Reviews (179)

Beruthiel · 4 March 2005 · Chapter 15: The Rising Flames

Don't stop here! Evil cliffie! Must have more, soon! Loved the Master and Mistress watching poor Pip, clinging to each other. Really shows dire the situation is. What's Diamond been up to while she can't get near Pippin? I imagine she's going through a good share of angst, worrying about her husband.

Connie B. · 4 March 2005 · Chapter 15: The Rising Flames

Interesting chapter. I take it he's going to relive the whole quest before all is over. I did find one tiny typo. I think you meant to write cloths and you accidently wrote clothes. I couldn't help but laugh especially since the scene was such a tense one. Thanks. Connie B.

Pearl Took · 4 March 2005 · Chapter 15: The Rising Flames

AAAAHHHH!!! I'm writhing with him!! That horrible, terrible not being able to speak or scream, one of the worst of nightmares. And even Merry unable to reach him. *sigh* My poor, dear little brother!!! VWD

Larner · 4 March 2005 · Chapter 14: Homecoming

Now, if we can only get two stubborn old Tooks to apologize to one another.... Catching up once more.

Larner · 4 March 2005 · Chapter 13: Supper and Bed

I am feeling so for poor Pippin and Merry. I so hope Pippin recovers soon.

Bodkin · 4 March 2005 · Chapter 14: Homecoming

Foreseeing the arrival and presence of your grandson is not the same as enjoying being his grandda, you pig-headed Took! Why Paladin only seems to manage to show his pleasant side after dark in the presence of his wife is beyond me! He needs counselling! I'm glad I know that Pippin is going to survive this ailment - although these dreams don't seem to be quite as bad. And poor Diamond! Not only in the last stages of pregnancy, but worried sick about whether her infant will ever see his father. And Merimac has seen Pippin - and hinted at some important things that need to be known, should Pippin wake in his right mind. (Poor Ferdi. Poor, poor Ferdi.) But it's not over until it's over. And it's not over. Not for Ferdi, anyway.

Connie B. · 3 March 2005 · Chapter 14: Homecoming

Wonderful chapter! I am so glad to get to see a side of Paladin that had been missing for a long time. He really does love his son, even though he just can't tell Pippin that. Also Paladin has the gift of seeing. I always saw Pippin having this gift, but I hadn't thought of Paladin having it. He always seemed so grounded and rooted in reality to let something so imaginative have a part in his life. Looking forward to the next chapter. Connie B.

Hai Took · 3 March 2005 · Chapter 14: Homecoming

At least this round of dreams weren't nearly as bad. He was at least seeing Faramir, evenif there was an impending battle he was remembering old friends. It must be very difficult for Diamond to not be able to see Pippin. As well as be difficutlt for those who are watching him slip away. The way he come out of sleeping and waking is well done. I liked the way you had Paladin knowing that Pippin would return and able to see his grandson. That he knows at least of the nickname as great and that he was guessing the wrong names! Looking forward to more!

Elenar · 3 March 2005 · Chapter 14: Homecoming

I loved Paladin's "seeing!" It was nice to see the love there and his excitment fot his grandson.

Saoirse · 3 March 2005 · Chapter 14: Homecoming

Hullo! I just wanted to drop a note and let you know I am here and reading this and loving it (I often review all your stories but always with foolish, random names I think up...lol it is something I enjoy doing with all stories I read) Ahem. Anyways, here are some parts that I've just *loved* from this chapter -- so heart-wrenching! (from 3rd heart-wrenching-est to 1st) 3. 'The healer had decreed that the next would be the last, for good or ill. Either the fever would break, or Pippin’s heart would...' Oh, my! What a terrible, terrible thing. Especially to be weighing down on the heart's of all who love him so very very much! 2. (it's a tie) '‘She ought to see him now,’ Estella said. ‘She ought to say her good-byes now, while he’s at peace.' ' + ' ‘But...’ Estella argued, breaking off as her husband stiffened under her hands. ' How sad! Poor Diamond, she must be in quite the state! And I can only imagine poor Merry's already grief-frazzled, numb (no, no, he loves Pippin to much even to be numb)... oh maybe inexplainably destroyed and heart-aching nerves? Well, anyways, I can only imagine his nerves, sitting there hoping desperately his lad will pull through after so much that he's been through -- *knowing* he'll pull through (this is his Pip, after all, he can't just leave like this!), but the dark shadow in the back his mind that he won't let himself listen to, but that is ever-lurking there, is hinting wickedly that simply knowing is not enough. And numero uno: Alright... I couldn't pick just one, (so give me weed pulling duty or something), here are the TWO number ones. ‘I am coming,’ Merry said brokenly, leaning forward once more. ‘Do you hear me, Pippin? Even now I am riding to your side. The city will not fall, and the Rohirrim are riding to join the battle. Hold fast, cousin.’ Ah! My heart just lurched! and also: 'Merry’s lips moved silently as if he wished to protest that he was there indeed; but then he swallowed hard and said nothing, merely pressed his cousin’s hand.' Ah! Wonderful job! And I know I need not say to hurry and update (because unlike myself, who has so far resigned to write one-shots because I can never finish anything lol ;) ) you will! :)

