PIppinfan1988
· 14 July 2005
· Chapter 30: An Evening with Friends
These chapters have been so FULL of lovely moments!
I can definitely imagine Jolly or Tom being renegades with Freddy! After seeing the valour of Tolman in the Scouring of the Shire, it wouldn’t surprise me in the least. I had a good chuckle at Merry’s embarrassment at Danulf‘s song--and Legolas is still making everyone blush! Hehehe
I am so enjoying this tale! Just when I think I’ve got the storylines down several more pop up from round the corner! Thanks for yet more great reading.
Pippinfan
Author's reply
It seemed to me that Farmer Cotton was extremely well-versed in all that was going on, and very well-prepared to do something as soon as an opportunity arose. I thought perhaps his older sons might have been active in the resistance--although they obviously didn't get captured and sent to the Lockholes.
Poor Merry *and* poor Pip, having to put up with those songs praising them. Sore trial for modest young hobbits like them, LOL!
You know, that is exactly what *I* felt like when I was writing it. When I started it, I planned a simple little story of about 20 chapters at most--but the characters had other ideas, *grin*!
PIppinfan1988
· 14 July 2005
· Chapter 29: To Tuckborough
The letter reading was wonderfully done! Having various hobbit clans read the summons, picking up where the other left off. Brilliant! :-)
LOL…Eglantine is bringing her husband, Esme, and Saradoc into the plan--wise of her; never go down alone! (joking)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Thanks! I was pleased at the reaction this chapter got, as I was unsure of how the device I used would come across. But I wanted a chance to introduce some of the minor CCs and OCs that would figure in upcoming chapters.
She knows how to marshall her allies, and she is *definitely* going to need to make allies of Sara and Esme.
PIppinfan1988
· 14 July 2005
· Chapter 28: Invitation Accepted
Another lovely meeting between Paladin and Tolman…I like Farmer Cotton--he and Farmer Maggot have very good hobbit sense. There's just something about those farmers…
LOL!! Eglantine has something up her blouse sleeve--and I can‘t wait to see what it is! I often portray Paladin as Pippin’s predecessor--sorely overlooking Eglantine. I am going to love reading about what she has planned for her snobby relatives!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, I like those Farmer hobbits myself. They seem to be more independent and less subservient than the village and town working class hobbits.
Oh, Eglantine has a plan up her sleeve, all right.
PIppinfan1988
· 13 July 2005
· Chapter 27: A Grief Observed
Oh...poor Freddy has my heart. Merry and Pippin to the rescue...bless those wee hobbits. What story do you have Folco's demise in? Will it rip my heart out? :-P I thought to perhaps read up on just that bit in order to fully understand Freddy's grief, although just knowing those two were as close as Merry and Pippin is heartwrenching enough. Thanks for a great read!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
The story is "For Folco", and I found it very distressing myself, but it sheds a good deal of light on Freddy's future character as he appears in both this story and "Road to Edoras". I actually had to stop writing "A New Reckoning" right after they left Buckland, in order to deal with it before the chapter in which Freddy first appeared.
Anyway, Merry and Pippin will take good care of Freddy indeed.
PIppinfan1988
· 13 July 2005
· Chapter 26: Invitations Tendered
I LOVED the scene with Paladin and Pearl offering the invitation to Marigold!! I can't wait to read more about their experiences--and I know they *will* run into some of those arrogant Took cousins. I, too, keep a few uppity-ish hobbits in the Smials just so that one of my simpler hobbits can put them in their place! I call them "simple"--doesn't mean their stupid. :-)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
LOL! Wait'll you get a load of those "uppity" Took cousins--I intended them just for comic relief, and they ended up playing a much more important role than I had meant for them to.
No, simple does not mean stupid, as some people often learn to their dismay. After all, it was a "simple" hobbit and his "simple" gardener that put an end to Sauron!
PIppinfan1988
· 11 July 2005
· Chapter 25: Bag End at Last
LOL...I love Bilbo's song! Pippin and Merry having to take the mattresses off the bed in order to sleep comfortably! That's what they get.
Poor Freddy! Carries Folco's flute everywhere he goes...that's so sad. I really do have a reply about killing off characters, but it's getting late, so I will compose that tomorrow. This is about all I read today...besides a really lovely tale about Pippin's scarf...
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Thanks! I'm glad you liked this chapter.
