Postcards From the Shire by SlightlyTookish
Larner · 22 February 2006 · Chapter 43: Renewal
And the first reunion appears out of nowhere, and with one they were certain they'd not see again in Middle Earth. So glad they were thinking of the others just before Gandalf's arrival! Wonderful!
Author's reply
Thanks very much, Larner! This part of the chapter always intrigues me. I love how impatient Gandalf is when he first meets Merry and Pippin here. It's a wonderful moment. How shocked the hobbits must have been! :)
Larner · 22 February 2006 · Chapter 42: The World Ahead
For me it was seeing the house we first lived in when we moved to the Coast after years of not seeing it, noting how the house was almost to the property line and the huge yard next door wasn't huge after all. And a wonderful look at another way in which Pippin might indeed have realized he needed that time apart in Crickhollow, learning to be a Hobbit of the Shire again before coming back as the Thain's Heir. A wonderful look at how we can't truly just come home again.
Author's reply
Thanks so much, Larner. I think the adjustment must have been especially difficult for Pippin, who is still underaged in the Shire and yet has seen and done so much. It must have been a struggle for him to decide to leave his home and his family and move to Buckland with Merry, where he would be with someone who understood him and where he didn't have to pretend that things were all right when they were not (and I'm sure things were not all right all the time). It's one of my favorite aspects of the book to think about, as we never learn from Tolkien himself what Pippin's motivations were for leaving. Lots of fodder for fanfic there!
Frodo Baggins · 22 February 2006 · Chapter 44: Namesake
Oh, how sweet! Pippin never seemed to grow up in a sense, always that sweet, and mischeivous, little part in him. Always energetic and jovial. :) Hannon le, again! Namarie! God bless, Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
Pippin has a great sense of humor. I don't know how much Merry would appreciate it though! Thanks for reading, FB!
Larner · 22 February 2006 · Chapter 41: Everything Bright
The first sight for the reawakened Peregrin Took, and finding it is clearest for the nearest present and desired glimpse of family love. So glad Merry was there for the awakening.
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner! I'm glad Merry was there too. I couldn't let Pippin wake up all alone, now could I? :)
Larner · 22 February 2006 · Chapter 40: Helping Hands
So often that's what children need--not toys and fancy clothes, but to be included.
Author's reply
That's very true. I think that especially for Pippin, as the youngest, being included would be extrememly important. Thanks for reading! :)
Frodo Baggins · 22 February 2006 · Chapter 38: Guess Who?
Aww! How sweet...dear little Pip. So annoying, but then so irresistably cute! Just like my little brother. Hannon le for writing such a sweet little bit of fluff! :) Namarie, mellon nin! God Bless, Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
Well, I wouldn't call Pippin annoying, he's just being a playful and energetic child! But he is awfully cute :) I'm glad you liked this. Thanks for reading!
Larner · 22 February 2006 · Chapter 39: At the End of One Quest and the Beginning of Another
Oh, I would So love that, you know, to see Ents again beginning to propogate.
Author's reply
So would I! I'm sure Pippin and Sam were able to find the Entwives somewhere :)
Pearl Took · 19 February 2006 · Chapter 40: Helping Hands
I can so see Pip wanting to help . . . especially if it's digging in the dirt ;) Well done :)
Author's reply
Thanks, Pearl! Pippin is helpful, isn't he? I think he would especially want to help Sam, and to prove that he could be useful :)
Pearl Took · 19 February 2006 · Chapter 41: Everything Bright
Yes, Merry's grin would take the weight of the world off of Pippin :) :)
Author's reply
I think so too! I can't imagine Pippin waking up after all that and *not* being surrounded by his friends! Thanks for reading :)
Periantari · 18 February 2006 · Chapter 12: Spring Fever
lol i love this. Poor Merry! =) Pippin all in charge here--sweet. ;)
Author's reply
Thanks! I like a little Merry h/c sometimes, especially when Pippin has the chance, for a change, to be the caregiver :)
Lindelea · 18 February 2006 · Chapter 35: A Took by Any Name
Lovely gap-filler! This part made me laugh. "You could learn a thing or two from your elders, Pippin- namely how to keep up. You certainly have not mastered that yet." Before Pippin could protest Merry plopped down beside him on the bench and stole the last piece of bacon from his plate.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad that bit made you laugh. Poor Pippin! He'll never stop being the youngest!
