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Fate and Destiny  by PIppinfan1988 6 Review(s)
AndreaReviewed Chapter: 20 on 3/14/2007
Bravo! Great ending, Pippinfan!

First of all, the title "Out of His Shell" is perfect!

And the "Saffron incident" was wonderful! First of all Pippin manages to get everyone's attention. Then Frodo uses his sweetest words to remind her of her manners (I like it when he does that). And finally Degger surprises all the others with his words. He has come "out of his shell" indeed!

a beak-nosed-toad-lipped-pimple-faced-goose egg

LOL! Pervinca is very inventive!

Thank you very much for this wonderful story! I enjoyed every bit of it.
I'd say let's give Degger a time off! He deserves it :)

I'm looking forward to reading Part II!

Author Reply: LOL, you forgot "rat-haired"! Pervinca, as sweet as she is, has a sharp wit, too. And if someone pushes the right buttons, and pushes too hard, watch out - that terrible Took temper just might emerge.

You're another reader who nicely picks up on points I try to convey. Merry and Pippin have always come to Degger's defense, but now it's time for Degger to step out a little and defend himself. This is a key element that had to begin in this chapter and we'll see how the lad will develop it in Part II. He'll always have a shy side, but his new place in the family has given his confidence a boost. I just might drag the poor fella out of his holiday once or twice later this year to give an example of how he progresses. :-)

Thank *you* very much for taking the time to read Fate and drop a line to let me know how much you enjoyed it. :-)

PF

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 20 on 3/14/2007
This is a wonderful ending. It does leave a few loose ends--which makes me hopeful for a sequel.

I have to say, this part made me squee:

Degger wasn’t going to make a fuss, however, Pippin loudly cleared his throat to gain her attention, but still Saffron almost clung to her brother in his wake.

“Cousin Saffron,” Frodo firmly, but kindly, addressed the young lass, “You have not greeted your host yet. I’m sure it was an accident.”

Saffron froze in her tracks while Frodo spoke to her, yet said nothing in response. All at once, the chattering and laughter all around the cousins ceased. All eyes were on the lass with dark, shoulder-length curls.


*sigh* I just adore it when Frodo is all firm and "older-cousiny", lending his moral support here, with the weight of his adulthood behind it.

Degger can now feel secure in his family and his future, even if he's not completely certain *where* that future will lead, he knows he does have a real place in his world. And Pippin and Merry have once more proved they are true friends.

I would love to see you do just a little short follow-up ficlet, with Paladin and Eglantine reading their notes from Degger-Diggory.



Author Reply: Degger can now feel secure in his family and his future, even if he's not completely certain *where* that future will lead, he knows he does have a real place in his world.

Bingo! That is my answer to the loose-ends dilemma. :-) I probably did leave one or two loose-ends unintentionally because I've been so overwhelmed for a while - and that's what I was so worried about when RL reared its ugly head some months ago. From the start everything in the story had a purpose and, lol, well, when I started working 9-hr days and 6-day weeks, I had a hard time keeping up with *myself*, let alone the story. Fortunately, I made sure I got in the bits that were relevent to Degger's tale. But basically, the whole theme of this two-part tale is that Degger, like his new cousins, *does* have a purpose to serve in this world and that purpose will unfold in Part II. Part II is coming...but later this year after Degger's had a reprieve, lol. Stories like this are like a fire shut up in my bones, so it *will* get told. :-)

I'm glad you liked Frodo! I simply clouldn't imagine him allowing someone to disrespect a friend like that. Neither would Pippin or Merry; Saffron didn't stand a chance. ;-)

Pearl Took also expressed the same thing about a ficlet with Paladin and Eglantine reading their notes. You both shall have it. :-) I'll get on it as soon as I'm done with my next challenge tale.

Thank you so much for all of your encouragement as well and thank you for reading Fate!

PF

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 20 on 3/13/2007
A lovely ending PIppinfan.

Author Reply: And you have been a lovely reader! Thank you very much, harrowcat, for all of your encouraging words and for reading Fate. :-)

PF

Garnet TookReviewed Chapter: 20 on 3/12/2007
I think this wrapped it up quite nicely.

It was very encouraging to see Degger becoming so much more comfortable and confident in his new role as a gentlehobbit.

Same on that muse! How dare she run off to mississippi to play the slots and, first of all, not invite you along and, second, not come back with anything to show for it. I'm assuming she went to that very nice, or it was 10 years ago, casino down by Meridian. she needs to let us know when she takes these roadtrips. She leaves you devoid of inspiration and blows her money. jeese.:)

Keep me informed on your next project. I'm dying to know all about it.

GT.

Author Reply: With friends like Pippin, Merry, and Frodo, Degger has no choice but to step up to the plate and stand tall. He will always be a little bit on the shy side, but he'll be fine. :-)

Meridian? Oh, no! - she has too many horrid memories of my days in A-School, lol. Or "Tech-school" for any Army types who need clarification. Yes, she has to let me know when she takes off like that so I can lock up my money.

When I'm ready to send out the first few chapters, I'll make an announcement on LJ and see if I get a response for takers. If at least 5 people become interested then I'll post it here on SOA. Anyone can request me to email it to them, I'm just doubtful as to how many people would be interested in a faith-type awakening for our beloved Tookling. Then again...He said where two or three are gathered... I'll have to think on this one. :-)

Thank you so much for all the lovely encouragement and for stopping by to read Fate. :-)

PF

Pearl TookReviewed Chapter: 20 on 3/12/2007
Bravo! Bravo!! Bravisimo!!!

This is wonderful! The entire story and this chapter is the icing on the cake!

Degger will be a wonderful gentlehobbit. I love that he felt sorry for Saffron, that shows a lot of wisdom on his part. He's a good lad :-)


But I'm feart that you have a wee story to tell. Degger can still be on his holiday, but I'd love to know what the notes said that were on Eglantine and Paladin's book marks ;-)

Author Reply: Oh, Pearl - there are so many gaps in this tale I didn't touch on that your idea is quite possible! At least I'll muse upon the notes given to Eglantine and Paladin. ;-)

I felt as a tween, Degger had to show a little more mercy towards the wee hag because he had to grow up a bit sooner than most children his age.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and then send a sweet and encouraging response - and you have always been an encouragement to me. :-)

PF

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 20 on 3/12/2007
Bravo! A wonderful story and a very fitting end. I enjoyed it very, very, much! I do hope Degger returns after he's rested up because I adore the character and would love to read more about him. Thank you for a great story!

Author Reply: LOL, oh, he'll be back. I just like to throw in a little variety - and I'm also a bit gun-shy after this last fiasco with updating on time. Well...on time *for me*.

I do thank you ever so much for stopping by to read even when work was taking up all your time and driving you nuts. LOL, maybe a short putt! I'll be around catching up on my reading. :-)

PF

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