Killing off Folco was so traumatic for me, you wouldn't believe! I made up my mind after that to never kill off a canon character that was a good guy again, unless JRRT had already killed them off.
Yes, I saw your review for that as well. You are spoiling me, you know.
PIppinfan1988
· 10 July 2005
· Chapter 24: A Proper Journey
I didn't get to finish this one at work on Friday, so I read it today--loved Rosie's response to those thoughtless lads! LOL...and Frodo commanding Sam not to speak the word "proper" for an entire week--and Legolas and Gimli entertaining the idea of luring it out of him! I like your Legolas and Gimli.
Poor old Fredegar! I am glad that all of this is heartening to him. Go Freddie!
Pippinfan
p.s. Happy belated Birthday! :-)
Author's reply
Well, Rosie just got tired of them all lining up to take Sam's place, LOL!
And I thought that maybe Frodo might get tired of Sam saying "proper" all the time, and decide to set Sam a challenge. I am so glad you like my version of Legolas and Gimli. I see them as being sort of "hobbitized" by all the time they spent with the hobbits on the Quest.
Freddy's got a lot ahead of him now...
And thanks for the birthday wishes! 8-D
PIppinfan1988
· 9 July 2005
· Chapter 23: A Look in the Mirror
Seems as if your Rosamunda and my Opal North-took must have been childhood friends at some point! LOL The conversation between Merry and Freddie is lovely--you have written about Folco before--and most excellently, I might add. As always, my own thoughts about Folco never went too far. I think I gave him a cameo role in an old, old tale. Another great chapter!
Pippinfan
Congrats on being a Best Bet! I *do* aim to get there and read it! :-)
Author's reply
They do have a lot in common. Rosamunda is a bit of a social climber, and slightly mercenary, but she loves her children even though she is also a bit shallow.
I always felt so bad that I killed Folco off. But sometimes these things just won't let you alone, if you know what I mean. Still, I have managed to include him in some things in flashbacks and pre-Quest stories to make it up to him. (As if you could make it up to someone for killing them!) My thoughts on him came from the fact that, though he seemed to be one of Frodo's circle of friends, he was not included in the Conspiracy, and I had to wonder why.
And thanks! I enjoyed writing that little vignette. It just came to me full-blown, so to speak.
PIppinfan1988
· 9 July 2005
· Chapter 21: Crossing the Bridge
Loved the casual-easy-going Aragorn! I suppose after dealing with childlike creatures for as long as he has, one tends to grow patience! :-)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
I think that after being a Ranger all those years, casual is always going to come easier to him than formal. And I figure he wanted to put Targon at his ease, and to indicate the way that hobbits would see things.
PIppinfan1988
· 9 July 2005
· Chapter 20: Departing Buckland
Oy...I'm behind! I am so glad that Esmeralda and Saradoc are finding the "yearn incident" funny. At first, for some reason, I was thinking in modern terms--like if Merry and Pippin lived in *our* time, they'd be the infamous TP pair! TP-ing trees, privys, and yes--dining halls!
I love the way Paladin has a lot of confidence in Eglantine's ability to do all the tasking he's given her. Hobbit Mistresses didn't always have it easy! :-P
Thanks for a great chapter!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Actually, that's kind of what I had in mind: I was thinking--what would be the Middle-earth equivalent of "rolling" a yard, and I came up with this, LOL! And I think that Esme and Sara *had* to have good senses of humor to be able to raise Merry and put up with Pippin without killing them all those years.*grin*
Paladin does have a good deal of confidence in his Eglantine. I think of the Thain's Lady as kind of the Shire version of the president's wife. She had to be sharp and on top of things.
Glad you enjoyed it!
PIppinfan1988
· 6 July 2005
· Chapter 19: A Little Bit of Fun
LOL! Loved that kitchen scene between Pippin and Sam! Oh, gosh--and Pippin reiterating to Bergil about the tales he tells the hobbit-children! Too cute.
Ah...the Hall is at peace. Lovely picture.
See you tomorrow!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
I enjoy Pippin-Sam interaction, and we don't really see a lot of that, so I had fun with this one.
I thought it would be funny, Pip telling him to tell about the feasts--Bergil doesn't realize just how fascinating that will be to his hobbity audience, LOL!
I did want a kind of peaceful interlude. Things had been getting a bit hectic for a while.
PIppinfan1988
· 6 July 2005
· Chapter 18: Father-Son Conversation
Most excellent--Pippin would never be patient, yet he learned to rein in his impatience...perfectly said! The whole conversation between Pippin and Paladin is wonderful.
