Well, Diamond didn't seem to notice, but Merry couldn't hide what he was doing from Frodo and Sam could he? So now everyone knows, except Eglantine. That doesn't seem right. Pippin's mother should know. Anyway cute chapter, loved the interregation. And Merry doesn't interfere - ha!
Author's reply
Oh I don't suppose it will take Eglantine long.
You'll notice he blushed when he said that, after Frodo and Sam stared him down.*grin* Our Merry, interfere? Would he do such a thing? *snort*
pipspebble
· 24 October 2004
· Chapter 5
Oh, bravo! I love how you worked our little story into this one. Good job!
Author's reply
I really thought we all did a nice job on that first little story, and I'm looking forward to seeing it all edited and up on an archive eventually. But I thought it deserved a little recognition. I hope people will start posting again on the new story!
SharonB
· 24 October 2004
· Chapter 5
Ah, so Diamond seems to have passed Merry's scrunity, eh? Now all we have to do is get her really interested in Pippin himself. She has a lot to learn about Pippin, his cousins (especially the mysterious one!!) and the strange things they use to heal. She should inquire of them a bit more about the athelas since she has all of their attentions.
It sounds like Miss Diamond has a little more modern streak in her. Thinking it would be nice to have your own place and be in charge of yourself. Pip had better watch out about her opinions, LOL.
It will be interesting to see how you bring these two together.
Author's reply
You have put your finger on the thing that is going to figure in this a lot. Diamond is a Took--with a plentiful helping of Tookish curiousity...
Yes, she does have an independent streak. That's going to be Pip's hardest hurdle to overcome. I think that sense of independence is one reason for many of the female healers--the knowledge that they have a certain amount of freedom and respect that the average female hobbit does not get.
I think it will be interesting,too. As I said before, I have the beginning and end of this one ready, but I'm feeling my way through the middle, LOL!
Bodkin
· 24 October 2004
· Chapter 5
I somehow think this healer's apprentice is likely to end up wed. If she has passed the Meriadoc Brandybuck test of suitability, he would be wise to hold back now and let Pippin do his own wooing. But that might spoil the fun.
Author's reply
Well, it might spoil Merry's fun, but I don't think it would spoil Pippin's, LOL! Hopefully Merry will be subtle and discrete in his attempts to help. Frodo probably won't let him get too carried away--maybe...
or maybe not... (*big evil grin*)
Kitty
· 24 October 2004
· Chapter 5
*lol*
Knowing what is to come, I thought it quite funny how Merry asked Diamond all this questions! He is really very caring about his Pippin, even if Pippin doesn't need it! I think our brave knight of Gondor can manage this yourself. In this Frodo is right. But he cannot change Merry.
From the first glimpse I think Diamond will make a good wife of the future Thain of the Shire!
Author's reply
When it comes to either one of his cousins, Merry is pretty much incapable of minding his own business. Sometimes this is a good thing--such as with the conspiracy; sometimes it is not good, but it *is* very Merry, LOL!
I'm glad you think Diamond will make Pippin a good wife, since that's her fate!
Thanks for the review!
Auntiemeesh
· 24 October 2004
· Chapter 5
I love seeing Merry chat Diamond up to determine if she's suitable for Pippin. Merry really does have a strong need to take care of Pippin. Now, if he'll just let Pip do his own courting...
You did a good job of incorporating the idea of the round robin into the chapter. It's great to see it showing up somewhere.
I'm looking forward to the next chapter. :)
Author's reply
LOL! Can't you just see him hovering over Pippin's shoulder, and Pippin turning to say "Do you *mind*?" Or trying to give Pip advice on what to say and how to say it a la Cyrano de Bergerac?
I liked our little round robin, and thought that it would be the kind of little story that Diamond, as a healer, would find interesting. I hope we can get the new one going--it's really been lanquishing.
Thank you! And thanks for the review!
GamgeeFest
· 24 October 2004
· Chapter 4
Good ole Merry, always looking after Pippin. I trust he'll be discreet enough so that Diamond doesn't figure out what he's up to - or at least, he'll try to be. Loved the silent exchange between Merry and Pippin, that was perfect.
Author's reply
Oh, he'll be discreet. He's far more interested in her character than her background.
Those two don't always need words, do they?
Bodkin
· 24 October 2004
· Chapter 4
The wordless conversation is just brilliant. It's amazing what can be conveyed with a few movements and expressions.
It's funny to see Merry in protective big cousin mode when it comes to looking over a lass to see if she's good enough for his little cousin.
I think she'll do.
Author's reply
Merry and Pippin don't always need words between them, I think, and I wanted to show that. I'm glad it came across well.
Can you imagine him *not* checking her out? He's far too single minded and thorough to leave that aspect of Pippin's life alone! LOL!
good_one_pip
· 22 October 2004
· Chapter 4
here's two thoughts I forgot in my last review, but decided to add after reading some of the other fan's reviews:
I couldn't imagine Pippin being in an unhappy marriage! You're right, that would be way to cruel to my Pip! Thanks for having Diamond be such a perfect hobbit-lass for this lovestruck Took
Another thing that I must state with some pride: I have big dimples too! LOL!
