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Pearl of Great Price by Lindelea	85 Review(s)
Grey Wonderer	Reviewed Chapter: 31 on 1/20/2004
I could just sit down and cry right now! You warned me this would be sad, but I didn't expect that! I have no idea how Paladin will stand this and no idea how Pippin will understand it. Pippin is bound to blame himself once he knows that this is because he tried to get to Merry. It was wonderfully written and you most definately made me feel it! Author Reply: Thank you, it is sad, but Paladin is not friendless. The sad part is that this is the beginning of the end of the warm relationship between Paladin and Pippin. It will only get worse once Paladin realises he's next in line to be Thain, and he has to train up this spoiled, willful boy to follow in his footsteps. (Love Pip, but he's been badly brought up... all love and no discipline, training, whatever you want to call it. Thank goodness for the Brandybucks and their good sense!)

Lyta Padfoot	Reviewed Chapter: 31 on 1/20/2004
Poor Pippin, he has to be terribly confused. Of course part of the problem between him and his father (and it only gets worse!) is that Paladin doesn't keep Pippin 'in the loop' so to speak but seems to want to keep him young and ignorent forever. Its difficult to imagine a society that allows the ban to be placed on an entire family - including three underaged children. Rather surprising Lalia didn't order Pimpernel, Pervinca, and Pippin taken away until Paladin complied. Lalia has shown herself to be without scruples - I wonder if Pearl's exclusion from the ban is in light of her position or plans on the part of the Mistress to use her as a replacement for Rosemary. With Pearl not yet of age and without a parent to speak up for her she is even more vulnerable than Rosemary was for all that she is older. If Lalia hasn't thought of this, I'm sure she will. Author Reply: Y'know, I don't think children were easily taken from their parents in earlier days, though they might possibly run away. Lalia's rationale for banning the entire family is that the father is teaching the children disloyalty, so let's just punish everyone, shall we? (And for another reason to come out soon.) It is not that Paladin is keeping Pippin young and ignorant, it is that the lad is only 11 and parents don't necessarily discuss business with youngsters (The Little House books come to mind. Don't you know that Ma and Pa were discussing things like starving and where the next meal would come from when the kiddos were asleep? But you got no hint of it in their interaction with the children...). You have some good insights as to Pearl's position. It might have worked out just that way, but for an upcoming twist... Hah. Did I just give away a plot point? Hope not. Thanks for reviewing.

Connie	Reviewed Chapter: 31 on 1/20/2004
Oh, this is so sad. I guess I didn't realize at first that the whole family, except Pearl, would be shunned. This really is the beginning of the end for Paladin's and Pippin's relationship. Oh how horrible. I know I should feel sorry for Paladin because he was only being a decent, honorable person, and to have all this come down on his head. But my heart really goes out to Pippin. He doesn't realize, at this point, I don't think, that he is a large part of the cause of this situation. And now his own father is acting so differently toward him. He has got to be one very confused child If only they could have talked it through. But Lalia saw to it that the seeds of discord were planted deep and encouraged to grow strong. I feel like I just rambled a bit there, but this is very distressing stuff. Oh, my poor, sweet Pippin. Connie. Author Reply: This is sad. I don't think Paladin realised it at first, either. Poor Pip! Somebody really ought to have explained it to him, obliquely if necessary, before they left the Smials, but often adults discount children, either assuming they know more than they know, or assuming they're better off not being told right out, or whatever... I don't mind rambling. I do it all the time. Thanks for reviewing!

