Pearl of Great Price by Lindelea
Grey Wonderer · 2 February 2004 · Chapter 34: For the Sake of Love
Poor Pearl! I knew she would try something but this is so sad for her and so very brave. I dread what Paladin will go through when he hears what she has done.
Author's reply
Yes, Pearl is brave and bold, a true sister to Pippin I'd say.
FantasyFan · 2 February 2004 · Chapter 34: For the Sake of Love
It does not do to leave Pearl Took out of your conspiracy, it seems. All of those good qualities that Lalia and Ferumbras have numbered also mean that she’s not likely to stand still and see her family ruined, if there’s anything she can do about it. I’m assuming she came up with this plan all by herself, without asking anyone’s advice, and ran with it at the very first opportunity – no time to consult with even Frodo, much less give anyone else a say who could object before the deed is done. But it is a brilliant plan. Lalia will not object – as a matter of fact, she’s likely to be delighted by the chance to see two objectives realized at once: a marriage and presumably an heir for her son, as well as another slap to Paladin. For Pearl, the hard part is done – speaking to Ferumbras, and finding out if he will go along. Pearl has a great deal of self-discipline, and I’m sure she feels the actual marriage and living as the wife of the Thain will not be beyond her capabilities. But there’s some real angst just over the horizon. Saradoc is on a slow journey to Michel Delving and then to Frodo, and by the time Frodo arrives with the gold, it will be all over. Lalia will be even more delighted to spring the completed deal on Frodo, after he’s paid her with hard gold. He may be in her good graces right at this moment, but I don’t think she’ll be able to resist the temptation to profit yet again – that is unless Frodo hears the announcement before setting out, and declines to pay. He’s likely to go to the Smials anyway just to confirm Pearl’s willing assent. I’ve always thought Frodo has a temper, though usually well restrained under a gentlehobbit’s reserve. If I’m right, I don’t think he’ll take it well. Oh, I am pleased with how you worked the question of sucession into this chapter, too. I am looking forward to seeing how this all plays out, keeping in mind you’ve said there’s very little left of the story. Take care of yourself. It seems this winter, and the colds that come with it, is never going to end. I feel like I’ve been frozen for months. There’s but a thin thread of hope left that the daffodils will ever poke their noses up out of the icy ground. Have some hot chocolate on me (or some chicken soup).
Author's reply
You're right, she came up with the plan in the dark watches of the night and put it into motion as soon as possible. There was no way to communicate with her relatives; for all she knew, Paladin Took and his family were on their own. Actually, Saradoc is going to drop the pony-and-gold off on his way *to* Michel Delving, quite as if returning a pony of Frodo's that went lame on an earlier visit Frodo made to Buckland, or that Merry borrowed to ride home, or some such plausible explanation. Forgot to mention in the talk of the succession that Tolibold's family (forget the son of the Old Took whose name ends in -bold) deliberately withdrew his branch from the succession, and that Lalia knew that with Paladin out of the running, Adelard would be the next Thain. Adelard, who is firmly under her thumb. Lalia, if anything happened to Ferumbras, wouldn't necessarily lose her grip on Tookland. Of course, that may all be background and no need to elaborate. My editor is always cutting background when she says it isn't really needed to follow the plot, saying it slows down the story... Of course, I as author need to know the background so that I am building a story on a firm foundation. It's hard enough to write "canon" without having read everything by or about JRRT, or worse, having read quite a bit but not remembering it all clearly. I am trying to take care of myself. At present am grimly fending off the Old Gaffer's Friend once again. Wish he'd go off to Hawaii on vacation like the Muse does... and wish the Muse wouldn't so often go off. Ah, well, when she's whispering, she usually works ahead, giving me enough chapters to keep on typing them in and posting them whilst she's off. That's a mercy. Chicken soup, there's a plan. Our daffs are six inches high now. Hope there won't be any more snow or frost to daunt them. I am rambling, a good sign it is time to go. Thanks for reviewing!
Lyta Padfoot · 30 January 2004 · Chapter 33: Seeds of Conspiracy
Lalia certainly inspires others to check her abuses in creative ways.
Author's reply
She certainly does! (Belated) Thanks!
Grey Wonderer · 29 January 2004 · Chapter 33: Seeds of Conspiracy
Now that is some very good thinking on Saradoc's part! He must have a very good writer behind him in all of this. LOL I love this one and you are doing such a wonderful job on it. Loved coming home from my evil job and finding a new chapter of this! Thanks!
Author's reply
LOL, I don't know about the writer, but Saradoc is a good problem-solver, I think. (That must be partly where Merry gets his talent for planning.) I was so glad to hear you loved this story, and re-reading your review all this time later made me smile all over again. Belated thanks for taking time to leave some encouraging words.
