It Takes a Took by Dreamflower
mariposa · 20 October 2004 · Chapter 1
This is great, I am enjoying it a lot! And here's one little thing that caught my doula-in-training eye: **She was not particularly concerned about a nursery, as she fully intended to keep the babe and its cradle in the room she and Sam shared. But she supposed that eventually they would need one.** Haha, good for Rosie, she rooms in! :-)
pipinheart · 20 October 2004 · Chapter 2
Love it! Diamond thinks herself beyond pippin's charm. He likes her to be sure,but what will turn her to him... He likes it that she is a healer,because you can speak of things... Perhaps he want to talk to someone who will understand the memories he holds...A great story, please update this soon....
Author's reply
She doesn't think she has time for his charm right now, and she probably is right, after all she's the Shire equivalent of a medical student! But since when is the head going to tell the heart what to do? Pippin wants a certain intelligence and depth of character in the lasses he's interested in. An interest in becoming a healer almost automatically makes that a given. And it's true--a healer is less likely to be repelled by his unpleasant memories.
SharonB · 19 October 2004 · Chapter 2
Ah, so Pip is interestsed but Diamond isn't? Well, well that is going to have to change. Ah least she does think "he's hansome and dashing". Poor Merry about to run off on this own or as Sam put is shot like an arrow. He has to get to his Pip. Those two are so intertwined. I hope you let MErry help move Daimonda nd Pip along that road we know they take together. Looks like you are setting things up to be quite interesting in the next few chapters.
Pearl Took · 19 October 2004 · Chapter 2
This is off to a grand start!! :-)
Author's reply
Thank you! 8-) Hope I can keep it up to your expectations!
GamgeeFest · 19 October 2004 · Chapter 2
Ok, you're going to have to tell me what h/c means now. Am confused. ??? Cute chapter. Pippin's fooling himself to think no one's going to notice how he feels about Diamond. Lavendar's already figured it out, and you know it'll take all of one second for Merry to see it also. Seems Diamond's already fallen for Pippin to a certain degree. Handsome and dashing, hm? Sam's reluctance to leave his wife alone was completely accurate, as was Merry's readiness to leave without him.
Author's reply
H/c stands for "hurt/comfort" a type of fic where one character ( *usually* Frodo for some reason, but not always ) gets hurt or sick, and everyone rallies around to take care of him and give him lots of comfort. Sometimes they can be really, really angsty, but I usually prefer my angst in moderation. I don't care for suffering just for the sake of suffering--I like it to have some point to it. Mainly Pippin doesn't want his mother or sisters interfering (fat chance, LOL!) and also to spare himself some teasing; plus he doesn't know how *she* feels yet. Merry? Oh, Merry will know right off the bat, if Pippin doesn't just tell him first. Handsome and dashing--that's our Took, and she couldn't help but notice, could she, even though she doesn't think she has any interest in lads right now. Sam's a newlywed, with an expectant wife, so of course he's a bit reluctant, and you're right, Merry *would* have left without him.
Bodkin · 19 October 2004 · Chapter 2
I've just been hit by another saying that could almost fit the title! 'It takes a Took to tango.'
Author's reply
LOL! Do they tango in the Shire? Hmm...
Pipwise Brandygin · 19 October 2004 · Chapter 2
Oooh, this is wonderful! I've been hoping you'd write something like this ever since you introduced Diamond in one of your challenge stories, and this is just fantastic. I love your anxious Merry, and brave Pippin, and the moment when he woke up and saw Diamond was so sweet. I like very much that the healer wants none of it! I hope there will be lots more chapters to come! :-)
Author's reply
Glad to be of service! The waking up scene was the first part of the plot bunny to strike, so I'm happy that you enjoyed it. Healers are *busy*--they mostly don't think they have *time* for romance. I'm not exactly sure how many chapters there will be yet. I used to try and predict, but after "A New Reckoning" turned out at 72 chapters, when I had planned for 20, I gave up trying to guess.
