Hai Took
· 17 February 2005
· Chapter 7: Meanwhile
I loved Merry and Pippin discussing names for the babe and after all of that Pippin saying they were fine for lasses but what if it was a boy? Wonderful humor!
Also Merry and Pippin discussing why Pippin won't go back to Tookland. I can see why he wouldn't want to and you blend it all so nicely with your other stories.
Merimas not caring much about the "rules" and just going to speak to the Thain was very appropriate to a Brandybuck ;) They don't let many people daunt them. It must have been quite difficult for Eglantine, not only just this particular instance but also the whole on going arguement between Paladin and Pippin.
Looking forward to more! Hope it's soon ;) Thank you!
Author's reply
I know that humour is one of the things that I find endearing in hobbits. Grace under pressure.
I have actually seen a real badger under attack by a dog and several people with sharp sticks, trying to drive it away from the houses and back into the woods. "Undaunted" would be a perfect one-word description.
You're right; I can only imagine Eglantine's pain over "losing" her son. Even though he lives, he's as lost to her as if he's died, and she has no guarantee that he will ever be restored to her again, short of losing her husband. What a terrible choice!
Thanks to dh I was able to post more today.
Thank you for your comments!
Anso the Hobbit
· 16 February 2005
· Chapter 7: Meanwhile
I`m reviewing three chapters in one here, I hope you don`t mind. I read offline so this is more convenient when catching up on long stories.
What a horrible nightmare for Diamond, and now Esmie and Estella knows the horrid details too. It`s for the best though. All those lasses are strong and their love Pippin and Merry so much that they would live with that if it helped heal their lads.
sometimes you have to laugh to keep from weeping
Indeed! A tender and excellent chapter. and Esmie is very wise to make Diamond talk I think.
Lol! I have to smile at the way Pippin discarded one name after another, but naming the child after Merry isn't a bad idea and it sounds all right too. And thankfully we know that Pippin will find peace with the Tooks.
I`m worried about the rest of the Shire though. I dearly hope no-one will come to harm, to think of Sam and the little ones up in Hobbiton.
and another Merry Brandybuck? That family isn`t very creative when coming up with names for their lads, lol! You`re the first one I`ve seen calling Merimac Merry.
and for a moment Merimac saw in his face the Paladin he’d once known, kind and wise, loved and loving, content with his lot as an humble farmer. That Paladin had been scoured away by the cares and demands on the Thain over the past dozen years
Yes, that is so sad to see, and a very good description I think. Still Paladin has love and care to give and I am very grateful for that. he is not a bad hobbit, even if he behaves badly.
Author's reply
I am thrilled that you are reviewing three chapters in one, for it means you are reviewing and I do find feedback so heartening.
I don't know if I could write the estrangement, if I didn't already know about the reconciliation!
As far as Merrys amongst the Brandybucks... it struck me that perhaps Merimas and Meriadoc were named in honour of Merimac. Hmmm. Merry, Merry, and Merry Brandybuck. Reminds me of a family reunion with children lined up on a wall and two uncles with cameras ready to shoot. "Okay, look at Uncle Bill!" "Which one?" LOL
Somehow I have trouble imagining "bad" hobbits, don't you? They might behave badly, but I even managed to rehabilitate Ted Sandyman in the end. Whew!
Thanks.
Beruthiel
· 16 February 2005
· Chapter 7: Meanwhile
I suppose Merimac's about to find out about poor Ferdi. I've had a look at the family trees, and I think I know why Pippin still isn't going to hear anything about the shunning. Very sad.
I feel quite sorry for Paladin, but still don't like him much. You have to admit he brought a lot of his misery on himself by refusing to show Pippin the slightest bit of respect and being so #*&!ing stubborn.
Like how Merimac slowly dragged out his revelations so that Paladin had to say his son's name. (Was Paladin getting a bit of revenge for that by mentioning a missing hobbit, and waiting for Merimac to get worried before explaining about the ditch?)
Author's reply
Yes, very sad. I'd put it off and not write about it, leaving it to some unknown time later in the year, if not for the large plot hole that would be left in this story.
Ah, yes, the verbal fencing between Paladin and Merimac. How common between old and formerly dear friends.
We are our own worst enemies... (who said that originally? Or is it just one of those universal truths?) How often we bring our own misery on ourselves by our choices.
Which reminds me; I had better get offline before RL bites me in a painful place.
Thanks.
