MysteriousWays · 6 October 2004 · Chapter 38: By Your Side
This is too sad. I don't know if I can keep reading it. I don't want Lilas to die. She is wonderful and I love her. Myst
Where Roses Grow by PIppinfan1988
Reviews (295)
Rosie-Ann · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 40: Starting Over
Much better than the last chapter. Not in skill! Just in mood. ^_^ I actually smiled. Oh, and I remembered something - beginning of last chapter...*lets her bottom lip tremble a bit* You forgot me... KIDDING! I'm just along for the ride, there's no way I need to be mentioned. Aiya Elbereth, that would make me a selfish little brat, wouldn't it? Off Topic - I slammed my finger in a door this morning. BUT I was safe and unhurt last night. :-D ~Rosie
Author's reply
You noticed! Yes, I wanted the mood to start shifting in chapter 40...hopefully we won't be needing our tissues for a bit. I'm glad it made you smiled. :-) My apologies to you and anyone else who felt somewhat slighted...it was definitely not on purpose--that's one of the reasons why the names will appear at the end; gives me time to go back and write names down. The names that I wrote, as I said, was by no means a complete list. Those names were on my fingertips at *that* moment. There are so many more! I am still soooo humbly grateful and amazed. Thank you, Rosie, for reading Roses! Pippinfan
Rosie-Ann · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 39: Dearly and Beloved
*sniffsniff* I'm teary, but I was almost in shock this chapter...until the end. "Merry? I buried my wife today." *sniffle* Poor, poor twin of my heart...*hugs Pippin tightly* Even though I want so desperately to have Lilas back...I know she's better now. *sniff* Oh, Ter, you make them so REAL. Lilas is real! And...she's gone. *cry*
pipspebble · 2 October 2004 · Chapter 40: Starting Over
There, now you see? Our Pippin has found his practicality. I'm so glad you moved Merry in. Now I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop. But I can't help myself. I adore this story!
Author's reply
Well, the shoe won't drop right away...let's enjoy little Rosebud for a bit. ;-) Thanks for reading! Pippinfan
pipspebble · 2 October 2004 · Chapter 39: Dearly and Beloved
Oh my goodness, the rose petals! 'Twas the rose petals put me to tears. What an absolutely lovely touch to such a sad, sad picture. You handled this beautifully, as I knew you would. This was so sad, so lovely, so touching, and so very haunting. And I love how, at chapter's end, you had Pippin in Merry's arms, exactly where he needed to be, and receiving the comfort which only Merry could give.
Connie B. · 2 October 2004 · Chapter 40: Starting Over
Hmm, I wonder what the reaction of everyone will be to this? I agree that both Merry and Pippin need help that can probably come only from each other, but I think other people may not understand this fact. Not to mention, some of those who helped work on that nursery may not be too happy that all that work turned out to be for nothing. Of course, no one knew at that time what horrible thing was going to happen. Should we all take a deep breath at this point in preporation for the next helping of angst?:) Thanks. Connie B.
Author's reply
I can't see their reaction being any different than when these same two lads moved in together at Crickhollow. For me, I suppose I'd be a little miffed if after I helped someone redecorate their room and then tore it all down--but then, as a friend, I'd rather their sanity be in check more so than if they had not taken away the barrier that allowed them to move on. So that is the premise I went off of--my own. It may sound dinghy, but then again...consider who wrote it. ;-) And yes--you may take a deep breath...for now. :-P I love all these thought-provoking reviews! You're so sweet--and thanks for reading Roses! :-) Pippinfan
Connie B. · 2 October 2004 · Chapter 39: Dearly and Beloved
This chapter had me tearing up. That last paragraph was almost too much. Pippin is selling himself short. He may not have started out loving Lilas, but they had built something in a short time that could have lasted a long long time if things had gone better for Lilas in child birth. Thank you so much. Connie B.
Author's reply
That's so sweet of you to say, Connie! I'm so glad that came through in the reading. I never intended Roses to be a Cinderella Story, but in my opinion, Pippin has so much love inside him, he's bursting at the buttons. He couldn't help *but* love Lilas to some degree. And I agree! Had Lilas lived, they would have lasted forever. :-) Thank you for reading Roses! Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer · 2 October 2004 · Chapter 40: Starting Over
I enjoyed the reversal. Now, Pippin is helping his Merry while, at the same time, helping himself to move on. I do hope he is keeping something of Lilas's for the baby. When she's older she'll want something of here mum's. Great chapter! Looking forward to more, as always!