FantasyFan · 19 October 2004 · Chapter 2
First, let me say I'm enjoying this fic, and I like the way it continues the relationships and situations set out in the aerlier stories. I think Pippin and Diamond are likely about 6th cousins, which means there are seven generations back until a common ancestor. (Your first cousin is two generations back to a common ancestor, your granparents). But not removed: that means there are differences in generations. Your first cousin's children are your first cousins once removed. Your children and they would be second cousins, but not removed (same generation). Of course, there is no way to tell if Pippin and Diamond are exactly the same generation, since her geneology is not listed, but if not they would probably be no more than once or twice at the most removed. Since Paladin is not being extremely precise, I would probably have him call Diamond a sixth cousin and leave it at that.
Author's reply
Thanks for the information. I will probably go back and edit that shortly, to reflect the relationship more accurately.
Bodkin · 19 October 2004 · Chapter 2
That's it - warn them off each other. I can't think of anything more likely to stimulate their interest!
Author's reply
Well, Paladin is not so much warning Pip off as he is cautioning him that his interest might not be returned very easily. Medical students *don't* have a lot of time for romance, after all. But Lavender *is* warning Diamond off--she is concerned about the whole patient/healer ethic, as well as not wanting her apprentice distracted. She may have been a bit premature, as until her mistress said something, the idea had not occurred to Diamond--nothing like putting ideas in her head to get just the opposite effect, LOL!
eiluj · 19 October 2004 · Chapter 2
I rarely review, but I do love all your stories, and am looking forward to the rest of this one. I see that no one has yet commented on the degree of relationship between Pippin and Diamond, so I will try to. [Apologies if you have already received fifty much clearer private emails about this!] We have the Took family tree in Appendix C. As far as I know, we do not have anything more for the North-tooks. Peregrin and Diamond’s most recent mutual ancestor is Isumbras III, Bandobras’s father. Pippin is 7 generations after Isumbras III. Diamond is descended from Bandobras, but we have no idea how many generations later. There might be more generations from Isumbras III to Diamond than from Isumbras III to Pippin, or there might be fewer. Let’s assume for the moment that there are the same number of generations for Diamond as for Pippin. This is just to make it easier. Isumbras III’s sons Ferumbras II (Pip’s ancestor) and Bandobras (Diamond’s ancestor) were brothers. Ferumbras II’s son Fortinbras I and Bandobras’s son were first cousins (they shared the same grandfather). Fortinbras I’s son Gerontius, the Old Took, and Bandobras’s grandson were second cousins (same great-grandfather). Gerontius’s son Hildigrim and Bandobras’s great-grandson were third cousins (same great-great-grandfather). Hildigrim’s son Adalgrim and Bandobras’s great-great-grandson were fourth cousins (same great-great-great-grandfather). Adalgrim’s son Paladin II and Bandobras’s great-great-great-grandson were fifth cousins (same great-great-great-great-grandfather). Paladin’s son Peregrin and Bandobras’s great-great-great-great-granddaughter Diamond are sixth cousins (same great-great-great-great-great-grandfather). In the above version, Peregrin and Diamond are in the same generation, therefore there are *no removes* in their relationship. Suppose there were *more* generations between Bandobras and Diamond than between Ferumbras II and Pippin. If there was *one* more generation, then Pippin and Diamond are sixth cousins *once removed* (i.e., one generation removed, one generation away). If there were two more generations, then Pippin and Diamond were sixth cousins twice removed. If three generations more, sixth cousins three times removed. Et cetera. If instead of more generations, there were *fewer* generations between Bandobras and Diamond than there were between Ferumbras II and Pippin, then it’s a bit more complicated. First we need to find out what generation Diamond is in. Is she in Paladin’s generation (one generation away from Pippin)? If so, we look at the relationship between Paladin and the North-tooks of his generation: same as the list above: they were fifth cousins. So Paladin and Diamond would have been fifth cousins, and Pippin is one generation removed from Paladin. So Pippin and Diamond would have been fifth cousins *once removed*. If Diamond had been another generation earlier, she would have been Adalgrim’s contemporary: they would have been fourth cousins. And Pippin is two generations removed from his grandfather. So Pippin and Diamond would have been fourth cousins twice removed. Hope this helps….