Author's reply
Yes, I think being stuck in an unhappy marriage is much crueller than a broken bone or two, or even a few nightmares. I've seen some stories with that theme that were pretty good, but they leave a bitter taste in my mouth.
I definitely think Pip's susceptible to dimples: maybe you could give Diamond a run for her money, LOL!
pippin_the_hobbit
· 22 October 2004
· Chapter 4
I love Merry's critical observation of Diamond! "Was she good enough for Pippin?" Delightfully protective older cousin!
Author's reply
I can't see Merry treating Pippin's love-life any differently than he does any other aspect of his cousin's life! He's going to make sure she's not going to hurt his "little" cousin! 8-)
good_one_pip
· 22 October 2004
· Chapter 3
I can't say it's only you that does this, but it seems like all the authors of any post-LOTR stories love to inflict our poor characters with awful dreams! lol as painful as it is, they probably would have painful nightmares for years to come. no one could come away from The Quest unscathed.
Author's reply
Apart from the logic of it: they had some awfully traumatic experiences that hobbits are not normally equipped to deal with, it is a great plot device, and one that lends itself to angst fairly easily. But to me there's more to it--it's in how they help one another through the nightmares that is important. I enjoy showing how their love for one another helps them to deal with their pain.
good_one_pip
· 22 October 2004
· Chapter 2
Not distracted by romance? Well, we know something she doesn't know, don't we! This could get very interesting. Neat look at how Pippin and Diamond could have had their first meeting.
Author's reply
Oooh yes we do! Fun, ain't it, knowing something that the characters don't! I'm glad you are liking my take on this. 8-)
good_one_pip
· 22 October 2004
· Chapter 1
Oh, dreamflower, you've done it again! Looks like another great story, but you just had to have Pippin in a serious, painful position haven't you! I haven't forgotten the distress you caused me over "The Dare" and "The life of a Bard" lol just kidding. Love the Pippin-Merry stories. I bet Merry's gonna flip out over his cousin's condition again. Poor Merry, he's been in this position before. Good to know that Frodo hasn't left the Shire yet, too.
Author's reply
Oh, I know, it's the hurt that has to come before the comfort, LOL! But I hope that my hurt is plot driven. After all, it's not much of a story--as JRRT says in The Hobbit (paraphrased)good things don't take a lot of telling, and are soon over, while painful frightening things take a lot of telling and make a good story!
I like all four of the hobbits more or less equally, so I like to set my stories when Frodo is still around when I can.
pipinheart
· 22 October 2004
· Chapter 4
Pippin really likes Diamond that you can see,but I wonder does Diamond reconize the signs... Merry,watches out for pippin wanting to see if she is good enough for him.
I feel sorry for pippins sisters,they realize what he done saving their husbands and they are real disturbed over it,it seems pimmie is more so.
Is Frodo and Sam going to come see him soon??
This is great,keep on writing....Great work.....
Author's reply
Diamond is not ready to see the signs yet, although, not meaning to, her mistress has planted ideas in her head. She won't be *completely* clueless, she's too intelligent for that, but she may take a while to realize what it *really* means.
Merry is always going to watch out for Pippin; I can't see him being any different when it comes to his cousin's romance.
Both of them are very disturbed, but to be fair, poor Pervinca is still sedated, and hasn't had a chance yet.
And of course Frodo and Sam will be there for Pip; it's why they came, after all. But everyone knows Merry gets there first when Pippin is concerned.
Thanks, and thanks for the review!
Auntiemeesh
· 21 October 2004
· Chapter 4
Merry grinned, raised a brow, and flicked a glance at the young healer, who was busy setting the tray to rights.
Pippin blushed.
Merry chuckled.
Pippin shrugged, and looked a bit wistful.
Diamond turned around, and the amused expression vanished from Merry’s face as though it had never been there.
Pippin looked grateful.
Merry smiled fondly.
LOL! This is just the best exchange. Not a single word, but oh so much said! I had a hard time keeping quiet while reading this (don't want to wake the house and have to try to explain what I'm chortling at).
I'm very curious to see how the relationship between Pippin and Diamond evolves.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked the little "wordless conversation"! I don't think that Merry and Pippin always need words between them, they know one another so well, and I wanted to show that. I had a lot of fun with it.
pipspebble
· 21 October 2004
· Chapter 4
Poor Pippin! I love the way you have him talking, all stuffed up and pitiful. And the opening paragraphs, with Merry there, and all that good cousinly caretaking, all of it was just wonderful. I'm even liking your Diamond. You are only one of two authors who has been able to make me do that, at least that I've read. Looking forward to the next chapter. :-)
Author's reply
I know how it feels to be stuffed up and pitiful, LOL!
Merry of course is going to take care of his cousin, as he always has; I'm glad it comes across all right.
I'm flattered that you like my Diamond. Some fics have her as being cold, or a bad wife to Pippin, but I simply cannot imagine that. I suppose it makes for a bit of realism or something to have Pippin in an unhappy marriage, but I can't bring myself to do that to one of JRRT's hobbits.
Pearl Took
· 21 October 2004
· Chapter 4
This is so good!! I love how you are handling all the hobbits. So "Bibbid" likes dimples, does he? Well done!!
