PIppinfan1988
· 6 August 2005
· Chapter 57: Volunteers
I am so happy that you’re sending Poppy and Lavender to Minas Tirith!! I often imagine that there were a few healers who braved the travel south to further their knowledge of the art of healing. I write my Merimas as being Brandy Hall’s healer, unfortunately, I also write him as being one very reluctant to travel far outside of the Eastfarthing, and never outside of the Shire itself. LOL…maybe he’ll run into Poppy someday!
I’m also glad that Merimac is nominating his son, Berilac; Merry’s “other” first cousin tends to be an oversight--or would that be “under sight”? I am willing to wager Berilac will shine and come into his own during Road to Edoras. ;-)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Poppy is very determined to learn some of these healing techniques and methods which are tantalizing her from the dribs and drabs of information the Travellers have revealed. And it could be that the healers of the South will find out a few things from the feisty little hobbit healer as well. (And can't you imagine her interogating the King, LOL!)
I had Berilac and Freddy tapped to go from the beginning of the story; you may be mildly surprised at the others who end up going.
And Berilac will indeed shine, and his life will be forever changed by this journey.
PIppinfan1988
· 6 August 2005
· Chapter 56: An Urgent Errand for Merry and Pippin
Oh, Sam and Rosie’s wedding soooo close! I can’t wait to read about it!
Good old Freddy! I knew he’d be part of the delegation. I think a year away from the Shire would do him good.
I really liked the idea of Pippin comforting Bergil from having nightmares. JRRT wrote him so tough that I really do tend to forget that he’s still a ten/eleven year old child.
Pippinfan
PIppinfan1988
· 6 August 2005
· Chapter 55: A Bit of Comfort
“Foolish hobbit. If I were the kind of rogue who could be bought, I would have no need to let you go. I would simply slit your throat and help myself to all that nice shiny coin you have one pony…” - Dreamflower
*shivers* Isn’t that the stark, awful truth? I shudder to think what sort of scoundrels were/are out there and would deal with the hobbits in such a way--people no bigger than children. I hope that bit of truth takes root in Mr. Bracegirdle’s heart. I still hold out hope that *one* of these villains will redeem themselves, though I have no idea how… A traitor is a traitor, and that’s a fact.
You know, I’ve heard of the “absent limb” syndrome and it was floating round in my head when I read of Opal first waking up. I sort of wondered just how she would cope with that, and I am happy to see Frodo sharing how he manages the pain from his missing finger. I’m glad to see Opal and her sisters turning over a new leaf.
Pippinfan
Author's reply
It is the stark awful truth, and it is something I deal with in "The Road to Edoras" and also in my story "An Unexpected Guest" which has to do with events in the longer story. Hobbits who have been banished from the Shire have not always fared well, as Freddy and the others come to find out...
When I first started the story, one of the things in the back of my mind was Frodo helping a hobbit who lost a limb, yet the last thing I expected was for it to be young Opal. (My original scenario involved a hobbit getting injured in another kind of accident altogether.)
Opal and her sisters are now out from under Hyacinth's influence, and their basic natures as Reggie's daughters can begin to develop. It is not going to be easy for them, but Eglantine, her sisters-in-law, and Pippin's sisters will all be doing their best to help them. I show a lot more of Opal's fate in "It Takes a Took".
PIppinfan1988
· 6 August 2005
· Chapter 54: Two Problems Solved
That mindless Bracegirdle! Did he actually think that he could pull the wool over their eyes?
Pearl is so clever! LOL…deluge poor Estella with tales of her Merry! And what a sweet, tender moment between those two in the garden. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Pippinfan
P.S. This past week was unusually busy, so I hope you forgive me for my late reviews. Every time I sat down to pluck at the keyboard, it was too close to midnight and the keys blurred in my vision, or in the morning before leaving for work--after I printed out my “selection” for the day, the time flew by and I had only five minutes to type my responses. I like writing more than, “Good chapter!” for a review. LOL…I’m a gabber.
Author's reply
Bracegirdle has very little experience of Men who were not Ruffians, so he really is unprepared for those like Rangers.
Yep, Pearl is indeed clever. All Estella needed was to have who Merry really was brought back into focus. The little episode of violence had shaken her, and left her with an unwelcome image of Merry's behavior. Then Pip and the others overdid it in the other direction, and made her put him on a pedestal. She just needed to remember that he was just a person, and one that she knew better than that.