Author's reply
Thank you so much! You are the only one so far to address the issue--I will definitely re-examine the relationship in the light of your information. I realize now that I should have counted all the way back to Isumbras III instead of just to his sons, but the other bits about removes I am still a bit shaky on. Check this chapter back in a day or so. I'll make a change, and give you the credit!
Kitty · 18 October 2004 · Chapter 2
This will be interesting with Pippin in love with Diamond and Diamond reminded to be a healer only. And Pippin so embarassed about his needs. Males, indeed! *grins* In this chapter I loved especially the little scene with Pippin and Paladin. It seems they have mended the rift between them - this was so much better than their strained relationship after Pippin returned from the Quest. And I was quite amused about Pippins reason for his interest in healers. But he is right, I think. Can't wait for more!
Author's reply
Well, we can't let the course of true love run too smoothly now, can we? LOL! And so far, Diamond really has no interest beyond being a healer. Guys *do* tend to get embarassed about things like that, but his father was there to help. Pippin and his father have mended the rift now. Pippin's timing when he left on the Quest was very painful--his tweens were very rough on the two of them--and so his return was difficult. But they had a good solid relationship when Pippin was a child; it just took a little while to readjust. And I thought Pippin might find the attitudes of most lasses of his own age and station to be a bit shallow. But a lass who was intent on becoming a healer (one of the few professions open to hobbit females in my version of the Shire) would definitely have a more serious outlook on life. After what he experienced during the War, he would not have much patience for flightiness.
Ariel · 18 October 2004 · Chapter 2
Yes, well, I always have had a weakness for hurt/comfort - and if it isn't Frodo, it'll most likely be Pip I'm reading about. LOL! Nicely done.
Author's reply
Well, I have to admit, I like a bit of h/c as well, as long as it doesn't get *too* angsty. And Pip lends himself to it very well doesn't he?
Merry_the_Hobbit · 18 October 2004 · Chapter 1
WOW... this is a neat idea. I hope it doesn't take you too long to continue it! I am very anxious for Pippin!
Author's reply
Thanks! I'm glad you like it so far! And don't worry *too* much about him--I would *never* let anything *permanently* nasty happen to any of our four heroes!
SharonB · 18 October 2004 · Chapter 1
Ah, so we are proceeding after a New Reckoning. And that North Took is going to be taking care of Pippin in more than one way. ;-) A good start to another story. I see that Pip certaily has grown up while away. Instead of whining and moaning while trapped he remembers how he was taught to help control the pain. I imagine that he could have been a bit of a pain as the pampered young son after all those girls. But to reach above that really shows his growth. And he and Merry really are connected for Merry to sense somthing was wrong. I'm anxiously awaiting more.
Author's reply
Pippin did indeed grow a great deal. Simply knowing that he has survived worse in the past would help to give him a bit of perspective. I am sure that he was spoiled and pampered as a young child--by his parents, his sisters and his cousins. But I feel that it never spoiled his loving and generous nature, though he might have come to take a few things for granted. He certainly got over that during the Quest! Merry and Pippin are very intuitive about one another. I'm glad you're enjoying it so far! Thanks for the review!
Kitty · 18 October 2004 · Chapter 1
Poor Pippin, has he not suffered enough broken bones at Cormallen? ;-) It is so much like Pippin, to save his brother-in-laws without thinking about his own safety. Just the same as at Cormallen with Artamir and Adrahil. But it is a very nice idea how to introduce him to Diamond and have them spend time together. Maybe she is able to tame this horrible patient! And I love the bit about Merry being nervous without obvious reason. It shows how close they are.
Author's reply
LOL! When I started asking my husband about broken legs (he's a nurse, so handy for picking his brains) he asked who it was for, and when I told him, he said very nearly the same thing, and then asked me what poor Pippin ever did to me!! I think that the circumstances will definitely give them time together. Merry and Pippin are very connected, I think, and so intuitive about one another.
