Beruthiel
· 1 November 2004
· Chapter 14: Thain: Through the High Waters
Aaaahhhhh!!!!!!!!!
What were you thinking?! You can't stop here! Nasty, wicked cliffhanger!!
Need I say I am sitting on the edge of my chair, biting my nails, waiting impatiently for the next Pippin update?
I do hope your research is finished. Not sure how long I can wait without going mad (assuming I haven't already *g*).
Is there more Pip-angst coming up? All this running around, wet and cold, can't be good for him. And what about the ewe that's due to lamb? And what will the old shepherd think of this? Will Paladin hear about it? I can just imagine his reaction, ranting and raving about his good-for-nothing son's hopeless irresponsibility (completely ignoring Pip's efforts to find the sheep, and his good behaviour up to now). Will this have any effect on when Pip gets to go home? And . . .
Okay, shutting up now. Note for next time: no more sugar before reading new chapters.
Update soon! (Please, please, VERY soon!)
Author's reply
Sorry about that, especially when updates have been so few and far between. It was a nassty, viciousss bout with writer's block, more than a month when the words wouldn't flow and the Muse remained stubbornly silent. The only way I could keep posting was because "Glisters" was already written to the end, in draft, and all I had to do was type in the chapters and do a little revising, but no real writing.
How pitiable Paladin is! Everyone thinks the worst of him. (Grew up with a critical father, myself. Came home once with a report card that was mostly A's and he pointed to one of the grades and said, "What's this 'B' here?" He didn't mean it that way, but so often that's how things seemed to go. I can feel for Pippin, but I can also feel for Paladin, too, trapped in his own father's critical upbringing.)
However, the next half-chapter of "Pippin" is already written and going nicely, and the next half-chapter of "Bucca" is written and just needs finishing before posting, so things are looking up. As long as the Muse doesn't depart for Hawaii anytime this week you ought to see updates soon.
And yes, the "sheepish" research is for the moment complete, and I am turning my attention to surgery and shoulders and such.
Thanks.
Connie B.
· 1 November 2004
· Chapter 14: Thain: Through the High Waters
Oh, this is not good! I mean the events, not the writing. You always write well. Please say you have another chapter coming soon.
I love the vision of Pippin as a shepherd. He is so loving and protective that it just seems to fit his personality. I still think his father is rather cold-hearted, but at least Pippin is with a good family and is finding he has a value to others.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
I think Pippin-as-Thain has a lot to do with Pippin-as-shepherd. Was discussing his father the other day with someone, and it's interesting... his father is something of a control freak, which I think pushes buttons amongst readers who've dealt with such in real life. When in control of the farm, Paladin managed, for the most part, but when put in control of the entire Shire (or at least Tookland) I think he blew a gasket at having to be responsible for so very much, and having so very much really beyond his control.
I don't see him so much as cold-hearted as not able to express his feelings. In "Knitting Socks", I think, someone says of Paladin that he's not able to really love anything but his wife, but I do think he loves his children. He just doesn't know how to express that love, and he sees compliance as an expression of love *from* his family, such that when they express independence he's threatened and "unloved", or at least feels that way. Eglantine knows how to "manage" him; so many of her suggestions are couched in a way that makes him think it was his idea in the first place, and her whole-hearted agreement (for of course it was really *her* idea!) bolsters him.
My goodness, where did all *that* analysis come from???
Thanks for commenting!
Bodkin
· 16 October 2004
· Chapter 13: Thorn: Guiding the Flock
This doesn't sound promising - I've a feeling they're not going to reach safety. War is a vile thing - dramatic to read about and a good source of heroics, but seeing and fearing the destruction caused by an army rampaging through your homeland is hideous. At least, mostly, with fantasy the enemies are clearly evil - the kind of war where seeing your enemy is like looking in the mirror must be the worst of all.
(I still like the Bucca bits best. Although the Pippin bits are good too.)