FantasyFan	Reviewed Chapter: 31 on 1/20/2004
This is breaking my heart! Everyone is walking on eggs so as not to anger the petty tyrant, yet anger her they have. I doubt anyone reported Pippin's ravings: they wouldn't need to, as Lalia would know perfectly well what direction he was going in, and guess why. Isembold, Bittersweet and the Thain himself are skating on very thin ice to do as much for Paladin as they have done. Poor Paladin! I feel so badly for him. He tells it truly when he says he is trying to teach his children by example: to be loyal to those who deserve it, to be honest to their feelings, and to honor that which is honorable. Tell me, where exactly does Lalia find it written that she is allowed to choose when there are sides to be taken, or pit family against each other? I have a feelling that this trauma will leave a lasting scar on Paladin. Not only is his entire family except Pearl under the ban (really petty vindictiveness, to punish Pervinca and Pimpernel), it seems impossible not to think he is blaming Pippin for it. Impulsive Pip has not thought about the consequences, and Paladin's failure to control him has been to their downfall. Is this the beginning of the deterioration of their relationship? His blow to Pippin now is frustration and anger and not knowing what else to do to show the severity of the situation, but there will be long silent days to brood on all this, and the wound can't help but fester. In at least one way Lalia has her will - there is no way now that Paladin can communicate with his sister. Pearl will not dare sending a message from the Smials, and nobody will take a note from Paladin. Even the Thain will find it difficult to explain communicating with Buckland right now - maybe Ferdi could sneak in? Can anybody take the chance of Lalia finding out? This ban is indefinite, which means until Lalia dies, since Paladin will not relent. I wonder, will Paladin be able to do business? Is he allowed to sell his crops, or buy at the market? I am sure that they are self-sufficient enough to survive, but it will be painful. Reading this, knowing Ferumbras will likely lift the ban after Lalia dies, and seeing Paladin's hurt makes it all the harder to realize he will one day impose a similarly painful fate on Ferdi, for no better reason. How dreadful it is to see how much he changes by the end of his life. Author Reply: Glad to see you again! Once more you have written a very insightful summation. Your "Tell me" sounds rhetorical, is it? Of course it's not written! What despot follows rules, after all, instead of making them up as they go along? Yes, this story marks the turning point in Pip and Paladin's relationship. I think in "Rope" he says something to Merry about his father not having been a totally awful father. I was thinking of this story at the time. Paladin was a decent sort before events warped him. Even after, he always tried his best, poor fellow. The very least I can tell you about contact with Buckland is that Ferdi will not be going to Buckland. I wrote myself into a corner; the first time he ever saw the Brandywine was in "At the End of His Rope", so he cannot come within sight of the River in any earlier stories or I'm contradicting myself. Your last paragraph will be dealt with in the next chapter or two. As a matter of fact, it is a major plot point. Thanks for reviewing, both here, and in "Shire" (was beginning to think I'd lost the readers in that story and needed some drastic revising. Might still need drastic revising, but am too close to the story to tackle it now. Will just keep writing and pin hopes on editor and reader comments...)

Connie	Reviewed Chapter: 30 on 1/17/2004
Whoa! I wondered what was finally going to turn Pearl against that old bat. Now I know. I won't repeat what I said when I read that Lalia actually put the Ban on Paladin. I called her a very unflattering name. If you can't tell, I'm really enjoying this story. I'm glad to see the story of Lalia's demise fleshed out. Thanks. Connie. Author Reply: An unflattering name! Good thing she didn't hear you or it would be water rations at the very least! Well, now you know what turned Pearl against Lalia, and if you've read any other in the series and wondered at how different Paladin is in this story, you are now seeing how Paladin's relationship with his son began to change. So glad you're enjoying the story! Thanks for reviewing. Stop by again anytime.

Grey Wonderer	Reviewed Chapter: 30 on 1/17/2004
Good for Paladin! I am glad he stood his ground, but I'm not quite clear on something. I she now forbidden to speak to Pearl as well? Also are all but Pearl banned or just Paladin? It is a wonderful story. I liked Ferdi telling Pearl to change songs. He knew that the other song would be too painful but Pearl didn't. I can't wait for more of this one. Author Reply: You have your answer in the next chapter: "The Long Ride Home" I'm sorry to say that there is more angst than joy in the story from here on out. It is, after all, a tragedy. Of course I cannot write an ending that is a total "downer"--I am a sucker for a happy ending--and so you will have a bit of relief in the final chapter.

Lyta Padfoot	Reviewed Chapter: 30 on 1/17/2004
The little exchange between Ferdi and Pearl was wonderful, Ferdi's concern for Pippin isn't just for his physical well-being but his emotional as well. Pippin may have been up a tree but he's safe now; its Paladin who is the coney and the Mistress who is the fox. Lalia is back in tyrant mode again. She can vent her anger at the Brandybucks on Paladin, but there will be consequences closer to home since the farmer is liked by her son, well thought of by the Tooks, and the father of her helper. I imagine Paladin will blame Pippin's recklessness for sparking this situation and come down hard on him even though his ordeal ought to have been punishment enough. Poor Pearl, pretty horrible to have to watch. Towards the end there was a touch of the later version of Paladin. Author Reply: Yes, Ferdi pays attention to all the little details. I do hope he's not a "Marty Stu" in disguise. I try not to write him as "perfect", but it is difficult, when he has taken on such a life of his own. I think there may be some nepotism involved... d'you suppose the Muse is related to him? Again very incisive, yes, Lalia is the fox and Paladin's the coney now. As I mentioned, responding to another reviewer, the story is pretty sad from here on out, with only a bit of sun peeking from the clouds in the final chapter (and how am I going to pull that off??? Sure glad the draft is already written or I'd be getting worried about now).

maria	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 1/17/2004
Wonderful story! At first I feared it would be too Pearl-centered, which might lead the way for the dreaded Mary Sue-effect. But you've also included a great deal of intrigue, especially with the latest Pippin and arranged-marriage story line, so this story became even more multilayered and fascinating. Please continue! Author Reply: Ah, the dreaded Mary Sue-effect. D'you know, I have never read a Mary-Sue story? Have heard a lot about her, tho... Thanks for the review!