Lindelea · 18 February 2006 · Chapter 40: Helping Hands
I do like what this says about Sam, and about Pippin--so much in so few words! Not that Pippin was bad-tempered, for all that his cousins spoiled him. Sam had never met a more good-natured child, and it was for that reason alone that he only grumbled a bit whenever Pippin trailed him through the garden, which happened often enough, during his visits. Ah, I like this picture.
Author's reply
Thanks so much! It's something I've written about a couple of times in other stories. I like the idea that Sam and Pippin were friends, despite differences in age and social status. A child certainly wouldn't notice that sort of thing, and I don't think Pippin is the sort of person who would as a tween or adult, either :)
Lindelea · 18 February 2006 · Chapter 42: The World Ahead
The Great Smials seemed small from this height, but even on the ground home seemed too small to Pippin, its ceilings lower and its walls closer than he remembered. I wonder if it is because he's seen the wider world, the taller halls of Men, or if he's just grown up. I remember going back as an adult to visit the school where I spent my tender early years. Everything was so much smaller and more cramped than I remembered!
Author's reply
I wonder if it is because he's seen the wider world, the taller halls of Men, or if he's just grown up. Both, definitely. I almost wrote that in, but then I decided a bit more subtlety would be better :) That sort of thing has happened to me, too. Not only did my high school seem smaller, but I noticed all sorts of small, random things - new paint, new benches. Even the little changes seem bigger when you have been away for a time. I'm sure the four travellers experienced the same when they returned home - but of course, they had huge changes to deal with too.
Lindelea · 18 February 2006 · Chapter 41: Everything Bright
even though he knows he has slept for far too long he still feels tired and hurt, too tired and hurt to move anything but his eyes This sets the scene marvellously--the disorientation of waking after a long sleep, yet not waking rested, because of course he was hurt nearly to the death. (Sure glad for the healing hands of the King!) his brow furrowed they way it always does when he is worried or weary, and now he is both Very nice bit of description. But Pippin does not mention it, he just smiles softly and squeezes Merry’s hand. Merry grins, his cares falling from his face. How deftly you sketch the relationship between them. A lot of meaning, packed into an economy of words. Nicely done.
Author's reply
This sets the scene marvellously--the disorientation of waking after a long sleep, yet not waking rested, because of course he was hurt nearly to the death. (Sure glad for the healing hands of the King!) I'm glad too! And not just for the King. Gimli will always have a special place in my heart for finding Pippin. I'm so happy you liked the description here, thank you for mentioning that. I'm trying to be more descriptive in my writing. It's nice when I know the extra effort pays off :) Thanks so much, Lindelea. I really appreciate the lovely reviews you left me today. A nice thing to find waiting in my inbox this morning! :)
Andrea · 18 February 2006 · Chapter 41: Everything Bright
It is not until he settles on Merry that his eyes adjust and he can see. Wow! This is beautiful! What Pippin needs is not a powerful wizard in shining robes nor a dwarf in glittering mail - only his Merry. Really hobbity and very Pippin. Thank you :)
Author's reply
Thanks so much for leaving such wonderful feedback, Andrea! I'm so glad you thought it was hobbity and Pippiny :)
Andrea · 2 February 2006 · Chapter 39: At the End of One Quest and the Beginning of Another
Wow! That was great! The same question came to my mind while I was re-reading FotR: What if that tree Hal saw, was in fact an Ent wife? I like the idea of Pippin and Sam going on another "quest" to see, if this might be true. *This* bit was just lovely: Sam looked doubtful but Frodo laughed as he once did, so loudly and full of mirth that it sounded strange amongst the quiet trees. "Well, that's something I didn't expect – Pippin telling Sam to be patient!" And I agree, that's really extraordinary ;-)
Author's reply
Heehee, yes. A patient Pippin is a remarkable thing! :D I've wondered if Hal saw an Ent, too. I love those little bits of information in the book that are never really explored - it gives writers lots of ideas for fanfic! Thanks for reading, Andrea. I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)