Oh, the part where Paladin asks to go along on the fishing trip and then Pippin happily tells his father to "get some rest" is so poignant; he is truly all grown up--and too soon. Great chapter!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
In my Shire at least, patience is not a virtue generally gifted to Tooks, and Pip is the ultimate Took. But his duties in Gondor at least taught him to imitate the appearance of patience, even if he didn't really feel that way.
I'm glad you thought that bit poignant. I saw it as an attempt between the two of them to recapture some of the closeness they had when Pippin was a little lad. But Pippin truly is grown up now, and they will experience the outing as equals for the first time. And they will have young Bergil to look after together.
PIppinfan1988
· 6 July 2005
· Chapter 17: Offer from the King of Rohan
"...and an endurance that astonishes all who know him.”
I couldn't help myself to chuckle at this bit.
"He (Paladin) felt lost, trying to understand something that was far beyond his experience. Yet he thought he had to try."
Very nice! Poor Paladin is feeling so out of place...
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Surviving being squashed by a troll certainly takes endurance, I'd say, LOL!
Paladin is feeling a bit out of his depth; what Pippin has experienced is so far beyond anything his father has ever experienced. Still, he is beginning to get an inkling of what it all meant...
PIppinfan1988
· 5 July 2005
· Chapter 16: Proposals from the High King
"Frodo turned away for a moment and drew a deep breath. Anger would not serve, and now was not the time to argue with that gratitude. And whether *he* thought he deserved it or not, his people did. He thought of Sam, Merry and Pippin, and all they had endured and sacrificed. They, at least, had not failed."
Oh my gosh!! Bingo! "They at least, had not failed." I don't explore Frodo enough, but I do often ponder his guilt for not following through with his Task--how it must have played havoc with his conscience. At first read, I didn't understand why Frodo left his friends and family behind to go to the Undying Lands. I thought, how selfish! Then, in subsequent reads (and years!), I remembered the words Gandalf spoke, that if the Ring were taken from *him* (can't remember if he was referring to Bilbo, Gollum, or Frodo), but--it would tear his mind apart. In a way, the Ring *was* taken from Frodo, which was the catalyst to the Undying Lands. Now I weep for the poor hobbit when I think of it. And as you mentioned before--I noticed it, but never put much thought into it until of late--but none of the four/five Travellers died in the Shire.
This is getting deep! I love it!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Thank you. I am glad that you see what I am aiming at here. And this is not just *my* take on it, but is influenced by what JRRT said about Frodo in his Letters, as well as some wonderful articles I have read showing how Frodo really suffered Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome from his experiences with the Ring. And you nailed it when you quoted Gandalf about how *taking* the Ring would destroy the bearer's mind--that is *exactly* what happened to Frodo, and only his hobbity toughness made him able to endure as much as he did.
I am loving all your reviews. It's nice to revisit the story through a fresh pair of eyes!! Thank you!! 8-D
PIppinfan1988
· 5 July 2005
· Chapter 15: Luncheon with the Men
"Looking at him, for the first time, Paladin felt a real pride in the way his son *looked*."
Loved that picture!! :-)
The scene of Pippin introducing his friends to his father is so touching! The way he makes a special comment about each one is exactly what I would imagine him doing! Pip is such a sweetie pie!
Another great chapter!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, I always think that Pippin has a sweetness about his personality that comes from his caring so deeply about people. I see him as very loving towards others, and always looking for the best in people. And he has maintained his optimism in spite of all the horrors he saw.
PIppinfan1988
· 5 July 2005
· Chapter 14: A Lot to Think About
"But as he stood there looking at the four of them standing there he suddenly realized that in some inexplicable way, these two strangers were closer to his son and his nephew than he would ever be from now on."
Wow...I have often contemplated what your Paladin is feeling now, but I just am not able to write mine realizing that. It's probably part of the Samsonite luggage that I will carry around for the rest of my life, but my Pippin and Paladin will always be close--not saying yours aren't. However, I can tell you first-hand that your observation is much more on the money. I don't know about the other armed forces, but they can't be much different. When *most* of us Sailors go out for one of those six-month deployments at sea, there indeed is a comaraderie that binds different people. I'm not talking about the adulterers and other couplings(!), but many of the friendships built during that time often last for a very long time.
