advice, my characterization of Paladin, and Lilas' accent. Yes--and please remember, *my* regular Pippin keeps himself until marriage! :-)
Take care!

Pippinfan

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