I don't mind waiting for reviews when they are like yours. I'm a gabber too, as you might notices from my replies. I could yak about hobbits and stories all day long, and fill pages and pages...come to think of it, I do just that!
PIppinfan1988
· 4 August 2005
· Chapter 53: Dago's Decision
"Pippin burst out laughing. “Well, I see you have consoled yourself! Here you are surrounded by females, with two lasses upon your knees!”
ROTFL!! That was a picture worth beholding--even with wee ones!
Go, Pearl! It takes a lass. ;-)
Whew, boy! Hobbits don't mess around with rule breakers, do they? Not that Clodio and Dago wouldn't deserve it, but I wish today's society would take that bit to heart.
I didn't get to read the other day--I had an appointment at lunch time and ended up inhaling my sandwich on the freeway. Yep--no diet here!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Well, I figured that when Frodo saw Merry all miserable, he just collected up the babies and the faunt, and their mammas and friends, and just descended on Merry. It would be a bit difficult to mope with cute little wee!hobbit lasses in your lap, LOL!
Pearl's on the job, and *she's* learned from Eglantine.
No, they don't mess around. Those tattoos will mark the culprits permanently.
Be careful eating while you drive--I don't want you to choke before you get to finish the story! 8-D
PIppinfan1988
· 4 August 2005
· Chapter 52: With Friends Like These
Oh!...poor Merry! But they all meant well. ;-) I like how Pippin doesn't beat around the bush; he gets straight to the issue.
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, Pippin can be rather blunt at times, especially when it comes to helping Merry!
PIppinfan1988
· 2 August 2005
· Chapter 51: Regrouping
Sam and Rose are as sweet as ever...uh-oh! Is there trouble brewing between one of my favorite couples (M&E)? And now what will the Jewelry do now that their parents are, for all intents and purposes, divorced? Will they cope?
I don't know how you kept track of all these plots, but you did it wonderfully. I actually made a calendar while writing my previous epic (I'm still crossing my fingers on this one!) in order to keep track of days and events. Gotta get going to work...have a great day!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, just a bit of trouble for Merry/Estella. Don't worry, though. I don't let it last *too* long. But I thought it would be a bit unrealistic if there were *no* bumps on the road in their romance.
You may be surprised at how the Jewelry cope. Now that they are out from under Hyacinth's baleful influence and surrounded by nice hobbits, they will have a chance.
I wish I'd thought of that. My handwritten notes are full of little jottings, where I figure out where things go, and I was constantly referring to the photocopy of the Shire calendar I had made. But mostly, I just kept reading back into my previous chapters. I did have an awful lot going on!
PIppinfan1988
· 2 August 2005
· Chapter 50: The Convocation Convenes
Once again, many good story lines! I loved Sam: “Why, Mr. Pippin,” Sam replied with a twinkle in his eye, “I’m feeling right *proper*. I had a *proper* night’s sleep, and two *proper* breakfasts. And I’m sitting here with right *proper* company.”
I fear I only got *two* chapters read--I remembered to eat this time! :-P Alas!, the "Fanfic Diet" doesn't quite work *all of the time* with me.
Pippinfan
Author's reply
*giggle* I did get a kick out of having Sam do just a tiny bit of rather *improper* gloating there! *grin*
Actually, it wouldn't work for me, either. I've been known to eat extra just to stretch the lunchtime out so I could finish reading a fic. *sigh*
PIppinfan1988
· 31 July 2005
· Chapter 49: The Morning After
My poor, little Pip. Even at twenty-nine (him!) I want to hug him. I like that even at their ages, Merry and Pippin would still share a bed. I find it easy to imagine--even when they have grey hair!
ROTFL!!! Oh, dear, dear Sam! Proper, proper, proper!
This lovely chapter is chock-full of storylines that keep me riveted to my seat--and forget my lunch!
Sorry these reviews were late, but I finally got a plot bunny for the challenge on Friday and I had to act on it. I also have been pondering my last Courtship reply to you… I wrote something that did not come out the way I had intended. I think you may be getting yet another reply for a reply…
Pippinfan
Author's reply
I think it would be no uncommon thing for hobbits to share beds for any number of reasons: space, warmth, comfort, all through their lives. (It doesn't *have* to be *certain* reasons popular with certain people, after all--if you know what I mean.)