Author's reply
How 'bout all those knitted baby blankets? ;-) Seriously, I think he is (wink, wink). I wasn't thinking of "the moving forward" much as a 'reversal', but more like the lads just helping each other out...but it's as good a description as any. :-) Take care! Thanks for reading. Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer · 2 October 2004 · Chapter 39: Dearly and Beloved
This is your idea of going easy on me????? I am afraid to see what you'd do if your weren't being gentle. This is so wonderful and so sad. I cried at the image of poor Pippin in front of the fire staring at the flames and holding his little daughter. Merry is doing such a great job of trying to help Pippin through all of this. You are amazing, PF. I'm off to read the next chapter.
Author's reply
Honest...I *was* being gentle! At least, I tried to be. :-X The part of Pippin sitting in front of the fire had me tearing up as well. I felt I unintentionally ingnored poor Merry for too long, so here he is helping his favorite cousin and dearest friend through all this. Thanks for reading--I'm almost there (at Home Again)! I have my junk food, my pop, my chocolate bar...now all I need is choose which GW story will I savor first?? Take care! :-) Pippinfan
Beruthiel · 2 October 2004 · Chapter 40: Starting Over
*sniffle* Chapter 39 was even more heartbreaking than the one before it. Will need to replenish tissue supply every week at this rate. Glad to see Pippin's making an effort to move on. Will he and Merry move back to Crickhollow once Rosebud no longer needs Pimpernel? (Will Rosebud still be alive by then?) Having Merry move in with Pip was smart. Those two need each other. Will we be seeing any more of the Broadhammers in later chapters?
Author's reply
Now, now, Beruthiel! I'd rather not contemplate Rosebud at this moment when I've just finished with Lilas. :-P And I'm delighted that you liked those chapters. Unfortunately, your question sort of deals with a part of the later story, so I can't answer you right now. Take care--and thank you for reading Roses. :-) Pippinfan
FantasyFan · 30 September 2004 · Chapter 38: By Your Side
The name blessing ceremony is very tender. I especially like Paladin expressing his feelings while holding his granddaughter. But amidst the beauty and smiles there's a growing sense of pain and despiration. You've handled that very well in this chapter, and I suppose the next one will be unrelieved angst. I'm glad Pippin is being loving and supportive to his wife now: the self-posession and strength he's learned on the quest are going to be needed during the approaching crisis. When all is finished, I think Pippin will have tempered that steel, and there will be the core of the greatest Thain the Shire will ever know. Looking forward to the next chapter. FF
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasy Fan! Yes, his strength, determination, love, and understanding. His freinds and family are there to help see him through, though. Thank you for reading Roses! Pippinfan
Beruthiel · 25 September 2004 · Chapter 38: By Your Side
You are determined to reduce us all to a tearful, blubbering mess, aren't you? Brilliant chapter. Definitely the most heartbreaking so far. (Key words: "so far". Don't really want to imagine what you're going to do to poor Rosebud.) The way this story is going, it might be wise to invest in a tissue manufacturer. P.S. Yes, I got your e-mail.
Author's reply
All right--after today, I'll take it easy on you, too. You know...I actually entertained that idea, but I couldn't stop writing long enough to call a stock broker. Take care! Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer · 25 September 2004 · Chapter 38: By Your Side
My kleenex are all gone! I cried from the minute Lilas tied Rosebuds bonnett until she fell asleep at the end of the chapter. Pippin has done so well in all of this and when he was praying for Lilas not to have to suffer and you referrenced all of the death that he'd seen in the past year it tied it all together. You have done such an amazing job on this story! You won me over completely with this one. I resisted a bit a first but this is just too wonderful a story to miss. I love how Lilas still has her pride. I love how proud Paladin was of his grand-daughter. I love dear Pimpernel and older sister Pearl. I love how brave and supportive Pippin is being though it's breaking his heart. Thank you for this story.