Pearl Took · 3 March 2005 · Chapter 14: Homecoming

‘Now-then, lass,’ he said. ‘ ‘Tis truly I’m speaking. I’ve had a “seeing” about it. I know he’ll come, for I’ve “seen” him.’ Eglantine pulled back, sniffling, to peer earnestly into his face. ‘You’ve seen him?’ she said. She knew that amongst the Tooks some were given the gift of seeing things that had not yet come to pass, some more than others, but in any event it was never at will but only, seemingly, by chance. It was little spoken of, for it made other hobbits uneasy and gave credence to that old nonsense about “fairy blood”. Paladin had always been a sturdy and solid hobbit, not given to fancy. ********************* This touches me deeply, the whole chapter touches me deeply. To know that Paladin does love his son and his wife. To know he is happy to know there will be a grandson, even if he might never see the child himself. Makes it that much sadder he shows everyone else the cold, harsh, mad Paladin. I'm teary. If you wrote this with "While We Dwelt in Fear" hovering in your thoughts (as it seems you may have) then I am honored. Thank you, this is wonderful!!!! VWD :) :)

Beruthiel · 3 March 2005 · Chapter 14: Homecoming

"Paladin was always one to acknowledge hard truths, as long as he wasn't staring into his own faults." So very true. Someone smack the guy, already! Shouldn't he be more concerned with attempting to reconcile? He seems quite happy to go to his grave without ever exchanging a single kind word with his son, as long as Pippin will be Thain after him. How can he let Pippin go on thinking he hates him? Especially since he can plainly see how much his pig-headedness is hurting his wife. Get your priorities straight, Paladin! Ahem. Rant over. Write more please! Pretty please!

Dana · 3 March 2005 · Chapter 14: Homecoming

I love this from chapter 11: He was in a chair, however, which meant that someone was ill, or injured. He opened his eyes to see Pippin’s bruised face against the pillow. Estella sat in the other watcher’s chair, her head resting on one arm that lay across Pippin’s chest, and Pippin’s right hand was tangled in her curls. Both of them were asleep. My heart just kind of burst. *sigh* And I love Estella and Merry, and their exchange in that chapter, as well. They are so very well made for each other, and Merry is a lucky one, to have her. And I am sorry, but this: At last the struggle calmed, and Pippin lay still once more, Merry still pressing him to the bed. ‘Merry?’ Estella said, to be echoed by Pippin. ‘Merry? What is it?’ Merry rose slowly, cautiously, to find Pippin blinking up at him. ‘What’s this all about, Merry?’ Pippin said in a reasonable tone. ‘First your wife mistakes me for you, and then you...’ So made me smile and laugh. Oh, and this: Estella rose abruptly to her feet, laid Pippin’s hand down, and skimmed around the bed to Merry. Standing on tiptoe and seizing him firmly by the ears she drew his head down for a thorough and lingering kiss while Pippin politely averted his gaze, though a mischievous smile played about his lips. ‘There!’ Estella said in satisfaction as she pulled away at last. ‘That’s better!’ ‘I should say so,’ Merry said in fervent agreement. ‘What, naught for me?’ Pippin said, a twinkle in his eye. Love them all, I do. As for chapter 12: I so love how Pippin so hates honey. *grin* I know I went on most about 11 and 12 but 13 and 14 have been wonderful, as well. And here I thought I'd only stop by for a moment and say "Dana was here". Well, you got that, and more. (And I rather do love the end of 14.)