Yes, I had to end this chapter on a high note; I had gotten so tired of all the angst!
I'm glad you are enjoying how this is playing out. These storylines and the ramifications of them are part and parcel of "It Takes a Took" and "The Road to Edoras".
I saw your reply to my reply. I understood what you were getting at, LOL! but I know what you mean about being careful of your meaning. It's so easy to have words taken the wrong way on the internet, when there is no voice inflection to give a clue.
PIppinfan1988
· 31 July 2005
· Chapter 48: Revelations
Thank you, Eglantine!!! Somebody had to do it. She ought to have done the same as Merry, seeing that for years Hyacinth wore the breeches in her family. Oh, I’m bad.
Go, Paladin! Let the king do justice on Clodio--and his sons.
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Eglantine and Paladin are going to waste no more time dealing with nasty relations. Frodo was stuck with S.B.s and the Tooks were stuck with Hyacinth and the Bankses.
And the king's justice is what "Road to Edoras" is about...
PIppinfan1988
· 31 July 2005
· Chapter 47: Insult and Injury
Poor Opal! I saw that one coming as soon as I read her leg was shattered. That Hyacinth is a real piece of work. LOL…I can see how you ‘ran away” with this character, but hey--every story has to have a villain, whether a person or object. You’re doing very well (*did* very well!)
Things are really revving up here in this chapter…and loved Sam’s reaction to Merry’s “bit of a confrontation”!
Pippinfan
p.s. I’ll have you know that I was almost through the next chapter when I realized I had only eaten my sandwich at lunch! I was so engrossed in the tale that I nearly forgot to eat lunch!
Author's reply
Yes, Hyacinth rather took me by surprise when I realized her true nature. I like everyone else in the Great Smials had her pegged as a snobby nuisance, more of an annoyance than a menace. I was floored when I realized her nastiness went deeper than I expected.
Sam *knows* Merry. He has known Merry since he was nine and Merry was seven--not as well or as closely as Frodo, but well enough to know *exactly* what his reaction to the detestable Bankses would be. My Sam and Merry are a good deal alike, personality-wise.
LOL! I may have stumbled onto something here: could I make a fortune with "The Fanfic Diet"?
PIppinfan1988
· 28 July 2005
· Chapter 46: A Dish Served Cold
Now we get to the meat of the matter.
O, Blessed Meriadoc!! I love his attitude about the whole deal--not telling Pippin or Frodo about his suspicions because either cousin may hinder him. Then lays both Banks brothers flat out on the ballroom floor for all to see. New message: Don’t mess with the Knights!
"The stupid little chit, to steal in the first place, and then to run away. She was going to bring nothing but disgrace to the family. Maybe Reggie would not find her. That would probably be the best thing all around. Still, there would be talk. There was always talk."
Oh, yeah...pack your bags, honey, 'cause your backside is out the door. What a cold and callous female--can't say "woman". I refuse to call her a "mother". Well...she *is* a mother--of another sort! Just smack me--I'm being evil tonight.
Poor Opal…I can almost see what marks she will bear. Which one would have been the worse? The one identifying her as a thief, or the ones she will bear for the rest of her life? I suppose she won’t be marrying anybody now. Reggie is correct; he should have put his wooly foot down long ago, but the blame is 50-50. Great chapter!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, Merry is certainly making sure that he finally gets his chance to give the Bankses what is coming to them. He's waited a long time for this, and he's not going to let anyone stop him now they've given him the excuse he needs. (I don't recall, did you read "The Dare"? I actually did not start writing that until after I had written these chapters. But I had known for a very long time exactly what retribution Merry was eventually going to take.)
Hyacinth is one of those characters I was telling you ran away with me. My original intent was that she would be kind of snobby comic relief, but she somehow suddenly took a dark turn when I had the revelation about her feelings towards Pippin. It just hit me, and there it was, and she turned out to be a lot more despicable than I had any inkling of when I thought her up originally.
I forgot to mention in my reply to you for Ch.44: JRRT says that hobbits mated for life, and rarely remarried even after death. Knowing he was Catholic and would not approve of divorce, I kind of pattern my solution after the Catholic one. I made up something called "disavowal" which is kind of like a legal separation, and then something called "dissolving" the marriage, which only the Thain can do, and would be kind of like an annullment. I make both of these occurrences extremely rare, maybe happening only once or twice in a generation.