Thanks for a great chapter!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Well, at this point in the story, they are not really close, though they are reconciled. But the two of them were very close when Pip was small, and they will be close again by the time this story comes to an end, as they gradually repair the broken places in their relationship. My take is that Pippin had a rough adolescence and because of the pressures of the Thainship, Paladin did not handle it in the most patient manner, and all of it was exacerbated by Pip's sudden disappearance. However, unlike many fic writers, they were never truly estranged, and have never stopped loving each other.
On the other hand, the camaraderie you describe, that comes to people who live and work together in life threatening situations such as the military sometimes does forge lifelong bonds of love and friendship as close as brothers or sisters--sometimes closer. And that is my take on the Fellowship. Those of the Fellowship consider themselves "family" now.
PIppinfan1988
· 4 July 2005
· Chapter 13: Invitation
Lovely chapter! It is very plausible to me, but I had never before considered that the a child's holdings belonged to the entire family. Wouldn't it be nice though if Paladin encouraged his son to participate in how the Tooks use the stipend--seeing Pippin is handing it over to them? Hehehe...here I am putting in my two cents to a story that's already written!
I am so glad to see Bergil eating like a regular boy again! It can prove quite unhealthy trying to keep up with a hobbit! I am looking forward to him frolicking among the other children, being a boy again. :-)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
That's my own little take on Shire legalities: that unless special arrangements are made, a minor's possessions belong to his or her parents. It just seemed to me that a clannish society like the Shire would do things that way.
Bergil's learned that there's no keeping up with a hobbit's appetite, LOL! He's going to have a good deal of fun in the Shire.
PIppinfan1988
· 4 July 2005
· Chapter 12: Disturbing Memories
Yikes! I'm behind on my reviewing!
oh...my... Poor Bergil not having a clue as to the effect of his tale! Bless his heart, though--and bless Pippin for not reacting as he might have. He truly has grown up. I *almost* laughed at the picture you painted of the hobbit children gaping at the young storyteller. That was too precious.\
Pippinfan
Author's reply
No, Bergil just wanted to brag on his Sir Pippin is all. Of course Pippin couldn't be mad at him for that, once he was able to get his breath back. And the children, of course, hearing the tale about one of their own, were amazed.
PIppinfan1988
· 30 June 2005
· Chapter 11: Table Talk
“Bergil? Are you all right?”
He sat up slowly, clutching his middle. “Mistress Brandybuck? I don’t feel so well. I think I ate too much.”
(snorts a laugh) I shouldn't be laughing at Bergil's misfortune...but--how did I know this was going to happen? I am so looking forward to the rest of Bergil's visit--poor kid.
LOL!! And Legolas is still charming the lasses, eh? No way--does Pearl fall for him?? Well...don't answer that one. ;-) I am really enjoying this tale! Thanks for sharing!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, I fairly well telegraphed that one, didn't I? LOL! But I figured it was just the kind of mishap that might happen to a well-mannered child among hobbits for the first time.
I'm afraid I really had a good time at Legolas' expense. I'm very fond of the Elf, really I am, but the whole idea that he's irresistable to females is just too funny to ignore.
PIppinfan1988
· 30 June 2005
· Chapter 10: Guests
"Bergil was excited. Targon had given permission for him to go home with the pheriannath. Amid a flurry of instructions to mind his manners, be respectful, behave himself usefully, eat well, dress warmly, and not be a nuisance, Targon and the others had bid him a fond farewell."
LOL...that was too cute--admonishing a young page to mind his manners as if he were a son. Well done! This is indeed a new reckoning; I can see how your lovely Travelling Hobbits have all grown. On to the next chapter...
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Well, while he's with them, Targon and the other Men are sort of acting as his parents. I figure the Gondorians, especially have always been like uncles to him.
This is really a momentous thing for him. He will be away from all those he has come to know in a new place. No wonder he is excited.
PIppinfan1988
· 28 June 2005
· Chapter 9: What the Master Heard
LOL...loved that last bit of Saradoc putting those those two in their places! What a wonderful visit from friends! Sort of validating the Four Travellers and their heroic deeds in far off places. I think I owe you a pm (about *why* I'm so drawn to your Hobbits), but right now I'm on a roll with (lol) Courship...you will get it soon. I know I keep saying this, but I truly am enjoying this lovely tale.
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Well, Saradoc was certainly keeping a weather eye on things, LOL!
Validation? Yes, I think that is the word for what "A New Reckoning" is about--the validation that the Travellers deserved, and that JRRT never showed us.
