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Healing the Long Cleeve  by TopazTook 5 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/5/2005
Yes, just perhaps she is good for him. Now, if Pippin and Diamond will just move on to the next stage and actually find the love that's growing find its proper expression!

As you can tell, I'm getting a bit eager for the two of them to get on with it!

Author Reply: “Yes, just perhaps she is good for him.” YES! Thank you!: the story is meant in part to lead slowly to a change in thinking about the much-maligned in fanfic Diamond; kind of a parallel to Merry’s journey on the subject.

Yes; making readers impatient seems to be a hallmark of this story. :)

Alayna the Tallest HobbitReviewed Chapter: 13 on 1/17/2005
Poor Pippin! He just can't seem to stay out of trouble. Poor Merry, too. One thing that Diamond said caught my attention. Arnica liniment. Whenever I get hurt, I rub arnica gel on the spot where a bruise would be. It's really effective. Have you used it before? Or did you just hear about it?

Alayna

Author Reply: No, poor Pippin can't seem to stay out of trouble. He's had probably more than his share of illnesses and mishaps (and I have another plot bunny bugging me that's getting him into even more, although I'm trying to stave it off until I've finished this one.)

I haven't actually used arnica...thankfully, I don't bruise myself too often, and when I do, I tend to just suffer stoically. This was part of the research that went into this story. When I post the last chapter, I am also going to put up the author's notes which will include a bibliography.

Nina the powerwriterReviewed Chapter: 13 on 10/5/2004
This was such a lovely chapter! It's good to see that they connect on a physically level in their relationship now that will hopefully bring them even closer in their marriage. Oh boy, poor Merry is jealous! He sees Diamond in one way, but maybe he'll change his mind after seeing her care for Pip. I really am rooting for Pip and Diamond b/c they have such a quiet relatioship that no one really knows how they are together when it's just the two of them. They really seem to fit. Diamond has come so far too. I think your portrayal of her as been the most interesting to get to know since she needed to learn so much before coming into her own, and she didn't need rescue, just teaching. Really good stuff. Please keep going. There's so much more that can be done. Thank you for sharing this story!!!

Author Reply: Whew. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter; it was really a struggle to get through it -- in part because of my crazy work schedule (and the fact that my own husband's birthday fell within the past couple of weeks. No parties, no marshmallows -- well, I guess there were some on the s'mores, but not sure if that counts -- but we had a nice time).

Pippin and Diamond are physically attracted to each other -- they have been admiring for a while now, but now they're starting to do something about it with the kisses -- and I think you're right about it bringing them closer. (Psst. I'm rooting for Pip and Diamond, too.) I'm so glad you think they "seem to fit"!

I'm flattered by your comments about my portrayal of Diamond, too. I'm glad it's been interesting for you.

Merry is readjusting to things; it takes him a while, because he tends to resist change (as Estella notes). He is also a bit possessive of "his" Pip and so jealous of the newcomer!

The story keeps going; I am trying to keep up my regular posting schedule, but it's going to be a bit more of a struggle this month. Even crazier work schedule ahead, including some weekends. Sigh. I do look forward to this story, though. I think Chapter 15 is going to be both especially difficult -- and especially rewarding -- to write. Have made some good progress on Chap. 14 so far this week. Thank you for your encouraging reviews!!


AuntiemeeshReviewed Chapter: 13 on 10/4/2004
That Diamond-lass

Lol, poor Merry, he's jealous. He's so used to being Pippin's best friend, being the one to watch out for and take care of Pippin, that this has to be difficult for him, especially as Pip didn't marry for love. It doesn't help matters that Pippin is so confused, himself, about how he feels. It's going to be interesting to see what happens next. :)

Author Reply: Yes, I thought there might be a contingent that would appreciate this Merry-ish chapter in my Pip story. :) Mr. Brandybuck, as Estella notes, is not particularly fond of change -- that's part of why he resents Diamond, too. (Plus the fact that Pip's now asking for *her* when he's sick, and not for *him*.)

KrisztaReviewed Chapter: 13 on 10/4/2004
It was so good waking to a new chapter of "Healing". I am completely satisfied. It was worth waiting for those kisses (it always is :). I suspect Diamond still doesn't know what is there beyond the kisses... Anyway, I loved the feelings, emotions and reflections in this chapter, much more than those long-waited kisses. :)

There was a very sensitive moment in this chapter wich I liked the most:

“Are you happy?”
Pippin hesitated, his thoughts in turmoil at the answer to this question. He was happier than he had been before with Diamond, it seemed, and yet... He shifted his eyes from Merry’s face to stare at the river. A mighty wave chose that moment to cleave ice apart with a resounding crack.
“Oh, Pip,” Merry said in a voice full of resignation and pity as the loud noise faded away.

Oh, I love this story! I can't wait til the next chapter!




Author Reply: Wow, completely satisfied. That's surprising -- but good -- to hear! Things are moving along a little beyond the kisses, as Diamond is still learning.... Glad to hear that you did like the "long-awaited kisses" (there were quite a few, LOL) and the "feelings, emotions and reflections."

Those few sentences that you pulled out as the part you liked the most: it was, again, not an accident that the verb when the ice cracked was "cleave." My high school literature teacher from oh-so-long-ago would be so proud of the symbolism. ;)

As for the next chapter, I'm sorry about the wait for this one. I am attempting to maintain my posting schedule, but have a month of a crazy work schedule ahead of me -- including some weekends. :( I did feel better after struggling to find time to write, type and post this chapter, though.

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