Bodkin
· 16 February 2005
· Chapter 7: Meanwhile
Oh Paladin Took! What an impossible hobbit he is! Has Eglantine never thought about a swift right hook to the nose? Followed by a knee to a more sensitive area? He is absolutely determined to cut off everybody's noses to spite their faces. He does care - but he'll be damned if he'll show it. Idiot.
How is Merimac going to avoid discovering the dreadful truth about Ferdi?
(Gothmog: there are two. First Lord of Balrogs in Gondolin and Second that really good-looking second-in-command to the the Witch King at Pelennor Fields. Neither make the name top of the Took namelist, I would think.)
Author's reply
Aha. Gothmog. Not a name that sticks in my memory.
Paladin... interesting to write. But depressing. I intended him as a foil for Pippin's character development, but could not make him one-dimensional, and now I pity him greatly. (Even as he irritates me.)
Merimac is on the case, but there are twists to come.
Thanks.
Connie B.
· 16 February 2005
· Chapter 7: Meanwhile
Okay, you're right. I do feel a little sad for Paladin. If he'd been left in peace as a farmer, things might have been deferent. He's not happen, and therefore, no one around him is either. How sad to spend the last years of his life in such bitterness.
At least the orcs hadn't got any farther than the Old Forest.
Nice chapter, and glad to see it so soon considering RL issues.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Well, I'm too tired to get up early to write, and there are no breaks during the day to do dribs and drabs, not the way the schedule has been this week. But dh has given me the gift of online time for an hour or so each evening, bless him.
Yup, the only gift I could think to give Paladin (without re-writing my "history" as I've envisioned it thus far) was to write of his love for his son and his wisdom and understanding in the early chapters of "Thain", right up to Thain Ferumbras' revelation, which sounded the death-knell or at least the beginning of the end of their relationship, I think.
Thanks.
Dreamflower
· 16 February 2005
· Chapter 7: Meanwhile
Well, at least Paladin was halfway sensible about it, even if grudgingly so. And I was as surprised as Merimac when he offered to send help.
I do like your Merimac.
Author's reply
I like Merimac too, and am tempted to see if the Muse would be so kind as to whisper a story of his earlier days with Saradoc and Ferdinand and Paladin. I'd imagine they were high-spirited young hobbits upon a time. After all, it's fascinating to wonder just how Esmeralda got hooked up with a Brandybuck!
Thanks.
Grey Wonderer
· 16 February 2005
· Chapter 7: Meanwhile
I hated to see Eglantine suffer through that but was glad that Paladin had to say Pippin's name himself before he was granted the news of his son't health. A great chapter! Now, I wonder how Merimac's visits with old friends will go and what the result of all that will be? Was also glad that the mention of the North Tooks gave Paladin more to be annoyed by. His pride has certainly lost him a great deal in his life.
Author's reply
Yup, I'm not going to let Paladin off easy, at least I hope not.
Pride is a terrible thing, isn't it? And so often seems to lead to bitterness...
Thanks.
Grey Wonderer
· 14 February 2005
· Chapter 6: A Took by any Other Name
I was so pleased with the conversation between Merry and Pippin about Pippin's refusal to return to the Tooklands. It sheds so much light on just how he feels about taking on the Thainship and more importantly, about returning to the control of his father. Wonderful dialogue and I thought it so like Merry to know when to let it drop. The name game was interesting too. I do like Stridin! So glad that more of this was posted. Loved this line:
‘That you’re running away from anything still astonishes me.’ If Merry expected his cousin to be stung by the words, he was mistaken. Pippin’s mouth tightened, but that was all. ‘Pippin...’
Show's Merry's faith in him even if he doesn't have that faith in himself yet.
And of course this from Pippin on the subject:
‘I don’t like the hobbit I become, when I’m under his critical eye, under the lash of his tongue,’ Pippin whispered. He straightened. ‘Here, I’m of use,’ he said. ‘Here, when I have an idea, I’m not told to keep my nonsense to myself.’ His voice grew more confident as he spoke. ‘Here I have the impression that I can make a difference, that I can make good...’ His eyes flashed, and he nodded, a sharp jerk of his chin that Merry had often seen in Esmeralda when she’d made up her mind. Stubborn Tooks, once their minds were made up it would be about as possible to budge them as to change the course of the Brandywine.
I could copy and paste this entire chapter but I better not. LOL
Author's reply
Poor Pippin. He is only recently promoted to Steward, after all, and while his Brandybuck relations have perfect confidence in him, his memory of life amongst the Tooks cannot be confidence-inspiring! Makes his courage all the more remarkable, when he decides to leave Buckland and take up the challenge of being Thain.