Author's reply
Very insightful comments. I wonder if that's one of the "comforts" of fantasy--being able to clearly distinguish good from evil. Tolkien was involved in trench warfare, wasn't he? I remember more than one Christmas story (one set in the Great War, one set in the War Between the States) where the soldiers came out of their trenches and celebrated together, or sang together, or exchanged bottles or something, and then the truce was over and they went back to trying to kill each other. Horrid.
Glad you like the Bucca bits! That's encouraging to hear, especially when no familiar canon characters are yet present, though Cirdan, of a necessity, is soon to enter the story, along with Glorfindel later on.
Am home sick today, and about to toddle back to bed, so I apologise for not taking time to peruse your latest posting. Will hope to feel better tomorrow.
Thanks for commenting!
Connie B
· 15 October 2004
· Chapter 13: Thorn: Guiding the Flock
It is so sad that so much and so many good people were lost to angmar. I don't remember all the details, but doesn't only one of the kings sons or grandsons survive?
I'm liking Bucca more and more.
I'm so glad you were able to update this. I hope this is a good sign that thinlgs are looking up for you. Hope the muse is back in her usual spot with her pina choladia, I know I misspelled that but it's not in my dusty, old dictionary, and that your writer's block is a thing of the past.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Only one son of Arvedui is *named*, and his son, and his son's son, etc.; in other words, the line of descent into which Aragorn is born. But Appendix A says that the Witch King drove most of the remaining Dunedain, including the *sons* of the king, over the Lune. That means at least two, and maybe more! Scope for the imagination. (I am adding emphasis because I'm particularly dull today; hope you don't find it too heavy-handed.)
I like Bucca too, or I'd have trouble writing about him; I see a resemblance to Merry, and his father Saradoc as I imagine him, in some respects. I think his twin Tocca was a bit bolder, more impulsive, more like Pippin, perhaps. Lovely to have so much room to play!
I'm glad to report the Muse is back, tanned and rested. Updates may be slow, though, as the two littlest and I are ill, and I crave sleep more than writing time at present.
Still, it is nice to know that you and a few others are "there", waiting to hear more. It's motivating, and makes me bang out a few paragraphs here and there as I find time or energy, eventually ready to post when I reach the end of the outlined or drafted chapter.
Thanks.
Anso the Hobbit
· 24 September 2004
· Chapter 6: Thain: Midnight Whispers
This is a wonder for a story! I love that it´s Shire history parallel with the life of Paladin and Pippin. I don´t think there has been that many stories elaborating on how Paladin became thain and what his life was like. The similarities in the experiences of both Bucca and Paladin is very interesting too. Lovely work as always Lin. :)
Author's reply
Anso! I never saw this review until now! Forgive this very belated reply.
*hugs*
I think I'm the exception to the rest in that I am enjoying the Pippin chapters more than Bucca. I love the shephard and I have enjoyed learning about sheep-herding which I'd never thought too much about. I only hope poor Pippin hasn't gone and lost his job by falling asleep. I'm a bit worried about those lovely sheep now. Looking forward to more of this one.
Author's reply
To be honest, I learned a lot about sheep as a part of working on this part of the story!
Thanks so much for reading and stopping to leave an encouraging word.
Ah, I remember this being mentioned in Starfire. What luck our dear Pip has. This just had to happen his first time out alone.
So, will he be returning home any time soon, or is Paladin still mad enough to leave him there for seven years? (I think he might be happier with the shepherd than home, at least at first.)
Hope to see another update soon (hint)!
Author's reply
I actually think Pippin is better off with the old shepherd at this point in his life.
Thanks!
Connie B.
· 21 September 2004
· Chapter 12: Thain: Scattered Sheep
Oh no! Just when things were starting to go right for Pippin, this happens. I hope he can salvage this one, otherwise he's gonna be in even more trouble than he was when he arrived to work for the shepherd.
Had to LOL at the "That'll do" line. I suddenly had visions of Babe and the "that'll do, pig" that the farmer always said. That movie was on Easter Sunday and during the beginning one of the teens said, "Hey, look, it's the Shire!" I just hid a giggle.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Connie B.
