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Healing the Long Cleeve  by TopazTook 6 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/4/2005
A very sad betrothal, I fear.

Author Reply: Mmm-hmm. Angst. Ah, angst. ;)

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/15/2004
I like how much of this was flashback to happier times. It made the betrothal seem even gloomier than before. Pip's response to the cords, and the reminder of his orc captivity was well-done, as was his father's reaction to it. I hope I'm not reading anything ominous into Paladin's last words to Pips new father-in-law.

Author Reply: I'm glad you liked the flashbacks, and the contrast to the sunnier days vs. the gloomy winter evening betrothal. (And I finally got to write my "imprinting the foot in the Yellowskin" scene. Yay!) Paladin's last words...depends on your definition of ominous, I guess.;)

AuntiemeeshReviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/8/2004
I've been meaning to read this for a long while and I'm glad I've finally started. This is a very promising first chapter. I love that Pippin is so willing to do what he thinks is best for the Shire, rather than what he would like best for himself. I love all the little flashbacks and memories that everyone has as the chapter plays itself out. :)

Author Reply: I'm glad to have you on board! Thank you for your comments on the first chapter lead-in; glad it worked it to "hook" you. ;) Pippin is very much basing his actions on following Frodo's example of carrying out a duty, and I'm pleased that came across. The flashback with the scene where Paladin takes Baby!Pip to see Thain Ferumbras and have his footprint imprinted into the Yellowskin is something I'd been thinking about ever since Paladin made a comment in my story "Blanketed in Love" about Pippin's foot being the one that was marked down to follow him as Thain -- and I finally found a place where it worked!

KrisztaReviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/20/2004
It's good! I can't wait for the next chapter. That part when Eglatine find out Pippin's scars, and then Pippin's reaction to the rope, that really gave my heart a leap. It will be a very difficult night for Pippin and Diamond when those scars under the clothes will be revealed. Also, I can imagine Merry and Pippin in Crickhollow, when Pippin refuses to chase or court any lasses and doesn't tell why, it would give him a very difficult time. So, as I said earlier, I can't wait for the next chapter!

Author Reply: Thanks!
Eglantine finding Pippin's scars, Pip's reaction to the rope...surely the author would not deliberately try to jerk at her readers' angst-o-meter... No, surely not. ( ;)See response to review below.)

Alayna the Tallest HobbitReviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/20/2004
Poor Pippin! And Diamond. I sure hope they will at least like each other... You've done a very good job torturing me, but I don't mind. I hope you will put up the next chapter soon! Alayna

Author Reply: The next chapter goes up tonight. And I'm glad you don't mind me "torturing" you. Angst. Aah, angst. ;)

Lyta PadfootReviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/20/2004
Pippin's reaction to the rope, the cheerless ceremony, the lack of interaction between the parties. The flashbacks contrasted the promise of what might have been with stiff and uncomfortable reality. You have me curious about your Diamond. Aside from being pretty and subdued, shes a blank slate. I can see why her family wants her to marry Pippin, but what are her thoughts on the secret bethrothal to the Shire's Bachelor #1? It seems odd that there is no move made for Pippin to get to know her, even a little, or is this an 'out of sight, out of mind' situation? In Europe a formal bethrothal was a marriage in all but name, it had to be legally dissolved if one wanted to break it off or any marriage would be bigamous. I'm curious to see what Pippin says (or doesn't say) to his cousins about this.

Author Reply: The contrasting effect with the flashbacks was what I was trying to achieve.
As for some of your other wonderings: are you sure you're not channeling Merry? Some of these queries will be addressed in the next chapter...possibly even by Mr. Brandybuck.
As for Diamond, we, like Pippin, get just a glimpse of her in this chapter. I'm glad you're curious, because throughout this fic, as he -- and we -- get to know her, she will keep unfolding like a flower. (Oops. Wrong fandom. ;) )

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