Thanks for the encouragement. I'd write more but RL is still dominating the schedule and I've spent too long online already. (Story of my life...)
TopazTook
· 14 February 2005
· Chapter 6: A Took by any Other Name
Glad to see Pippin back in his story and Merry taking care of him -- although he seems pretty confident that baby's going to be a lad, doesn't he? (And it's always so much more annoying when those stubborn ones are *right*.)
Author's reply
Yes, annoying, and amusing when they're wrong, and somehow I cannot bring myself to write a happily married couple with one insisting the babe is to be one thing and the other insisting the opposite! So for the most part they talk about "the babe" but once in awhile they slip and say "him". Though I remember secretly wishing for a little daughter when waiting for our firstborn to arrive, I also remember wishing for my dh's sake that it might be a son... still, I don't think he'd trade any of his daughters for all the world.
Thanks!
Dreamflower
· 14 February 2005
· Chapter 6: A Took by any Other Name
Name his child to spite the Tooks, huh?
Isn't that just like Pippin? *grin*
"Turning his head slightly on the pillow, he saw his cousin, wearing what he’d come to think of as his “Cormallen smile”. "
Such a perfect way to describe an expression of fond concern, trying to hide as a smile. It immediately transports me to the aftermath of the battle, and Merry watching over his companions with fear and love.
" ‘I don’t like the hobbit I become, when I’m under his critical eye, under the lash of his tongue,’ Pippin whispered. He straightened. ‘Here, I’m of use,’ he said. ‘Here, when I have an idea, I’m not told to keep my nonsense to myself.’ His voice grew more confident as he spoke. ‘Here I have the impression that I can make a difference, that I can make good...’ His eyes flashed, and he nodded, a sharp jerk of his chin that Merry had often seen in Esmeralda when she’d made up her mind. Stubborn Tooks, once their minds were made up it would be about as possible to budge them as to change the course of the Brandywine. "
And this pretty much sums up his relationship with his father in your Shire: Paladin will never give him any credit, or acknowledge that he has grown up, and Pippin in his presence, will stubbornly live down to his expectations. So sad.
And no wonder he wants to name his son to spite the Tooks.
Author's reply
Y'know, somehow I can see Pippin doing this... But after perusing the Took genealogy, I find only three names that deviate from the apparent pattern: Gerontius, Sigismond, and Faramir. Altho... looking at the children of Gerontius, they don't exactly follow the pattern, either (of showing family or clan through suffix). You'd think Isumbras IV would have been his firstborn, looking at the names of his forebears, but no, we have -grim and -gard preceding him. (And no sons with the suffix -ius. Must have been a special case, his naming, don't you think? And did he have a reason for naming the first two as he did, and using -bras for the first time with his third child?)
Now I begin to wonder--Gerontius the exception (ah, the fun of dealing with "exceptional" hobbits!)--if the naming convention applied only to the firstborn son (daughters don't count--no I don't mean that the way it sounds, only that their naming is not constrained by the same convention of suffix. And though JRRT seemed amused to name all the children of a family with the same starting consonant, it wasn't a hard-and-fast rule, once again looking at Gerontius). But wait, Reginard and Everard both end in -ard. So there goes *that* theory.
My goodness, the bunnies that arise from a simple analysis of names!
Author Reply: p.s. Yes, it sadly sums up the Pippin-Paladin relationship well indeed.
Sometimes I'm tempted to start an entire new cycle where Paladin continues a warm and loving father, and the estrangement never happened. "AU" if compared to the world I've already written, but certainly within the pale (is that how you spell it, used that way? I know how to say it but not how to spell it) of canon.
And hopefully the world and personalities and relationships I've been imagining the past two years are also "possible" within the confines of canon.
Author Reply: Anyhow, what I was saying above, while musing on names, was that naming practices in the Took clan seem pretty well laid-out and constrained by tradition, in which case "Faramir" would be a large break!
Beruthiel
· 14 February 2005
· Chapter 6: A Took by any Other Name
"All very well and good, to name a lass as such, but what'll I do if the babe is a lad?" LOL!
Liked the mix of serious and light topics in this chapter. Especially the mention of the trouble with Paladin. Nice to finally hear a little bit of Pippin's side of things, and it's clear that he doesn't know about Ferdi's shunning. (Are his parents ever planning to tell him about that? They must realize he doesn't know, especially if they mentioned it in one of their early letters, which Pip sent back unopened. Or do they actually think he wouldn't care about Ferdi, so no point in telling him?)