Dreamflower · 3 March 2005 · Chapter 14: Homecoming

Oh my! Paladin is so aggravating. He *knows* he's in the wrong. Will he admit it? Uh-uh. I still wish Merimac had punched him in the nose and got him drunk. I love the way you have woven Pippin's dreams in with the dialogue from the books, and the way Merry responds. Very beautifully done!

Grey Wonderer · 3 March 2005 · Chapter 13: Supper and Bed

The descriptions of Pippin's fever and his terrors is riviting. If I were wanting to bring him any message after that description, I believe I would give up hope of finding him alive. I think had I been Merimac I would have ridden back to Tuckborough to get his mother so she could tell him good-bye before he died or at least see him one more time. (I do realize that either direction he rides the result will be the same.) Merry must be frantic and poor Diamond con't risk the baby long enough to see him. I loved the squirrel as a warning sign in the tree. As to your explanation about the honey, I read the story in a chapter of "Thain" and then recalled it from "Rope". That would explain it all right! LOL

Hai Took · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 13: Supper and Bed

Pippin really paid pretty close attention. Esmeralda seemed surprised as well with all of the things he seemed to have found out. It must be terrible for him to try and fight these dreams and then to think/know that others are thinking he is dying. I hope the Badger gets to deliver the messages he needs to. Of course I know Pippin won't die but all the same the hurt of it all always makes me worry, even when I know the ends. Looking forward to more, and hope it's soon!

Connie B. · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 13: Supper and Bed

Oh dear, Pippin is at death's door again. He has more lives than a cat. No wonder he was so fragile in the early years of his Thainship. He had survived being crushed, the old gaffer's friend and this illness all in a few short years. I know the crushing and pnuemona damaged his lungs, but did this illness also damage his heart? Please write more soon, now that the computer is working. The suspense is killing me. Thanks. Connie B.

Elenar · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 13: Supper and Bed

Poor Pippin! I can't wait for more!

Dreamflower · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 13: Supper and Bed

Oh dear! Poor Merimac, rushing to Pippin's side... *whimpers*

Pearl Took · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 13: Supper and Bed

Ok. Alright. I hate to do this as it's most hard on the writer, but . . . please hurry!!!! I feel in dire need to know what happens next! VWD, m'dear! :)

Andrea · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 13: Supper and Bed

OMG! It takes a bad turn. Poor Pippin! I think if he only wakes enough from his fever dreams to recognize Merry at his side, he well calm down and sleep better. But it seems, he doesn't recognize anyone anymore. Can't wait for the next update - but I must! BTW, your update frequency is really amazing :)

Bodkin · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 12: Cream and Honeycomb

Oh no! If Merry is worried enough to keep away from the gathering of hobbits, he is really worried about Pippin. Although his absence might be a good thing for Other Reasons. Between the Tookish lullabies and threats of honey-laced food and drink, they're managing to subdue Pippin. Now all they need to do is cure him!

Anso the Hobbit · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 12: Cream and Honeycomb

Oh, poor Pippin! Now I am really worried about him. At first you had me more worried about Merry but of course, he couldn`t leave Pip, not when he is so ill as he is now. Lovely chapter!

Grey Wonderer · 1 March 2005 · Chapter 12: Cream and Honeycomb

That was so like Pippin to think that he was dying and that Merry was staying close because of him. I love Esmeralda'a way with him. She settled him rather quickly. I was pleased to see that you had posted another chapter in spite of your computer woes. I am so spoiled for mine that my hand writing isn't readable anymore. If I had a story on paper, I would never translate my own scribble. Oh, been meaning to ask this one. In all of the fictions that I have read by you, Pippin hates honey. Is there a story behind it in a fiction that I've missed or is it just a matter of taste with him? I am amused by it and wondered if there was more to it.

Pearl Took · 1 March 2005 · Chapter 12: Cream and Honeycomb

Poor Pip! Fearing he's dying and no one telling him. ‘He is supposed to meet Merimac in the Woody End this evening,’ Pippin said, ‘yet he has made no sign of stirring. He ought to be in the thick of the preparations! He’s the most—the most—preparingest hobbit I ever knew!’ Wonderful!!! Simply wonderfully put!!! VWD as always :)