Reviews (256)

FantasyFan · 6 May 2004 · Chapter 15: A Matter of Honour

I forgot to mention in my review for chapter 14 that Pippin, asking his mother what he did wrong, sounds just like Pippin, asking Diamond what he did wrong in the other story. That made me giggle, but it didn't make the final draft of the review. I am curious to have you tell me exactly how you changed the story after my review (I have some vanity, you know). I am guessing that it was the comment about Ferdi destroying the horse himself that was the trigger - and it does work wonderfully here. Ferdi knows what he must do, bound to obey the orders of the Thain. But he also knows that it is wrong, and he can't do it. The best of bad choices is to let the pony go. But something in Ferdi is going to break from the strain. This scene has tremendous drama - you had me holding my breath about whether he would kill the pony or not. I have deliberately not gone and looked in stories set in later timeperiods for word of Starfire, so I don't know what the ultimate fate of the pony is. Ferdi's anguish about his own lost honor is heartbreaking - especially as he is the most honorable hobbit I have ever seen. But his fault is similar in a way to Pippin's - his pride makes him a perfectionist, and at this point he has not overcome the pain that keeps him aloof, so he tends to beat himself up too much. All the time however, I find myself wondering about Pippin. How will he react in the morning, having to face Tom and Ferdi having changed his mind too late? Ferdi will be honest about what he has done, when he finally arrives. There's a chance for mutual growth and forgiveness, but there's also plenty of opportunity for misunderstanding. You have sucked me in with another story, my dear. I do so enjoy your writing!

Sulriel · 5 May 2004 · Chapter 14: A Change of Heart

I just love Eglantine, she has that solid hobbit sense. -but what a cliffhange for the end. I'll be looking forward to the next chapter!

FantasyFan · 5 May 2004 · Chapter 14: A Change of Heart

There's so much I love Pippin's interactions with his mother. ‘Peregrin Took,’ she said softly. Pippin jumped. ‘What did I do now?’ he asked, immediately reduced to a lad caught in the midst of mischief. He He! Moms are the same no matter who you are, eh? Don't think she isn't going to bring up slipping the escort, too. It doesn't matter if he's the Thain, his mom is going to call him on his actions. But done with love, and in confidence that he is a good Thain, and will be a great one. I love the part where she makes him think about his actions, and I especially love how whe thinks his father would be proud of him. Paladin did love his son, for all he couldn't understand him sometimes. Regi doesn't say he's heard the pony has been killed, only that the pen is empty. I'm holding out some hope that Tom's long ride is just to buy time, but it's a small hope. Has Ferdi gone too? Have they taken Starfire somewhere until the morning? Poor Tom. Poor Ferdi.

FantasyFan · 4 May 2004 · Chapter 13: The Challenge

Woah, things really happen in a hurry here! Tom may hope that Pip can be reasonable, but the way to find out is surely not to threaten the safety of his wife and child. It's interesting the way Pip is compared to his father in both this chapter and the one before it. Farmer Banks sees the steel, and Tom is hoping to see flexibility. They both may be surprised in the end. But I do feel sorry for Ferdi here. He's used his skills to stop the attack, staring down the horse. But in the mood he's already in after Pippin's disappearance at the wedding, he's likely to take the task of destroying the horse immediately on himself, beat himself up about his disappointment, and bury a bit more resentment towards the one who keeps making things like this happen. Not a good omen for their future relationship (good thing we know it works out, after many trials). Did you mean to have a stable-hobbit take Sock's reins from Pip and lead him away, and then take them again in the next paragraph? It reads a little funny, like an edit was missed - or perhaps I'm missing something else.

FantasyFan · 4 May 2004 · Chapter 12: Of Blessing and Bane

Ferdi is certainly berating himself for Pippin's perceived misdeed. He's harder on himself than anyone else would be, including Pip. There really isn't a great deal of trust yet, is there? I wonder what he'll think when he finds out exactly why Pip was gone, and that it wasn't some sort of lark. Eglantine's observations are straight to the point. She doesn't miss much, and I wish we'd see more of her strength. I also liked the thought of Farmer Banks that the son could be as hard as the father. It's a true observation, but he has no idea how hard Pippin really can be, nor does anyone else in the Shire, really, at this point. But they will learn, though they may never understand exactly how he got that way.