Are you ever going to update "Thain"? (Can't help asking, getting greedy for more Pip-Paladin angst)
Author's reply
The next chapter to "Thain" has been written in draft for awhile; we are just wrangling over how much "background" to cut before posting the edited draft. The birthday party, after Ferumbras' bombshell, really is pretty boring stuff.
What with gossip and Tooks, and the fact that it was written to him (even though he didn't open the letter--perhaps Paladin didn't tell Eglantine this), I think his mother assumes he knows about Ferdi; her heart is truly grieved at his apparent hardness. Paladin, of course, may know the truth of the matter but seeing how he manages to ignore Ferdi, he may well be ignoring the rest of the truth as well. In a sense, as Ferdi says in another story, Paladin is likely pretending to himself that Pippin is on an extended visit to Buckland and that he'll return someday, and all will be well.
...besides the fact that he's suffered a series of small strokes, some of which may have diminished his ability to think clearly and reason things out, or at least may have clouded his thinking. Poor Paladin. He really is a tragic figure.
Thanks.
Bodkin
· 14 February 2005
· Chapter 6: A Took by any Other Name
Poor Ferdi. Poor Ferdi. Poor Ferdi. Who is currently living under the Ban because his cousin refuses to return to Tookland. Who endures - what is it? - nine years? ten? as the Invisible Hobbit.
On the other hand, who can blame an ignorant Pippin for not being willing to throw himself back to the wolves (aka Paladin). And, even more, for not wanting to thrust Diamond into the hotbed that is the Smials.
I'm glad he seems to be recovering a little. Faramir is a pretty un-Tookish name - but we could come up with others, although some you wouldn't want to inflict on a child. Gothmog, for instance. Or Grima. Eomer Took wouldn't be bad - although that should be saved for a Brandybuck.
Keep Pippin's mind on happier thoughts, Merry. That's the way.
Author's reply
Ah, yes, poor Ferdi. I had to think of him when I realised Merimac was at the Smials and would invariably seek out his old co-conspirator. How would it be that Pippin was ignorant of Ferdi's fate when he returned to Tookland after nine years of the Ban for Ferdi? Had to work out a way to explain it adequately.
Looking in the genealogies gave me a clue, but also not a little sorrow.
Gothmog. Now there's a name I can't place.
Thanks!
Connie B.
· 14 February 2005
· Chapter 6: A Took by any Other Name
How sad it is that families can be torn apart by the actions of one person. I wonder how different things would have been had Paladin just once treated his son with respect and listened to his ideas. I know the elder hobbit was not happy with his own situation, but to transfer his displeasure with his own situation onto his son is just so sad. Pippin is bright and imaginative and could have made a very positive difference in his father's later years if he'd only been given a chance. But change comes slowly to many and Paladin appears to be one of those. He missed a great deal by not giving his son a chance.
Pippin is not totally without fault, but in a way I can't blame him. It's sad to see one so young so bitter at his family. Stubborn parents and stubborn children can be a hazardous combination.
I just hope Pippin doesn't name Faramir out of spite, but because that's the proper name for his son.
Thanks for another good chapter. Glad RL let up the strangle-hold long enough for you to get it done.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Thanks! It's another busy week, so we'll see if I can manage to update again before the weekend or not...
Well, Faramir won't be named *completely* out of spite, though there will be that element to it... not that Pippin would ever admit it to anyone but Merry.
Paladin is more of a typical hobbit than the Travellers. I remember reading in Tolkien's letters that he found them very... what was the word he used? Annoying or irritating or something like that.
Hai Took
· 9 February 2005
· Chapter 5: Supper Preparations
Poor Diamond! It must have been awful and terrifing the first time she heard Pippin speaking in his sleep about such things! I'm glad though she had used it to her best advantage and his!
I was glad that Estella ended up listening, it is something she needs to know as well. Maybe she can help Merry, although he doesn't actually go to sleep these days does he? Although I'm sure there are other ways she will find to help!
Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Posted more, and another half-chapter written, though if I'll finish it before the weekend is anyone's guess.
I was glad Estella listened, for I wouldn't want to have to go through writing it out again!
Thanks.
Very well done. Both of them so brave and yet so sickened by what they were speaking about. It seems Pippin's talking in his sleep is both a blessing and a curse. Now, I wonder how Estella will handle the news and if she will be able to help Merry through all of this. Just do have to mention hos much I liked this line from Esmeralda:
‘I’ve faced all sorts of fears. Being Mistress of Buckland is no tray of teacakes.’
