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Healing the Long Cleeve  by TopazTook 7 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/4/2005
That deceitful, thoughtful, flatly scared Took! He knows what is expected, but is not yet ready to do what must be done to consumate the marriage? Poor Diamond, obviously far too sheltered and not knowing what to expect!

With the grace of the Valar the love will come, and the expression of it physically as well.

Author Reply: I believe you’ve hit the nail on the head in regard to both Pip and Diamond. I see from my email box that you’ve kept reading on, so you’re getting an idea of what happens in regard to your prediction at the end of this review.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/15/2004
Oh goodness! What a chapter! I'm so glad you had Merry make it up with Pip. I hate stories where one of them getting married makes them estranged for years. I do have my credulity strained just a wee bit by the lass's mother apparently never telling her the facts of life--after all producing an heir is a prime duty of a Thain's wife, but I assume it's a necessary plot point, so I'll overlook it. I very much like your portrayal of Pip's gallantry on thier wedding night, knowing that there will be those snooping through the sheets for proof of consumation. On to the next chapter...

Author Reply: I just can't see Merry and Pip being estranged for years--although I don't think they necessarily agree on everything all the time, either.
Yeah, I personally don't think Honeysuckle did a great job with that aspect of Diamond's "training" either, but she may have her reasons...and you are right that it is a plot point.:) Also, it does provide a good means for Pippin to be gallant, as you put it, even if he doesn't necessarily know what his newly-met wife doesn't know.

AuntiemeeshReviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/8/2004
I like Pippin's ruse at the end of this chapter. I suspected he wouldn't want to consumate the wedding but hadn't given any thought to the idea that the other hobbits might require proof of consumation to make the marriage legal. Poor Merry, this whole wedding thing took him quite by surprise. I'm glad Estella was able to help him see sense and make up with Pip before the wedding. :)

Author Reply: Ah, that's one thing all his little escapades with Merry as a lad taught him: to think ahead! Estella is a commonsensical hobbitess who has been living with the two of them for a while, so she was in a good position to help Pippin and Merry make up and be friends again. Of course, Merry may still need to adjust to the whole new situation...see Chap.'s 8 and (I think) 10 (when they're posted, of course). :)

Alayna the Tallest HobbitReviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/22/2004
What a chapter! I'm so glad Merry wasn't angry at Pip for too long. I can understand why he was so mad though. If I found out my best friend had been keeping a secret from me for seven years I'd be just as upset as Merry. Also, on the wedding night, with Pip cutting himself...it just shows how much of a gentle-hobbit he is. I like him all the more for it. I hope that Diamond will be able to express her opinions, and I hope she will get to know Pippin better. But of course she will, they are married after all. :) Thanks for the chapter! I'll shut up and read the next one now. Alayna

Author Reply: Yeah, you can be upset at people who are your friends, even though they're still your friends -- especially if you think they're hurting themselves. I'm glad you liked Pip's gentlehobbitly ways. Feel free to wax on about my chapters before you move to the next...or come back and comment again.:)

KrisztaReviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/21/2004
Oh, it gets better and better! But I wouldn't mind angst a bit, since I like it. Anyway, I am better to give up imagining, I leave it to you, I am sure I won't be disappointed. I anticipate more hardships for Pippin and Diamond... My best line: “And having his best friend be angry at him for being miserable is supposed to make him feel better?” The lasses always see the essence of the matter. :)

Author Reply: Oh, thanks and thanks! And I like angst too; didn't mean to imply that I don't. Don't give up imagining--life would be quite dull without it! I'm glad you liked that line. Estella, at least, does seem to cut to the quick of things.

Lyta PadfootReviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/21/2004
There seems to be quite the inferiority complex about the North-tooks, one they are over compensating for. Poor Diamond, what *lovely* advice her mother offered to her. And not even knowing what to call the person she just married! Good thing Pippin is a gentlehobbot - I assume the blood is to convince everyone that the marriage has been consummated and is thus legal. At least Pervinca had fun planning things and I'm sure the guests enjoyed the food even if the bride and groom were not happy.

Author Reply: Of course, any resemblance between the prideful and independent hobbits of the "beautifully wooded" North Farthing and the Scandinavians and Finns who settled the northern reaches of the U.S. in upper Minnesota would be *completely* coincidental, I'm sure. ;)
Yes, Gerin probably thought for sure she'd taken care of it, but Honeysuckle does seem to have fallen down on the job a bit in this aspect of preparing Diamond for her marriage. But she may have her reasons....You're right, of course, about the reason for the blood. You know *somebody's" going to check those sheets.
Glad you're happy that Pervinca had fun planning. Of course, she might have gone a little overboard-- I think there were even more than six kinds of cake on those groaning tables!

Tari ElensarReviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/21/2004
Love the story!! Pippin is such a sneaky little devil!! :)
Keep the chapters coming !!

Author Reply: Thanks!! But his heart is in the right place -- and he wants them both to be happy!! More chapters coming!!

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