Roger Gamgee · 3 May 2004 · Chapter 6: A Breath of Fresh Air

Incredible. This is a really fantastic story...I left off reviewing the other chapters, but had to stop after this one and congratulate you on the excellent job you've done thus far. I have to admit, I love a good story that keeps me in suspense. And this one certainly qualifies. I look forward to finishing this tale and seeing how it all turns out.

Pearl Took · 2 May 2004 · Chapter 11: Lambs to the Slaughter

I do like your OC hobbits! Looking forward to the rest of this. Nice having Thain Pippin acting like regular folk. Pearl Took

Pearl Took · 2 May 2004 · Chapter 9: Trapping a Fox

This is precious!!! All those dear wee little hobbits adopting Ferdi, is just precious!! Pearl Took

Pearl Took · 2 May 2004 · Chapter 8: A Tangible Expression of Gratitude

This is a wonderful chapter! I love how Ferdi just up and walks out so they can't argue with him. Pearl Took

Grey Wonderer · 29 April 2004 · Chapter 11: Lambs to the Slaughter

The ending two lines about lambs to the slaughter made this chapter very effective. I also liked that the farmer thought Pippin just seemed like regular folks and had never seen the Thain before. One thing I can always count on when I read your stories, if there is a wedding, then there's bound to be trouble! LOL I am sensing a theme here.

FantasyFan · 28 April 2004 · Chapter 10: Where Are Ye Goin' on this Merry Day?

Well, I don't know much about sheep and their diseases, but I do know a couple of things about Pippin. First of all, he's enjoying himself immensely, being anonymous and letting the tension slide. He's had to change so much so fast, I feel really happy for him enjoying good food and fresh air and simple pleasures. I also know that at the first sign of trouble he's ready to take it all on again. There's the greatness in him - but also the pride, thinking he can do it all himself. Because the third thing I know, is that where Pippin is, especially without his escort, trouble is right behind, looking over his shoulder with an interested expression on its face. I'm looking forward to the rest of this story.

Lyta Padfoot · 28 April 2004 · Chapter 10: Where Are Ye Goin' on this Merry Day?

Looks like Pippin has managed to get out of his escort's sight again. Sheep dying? I've heard sheep are very suceptible to fast moving fatal illnesses. Wolves? More wild boars? I'm staying tuned and eager for the next chapter.

Grey Wonderer · 26 April 2004 · Chapter 9: Trapping a Fox

I am a bit confused, even with the background. I must have missed one of your stories because I have no idea why Ferdi was banned. I also have no idea what Pippin did to cause it or why Pippin would let someone else suffer so for his mistake. It doesn't seem like something Pippin would do if there were a way to prevent it. I am enjoying the story, but I am just a bit lost.

Bodkin · 25 April 2004 · Chapter 9: Trapping a Fox

Pippin may show his guilt at Ferdi's ill-treatment here, but that doesn't stop him jumping to conclusions when Faramir runs away. I thought Pippin was rather less endearing there!

Lyta Padfoot · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 9: Trapping a Fox

I enjoyed the background very much. For those unfamiliar with your other stories it informs them of Ferdi's background, it also shows a more sympathetic Pippin. The idea that the Travellers have had to rediscover their hobbitness and can help Ferdi is powerful, thinking on its, Ferdi's preference for animals over people and his isolation aren't normal for his kind. Ferdi is sent for or sought out, seldom does he initiate interaction.

Connie · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 9: Trapping a Fox

I haven't reviewed on this one yet, but I figured now was the time. Keep the background part. It is a nice scene in and of itself, and it does help those who, by some strange twist of fate, don't know the other stories. I aspecially liked the idea images of how the three Travelers rebuilt their hobbity lives, to some degree anyway, compared to how Ferdi could be helped to rebuild his. Gee, I hope that made sense. I also really liked how you can tell that Pippin does feel terrible that his actions caused Ferdi to suffer the Ban. I also loved Sam's silent observation about a certain loyal Took. Good chapter. Connie.