FantasyFan · 29 January 2004 · Chapter 33: Seeds of Conspiracy
Of course! I never thought of Frodo, but of course he's going to get involved to help his dearest cousins. And you cleverly had the ban pronounced in Hobbiton, so he would know as soon as anyone. I need to remember how well they all stick together, and how much any one of them would do for the other - nobody is alone and friendless here, under the ban or not. Saradoc's going to go off to talk to the Mayor? I know the mayor's main function is to open festivals, but there is at least the suggestion of authority there, and Saradoc will be the Master of Buckland some day. I think the more upstanding hobbits in on the conspiracy, the better: to lessen the real damage Lalia can do to the Shire culture with her vindictiveness. (I still think Frodo would have been a natural as mayor. Too bad Tolkien didn't agree with me.) Lalia's not going to like being interfered with, and I could see her insisting on the payment being only in wool, as specified in the contract. They're going to have to be clever to come up with some way she won't be able to refuse. Will the Thain be in on the conspiracy too? It was my impression that the succession of the Thainship is fixed. It appears to be a straight descent through the male line, and any hobbit worth his salt ought to know the geneologies and see that Paladin is at the top of the list if Ferumbras leaves no heir, since he is the only son of Adalgrim, son of Hildrigrim who was next in line after Isumbras IV (unless Heldrigrim had other children, but there aren't any listed). If Paladin and Pip were under the ban though, when Ferumbras died, maybe they wouldn't be eligible and the nearest to succession would be one of the many descendants of Isembold, or failing that Aldelard, father of Regi and Everard? About now the idea of Ferumbras dying unmarried ought to be coming to the front of everyone's mind, and there must be a bit of Talk about Lalia going after someone who could be considered her rival. And I remember from your other stories that when Paladin dies, there isn't an election for the Thainship per se, but Pip had to be approved, and there was the suggestion that he could be tossed out if necessary (in favor of the next in line, I suppose) so maybe it isn't all that cut and dried. It just surprises me that nobody, including Paladin, seems even aware much less concerned about who will be the next Thain. Perhaps Ferumbras just seems young enough that nobody's thought about it yet, though they ought to after his recent health scare. OK, now I'm rambling. You have only a few chapters to wrap all this up, and I'm eager to see whatever clever way you've thought of to pull Paladin's family out of the hole.
Author's reply
I thought I'd answered this review years ago when you posted it, but apparently I didn't or else the reply was lost when the story was deleted and then restored, as reflected by the identical posting date for every chapter in the list of chapters I can see through the author's function. On a typical story, I can see the progression through time of when chapters were posted (or later edited). Anyhow, Saradoc visited the Mayor several times a year, probably on business. Thus, they're using "visiting the Mayor" as an excuse for him to pass through Bywater, where he can quietly leave the gold and a message for Frodo along the way without raising Lalia's suspicions the way a special trip to Bywater might. I don't think it was clear at this point in my writing, but the idea eventually solidified that everyone assumed Paladin's grandfather had left a letter removing his line from the Succession. (Actually, he might have left a letter on the Thain's desk when he left. In some story, I mention a cat knocking a paper off a desk and under some furniture, if I'm remembering right. If that was Paladin's get-out-of-the-Thainship-free card, it was either never found, or someone found it and destroyed it. The whos, whys, and wherefores make for some interesting speculation...
Lyta Padfoot · 23 January 2004 · Chapter 32: Food for Thought
So Lalia's bitterness goes back quite a ways and she is really out to ruin Paladin. Pity she doesn't know that Paladin will follow her son as Thain - that in and of itself seems Paladin's revenge. I hope he has sufficent gold for pay the debt - most crops would have been sold in the fall, right? But then my knowledge of farming is hazy and I don't know exactly what is he growing/raising.
Author's reply
Well, I'm thinking spring cash crops... strawberries, wool (goodness, can you imagine shearing lots of sheep without help from hired hobbits?), spring greens. Perhaps the winter barley harvest would be in by then, dunno. Summer wheat and barley (and oats?) come in later, but I was thinking those would carry him through the winter and he depended on his spring crops to pay on the debt. Hope that sounds plausible.
Grey Wonderer · 20 January 2004 · Chapter 31: The Long Ride Home
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's 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 · 20 January 2004 · Chapter 31: The Long Ride Home
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's 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 · 20 January 2004 · Chapter 31: The Long Ride Home
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's 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 · 20 January 2004 · Chapter 31: The Long Ride Home
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's 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 · 17 January 2004 · Chapter 30: Mistress Lalia's Revenge
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's 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 · 17 January 2004 · Chapter 30: Mistress Lalia's Revenge
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's 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 · 17 January 2004 · Chapter 30: Mistress Lalia's Revenge
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's 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 · 17 January 2004 · Chapter 99999: Story Notes - Finished!