Author's reply
Bless you, Grey Wonderer--I'll take it easy on you today. Thank you for the wonderful encouragement. :-) You are an amazing writer yourself! Thank you, dear friend, for reading! Pippinfan btw...I have to go shopping in a bit, but I *will* be reading some great chapters later on...some tea,junk food, and good reading--I'll be good to go! ;-)
Connie B. · 25 September 2004 · Chapter 38: By Your Side
Oh, this just gets more and more sad. I'm guessing that these are Lilas' last moments. Now I'm worrying about what's going to happen to Rosebud. My first fear has been laid to rest. I had feared that she might refuse to nurse from anyone but her mum, but she accepted Pimpernel. Hope this is a more sane review than my last two.:) I did like your replies to my last ones though. Thanks for such a good story. Connie B.
Author's reply
Your reviews are always sane! I look forward to them--now my replies.... :-P Wait until you read the next chapter...even I was getting tearful! I believe I will give the precious readers a bit of a break in the tissue department after the next chapter. But only a little break--this story has to end at some point. ;-) Poor Pippin is already frantic over his wife; I couldn't give him double trouble in Rosebud not nursing from one of her aunties. I could just see his young tweenage spirit wilting under such strain. Thanks for reading Roses! Pippinfan
Rosie-Ann · 25 September 2004 · Chapter 38: By Your Side
*snifflesnifflesob* Have you noticed my reviews becoming more and more incoherant? I'm just glad we can talk on AIM so you don't think I've lost my vocabulary. *wink* It's beyond beautiful, Ter. It's sad and lovely and wonderful. It's beyond myself to try to put into words how much I love this story - all your stories, really, but this one particularly. I don't know what it is exactly that has tied this story so close to my heart, but there you have it. I _feel_ the love of parents and friends and children. Way to go, Ter. Finish soon! *hughughug* ~Rosie
Author's reply
Why thank you, Miss Rosie! I'm rather fond of this particular tale, myself, though all of my stories have a place in my heart. And you're just fine with your articulate vocabulary. ;-) Thank you for reading Roses, and taking the time to leave a lovely review. :-) Pippinfan
pipspebble · 25 September 2004 · Chapter 38: By Your Side
It's coming, isn't it? I can *feel* death's dark hand hovering just above Lilas' head. Can I just go ahead and say right now what a fabulous job I think you have done in making me like this hobbit-lass I was so determined not to like in the beginning? It is a testament to your skill, me dear, in making us love her, even as she made Pippin, and all the Tooks, love her in the end. Marvelous story, still, but, oh, it is going to be soooooo sad when she leaves! And I can't imagine how we'll get through Rosebud's...you know. *sniffle*
Author's reply
Let me say in return that I apprciate your words of encouragement. :-) To receive such commendation from someone who is a fabulous author in her own right is truly amazing. Thanks, pipspebble! :-) I think all hobbits are charming and have a way of endearing themsleves to us Big Folk. Yes, it will be sad; even I sniffle from time to time as I write it! Thanks for reading! Pippinfan
MysteriousWays · 23 September 2004 · Chapter 37: Decisions
Speaking as a mother, you have captured the heart of motherhood so well with this. I can't imagine how horrible it would have been to have to give my babies over to another woman to nurse them. You have a lovely nurturing soul, it shows in your writing. Thank you for sharing this story. Love, Myst
Author's reply
Wow...thank you, Myst. Takes one to know one--as I've said, Enigmas is Rocking! Thank you for reading this story! Pippinfan p.s. I'll be answering you later. ;-)
Pervinca · 21 September 2004 · Chapter 37: Decisions
Oh, this is all so sad! I've had to put on happy dancing music to make myself feel better. But I suppose I knew this story was going to end in heartache when I first started reading it. At least Pervinca and Pimpernel can help Pippin and Lilas out. It would be awful if Rosebud had to nurse from someone she didn't know. - Pervinca
Author's reply
Actually, sad music is the inspiration I use to write this... :-X I agree--its better if the lass is related somehow--then there is at least a bit of genuine love involved. Take care, Pervinca--and thank you for reading Roses. :-) Pippinfan
melilot hill · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 37: Decisions
I had some catching up to do, but now I'm ready again to impatiently eagerly await the next chapter. I'm glad to see that Silas and her father are finally talking again. Pippin gets great support from his sisters. Great, but sad, chapters!