· 13 September 2004
· Chapter 11: Thorn: Out of the Fold
This part of the story has finally started sucking me into it. Up to now, I was having trouble with the history parts, at least a little.
I hadn't realized just what the hobbits went through after the fall of Fornost. I'm not sure why or how I overlooked the fact that evil had ever tried to overcome the Shire before Saruman.
It's been slow, but this story is definitely growing on me. Looking forward to more.
Connie B.
Bodkin
· 13 September 2004
· Chapter 11: Thorn: Out of the Fold
I do like Bucca. This must be so worrying for him. I deduce that some of them emerge safely - but he doesn't know about the descendents. I hope the snow works in their favour.
Bodkin
· 10 September 2004
· Chapter 10: Thain: The Sheep of His Pasture
It will do Pippin a power of good to spend some time working with simple folk and learning a bit about responsibility and love of the land. He can be, shall we say, a bit of a spoilt brat, who gets away with it because he is charming and generally well-meaning.
Author's reply
His time with the old shepherd will definitely be good for him, and the lessons he learns will stay with him for a lifetime. Old Brockbank and Gladdy are solid folk.
Thanks!
Connie B.
· 9 September 2004
· Chapter 10: Thain: The Sheep of His Pasture
I have the feeling that things won't always be this easy for Pippin. I think the old shepherd is breaking him in gently.
I'm glad you updated this story. Looking forward to more.
Connie B.
Author's reply
I think the old shepherd is one of those rare souls who has a knack for making learning natural, and even easy.
Thanks!
Lyta Padfoot
· 9 September 2004
· Chapter 10: Thain: The Sheep of His Pasture
The old shepherd was wonderful! I especially loved the ewe that liked to be petted. Pity Pippin won't stay with him long.
A quick question: what is the status of shepherds in the Shire? In medieval Europe, Rome, Greece, and biblical times they are social outcasts, thought down on, and seldom married. Being on the edge of society was lonely, this is why shepherds often took in children who were exposed (abandoned to die soon after birth) to raise as their own (mythology is full of these stories). You've shown wool as a major cash crop in the Shire, perhaps this elevates shepherd status.
Author's reply
As I see it, shepherds in the Shire protect a valuable commodity, but they are thought of as eccentric or odd by more staid and steady hobbits. After all, they are wanderers, following the sheep from pasture to pasture, and they don't even have the respectability of owning the land they graze. From what I've read, the landowner(s) were paid "per head" for grazing privileges which is one of the reasons for an accurate head count. Gladdy only sees her hobbit once a week or so! (She probably wandered with him in her younger years.)
Gypsies, nomads, wanderers, shepherds... have always excited suspicion in more rooted society, or at the least "people look at them funny".
Paladin, however, got to know this particular shepherd pretty well in earlier years. So he's put Pippin in the best hands he knows.
Thanks for commenting!
Bodkin
· 13 August 2004
· Chapter 9: Thorn: Leaving Home and Comfort Behind
I think, secretly (although it's hardly a secret since I'm writing it here), I prefer the Bucca bits to the Pippin bits.
Poor Bucca, leading them all off to a very unlikely safety, and abandoning his new-born son to danger elsewhere. I do hope they survive.
(By the way: have you decided not to put the rest of the Where the Merlin Cries one on here? It's ages since there was a dose of that.)
Author's reply
Well, the Bucca bits are certainly more dramatic than the Pippin bits. I still don't know if we'll keep the two stories intertwined once they're finished, but my editor says to give it a try. It is a good exercise, and an interesting one, to try to relate the two this way, and still make the story as a whole integrated and coherent (want to say "comprendable" but don't know if that's a word).
To answer the parenthetical question: No, Merlin is still in the works. It just got shoved to the back burner while I try to rescue stories off of ffnet, which has announced another major hardware upgrade or some such next week. These announcements always make me nervous, and so I am trying to grag as much off ffnet as possible before the announced date, to have those stories archived in more than one place.
Thanks for commenting, and I'll move "Merlin" up in the list of priorities since you asked about it.
Connie B.