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's 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 · 15 January 2004 · Chapter 29: The End of the Trail
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's 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. Author Reply: p.s. At the urging of one of the not-so-wee hobbits, I finally reworked Lop's fate so that he, too, has a happy ending in this story. I sat with the desire to change his fate for an awfully long time before things finally clicked into place. However, after writing about him in the Jack/Robin stories, it seemed even more important to save him here. I'm so glad I finally figured out how to do that.
Lyta Padfoot · 15 January 2004 · Chapter 29: The End of the Trail
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's reply
Yes, Ferdi has recovered his power of speech at last. Whew. I think he loves Pippin as the little brother he never had.
Grey Wonderer · 15 January 2004 · Chapter 29: The End of the Trail
I am so sad about the poor dog but so relieved about Pippin. I should think it will be quite a while before he goes running off on his own again. Poor child. I know Paladin will be relieved and as he is under enough strain at this point, he deserves good news. I will be waiting on the next chapter. I just thought of something! Seems so funny to be rooting for Paladin in your story while rooting against him in my own. Total opposites, but the same character. I love fiction!
Author's reply
I don't know how long it'll be before he goes running off on his own again. I don't think he'll take a dog with him next time. Wonder if part of his resistance to an escort, as Thain, stems from his feeling responsible for Lop's death? If he's going into danger he doesn't want anyone else to get hurt... of course, part of it is that he doesn't "need anyone to take care of" him, he can take care of himself just fine, thank you very much! Of course, you can get into a lot of mischief without running off... I love fiction, too!
Grey Wonderer · 15 January 2004 · Chapter 28: The Search
This is getting desperate now! Hope those birds aren't flying over a little Took lad and his dog. Now I'm worried. Got to go and read the next chapter in a hurry. This is a very good story with all of the tension between family and friends and now Pippin's disappearance! Keep it coming!
Author's reply
Belated thanks for reading and stopping to share your thoughts! I appreciate hearing from you!
FantasyFan · 14 January 2004 · Chapter 28: The Search
Forgot to ask - what kind of carrion birds would they have in the Shire? A Big Person like me might think of vultures or buzzards, but would they live there? (Perhaps a flock of those big nasty crows would be as bad to a hobbit.)
Author's reply
Buzzards are a likely choice. Other possibilites are carrion crows and red kites. Found a fascinating website while doing research, with descriptions of all sorts of British birds in their A-Z guide. This is the link to the page on buzzards: http://www.rspb.org.uk/birds/guide/b/buzzard/index.asp
FantasyFan · 14 January 2004 · Chapter 28: The Search
This is really the first time this story has focused on Ferdi's thoughts without words, and it's pretty much the youngest we've seen of him, isn't it? It is interesting to compare this wounded, somewhat unsure lad with the Ferdi we know and love in a story like 'Truth'. Here, he's just learning from Veri the skills of a tracker - trying to think like Pippin (ha!), looking for more than just footprints, searching smart rather than just hard. I see his compassion, and dedication to duty. And although Ferdi will recover his voice later, I think there always remains for him a core of silence and stillness. Pip's gotten himself into trouble, and not for the last time! He might be hurt, or perhaps it's the dog he won't leave. Ferdi's life is about to become tangled up with that of the future Thain in a way that is new now, but sets the pattern for many future interactions. What kind of impression will this encounter leave?
Author's reply
I think you are right about that core of stillness. He is rather like a hurricane... a core of silence surrounded by restless winds. Hmph. Methinks I ought to go to bed and leave the writing for the morrow. Of course, Ferdi spent a month every summer before this at Paladin's farm while his father trained colts, so he has known Pippin from the time Pip occupied the family cradle. This makes his friendship with Pippin potentially as close as Merry's (just reminded myself that Pippin's father is brother to Merry's mother--though in this story I have arbitrarily decided that Paladin and Ferdinand were as close as Merry and Pippin will be in years to come, so really, the potential is there) ...if not for the fire that changed the course of his life. Thus he has spent a month each summer for the past eleven years or so helping watch over the tyke. I shouldn't wonder if he had a sort of protective "older brother" feeling, which lingers into later storylines. And of course, Pip, being younger and spoilt in the bargain, tends to take Ferdi for granted for far too long, before he really comes to appreciate him (Again, talking later storylines, of course. This story is nearly finished and there's not much more scope for developing there relationship herein.)
Lyta Padfoot · 14 January 2004 · Chapter 28: The Search
I suspect the poor dog has bought the farm. Chilling conclusion to this chapter. Ferdi is functional but not really all there.
Author's reply
You are very shrewd in your guesses.
