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| It Takes a Took by Dreamflower | 348 Review(s) |
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| PIppinfan1988 | Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 11/10/2005 |
| "Diamond looked at Pippin, who was frankly staring at her with pleasure." I got a nice chuckle out of that! He is so open...and its so charming of him! I am also glad that Diamond cleared the air with Lavender. Poor Merry; making the right decision to talk to Estella about his journey, even as dark as it was. These two are so meant for one another...they need a wedding and soon, lol. No pressure. Pippinfan Author Reply: He loves to look at his love, doesn't he? It's going to be hard for him, indeed. And they will have a wedding, JRRT said so. But not quite yet. | |
| PIppinfan1988 | Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 11/10/2005 |
| Awww! That's so sweet of Pippin to keep an eye on Diamond. Yeah, I know it's all to his advantage. ;-) It is kind of neat how being a healer, Diamond knew exactly what was happening when certain symptoms rose up. You know...I'm wondering about Opal again...not that she would try another stunt like taking something that didn't belong to her; I'm quite sure she has learned that lesson. But...what about when she enters the dwelling of a family who *did* know the old Opal? If something came up missing...would accusing fingers point to an innocent bystander? Pippinfan Author Reply: Yes, to both. It was sweet. And advantageous. But no one ever said he wasn't smart. Oh, she knew all right. But it didn't make it any more pleasant or comfortable. I don't know, that's something I'd not thought about. I don't think the theft was generally know outside of a tiny circle of people who needed to know: her father, Paladin and Tina, Sam, Rosie and Pippin. Her mother, who'd been banished, and Mistress Appleblossom, who would never have become head housekeeper if she could not be discreet. The healers. That's about it. No one else would have *needed* to know... Still, if the news ever *had* got out... | |
| PIppinfan1988 | Reviewed Chapter: 20 on 11/8/2005 |
| Taking in an ill Diamond is so sweet of Reggie and Opal. This is her moment to shine, not only as the "new and improved" Opal, but as a would-be healer's apprentice. I want to say something about Opal vs. Diamond as Lavender's apprentice...maybe you can guess it, but I don't want to spoil it for any other reader behind me. I'm wondering what "other" direction you were taking this... LOL, I'm just a nosy lass, aren't I? Pippinfan p.s. In response to one of your replies about Allysum--you can write about that wee lass anytime, and I'll read it! She is *so* adorable. I love writing about hobbit children, myself, and I love just as much to read about them! :-) Author Reply: Well, Opal of course, is destined to become Poppy's apprentice when Poppy returns from Gondor. But in the meanwhile, I think she will want to take any chances she can to show Lavender she's serious. After all, Lavender will be reporting on her progress to Poppy when Poppy gets back. I'm glad you like Allysum. She's a cutie. I imagine her as looking like that darling little girl in the story-telling sequence in the movie FotR. | |
| PIppinfan1988 | Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 11/8/2005 |
| “I am also impressed with your bravery in allowing yourself to be exposed to an illness you have not had. It was well-done, lass, and shows that you care about your calling and your patients. I will be letting your mistress know this when she returns.” Tears sprang to her eyes. “Oh, sir!” A little encouragement goes a long way. :-) I was delighted when Paladin expained to Pippin that Diamond sees her duties in much the same way as Pippin sees his own. Committment--another necessary trait for the future Thain's wife. :-) Pippinfan Author Reply: Yes, and another reason I thought that a trained healer would do well as the Thain's wife. She knows how to weigh consequences, and when actions *must* be taken in *spite* of consequences. Something I felt would make a good balance for the impulsive Pippin. | |
| PIppinfan1988 | Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 11/8/2005 |
| Well...it's here. The spotted-fever, I mean. ;-) Looking at the ramifications for having it, I can see how poor Diamond most likely passed on early in life. The spotted fever easily sets the stage for it. At least, that is what I gleaned from JRRT having Pippin and Merry leaving the Shire for good in their later years. If Pippin is 92 at that time, and (lol, using Diamond's *correct* age), she passes on at 86/87--and thats quite young for a hobbit. Even 92 is much too soon. Pippinfan Author Reply: Yes, she was relatively young according to the family tree. There are a few others who passed on younger than normal for hobbits, such as Merimac and Saradoc and Bilbo's father Bungo and his mother Belladonna, none of whom reached what appears to be the hobbit average of 99-100. I will admit, I'd not thought of that particular side effect of "spotted fever" affecting Diamond, but I do recall coming across it in my research of measles. | |
| PIppinfan1988 | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 11/5/2005 |
| "He gave a start to hear her calling him by his Outland title. He peered at her to see if she was being sarcastic. But her eyes twinkled a bit, and she was suppressing a smile. “I’ve been hearing stories about you.” “Oh.” Probably Estella. That was hopeful. Just then there came a knock at the sitting room door, and one of the servants stuck her head in. “Miss Diamond? Mistress Appleblossom’s asked me to find you. Moss Heathertoes is all broke out in spots.” Yeay!! Diamond seems to have made a decision--and a very good one, at that! I'm looking forward to everything blossoming between these two...but it looks as though there might be a wee problem first. Diamond will have to attend to the youngster(s) breaking out with spotted-fever, which Diamond hasn't been exposed to yet. This leads me to wonder at who's healing the healer?? I do love that Estella is befriending Diamond--she *does* need a good friend right now. Beautiful chapter! Pippinfan Author Reply: Yes, Diamond began by taking Estella's advice to heart. But, yes, that pesky spotted fever will hold things up just a little bit. I had to slow things down just a tad, as my penultimate scene takes place at Yule. I couldn't let the romance progress *too* fast. | |