Author's reply
LOL...you don't have to wait any longer--chapter 38 is up! Thanks--and thank you for reading Roses! :-) Pippinfan
Connie B. · 18 September 2004 · Chapter 37: Decisions
OH MY GOD! He looses both of them! I'm such a dumbunny to not have seen it. Now I'm really curious to see what happens. Now the angst and suspense is really killing me. I'm going back to that beginning again and make double sure I'm getting this whole picture. Thanks. Connie B.
Author's reply
LOL...Connie, thanks for a good laugh on this Sunday morning, however NO ONE is a dumbunny. It's been a long while since chapter one, and I don't expect anyone to remember a whole lot from those early days. I just didn't want you to think that Diamond was going to make an appearance when she probably won't--perhaps a small cameo at the end, but nothing more. There a a lot of good P&D fics out there; I don't really quite have Diamond where I want her in my "universe" yet, so it will be a long while before I attempt anything of the like. You're great, Connie--and thank you for sticking it out with Roses! Your angst shall be appeased soon...stay tuned! ;-) Pippinfan
pipspebble · 18 September 2004 · Chapter 37: Decisions
You are becoming quite the expert at twisting the knife, my dear. I nursed both my lads, the first for 12 months, the second for ten, and was the most ardent La Leche supporter anyone ever saw. Therefore, when I got to the passage about Lilas having to give up that incredibly special time you had me in tears. Bravo on a chapter that could not have been easy to write. I continue to look for your new chapters with trepidation, but can't help myself when it comes to hobbit angst, especially yours. You're getting too good at this. :-)
Author's reply
Nothing about Lilas has been easy to write, though I've had the entire story in my head from day one. Lilas is a complicated OC, which is why it now takes me all week to write one chapter. It's her fault! I have to get inside her head and heart in order to write about her experiences. About the nursing; I feel it has to be the most incredibly traumatic thing for a mother to give up that special bond, so that is how I wrote it. Thank you for the lovely compliment--from someone who is amazing at her own angst! Pippinfan
Connie B. · 17 September 2004 · Chapter 37: Decisions
What a great way to solve the wet-nurse problem. Everything else about this chapter was just so sad. I'm glad, though, that Silas made peace with his daughter. I keep asking myself, how much longer can Lilas hold out? Not that I want her to die; I don't. But the angst is killing me. I do love this story and am really curious to see where it goes. Know the future, in a way, I have to say that Diamond is an exceptional lass to take on a ready-made family when she marries Pippin. Now I'm starting to ramble. Oops. Thanks again. Connie B.
Author's reply
How much longer? Not too much; fevers have a way of whittling away at the body. Diamond?...yikes, I wasn't going to go there, and I still don't think I will. But if you go back to my intro paragraph, you'll see that Diamond won't have to take on a ready-made family. :-/ Thank you, Connie, for your lovely feedback. :-) Pippinfan
Pearl Took · 17 September 2004 · Chapter 37: Decisions
This is such a tender, caring story. It is so much how I feel most hobbits would be. Thank you for writing this.
Author's reply
I try to stay within character--seeing that I've gone A/U from canon... Thank you, Pearl--thank you for reading Roses! Take care. Pippinfan
Beruthiel · 17 September 2004 · Chapter 37: Decisions
Sad, sad, sad. I think I'll be needing a few more boxes of tissues before this is finished. Poor Lilas. I can't imagine how heartbroken she must be. Um, I don't mean to nag, but you *still* haven't answered my e-mail.
Author's reply
She is *very* sad; when a mother has no choice but to give up the one thing that binds her and her baby together (like an invisible umbilical cord), it is very traumatic--for most. Thank you for reading Roses! Pippinfan p.s. No, you're not being a nag at all; I hope you got the email! :-)
Rosie-Ann (too lazy to sign in) · 17 September 2004 · Chapter 37: Decisions
*SOBSOBSOB* Terrible timing, my friend! But so beautiful and wonderful and sad! You're amazing, dearheart, you really really are. *hughug* ~Rosie-Ann
Author's reply
Thank you, Rosie-Ann...and thank you for the compliment. I appreciate you, and everyone who has taken the time to read Roses and leave feedback. Thanks! Pippinfan