FantasyFan	Reviewed Chapter: 29 on 1/15/2004
I had just been re-reading the early chapters to see if the dog had been named, when I came across Pip being excited at the description of a wild boar hunt. That's a pretty cruel turnaround for Pip to have memories of laughing with the Thain and his escort mixed amongst the terror of this desperate chase. It also reminds me to read carefully - there are few idle words in your stories. But I didn't find a name for the dog. Now I see Pip is being taken back to the Smials, where he will be re-united with his father and sister if not the rest of the family. It had been in the back of my mind that this story was so close to completion, the action must go back there since from the beginning the teaser intro has pointed to the death of Lalia. Accidents are not likely to have a drawn-out buildup, but there will be plenty of fallout to deal with, including the reprecussions on Pearl and the establishment of the sucessor to Ferumbras. I've been thinking a bit about that in light of your reply to the previous review. I've always assumed part of the reason Merry and Pip were so close was because they were little princes to two of the most important positions in the Shire: the Master of Buckland and the Thain, as well as cousins, and thus they would naturally socialize. But of course, Paladin wasn't Thain when Pip and Merry began their relationship, he was simply brother-in-love to Sara, who was heir to the Master. How did Eglantine as a farmer's daughter end up married into such an important position? Yet she was not simply a farmer's daughter. By blood, she was gentry despite her father's choice to leave the Smials, and the match would be 'suitable'. Paladin has to know how close he is to the Thainship by blood, but he seems to totally disregard it, save to think sending Pearl to the Smials will allow her to make a better marriage than she would as a 'farmer's daughter.' As Ferumbras ages with decreasing chances of producing an heir, did it not begin to weigh on Paladin's mind - or was it a case of the cares of the day being sufficient? And then, to compare with Ferdi, he is of fairly similar social standing, I think, until the fire. He's close in age to Merry, and visited Paladin's household nearly as often, but the relationship of the children is not as close as that of the fathers. Simply personality? Pip and Ferdi are very different, and perhaps in his visits Ferdi has been too distracted by Nell to pay much attention to the young brother - or is it more than that? I admit is is difficult for me to wrap my brain around the class issues of hobbit society. Author Reply: The dog actually was named a couple of chapters ago ("Missing"); his name is "Lop", probably because one of his ears does not stand upright but has a tendency to fall over. In my imagination he is a wonderful creature--engaging, intelligent, curious, with that sense of humour some dogs seem to have, brave, loyal, and loving--and it was difficult to write his death, knowing him as well as I have come to know him in the back of my head. Don't know if there is a "boy and his dog" story in the bag or not, at this point. Isn't writing wonderful? You can climb in a virtual time machine and go back to where a (already written as deceased or decrepit) character is vibrantly alive. Socially, Paladin and Ferdinand were "on a par" before the fire, and even though Ferdinand and his son went to live as beggars "on the charity of the Thain" the enormous social gap between them did not open until Paladin got his nose rubbed in the Thainship. Part of Paladin's attitude towards Ferdi has to result from the emotional trauma he witnessed. Ferdi is "damaged goods", to be helped (patronised?) but certainly not material for a future son-in-love. When Ferdi becomes "crippled" in the Battle of Bywater (would we call it "physically challenged" today?), that's the final nail in the coffin of Nell and Ferdi's love, as far as Paladin's concerned. He wants his daughter married to a husband who will be able to support her and their children. It is a very patriarchal society, from what I've read. Friendship, as far as Pip and Merry or Pip and Ferdi, is influenced more by personality than any other factor. I see Pip and Ferdi having more of a brotherly relationship, whereas Merry and Pip are friends. Ferdi "takes care" of Pip because that is part of his personality--he's a caretaker (!), and I think that deep down, Pip resents this. I don't see Merry "lording it over" Pip or "big brothering" him; perhaps a little, but not as much as Ferdi does. Though the current movies have him ever-protective of Pippin, in the book "The Two Towers" (for example) Pippin actually takes the lead and saves Merry. Pip and Merry are "equals" (I'm talking relationship, not age and not social status). Pip and Ferdi are not, and even when circumstances change their social standing, Ferdi never quite loses that "big brother" attitude.

Lyta Padfoot	Reviewed Chapter: 29 on 1/15/2004
Poor Pippin! I imagine that was a pretty traumatic experience. And Ferdi... the bit with Pippin's cloak was heartbreaking. I cheered when Ferdi spoke to him and got him out of the tree. Author Reply: Yes, Ferdi has recovered his power of speech at last. Whew. I think he loves Pippin as the little brother he never had.

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