Opal is in pretty sad shape at the moment, and so is Reggie for that matter. Both of them are paying dearly for trying to spend their lives appeasing Hyacinth.
But you may be surprised at the long-term results.
PIppinfan1988
· 28 July 2005
· Chapter 45: The Search for Clues
I thought Reggie seeing Pippin in “action” with his sword was a very cool touch. That alone should clear away any doubts whether these young lads know how to use them or not when needed. Well done.
Pipppinfan
Author's reply
Yes, indeed! Between Roromir, Strider and probably Faramir, Pippin had some fine training, and his reflexes would have been honed to a peak. Startled Reggie, though.
PIppinfan1988
· 28 July 2005
· Chapter 44: The Ball Interrupted
I had a wee snicker at Bergil wondering how Merry could just stand there and look at Estella…very cute.
It is sad that even though divorce didn’t “exist” , so to speak, back then, I often wondered how anyone would handle such a situation as between Reggie and Hyacinth. Personally, after the comment she made about a helpless infant, I’d have put her backside out on the porch a long time ago and kept the kids. I’m glad that Reggie is starting to react. Hopefully not too late.
Pippinfan
p.s. I’ll have you know I took THREE chapters to work today and nearly inhaled the words because I didn’t want to miss Opal’s storyline!
Author's reply
I try every once in a while to sneak something in that will be a reminder that Bergil is only eleven years old, even though he has the responsibilities and experiences of one much older. (I think this is something else he has in common with Pippin, having to grow up under duress.) And at eleven, girls are
still pretty much uninteresting. (Did you notice how he thought it was OK to dance with Pervinca, because she was Pippin's sister, and not a "real" lass?)
Reggie felt too stunned and humiliated at the time of his discovery to actually *do* much of anything. By the time the shock wore off, he had developed his strategy of just doing his best to ignore her. Not a wise way to handle it, of course, but an all too common reaction to marital betrayal.
(I know the feeling: I've done the same with fics from time to time. It's good to know I have managed to engross you so well. *grin*)
PIppinfan1988
· 28 July 2005
· Chapter 43: A Plot Gone Awry
Last chapter was a sweet moment between Frodo and Pimpernel. LOL...and Angelica, too! They're both off the hooknow , so to speak. I like the idea of her and Freddie getting together. :-)
But now....no, no, no! You mustn't kill off Opal! I know she had her day coming in court--she deserved some sort of punishment for stealing, but not to be trampled to death. *sniff* Somebody needs to put those Banks brothers in a lockhole before they do any further damage. Ah well...the story is already written...let's see if I end up sniffling at work today...
Pippinfan
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the way I handled Frodo's encounter with Angelica; poor lass was just trying too hard to please daddy. And now Pimpernel has a much better appreciation for what Frodo endured as well.
Don't sniffle yet! Just remember Opal is a hobbit, and hobbits are tougher than they look! Still, her punishment is a lot worse than what she deserves...
PIppinfan1988
· 27 July 2005
· Chapter 41: The Ball Begins
Really enjoyed the pomp and circumstance in the last chapter!
Oooh, my! This is all getting better and better! I say this jestingly, but with all these storylines its like having your own little Peyton Place going on--Hobbit style. :-) I can't even pinpoint an exact moment I liked the best, but Angelica's and Opal's comes readily to mind. Really looking forward to more reading!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
It did begin to take on a soap opera type quality for a while there, LOL! I guess you can see what I meant about the plot and characters running away from me for a while.
And now you're getting to the really wild part...
PIppinfan1988
· 26 July 2005
· Chapter 39: Finery and Fancy Dress
Great backstory on Hyacinth and Reggie--the poor guy. I easily see Reggie and Everard friendly with Paladin and Pippin. I am really looking forward to the whole affair at the ball--okay, to Merry and Estella dancing! Something tells me that Danulf won't be alone for very long...