Inquisitive Hobbit · 10 January 2004 · Chapter 27: Missing
Excellent story! I like your interpretation of hobbit society and politics; it's realistic and has a "hobbity" feel to it (hope that makes sense). Very good angst, keep it coming. Some thoughts regarding Paladin: In this story, his personality is very different from your other stories. Supposedly he changes when he becomes Thain, but I have trouble believing such a drastic change could happen so suddenly. I read "Knitting Socks" on ff.net, and that left me thinking that things were strained between Pippin and Paladin long before he became Thain. The explanation in "Socks" for Paladin's behaviour toward Pippin doesn't quite work if said behaviour doesn't show up until such a late date. Sorry if I'm rambling, my point is that his personality change would seem more believable if there were some foreshadowing of it beforehand. Nothing major, just enough to show he has the potential to become a tyrant. BTW, the relationship between Pip and Paladin interests me greatly. I would love to see a story focusing on this. They remind me of Denethor and Faramir at times.
Author's reply
Thanks! I have given Paladin a lot of thought and am still thinking about him. He will start to change in this story as a result of happenings... plot points I won't give away at the moment, but you'll see them soon. I think he has spoilt Pip rotten in an effort not to be like his own father, a vow I've often heard in modern days. ("I won't make the same mistakes my parents made...") The problem with letting a child have his own way/go his own way, whatever you want to call it, is you end up with a brat. Have seen a few of these: They behave well with relatives who are firm and loving, but run their parents ragged. Even Pippin admits, in "At the End of His Rope", that part of his trouble with his father was his own fault. I see their relationship progressing this way: Indulgent father - carefree son, more demanding father - careless son, overbearing father - defiant son... and suddenly the Brandybucks step in, taking Pip and raising him with love and reasonable, consistent discipline. Pip matures, tries to make amends, tries to be dutiful in that the Brandybucks have modeled duty and honour to him, but his father is "stuck" in his overbearing role, both as Thain and as father (he really has to be overbearing to bring Tookland out of the mess it's in when he takes charge). While he sees Pippin as improved, his son is also "too Brandybuck-ish" for his comfort, and so he tries to mold him back into a proper Took. Pip, on the other hand, is old enough to want to do things his own way. (And stubborn... wonder where he gets that?) Sound plausible? I am already having to edit "Jewels" to reflect the knowledge I've gained over the past 10 months of writing (e.g. Paladin was not Thain at the time of Bilbo's birthday, but I didn't know that at the time I was writing "Jewels"). I may have to adjust "Socks" slightly as well if it is too extreme in its Pippin-Paladin relationship, either that, or make it an "AU" as far as my own personal canon. However, at the moment I see Paladin as a warm, loving father who knows how to love little ones, but as his children grow and mature he is less able to cope with them and finds himself doing and saying what his own father said to him, things he swore he'd never do or say... Anyhow, I'm hoping to show such a progression over the course of all these stories, yet maintain consistency in characterisation. Can I pull it off? Don't know yet. Sorry to be so long-winded but I have been giving this a lot of thought lately, as I said before. Denethor and Faramir? Yes, that is a possibility, though I didn't intend it that way, it just happened. Makes the Pippin-Denethor dynamic more interesting, somehow.
Grey Wonderer · 10 January 2004 · Chapter 27: Missing
Poor Paladin! His troubles never stop do they? I feel so sorry for him. I am betting that Pippin is trying to get to Merry as he wouldn't understand or care about the politics in all of this. Update soon as the waiting may kill me! LOL
Author's reply
Ah, it's tough to be a farmer, at the mercy of the weather. Then add politics and it's darn near impossible. Throw in a spoilt, willful son and you've got a formula for trouble. Will try to update soon. Haven't had much computer time lately, what with the weekend (everybody wants online at the same time!) and being ill, which means I don't get up a couple hours before everyone else and write...
Lyta Padfoot · 9 January 2004 · Chapter 27: Missing
The not knowing is the worst of it. Poor Paladin and Pearl.
Author's reply
Not knowing is horrible, but I think the next chapter will help. (Of course, *knowing* can bring its own misery.)
FantasyFan · 9 January 2004 · Chapter 26: The Colour of Sunshine
A very homey family feeling to this chapter. Some of Lalia's irritation has been burned away by her son's fever, and that makes her much more human. Pearl feels useful and trusted, and Ferumbras has to be grateful to be alive. Plus, if he's anything like me, losing excess weight always gives me a renewed sense of energy. A buttery yellow cloak - I don't think there can be anything more hobbity than that! It's kind of him to speak encouraging words to Ferdi as well as letting him know his father is not forgotten. All in all, Ferumbras is growing on me.
Author's reply
I'm so glad Ferumbras is improving in your eyes! I wasn't sure about him, myself, when I began the story, but he sort of took on a life of his own. I think he takes after his father more than his mother, actually... You're right, this chapter flows rather more like an interlude than anything else. Of course, everyone is still relaxing from the intense stress of the three weeks when Ferumbras was at death's door. People may resolve to do (and be) better during a crisis, but it can be difficult to sustain the change for any length of time. Thanks!