| PIppinfan1988 | Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 11/5/2005 |
| "Her little lip trembled, and tears welled up. She turned to look at her uncle. He held out his arms, “Come here, little flower, Uncle Pip will help you.” She went over to him, and he gently helped her to fix the string. Watching, Diamond felt her heart give another treacherous lurch. Diamond's breaking! Oh, I'd break, too, at watching this sweet, lovable scene! I know that Pip would be a wonderful father--not a perfect one, but a loving presence in the lives of his children--and nieces and nephews! I see that Estella is yet another Shire lass who has strong character, standing up to her mother the was she does. That is exactly what our lads need in thier future wives; strength and openness. And Pippin becoming a tad jealous of Estella stealing away his Merry was another fine example of how realistic you paint your Shire canvass. I do enjoy your world of hobbits! Thank you for sharing. :-) Pippinfan Author Reply: Yay! You liked the part with little Lyssa! She's such a cute little faunt, and I just know her uncle Pip dotes on her, but she doesn't get a lot of comment. Thank you! I've always thought Pippin would make a great father, as he had so many wonderful role models, not only his own parents, but Merry's, and Merry and Frodo as well, showed him the way to give firm loving guidance. I think my Estella is pretty strong. Some people have her as having been in the rebellion, or having been traumatized by ruffians, but I don't think that such experiences are always necessary to having a strong character. Sometimes an ordinary life with fairly ordinary hardships are enough. I think Pippin *would* feel just a twinge under the circumstances, for it's not like he can console his loneliness with Diamond just yet. But he knows it for what it is, and doesn't let it cause a problem. | |
| PIppinfan1988 | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 11/5/2005 |
| "Merry looked up, and the book in his hands dropped to the floor with a thud. Pippin grinned at him. “Cousin, I ask you, is that any way to treat our illustrious ancestor?” Merry didn’t answer. He didn’t even hear him." ROTFL!! Oh, to picture this in my head was hilarious! Nothing gets Merry's attention faster than his beautiful Estella! I am so loving this--and you are so talented at these romances! My favorite genre of movies is romantic-comedy, so all of this is right up my alley. "She risked a smile at him. His eyes widened at the sight of her dimples, and he gave an audible sigh. Pippin is too much! It is so fun to watch him make the moves on Diamond. And though I won't say its fun to watch her struggle against her feelings, but watching Diamond unfold like rose in blossom is fantastic. Another bit I never tire of reading in fics is how folks entertained themselves "back then". Oh, yeah, they were trying to stave off Pippin's bundle of energy, but to ask someone to sing or to play an instrument to pass the time/entertain guests--was typical. LOL, and the scene where Paladin brought in his version of being occupied was great! Nothing like cheap/free labor! This was another one of those chapters where everything just grabbed at me, and I enjoyed every word of it. I'm enjoying this entire story so far, and I have absolutely no doubt that the rest will be just as wonderful. Sorry for the late review--the end of the work week gets a bit busy for me and this week I got a little lazy. Can't say that it won't happen again, lol, because it most likely will, but I'm hooked on this tale like Diamond is to Pippin, so I'm here 'til the end, my friend. :-) Pippinfan Author Reply: I'm so glad you like the way the courtships are playing out. Merry/Estella were pretty much an established couple by the end of "Reckoning", though they've still got a ways to go before they tie the knot. Pippin is one determined Took, and as soon as he figures out what's holding Diamond back, he will be unstoppable. In these days of instant entertainment, available at the click of a mouse or the push of a button on a remote, we tend to forget that people enjoyed music just as much as before it was readily available--it's just that they had to provide it themselves. And trust Paladin to find something to work on to pass the time. I am so glad you are enjoying this! | |
| PIppinfan1988 | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 11/2/2005 |
| "Diamond was glad that her tasks this morning did not involve checking up on Pippin. After she had tossed and turned half the night, she had gone to sleep, only to have some very embarrassing dreams. She was not sure she could face him today without blushing." LOL!! I'm just itching for those two to finally get together--alone! Well...somewhat alone. ;-) And now Estella will be paying a visit to Great Smials...oh, I am so enjoying this! I love a great romance--in this case, *two*! Thank you for a great chapter. :-) Pippinfan Author Reply: *chuckle* I am loving these reviews. It was so fun to come home and find them in my inbox. Uh-huh. This does sort of end up almost as much Merry/Estella as it does Pippin/Diamond. | |
| PIppinfan1988 | Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 11/2/2005 |
| "Pippin gave out a short surprised bark of laughter. “Tenacious? That’s the best word for Merry I have ever heard!” *snorts laughter*--looks like Pippin has his dearest friend pegged! LOL, I see them both as being pigheaded, which makes for some lovely moments. :-P Ah, looks like you're going to cover Frodo's eventual decision to leave--and his departure? This part is going to be so sad... But on the upside, there is a lovely apprentice who is absorbing all of what Pippin is about--and *this* is absolutely fun! Pippinfan Author Reply: Tenacious is a much more polite word than pig-headed, wouldn't you say? LOL! And yes, both cousins have their share, as does a certain Baggins cousin as well. Not cover it so much as foreshadow it. There's no getting away from canon--unless you go AU (Which I did in "Eucatastrophe")--and Frodo *will* make that decision, JRRT said so. Yes, Diamond is getting an awful lot to think over... | |