Pippinfan
PIppinfan1988
· 26 July 2005
· Chapter 38: The Morning of the Ball
Wow...Eglantine and Paladin don't mince words. I can just see Hyacinth wreaking disaster at the ball... Now I think I understand why Opal didn't Marry Clovis--or did I say Cado? :-P
Pippinfan
PIppinfan1988
· 21 July 2005
· Chapter 37: Love and Intrigue
Awwww! Sweet moment between Merry and Estella. :-)
That little thief, Opal! Let me guess...she marries Clovis!
This chapter is full of wonderful scenes...and Sam and Rosie...and him asking Freddy to watch over Marigold...that was definitely sweet!
Sorry it took me this long to review, but for some reason, I only got in one chapter a piece yesterday and today. I'm out of town tomorrow so I will attempt another chapter or two when I return.
Have a great weekend,
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Thanks. I have developed Merry/Estella's courtship over a number of fics. It's very fun to take it slow and see what they come up with.
Sam is not so taken up with Rose that he cannot also look out for his baby sister, and Freddy is the perfect person to do it.
Thanks for letting me know. I've been getting a charge out of it when I see the little notices of your reviews pop up.
Author Reply: PS: No, Opal doesn't marry Clovis. Or Cado...
PIppinfan1988
· 21 July 2005
· Chapter 36: The Mistress in Action
LOL...Eglantine sure knows how to deal with those troublesome lasses! Her hammer falls just as firm as her husbands. ;-)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Maybe even firmer, LOL!
PIppinfan1988
· 19 July 2005
· Chapter 35: The Word Spreads
Oooh! I really do love how you depict Paladin and Tina still in love after all these years. What a lovely conversation they had about dear, sweet Pippin. And so true--parents will always be parents, forever seeing their children as children--even after their hair had greyed.
Sam giving Rosie her gift is absolutely beautiful--and I had to snicker at Pearl traipsing behind at a “proper” distance. I haven’t portrayed this “observance” nearly as much as I should have in my current project, but there is a reason, yet for anyone who was well-bred, or simply well brought up, this is what happened.
Oh, I am thoroughly enjoying the bits where the lasses oggle the Elf! And Pearl didn’t do such a bad job herself with giving the Jewelry something to ponder… Absolutely loving this!
LOL…was this the section you were speaking of, or is that yet before me?
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Definitely Paladin and Tina are still very much in love--you'll notice they wasted no time in greeting one another the way they could not in public, LOL!
Pippin's parents were going through a rather rough adolescence with him in his tweens. (Remember "The Dare" and "Life of a Bard"?) Nothing that the solid foundations of their family would not eventually overcome, but enough that there had been some strain between Pippin and Paladin before Pippin left. It has amazed them to see the signs of maturity he came home with, and they are still a bit stunned--though proud. Especially his father.
In my Shire, Sam and Rosie would not have been used to that at home. Working class hobbits "walked out" without a lot of supervision; it was also less done in Buckland, where I see it as a kind of "frontier mentality". (In fact, in Buckland, if a lass was so closely watched it would be assumed that she had given her parents reason not to trust her,) But among the gentry of the rest of the Shire, especially in the premier families such as the Tooks, Bagginses, Bolgers and Boffins, it would definitely have been de rigeur to have a chaperone for anything more than a brief conversation. And since Sam and Rosie are staying with the Tooks now, that's the way it will be. It also serves to help keep down any unpleasant talk that might come about among such people as Hyacinth.
Poor Legolas! I *do* enjoy giving him a hard time with the females, LOL! And it's not like he *does* anything to cause it, either. Pearl is used to handling the "Jewelry", and is Eglantine's right hand hobbit in the Great Smials, so she has learned the art of intimidation from her mother--and Frodo didn't do too badly either in putting them in their place.
Oh, there is a good deal before you--this is just the beginning. Probably the next ten chapters or so completely ran away with me in a direction I did not expect...
PIppinfan1988
· 19 July 2005
· Chapter 34: Eglantine's Plan
Another lovely scene with the lasses! LOL…had a good laugh with Pippin having those horrid memories of his sisters using him as a dress dummy! But I think many older sisters do that sort of thing with their little brothers because,…yes, we can get away with it, but mostly because we just want to play house and…what the heck? Why play with a stupid doll when you have a *live* baby/toddler sitting right there? Hehehe….my poor brother! ;-)
Pippinfan
p.s. I can’t imagine Pippin *not* being close to his sisters--or parents. I like to put a tad of sibling rivalry into the picture while they’re children, yet even then, the humour is just a cover up for their true feelings--that they love each other dearly. And as they grow up, they are as close as ever.
