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Runaway  by Lindelea 2 Review(s)
Tim the EnchanterReviewed Chapter: 20 on 10/27/2003
Its one thing to hear it from Ferdi - but quite another for Pippin to hear it from Farry himself. Poor Pippin, but unlike Paladin he at least he realizes where he went wrong and can try to move their relationship onto a better path.

Author Reply: So true. Recognition is the beginning, but courage and determination to try to change are essential factors as well, and Pippin has all those characteristics.

FantasyFanReviewed Chapter: 20 on 10/25/2003
This is really only half the conversation, isn't it? Farry has told the bare bones of his story, but really only up to the point that Ferdi rescues him. He hasn't told of the bargain, or of his time with the Bolgers, or if he's learned anything from it. All that's been said so far is enough to wound Pippin to the point he wishes he'd never heard of the Thainship. It's well enough for the escort to be relieved that the worst is over, but I don't think that's the truth of it for Pippin, or Merry. I haven't figured out exactly where Merry's head is at right now, but they both naturally will consider the larger implications of what has happened. They have to be sick at what they've almost done, and Pippin feels a tremendous burden of guilt and grief about Farry. There's more angst ahead, it seems.

The idea of a truth-sifter fits in with what you show of Ferdi's talents in Truth, and here we see it also is a characteristic of Robin. In the back of Merry's mind, the part that isn't occupied with the larger crisis, I bet he's trying to think of some way he can get the lad fostered to Buckland as a apprentice of some kind, so Merry can have a share in the family's abilities and not let Pippin get a leg up on him. Robin's suddenly become too valuable to stay an obscure farm-lad in the Woody End.

I love the way food metaphores are woven into the chapter: the tea nobody drinks in their shock and apprehension, the lie about food that brings out the truth-sifters, the breakfast Farry can eat now that his concience is clear, the fresh cup Rosemary offers her brother, the celebratory drinks once the tension breaks, and Pippin's untouched wine that neither warms nor comforts. Hobbits and food go so well together.



Author Reply: You're right, it is not over. Not only the guilt and shock at what they almost did hangs over them, but also the consequences of hasty, ill-considered action. *** It is nice to have the truth-sifting as an inherited trait, makes Ferdi seem much less... what is the word I'm looking for? Contrived? Freakish? Ah, cannot apply such terms to Ferdi! *** hobbits and food, what a combination.

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