Also, I loved that they tried to keep things in terms of food rather than what it really was for as long as possible. Great chapter!
Author's reply
Sometimes the little ones talk in their sleep; you can actually follow the conversation at times!
I think Estella is stronger than anyone gives her credit for. She may appear to be delicate, but she has a core of fine steel. If she were a weapon I think she'd be a foil or rapier(? if I am remembering correctly what that is), appearing fragile but in actuality very flexible and strong. She'll make a good Mistress of Buckland some day.
Thanks!
Larner
· 8 February 2005
· Chapter 5: Supper Preparations
Ah, yes, the Uruk-hai would probably have included cookery lessons in their verbal torment, wouldn't they?
Author's reply
Yes. I can only imagine that, frustrated by their inability to torment the captives satisfactorily on the long run to Isengard, they'd have used words to inflict as much pain and terror as possible.
But we are considering how, and if, to tone down the chapter, if only to keep the entire story from gaining the R-rating. Tough choices.
Thanks.
Bodkin
· 8 February 2005
· Chapter 5: Supper Preparations
Dark. Very dark. As it should be. Playing with orcs is not like an evening in the Green Dragon.
Poor Diamond, listening to Pippin re-live all the least pleasant parts of his adventure. I can imagine him being unable to keep it in as he sleeps - he lives on the outside of his skin rather. Merry keeps things much closer to his chest - and would be as determined to protect Estella as he always was to shield Pippin.
Gruesome to listen to at the best of times - but hearing it and realising it could have so easily happened to your son and nephew. I'm not surprised Esmeralda was upset.
Author's reply
ah, Mistress of Understatement.
I'm with Esmeralda; the images were quite upsetting to me, and yet I couldn't "banish" them until I had "got them out" by writing them down.
Thanks!
Dreamflower
· 8 February 2005
· Chapter 99999: Notes
*Uggh!* *whoosh* But at least you didn't hint at certain *other* Orcish practices often hinted at in other fics.
This is probably much worse than Esmeralda or Estella had any idea of, poor things, but it only goes to show just how tough Diamond really is.
Author's reply
Ah, yes. Y'know, those "other" practices never even crossed my mind, reading Tolkien, though the line "he gives us man-flesh to eat" is what conjured the scenario in "Seeing the Forest" and in this follow-on.
Yup, nothing tougher than Diamond. (I fear I have just punned. But true.)
Connie B.
· 8 February 2005
· Chapter 5: Supper Preparations
I really like your Diamond. She's strong and smart and so supportive of her husband. So many authors have them in an unhappy marriage. Not that I don't enjoy some of those portayals, but yours is a refreshing change of pace.
The orcs really are nasty creatures. This is made so clear by this chapter. I mean we know they are cruel, brutal and have no love for other living things, but to do what they do to prisioners they plan to eat is horrible. This must have been a hard chapter to write. Just thinking about anyone, let alone my beloved Pippin, going through any of that is very unsettling.
Thanks again for a great chapter. More please.:)
Connie B.
Author's reply
Just wanted to let you know, no updates until Monday--absolutely swamped. Not even time to answer reviews 'til then!
But thanks for commenting, I really look forward to Monday!
Saoirse
· 8 February 2005
· Chapter 5: Supper Preparations
Oh, my... how terribly sickening. I know tonight I shall perhaps pass on the chicken, and maybe have potatoes instead! Poor Pippin, and Merry!
I am quite glad that Estella snuck in. Good for you lass, now help Mer!
Author's reply
Yes, like Pippin I can say I'll never quite look at food the same way again.
Estella is fine steel clothed in elegance. I think she'll do fine. Now if I can just nudge the Muse into showing that part of the story...
Thanks.
Author Reply: On second thought, "elegance" doesn't sound very hobbity. So perhaps I mean what passes for elegance for hobbits!
Hai Took
· 7 February 2005
· Chapter 4: Just in Time for Tea
oh dear, I do hope there aren't any more Orcs in the Shire! But it is certainly better to be safe tahn sorry! Sam, leastways had dealt with Orcs before and will be good oppositions if need be. Frodo-lad was certainly shar enough to catch his father taking the sword with him! That would be a frightening considering they have only heard of the sword being used against such foul creatures.
At least Eleanor was able to continue her party inside. I liked that you made her wish to be able to travel and see the King and Queen, very nice way to incorporate her later visit.