Author's reply
Yes, I agree. I think they would have been fairly close in many ways. Not always getting along perfectly--I'm sure the "dress-dummy" episodes bugged Pip, and I am equally sure he and Merry found the lasses (especially Pimmie and Vinca--Pearl would have been a bit old for it) to be perfect targets for a lot of pranks. But I think they were a close and loving family, and that Pip was a doting uncle to his neices and nephews. At least that's the way I write them.
Personally, I prefer happy hobbit families, and you will find that my few exceptions--such as the Bankses, and Reggie/Hyacinth, are all either minor CCs or OCs. Shoot, I figure even the S.-B.s were happy enough with *one another*, or at least as much as anyone like that could be. And you would never find me giving any of our four lads an unhappy home life. It's just not on, although I don't much mind reading when *other* writers do it--as long as its not too OTT.
PIppinfan1988
· 19 July 2005
· Chapter 33: Arrival at the Great Smials
LOL...I had a good snicker at the hobbits gaping at Legolas! Great chaper for teasers--Cado and Clovis...I got my signals mixed up earlier thinking Merry would get his retribution soon, but I believe you said that its in Road to Edoras. Looks as if I'll have to wait a bit... That was too cute! Paladin whispering "sweet nothings" into his beloved's ear. And I really like your characterizations of Pippin's sisters. They had a little extended scene in this chapter and got to see more of them. Again, with Marigold and Rosie, too; just a group of lovely and sweet ladies. I'm sure they have their "moments"--especailly when it concerns Pippin, but all-in-all, I truly love them.
I am sorry to say that this was the only chapter I got to read...I started the other but I didn't get far. Oh, well. I return again later...
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Oh, Merry *does* indeed get his revenge in this story--just not quite yet! But also, they get *more* of what's coming to them in "Road to Edoras"--how is that for a teaser, LOL? But the two brothers still have not given Merry the excuse he will need. Trust me, it's a doozy.
Paladin knows he has to be all formal in public, but he's missed Tina--a lot!!
I know some writers make Pippin have all kinds of trouble with his sisters, but, again going by what JRRT told us of hobbit nature, I think they would have in general been close.
You are getting close to one of my favorite sections of the story, which rather ran away with me for several chapters, going in a whole different direction than I had originally intended, and seemingly writing itself. I still look at that part of the story in amazement, wondering how it came out of my head.
PIppinfan1988
· 16 July 2005
· Chapter 32: Journey to the Convocation
LOL! That poor Sam! Now is sister , Rosie, and her brothers are all in on it!
Whoa! Go, Eglantine! I can’t wait for more on this subplot! I cannot believe Hyacinth--don’t these hobbits realize that the THAIN is/was a farmer---which makes Pippin the son of a farmer…oy. LOL Gotta love those antagonists. ;-) Oh, and your Pimpernel and Pervinca are so lovely!
Hehehe…I can see Merry’s revenge is coming up….
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Sam's got a lot of aggravation to put up with, doesn't he, LOL?
Eglantine is marshalling her forces, and Hyacinth should beware.
Glad you like Pimmie and Vinca. I have a lot of fun with Pippin's sisters.
PIppinfan1988
· 16 July 2005
· Chapter 31: Heart to Heart Talk
That sad, sweet moment between Frodo and Saradoc was delightful! I am one of those people that thinks the Shire was not exactly Utopia--a hobbit’s emotions running the same gamut as a Man’s. I think it is very plausible after such a heartbreaking tragedy as Frodo’s that the lad would become depressed, even contemplating suicide. Wonderfully done!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
No, the Shire was never Utopia, though it came closer than anywhere else in Middle-earth to my mind (even over Rivendell and Lorien, whose peacefulness was rooted in the use of the Elven Rings). But there is a lot of sorrow there as well as other problems.
I think, really, that for a hobbit being orphaned would actually be *more* traumatic than for a Man--they are so rooted in family and clan that the breaking of those ties in an untimely fashion must be unbelievably painful. I think that he would certainly become depressed and prone to suicidal ideation. His lack of regard for his own life in later years then becomes more explicable, and it casts light on his actions with regard to Gollum and the claiming of the Ring.