Pearl Took · 2 February 2006 · Chapter 39: At the End of One Quest and the Beginning of Another
So much to like in this, ST!! Pippin telling Sam to be patient. Sam thinking so quickly of Ham's Ent sighting. Pippin not having words to describe Ent eyes. Wonderfully done :) :)
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoyed this, Pearl! Thank you for pointing out what you liked :) I'm always interested in those seemingly "throw-away" lines, like the reference to Hal seeing the walking tree. Tolkien never revisits it directly, but I think Hal definitely saw an Entwife! And I find in interesting that Pippin, who is such a talker, can't find the words to describe Treebeard's eyes. They must have been very special to render Pippin speechless! ;)
harrowcat · 2 February 2006 · Chapter 39: At the End of One Quest and the Beginning of Another
Now there is an epic of a plot bunny that you have given yourself Slightly Tookish! And a perfect quest for these two. And what a story for Sam to tell Frodo when he sees him again. I always get a little thrill when the hobbits meet Treebeard and I remember that snippit of conversation. I often think that the Prof short-changed us on the journey home and Sam's reaction to the Ents was one of the bits. But then, what would it have left such productive and wonderful writers such as yourself to do!
Author's reply
Thank you very much, harrowcat! I really appreciate your lovely feedback :) It is a bit of a plot bunny! *grin* I've tucked it away for "someday." Sam is difficult for me to write, and I need a bit of a break from him, lol. But I like the idea of them finding the Entwives in the Northfarthing and reuniting them with the Ents. So it's definitely a possibility! :D
Andrea · 30 January 2006 · Chapter 38: Guess Who?
...Bilbo is making a mushroom pie for supper and I was trying to help but I think I got in his way because he told me to go bother Frodo... LOL! Did Bilbo really say that? Sneaky old hobbit! If I were Frodo I would start giving Pippin additional writing lessons, so that he can write his own letters as soon as possible ;-)
Author's reply
Frodo does give Pippin some writing lessons! One of them happened in the very first story I wrote :) Thanks for reading!
Larner · 29 January 2006 · Chapter 38: Guess Who?
Frodo DID have to suggest that Pippin help write a letter. A lovely note.
Author's reply
Frodo was a bit too impulsive, it seems! Thanks for reading, Larner :)
Larner · 29 January 2006 · Chapter 37: At the Brandywine
One teaching the other how to make paper boats. Lovely reminder of our own childhoods.
Author's reply
I'm glad it brought back happy memories! Thanks for your feedback!
Pearl Took · 29 January 2006 · Chapter 38: Guess Who?
Yea!! Pippin triumphs in the fine art of sneaking up on cousins :) So very cute!! I loved it ST!!
Author's reply
Of course Pippin would master that art! He has so many cousins to practice on! :D I'm so glad you enjoyed this. Thank you, Pearl!
harrowcat · 29 January 2006 · Chapter 38: Guess Who?
Thanks for your very quick response. I have just spent the intervening time browing back through your postcards and thought that I would drop back in to tell you what and enjoyable hour I have just had!
Author's reply
That is very sweet of you! Thank you so much! I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed them. It's fun to write these tiny scenes, and even more fun to receive feedback like yours :)
harrowcat · 29 January 2006 · Chapter 38: Guess Who?
Hmm I think Frodo might still be writing when the mushroom pie is cooked and ready to be eaten. So who did he protect from Trolls? It certainly wasn't himself was it!!?! *g*
Author's reply
Well, he kept Beregond from being bitten by one, so I guess that's something! :) I think you're right - Frodo will be writing for a very long time! Thanks for reading :)
Marigold · 16 January 2006 · Chapter 14: You Don't Have to Know Everything
Oh, this is so wonderful! So funny, and so in character! I loved all of it, especially the end! The dialog is wonderful! You have a real talent for humour : )
Author's reply
Thank you so much! It was fun to writre something silly like this for a change. I have to be in the right frame of mind for humor, but whenever I do write it I always have fun with it. I'm very glad that you liked it! :D