Pippin's dreams were a bit rough, weren't they? Good thing he wasn't able to fight back to much, I would hate to for him to hurt anyone! Good thing Diamond's voice was still recognizable for him! Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
If you *really* want to know whether there are more Orcs in the Shire, it's in "Seeing the Forest". If you like to wait and see how the story unfolds, then you won't have to wait long. We're moving right along.
I hadn't thought of Pippin hurting someone, fighting back, but it's likely, isn't it! He's learned something about fighting. Good thing he's not well! (Never thought I'd say that)
Thanks!
Connie B.
· 7 February 2005
· Chapter 4: Just in Time for Tea
Ya know, if I didn't love a certain Took so much, I'd find that whole clan so annoying that I'd want to be far away from most of them. They seem to delight in being purposefuuly obtuce. I know that most of it is Paladin's fault. I don't know if he has some sort of superiority complex, or what.
There really aren't orcs in the Shire, are there? This is all percautionary, right?
Oh, please write more. This is getting good.
Connie B.
Author's reply
I'm not sure you can lay annoying Tooks at the Paladin's feet. I think they've been rather set apart since the first Took became Thain. In any event, they have more Fallohide in their blood than other hobbits (except perhaps the Brandybucks) which makes them "different", and they may well be difficult out of self-defence! Imagine someone accusing you of having fairy blood in your ancestry (which is not at all a compliment, according to hobbits!).
Poor Paladin, it was not so much superiority complex as scramble to survive, which hardened into habit with a goodly dose of cynicism mixed in.
Will try to update soon. Have written the draft nearly to the end, now just need time to flesh out some scenes and type in a chapter at a time. And I've come down with another cold (drat!) which is robbing me of energy and the ability to concentrate.
Thanks.
Anso the Hobbit
· 7 February 2005
· Chapter 4: Just in Time for Tea
I love how Esmie threatens Pip to take him over her knee if he does`t behave and his reaction was just perfect, lol. He knows to obey her.
Now you have me worried about both Diamond and Pip. And I like how you had Saradoc think about what to tell Merry. He knows the lads so well of course, and he knows how Merry would react to bad news.
Poor distraught Merry is do scared, almost loosing Pip again.
Oh, this is getting more and more exciting too. Orcs in the Shire? Poor hobbits! They are in for a very nasty experience I believe.
Author's reply
Well, actually, Anso... or would you be upset at a spoiler? Anyhow, this story follows the sequence of events laid out in "Seeing the Forest".
I love the way Esmie threatens even grown-up Pip with taking him over her knee. You know there's got to be a story there...
Will update as soon as I can, but I have a bad cold which makes it harder to get up before everyone else.
Thanks!
Pearl Took
· 6 February 2005
· Chapter 4: Just in Time for Tea
This is getting increasingly intense, goodly so. I'm thinking I may have the Took problem I've mentioned to you before with the next chapter, but I'll give it a try and see what happens.
"He smiled down at her, cupping her face in his hand. ‘I’m sorry, Ellie,’ he said, casting a look at the brilliant sky above, ‘but I’m afraid there’s a change in the weather. It looks like rain, don’t you think, Rosie?’
Rose looked at the sky, bewildered, and then at her father’s grim face, mirrored by his sons’ faces, a look she hadn’t seen since... Ruffians? But it would frighten the children to voice the thought. ‘Why, I think you have the right of it, Sam,"
Wonderful!!! so like Sam! VWD as always!!!
Author's reply
Ah, that dratted Took problem. Well, glad to hear you'll give it a try. There really isn't much Paladin in the draft of this story. Don't know if his role will be expanded yet, but at the moment there's no real reason to, I think, as I don't want this to turn into one of the mega-stories.
I just love hobbits and their light talk in heavy circumstances! Thanks.
Dreamflower
· 6 February 2005
· Chapter 99999: Notes
Go Sam! It's such a shame it had to ruin little Elanor's birthday.
And poor Pippin, such horrible flashbacks and nightmares, he needs Merry. But Merry is probably not in any condition to comfort him.
Oooh, and I *love* your Merimac! He's my new hero! LOL!
Author's reply
So glad you like him. I've always thought a great deal of him, bold marauder-against-the-ruffians and lover of liver...
I also owe you thanks, for your nudge reminded me to include Sam at this point in the story. I mean, I *knew* what he was doing, but hadn't really written it out, just as I knew what was going on in the Great Smials (had worked out why Ferdi wasn't in the thick of it, besides his shunning, that is, but it was all background)
Thanks!