· 13 August 2004
· Chapter 9: Thorn: Leaving Home and Comfort Behind
So glad to see you writing on this one again.
The more I read, the more I like Bucca. I see a lot of the future Travelers in him. Guess that only makes sense since he's an ancestor to all three of them.
Now I'm looking forward to see what you have planned for young Pippin in the next chapter.
Thanks.
Connie.
Author's reply
Yes, it's been a bit slow, what with doing some research and working things out on a map, but I have enough for the next few Bucca chapters and at least another Pippin chapter.
If I get the time to write you'll see them soon. (It takes no time at all, comparatively, to put in my editor's changes and post an edited chapter of an old story, which is why you're seeing more of those by comparison to new chapters of stories under construction.)
Beruthiel
· 6 August 2004
· Chapter 8: Thain: Before the Break of Day
Is Paladin really going to apprentice Pip for seven *years*? Sounds a bit extreme for just dodging chores. However, if he's only planning to leave Pippin with the shepherd until his birthday, then it would probably be good for him.
And if Pip does end up apprenticed for the full seven years, then he'll hardly ever see Paladin, and by the time the Thainship rears its ugly head, their relationship will probably have improved (since they wouldn't be in each other's faces every day). If that happens, it would take something quite extreme to get them at each other's throats before the Quest.
Going slightly off topic here: Will the Thain's stables (nearly) burning down have any effect on Paladin's attitude toward Pip?
Now that I think about it, Pip and Ferdi couldn't attempt their little prank in the stables if Pip is off shepherding, could they? Well, maybe they could, it Pip were allowed to visit the Smials.
I'd better shut up before I get carried away with imagining possible plot points. Keep up the excellent writing!
Author's reply
Whew, after much research finally know a little bit about sheep. Enough to post the next chapter, anyhow.
As far as the next seven years...? Well, we'll see. There are always twists and turns to the plot, as you know. I try diligently not to be too predictable.
The Thain's stables (nearly) burning down... yes, that and a few other things might just have some impact on their relationship. I fear that readers who grind their teeth at "irresponsible Pip" are going to have to get one of those rubber mouth guards, perhaps. Still, he's just a tween, after all. He's got a great deal of potential, for disaster as well as greatness.
And of course, that stable fire doesn't happen until just before Paladin becomes Thain. Pippin is what, 25? when that happens. So we've got a bit of story to wade through beforehand.
Lyta Padfoot
· 6 August 2004
· Chapter 8: Thain: Before the Break of Day
Hmm... looks like Paladin has a good idea. Was his plan to leave Pippin there until his birthday to straighten him out or was he planning to actually apprentice him for seven years? I'm interested to see what interferes with his plan, though I guess its the Thain.
Author's reply
I think he's desperate enough to give up his son for seven years, if it'll turn Pippin around. However, there are other factors in the story. Thanks!
FantasyFan
· 6 August 2004
· Chapter 8: Thain: Before the Break of Day
"His life was over before it had begun." Doesn't that sound just like a teen? As dramatic a declaration as it comes.
Paladin's plan, at least as we have it so far from Pippin's perspective, certainly sounds drastic to say the least. Apprenticed for seven years, and then I imagine he'd be expected to work at the trade he learned. Maybe for the rest of his life. On second thought, Pippin's thoughts may not be that melodramatic. I imagine Pippin's going to take some time trying to think a way out of this. I hope he doesn't take the tack of being so bad at his work as to be dismissed. Paladin would not stand for that! Pip's thoughtless and lazy, but he's good-hearted. So I imagine he'll try his best through tears. Can he do it well enough? Paladin has the idea of tough love - Pippin has to shape up or else I'm afraid things are only going to get worse for him. I hope he realizes that.
It's an interesting structure you've got going here. So far, aside from the opening scenes in the field, I'm not finding a lot to tie the two storylines together. Neither man expects to be Thain. Bucca is facing crisis sooner rather than later. But I fully expect you've got everything tightly planned as usual, and that I'll be happy as a hobbit when we get there, as usual.