Lindelea · 18 October 2004 · Chapter 1
dd says she especially liked the part where Merry was on edge all afternoon for no apparent reason. She says it sounds just like Merry to know somehow that Pippin is in trouble!
Author's reply
I do think that Merry and Pippin are deeply connected, and that this kind of knowledge would not be unusual for them. I believe hobbits are very intuitive when it comes to those that they love the most. I think of this as something that would be simply accepted. Indeed, JRRT often has characters say things like "my heart tells me" this or that, and everyone takes this information as very matter of fact and valid.
Lindelea · 18 October 2004 · Chapter 1
A promising beginning! Am looking forward to more. (One of the dds read this as well and is very enthused!)
Author's reply
I'm glad to hear that! How old is she?
GamgeeFest · 18 October 2004 · Chapter 1
Yay! Pippin and Diamond! So, it's the Florence Nightengale syndrome? Though I imagine Pippin would fall for her anyway. I like the little note on Eglantine calling Sam "Mr. Samwise" to help him gain some respect.
Author's reply
Yep--nothing like a little h/c to help form a bond, is there? This is continuing the process that was begun at the Ball, of helping Sam achieve the respect in Shire society that he truly deserves. I think some such process must have taken place. Of course, many hobbits would already respect him for all his hard work at greening the Shire, but for those at certain levels of society, a bit of the trappings doesn't hurt either. This is, by the way, not something with which he himself would be very comfortable, but in this case, Frodo knows best.
Bodkin · 18 October 2004 · Chapter 1
'It takes a Took to catch a Took'? Variation on the well-known saying about persons of a larcenous disposition?
Author's reply
Actually I had *two* well-known sayings in mind: the one that you mentioned, and also the one about "It takes one to know one". But you are the first to catch on.
pipinheart · 18 October 2004 · Chapter 1
REally love it! Poor pippin with a broken leg,and he saved both of his brother-in-laws.... With Diamond there to help bring him back to full health... Merry,is upset,and him,frod,and sam will rush to his side... A great story,please update soon...
Author's reply
Oh yes, poor Pippin! When I was picking my husband's brain about the broken leg he wanted to know who it was for. When I told him Pippin, he said "Poor Pippin! What did he ever do to you?" I'm afraid he doesn't quite get the concept of h/c. LOL!
Bodkin · 17 October 2004 · Chapter 1
The only problem with Pippin and the lovely healer's apprentice is that he is such a pain of a patient! And not noted for co-operating with his healers. . . Still, I suppose that the beauteous Diamond might stand a better chance if she uses her natural advantages with him. And marrying him to a healer sounds a very sensible use of natural resources. I look forward to seeing Diamond attempting to subdue the irrepressible Pippin!
Author's reply
*Chuckle* He can be difficult, can't he? But who do you suppose will be subduing whom?
pipspebble · 17 October 2004 · Chapter 1
Goodie, goodie, gumdrops! A new h/c fic from Dreamflower! And it has started out so nicely! I hope you post early and often. I do so love your long stories!
Author's reply
Oh *blushes* thank you. I am not sure exactly how long this one will be--I know where it starts, and where I want it to end, I'm just not sure yet how long the middle will be!
RogerGamgee · 17 October 2004 · Chapter 1
I was wondering when you'd pick up the pen again...good to see you writing another tale. I like the way you've connected this story with 'A New Reckoning' - I remember reading about Opal's amputation. Rose doesn't think they'll need a nursery, eh? If she only knew... Looking forward to the next chapter...this promises to be a good one. *vbg*
Author's reply
I've been doing a few shorter stories and drabbles, and was ready for something a bit longer, though not quite yet for the sequel to "A New Reckoning". This one is sort of a sequel to "Tribute". Rose is looking forward to this first one staying in the room with her and Sam. I don't imagine she will feel quite the same way as Bag End begins to fill up! LOL! 8-D