I'm so glad you are enjoying this.
PIppinfan1988
· 27 June 2005
· Chapter 6: In the Still of the Night
This is so great! And poor Sam! I knew Pippin couldn't stay angry with Sam for long--bless him, though he was correct in it. I am really enjoying this tale--and it's written so well, easy to follow. I truly love your world of hobbits...and I'm beginning to understand why. I'm see you again tomorrow. :-)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Thanks!
I'm glad you are enjoying it--it's the longest of my stories, and I have to confess my favorite among my long stories so far.
You are right; Pip couldn't stay angry long, and once he let the anger out, it was over and done with--it helped that Sam agreed with him.
Truth is, I often feel that in the matter of Frodo's illnesses, JRRT miscalculated. He seems to indicate that Sam never knew, and of course that Frodo hid it from him. I find that a bit off, as close as they were on the Quest, Sam could read Frodo like a book. So in order to make things work out in canon, I have to come up with excuses for why Sam forgot. *shrug* On the other hand, our accounts supposedly come from what Frodo wrote, and he was usually trying to downplay his own suffering as much as possible. So it might be that Sam, Merry and Pip *did* know, but simply allowed Frodo to think they didn't. I usually go with that explanation, anyway.
PIppinfan1988
· 24 June 2005
· Chapter 2: Unexpected News
Merry began to count in his head--one, two, three, four, five--his cousin’s foot start to twitch. He suppressed a smile. “Sing for me, Pip.”
LOL--that is so like best friends! I really liked that moment--and the one of them singing a bawdry tavern song! Too cool.
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Long ago, when Pippin was still little, Merry learned the trick to calm his fidgets was to get him to sing (or when he grew older, and when available, to play an instrument) and since Merry always loved to *listen* to him sing, it was a win-win situation, LOL!
PIppinfan1988
· 24 June 2005
· Chapter 1: Echoes of a Bad Time
Poor Saradoc! The worries of a parent.
And eons ago when I first read through LOTR, I couldn't help but think that Merry and Pippin were a bit on the ignored side when it came to the "annual" sickness. After all, did they not also face-off with evil? The Black Breath of the Witch-King for Merry and Evil Incarnate (Sauron) for Pippin--and facing death for the love of his friends--of the Shire? I knew my two beloved hobbits were slighted, and I am so glad that you addressed it! I feel a tad vindicated. ;-)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
I don't think it began to occur to me until I began to write, and started to examine the relationships of the cousins and Sam in depth. The hints, though are all there between the lines: the two of them living away from their families, even though they'd been gone so long, even though Pip was still not of age; Merry's obsession with herbs; and most telling of all--like Frodo and like Sam, the two of them chose to end their days *away* from the Shire and their families--a certain sign that they still had issues to deal with.
Of course, the Red Book was taken from what we learned from Frodo, and a little bit from Sam. Frodo did his best to minimize his illnesses, writing of them in a detached offhand way, and trying to make it seem like they weren't all that bad. I am sure he attempted to keep the troubles from his cousins--and *they* would have done the same, trying not to let them know how bad things were for him. So I don't think that they were slighted so much as that there just wasn't the information there. And even if Frodo *had* known how bad things were, he would have respected their privacy.
And equally of course, we have a lovely little gap of nearly two years that we can fill in with those things the way we think they might have played out. Like you, I *know* that they must have had their brushes with the anniversary illnesses, most especially Merry, due to his multiple exposure to the Black Breath. I deal with this some more in a couple of my other fics.
PIppinfan1988
· 23 June 2005
· Chapter 0: Prologue
Since I won't allow myself to read your Pippin and Diamond story before I finish mine (I already had designs on my P&D tale when you began posting yours), I decided to give "Road to Edoras" a whirl...then I read your prologue (yes, I read prologues!). You mentioned "A New Reckoning" happening previous to "Road to Edoras", so I thought, I don't care *how* lengthy it is, I would like to start at the "beginning", if you will. I mean, I've read "When the King Comes Back" (both versions), so I "reckon" that the next step is "A New Reckoning". :-) Hope your lunchtime is as enjoyable as mine! *raises sandwich in salute*
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Absolutely, "A New Reckoning" takes up just a few months after "When the King Comes Back" (both versions) and everything in it leads to "The Road to Edoras".
I hope you enjoy it!!!
(And I am much enjoying your P&D, by the way--a very different take on things than mine!)