Author's reply
Teens are so dramatic. So are eight-year-olds who are studying to win the Emmy for best actress in a dramatic series (or so we say around here, not that we watch television, mind, but it's a cliche from the days when we still did).
Paladin knows this old shepherd. I think he wants what's best for his son. Sort of like hobbit reform school.
The plotlines will converge, and hopefully the readers will recognise the point of convergence when it becomes obvious. If not I can always split it into two separate stories... we'll see if I can pull this off.
Bodkin
· 6 August 2004
· Chapter 8: Thain: Before the Break of Day
The Short Sharp Shock for Pippin. It won't do him any harm to have to work until his birthday. He was far too practised at slithering out of his responsiblities.
Only the joys of the Great Smials will be approaching at some time, won't they? And every bit of good done to him will be undone.
Probably as well he went on the quest - he could have grown up thoroughly obnoxious.
Author's reply
Very perceptive.
A friend commented once on Thain Peregrin's "servant's heart" in the later stories I've written, and how he was a shepherd to the Shire-folk (though I call them the People, and hope it's not too un-canon of me... language is fascinating--in so many cultures "people" refers to that culture and all others are outsiders or foreigners or aliens or whatever) after he took up his responsibilities. How did he learn such? That's one of the things this story is trying to accomplish...
Not every bit of good will be undone, at least, not permanently.
He was blithe and breezy at the start of the Quest, indeed, but he had to grow up fast. I think he must have had a good foundation to build upon.
Thanks for commenting! The feedback is very helpful.
Connie B.
· 6 August 2004
· Chapter 8: Thain: Before the Break of Day
Uh. I was saying, "Seven years!?", right along with Pippin's thoughts. I know you're not gonna do that to him. At least I don't think you are.
I know that this was an acceptable practice, but it still seems harsh. I understand it, just like I understand pre-arranged marrages; but I don't have to like either of them.
I can't help but think there should be another way for Paladin to deal with his son besides sending him to some backwater sheep farm. Tough love is just that, but I wish there was something else that could have been done.
Pippin is a sweet, but willful, tween: if Paladin isn't careful, he's going to totally break that sweet spirit. Then he'll just be left with the willfulness, not to mention bitterness. If he wants to turn his son against him, he's going the right way about it. Not to even mention the gap he's opening between himself and his wife.
I hope you don't mind if I really don't like Paladin. I know he's got his own issues, but I really wonder if he truly loves anything or anyone.
Oh, and yes, I know that children need decipline. I'm dealing with some of same problems with my stuborn, but sweet-spirited, daughter.
I am loving this story for a lot of reasons. One of them is, it makes me think, and it makes me examine my own life and parenting skills. That's pretty cool when a piece of LOTR Fanfiction can do that.
Thanks, and I'll shut up now.:)
Connie B.
Author's reply
Thanks for taking the time to put your thoughts down; the feedback is very helpful in trying to shape the rough draft into a more polished form.
It's okay that you don't like Paladin. I made him very unlikeable in my early stories, and yet I think he must have been warm and loving at first, for Pippin to have turned out so well in the end. (As, perhaps, Denethor might have been, to have turned out such a loyal, honorable son as Boromir, and an upright and perceptive son as Faramir, even though he made the mistake of having a favorite son. Hard to avoid, picking favorites. Takes conscious effort sometimes, not to do so. Certainly, Boromir fell, but even the Wise were afraid of the Ring, and with good reason.)
So this story is trying to show at least the beginning of Paladin's transformation. "Pearl of Great Price" showed the first crack, of course.
I actually feel sorry for the guy. It reminds me of reading Greek tragedy in school. The hero starts out likeable, but has a tragic flaw which leads to the inevitable conclusion. Poor Paladin. Things might have been so different.
Really, he's doing the best thing for Pippin at the moment. He doesn't have the time to "ride herd" on his son, being so distracted with running the farm. The old shepherd, on the other hand, has all the time in the world... and Paladin knows him well. He's not just foisting his son off on strangers, but putting Pippin where he can get the discipline and attention he needs, and that Paladin, knowing he's losing the battle with his temper, cannot give at this time.