Author's reply
Dimples--well, they've been the downfall of many, "Bibbid" not the least. *VBG*
SharonB
· 21 October 2004
· Chapter 4
Oh dear, that lad has got it bad hasn't he? Jealous of Merry talking with Diamond so freely, well he is in deep. At least Diamond has a good sense of humor .. calling him "Bibbid". I guess she is going to have to learn to put up with a lot coming from him. ;-)
And Merry is keeping a good eye out for him, even if he is going to tease him mercilessly about her. GOing to look into her background and check her out first. That's what "older brothers" like he are for.
Author's reply
Yes, he does have it bad. Little bit of jealousy there, though he is able to know it for the silliness it is. And I think that Diamond is going to need a sense of humor, yes I do.
You know anyone as single-minded and thorough as Merry is, is going to want to make sure this new lass is good enough for his beloved cousin.
Bodkin
· 21 October 2004
· Chapter 3
H'mm - Diamond can't keep her attention on her work. I think Lavender might have made a slip with her warning.
I love the way the fellow Travellers just take over - when they think about it, it's going to tell Pippin's family a lot of the sort of things about their journey that no-one thinks to talk about. As is the fact that they have athelas with them all the time.
Lovely chapter.
Author's reply
Oh, Lavender was definitely premature with her warning, but without it, we wouldn't get anywhere, would we? *VBG*
Pippin's family (and Merry's) have had some chances to observe this interaction, and they will have more yet to come. It is telling that they all are so familiar with tending to one another when sick or wounded, and yes, the athelas is telling as well. Something that our healers will find themselves pondering over...
pipinheart
· 21 October 2004
· Chapter 3
You really did a great job on this.. You get to the heart of thier friendship as they are tending pippin... Merry is the one who stays like they already knew he would.
His dreams of the past seems to haunt him it is a scar perhaps he will always bear.
Diamond is curious of them and seems curious of pippin himself... Really enjoying this please update this soon...
Keep up the great work...
Author's reply
Thank you so much. The Travellers are so close, and especially Merry and Pippin, that they rather write themselves.
All of them will be haunted by dreams, probably for the rest of their lives.
Yes, right now Diamond has more curiousity than attraction. But we know *that's* going to change somewhere along the line! 8-D
pipspebble
· 20 October 2004
· Chapter 3
Ah, cousinly love! You do this beautifully!
Author's reply
Thank you. I think that's because it's one of my favorite themes. I find it completely fascinating.
GamgeeFest
· 20 October 2004
· Chapter 3
Merry did rather take over, didn't he? And of course, Sam would be uncomfortable with the Mr. Sam business, that goes without saying, but too bad for him. He deserves it. I think Lavendar would have been better off not saying anything about Pippin to Diamond, now she's obsessing about it and that's never good.
Author's reply
Merry is nothing if not single minded. His one goal has been to get to Pippin, and now he's there and will do all he can for him.
Yes, Sam does deserve to be treated with respect; but he's not necessarily going to like it at first.
And you are right. If Lavender had not said anything, Diamond probably would never have thought twice about it. Of course, then I'd have no story, would I, LOL!
Lindelea
· 20 October 2004
· Chapter 3
Up into the wee hours with a child again, I couldn't write a coherent review to save my life.
But this is a lovely story, and I'm looking forward to more.
Thanks!
Author's reply
Oh dear! I hope all will be well! Don't worry about coherence, it's just nice to know you read!
RogerGamgee
· 20 October 2004
· Chapter 3
The Travellers come through once again! I was waiting to see what would happen when they showed up. I couldn't help but laugh at Sam being called 'Mr.' - being part of the 'working class' it would take a lot of getting used to, I suppose. I suspect Sam is uncomfortable with the notionn of 'being put on a pedestal', as it were - elevated to virtually equal status with Frodo and Merry, who are considered gentry.
So Diamond is still unsure about Pippin's feelings for her? I'm looking forward to seeing this particular romance blossom. Great work!
Author's reply
Of course they rally round Pippin most effectively, don't they? Sam's kind of getting a dose of his own medicine in a way--all these years that he's stubbornly "mistered" his best friends, now the shoe's on the other foot, LOL!
Well, she's only just been given the idea by her mistress, so she's bound to wonder a bit. I'm glad you are enjoying it!
SharonB
· 20 October 2004
· Chapter 3
And his cousin knew just what to do ... I think Lavender and Diamond are going to learn a lot more about "the precious athelas leaf" that each of the travellers have. But not as much as Poppy who went to study in Gondor.
And that "Mr. Sam" by teh stable hand and Appleblossom at the doorway, dear me how sneaky Eglantine is about seeing that Sam gets his due. I guess poor Sam is going to have to get used to it. If the important gentry are going to bestow that title on him, he'll just have to grow into it. ;-)
Author's reply
My Travellers came home well supplied with medicines from Aragorn and Elrond. I can't imagine either of those two healers letting their hobbits go without. Poppy has told Lavender a bit about it, and she will learn more over the next few months, as will Diamond.
Eglantine is determined to help Frodo give Sam a boost. She knows how much it means to him.