FantasyFan · 24 April 2004 · Chapter 9: Trapping a Fox

Well, yes, the first part of this story is 'background,' in the sense that it tells Ferdi's story rather than shows, and it probably isn't integral to the action of the present story. But really, if you want to have the story stand independently of the rest of the body of work, it is actually necessary information to understanding Ferdi's character. I've read many a book in a series, and all of them have that part of a chapter near the beginning where what has gone before is explained for readers who haven't read the others. Often I'll skim those parts before diving into the 'meat' of the story, and sometimes I'll examine them closely, to see how the author presents it differently this time after 28 other repetitions of essentially the same information. Even Tolkien does it in the Prologue to Fellowship, where he has a section On the Finding of the Ring, which is essentially a recap of The Hobbit. So unless your editor really expects to require that all your readers must get through 300,000 words (or probably more) you've previously written in this universe before starting this story, I bet she won't complain too much about a bit of background. Especially when it's as well written as this part is. You tell the information, but it's presented in a lovely domestic scene that speaks to the heart of what 'hobbity' really is (here you're showing rather than just telling). Plus there's a good dynamic among the Gamgee children, and a chance for Pippin to reflect on his role in Ferdi's banning. It seems a little jarring for Pippin to be so calm and matter-of-fact about his fault, expecially as this story is set early in his Thainship, but then maybe the kings game is making him focus, and a focused Pip is always deliberate and quieter. (I find it interesting that Pippin when angry, upset or about to fly in the face of hobbit convention always gets quieter. When his voice becomes soft, watch out! I'm sure it's in direct reaction to his father's bluster.) I notice Eglantine doesn't meet anyone's eyes as she lets the story come out, but Pippin does. The children decide to make Ferdi an honorary Uncle. Very characteristic of Sam's family, I think, to respond to a hobbit's need by deciding to give of themselves. I suppose were they a few years older, they'd have tried to marry him off as well. Ferdi truly doesn't have a chance against them.

Lyta Padfoot · 23 April 2004 · Chapter 8: A Tangible Expression of Gratitude

*Snickers* Ferdi doesn't ask for much, does he? His insight regarding Goldilocks and Faramir was wonderful, I imagine he saw a bit of himself and Pimpernel in that pair.

FantasyFan · 23 April 2004 · Chapter 8: A Tangible Expression of Gratitude

WooT!(as my kids would say) Ferdi Rocks! That sharp mind of his keeps putting things together. He's matchmaking for a toddler (although a precocious and adorable toddler) and somewhere in the back of his head, he knows if Sam's not mayor, Goldi and Farry will never have a chance. I bet that's his prime motivation, not that Sam's been a good mayor and the Shire needs him. A good secondary motivation has to be that with a request like that, nobody will dare try to thank him again for anything. Pip won't dare, even if Ferdi wins the pony race for him, because he'd be rightly terrified of what Ferdi could think to ask him to do. I do love your witty hobbits!

Lyta Padfoot · 20 April 2004 · Chapter 7: Solving Problems

*Laughing* Meadowsweet's day has certainly improved! She gets promoted, doubles her pay, gets time to marry her love, and even gets a little revenge on the cook!

Lyta Padfoot · 18 April 2004 · Chapter 6: A Breath of Fresh Air

The dying hobbit was more concerned with his family's future than his own impending end, very hobbity. The search for the deed was amusing, obviously the concept of an organized filing system is not one known to hobbits. Pippin and Ferdi were actually interacting, as friends and cousins, in that scene rather than two people happening to share the same physical space. So the healers do meet and warn one another about troublesome patients! How devious of them, but with Pippin forewarned is forearmed. Ferdi's sudden notice of Pippin's past injuries is very interesting considering that Ferdi spent months as Pippin's minder and shared quarters with him. But then I doubt he could have noticed since Pippin would have tried to hide the evidence of his past hurts.

Lyta Padfoot · 15 April 2004 · Chapter 5: Clothes Make the Hobbit

I can imagine Ferdi was looking pretty shabby with his economic difficulties and the mindset years of being thrifty impresses. The "ambush" encounter with the tailor was wonderful, reminded me of how I used to have to buy new stuff for certain of my boyfriends.

Lyta Padfoot · 15 April 2004 · Chapter 4: A Social Call

Rose has a bit of the Took in her indeed!

snowballjane · 15 April 2004 · Chapter 4: A Social Call

Such a perfectly hobbitish story! Your stories about Shire society are always a joy.

Lyta Padfoot · 13 April 2004 · Chapter 3: Rope Tricks

Lovely chapter, but you make me curious to see Ferdi before the fire. As he is, he finds animals and children a comfort but has difficulties with adults - especially Thains. Looking forward to further chapters.