I think, if Paladin had not been trapped into the Thainship, that he and Pippin would have come to understanding, and that Pippin would have become his father's strong right hand on the farm, perhaps taking over the farm's sheep or something like that.
Wow, your lovely long review has generated a long response! Thanks for listening.
Bodkin
· 2 August 2004
· Chapter 7: Thorn: Cold Light of Dawn
I love the story of Bucca. I feel for the hobbits with all the chaos of the war around them and the worry for the archer we know have been killed and the families left at home.
I haven't yet come to any conclusion how the stories of Bucca and Pippin are going to come together. I look forward to finding out.
Author's reply
The link exists but has not yet come into the story. Hope it meets with expectations.
Thanks for commenting!
Connie B.
· 2 August 2004
· Chapter 7: Thorn: Cold Light of Dawn
Well, the plot thickens. I can see Bucca ends up as Thain. He seems like a force to be reaconed with; independant, brave, with a touch of wanderlust and curiosity.
I look forward to the next chapter.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Glad to hear it! Am still working out a few research details for the next Pippin chapter, and also trying to figure out just what JRRT meant when he said "most" of the hobbits (in Bucca's time) went into hiding when war swept over the Shire. Interesting puzzle.
Thanks!
I can already see one unfortunate change coming for Paladin. Here he isn't forcing Nell to marry the windbag (forget his name), but he's going to arrange a marriage for her (without asking her, I believe) ten years down the line. Which reminds me, what about Pervinca? Does he ever try to marry her off during all his years as Thain?
Went off on a bit of a tangent there. Sorry.
Poor Nell. Poor Ferdi (really, must you keep tormenting the guy?).
I agree with Pippin on the bedtime issue. I could never fall asleep when people thought I should. Still can't, for that matter.
Author's reply
Pervinca, as I've thought of her, is so moody and difficult that it takes an extraordinary hobbit to be able to put up with, er, to get along with, er, to love her into submission. Ummm. "Taming of the Shrew", anyone?
Sorry about the Ferdi torment, I just can't seem to help myself. (I suppose I could set all my stories before "Pearl of Great Price" or after "Gentle Rain" but that might be so boring...)
Loved Nell's chat with Pippin. That restless can't sleep at night feeling that Pippin has is so familiar to me. I am a night owl and can't understand why folks can't stay up until they're sleepy. The Brandybucks have the right idea. Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Ah, yes, I remember lying awake in bed at night, wondering why. Thanks!
Connie B.
· 26 July 2004
· Chapter 6: Thain: Midnight Whispers
This was a really nice chapter. I especially liked the scene between Nell and Pippin. I am finding Paladin more and more irritating. He's actually rather pitiable, though; because he's letting the pressures of the future ruin the present with his children.
Thanks for the chapter. I needed something to take my mind off my own day. I'm just sad I have now lost my personal copies of every reply to every review I ever posted to S of A.
So here's to starting over.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Raising a glass with you. BTDT. I'm really sorry to hear of your loss.
Y'know, Paladin is not as bad as he might be. In the social era I'm drawing from, arranged marriages were taken for granted. Not all that many chafed against it. For the edification of growing girls, little moral tales were published about unfortunate girls who married for love and ended up supporting a husband who couldn't hold a job, or else they ended up abandoned, or widowed. I think a recurring theme was "taking in washing" to make ends meet for the poor woman and her children.
When you think of it, an unmarried sister who becomes a housekeeper for a married sibling would be much less draining on the family finances (surrounding family, I mean, as in her parents and siblings) than one who marries a ne'er-do-well and has a dozen children and keeps coming to parents and siblings for "a little help".
At least Paladin isn't forcing a marriage on Pimpernel. If she chooses not to marry, he won't force a different choice on her. He just doesn't think it would be best for her to marry Ferdi, and from a practical standpoint (you have to be practical to be a good farmer, I suspect) he's correct, at least at this point in time.
Sorry if I'm being more practical than romantic at the moment. Hopefully I make up for it in the tenderer moments of the stories I've spun.