Anso the Hobbit · 16 April 2005 · Chapter 7: Home Again, Home Again
She`s lefthanded! Very nasty one that old Mistress of hers. I`m very happy she got to a better one, and what a wonderful healer she turns out in the end. Very nice, Lin! :)
A Healer's Tale by Lindelea
Reviews (464)
Anso the Hobbit · 16 April 2005 · Chapter 6: Interlude
This was lovely! It must be very hard to be the beloved of a healer, seeing your loved one help people battle with death itself and in Pippin`s case over and over. Typical Pip though to think of others first. Please let Merry come soon. this almost had me in tears: And perhaps that strength of will shall not be sufficient to keep him, even so. I know not what to dread more: greeting Merry and bringing him to Pippin’s side, to watch their last parting; or greeting him with the news that he is come too late, and his cousin has already gone. Another awesome chapter, Lin. Off to read more. :)
Bodkin · 16 April 2005 · Chapter 10: Interlude
Poor Pippin. In fact, poor everyone. This is a very painful hobbit death-bed scene. And even here, Pippin is injecting humour - saving the liver for Isum, indeed! I want to know what Pippin's final trick is - and just how he plans to save Regi from the horrors of Thainship. Ride, hobbits! But don't arrive before Pippin has had time to let us in on his secret.
Author's reply
I'm sorry. The painful death-bed scene is due to get more painful before things get better... and then worse... and then... but you already know the story, don't you? Yikes. And now you know the rest of the story. (How did Paul Harvey manage to sneak in here?)
Andrea · 16 April 2005 · Chapter 10: Interlude
Oh my god, now I'm really in a fix! I have not yet read "At the end of his rope" and now I see, there might be still hope for Pippin? I'm really tempted to read that story. But after all, that would change the experience with this actual story completely, would'nt it? It would not be fair for Pippin to die so young, but was it fair, that Frodo had to leave Middle Earth? At this point of the story, everything is possible! I'm enjoying this story very much, thank you!
Author's reply
True, everything is possible! I am glad you're enjoying the story. Will continue to try to update at least weekly, if not oftener. Depends, of course, on the demands of real life... Thanks!
Beruthiel · 15 April 2005 · Chapter 10: Interlude
Ouch, that was painful to read. Can't wait to see what Pip's up to regarding the succession. One last untraditional parting shot from the Shire's least predictable Thain? Am very interested in seeing Diamond and Farry's last words to Pippin before the Ent draught works its miracles. I second what FantasyFan said, go ahead and kill us with angst. Just a thought, we never saw Farry's reaction to Pip's sudden miraculous healing in "Rope", did we? Perhaps you could stick that in this story somewhere?
Author's reply
Hmmm, sounds like something he'd want on his gravestone. "The Shire's Least Predictable Thain" Diamond and Farry's last words are either in the next Interval yet to be posted, or the one after that. Depends on how the chapters break. Am glad to have your go-ahead, for the scene is so angsty it hits me in the pit of the stomach. Will give your last suggestion some thought. It isn't in the draft of *this* story either, just because of the symmetry in the story's ending. But perhaps I can tack on an epilogue. Thanks!
FantasyFan · 15 April 2005 · Chapter 9: Family Matters
That's a narrow escape for Woodruff, isn't it? Lobilia tries every trick in the bully's handbook - misdirection, threats, half-truths and outright lies, intimidation and insult, and the one that almost works, fast-talking bravado. She knows that hardly anyone will stand up to her: unfortunately she's run into a mass gathering of exactly those who will, including Bilbo, Saradoc, and the Thain. Sometimes it's very satisfying to think that a good person reaps the remards of their goodness, which is what happens to Woodruff here. It's only been a month and a day, but she has people who love her, who recognize her worth, and who are willing to stand up for her. Partly because they are good people themselves and don't wish to see anyone mistreated, but also because Woodruff has proved herself to be competent, genuinely helpful, and a caring person in her own right. And I think Ted has a crush on her. Will he wait seven years for her apprenticeship to finish? I suppose he can, since he can see her anytime he chooses to visit his grand. I wonder who in their family Ferdi and Rosemary inherited the truth-telling ability from? Were there to be a known truth-teller in that gathering, Lobelia's lies would have been even more obvious. But Ferdi and Rosemary are too young to speak out. Perhaps it was their mother, which would be consistent with the later fears of madness also being passed down, or perhaps it skipped a generation? In any case it seems that this abilibty is secret until the time of 'Runaway' so it wouldn't be of full value here anyway. Lovely little detail in the naming ceremony. Merry can't get Peregrin's whole name out, so it sounds like Pippin. And Pippin smiles to see Merry dancing for him. Just lovely. It's also fun to see characters like Everard so young. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Woodruff's story. It is quite a gift to us all that your 'background' characters are so fully realized and vibrant. FF
Author's reply
Yup, the Tooks are "salt of the earth". I think this is the first time I've shown the social dynamics of the ones living outside the society of the Great Smials at any length (there was a glimpse of non-Smials Tooks in "A Small and Passing Thing", but not much of one). For all the faults that make them interesting to imagine, they are solid and dependable. Ferdi and Rosemary inherited the truth-telling ability from Stelliana, their mother. I remember one of them says somewhere that they could never put anything past their mother, or something like that. Of course, the ability seems to be linked to a certain instability, as so many genetic gifts seem to be IRL. Everard is *very* young here! I imagine Reginard got quite a scolding for taking his little brother along on a bee-tree raid. (Though it is more likely that Everard tagged-along without Regi's knowledge until he jumped in at the last and likely upset the bees when Regi was nearly finished, and successful up to that point.) Thank you for another insightful and thought-stimulating review!
FantasyFan · 15 April 2005 · Chapter 10: Interlude
Oh, this is so wrong, wrong, wrong! Pippin's not supposed to die so young, in such terrible agony, with everything unfinished, surrounded by Nell and Vinca and Pearl, who love him but can't really understand him. He has to go when he's very old and quite ready, quietly and without pain, with Merry and Aragorn and Legolas around him: the family of his heart. And it wouold kill Merry if he died without him, impossible as it becomes to hold on forever. It's just too painful to think about, so of course when you write it I think you're holding back from the full weight of angst you could dump on us. We all know and can be comforted by knowing how the story really ends, so go ahead, kill us in the next chapter, when Diamond says her final goodbyes. On a more practical note, I was interested in Isum's promise that Diamond and Farry can have a home on the farm, and Farry an interest. Of course, he's too young to be Thain, and so the succession will pass out of Pippin's branch of the family. But I am wondering about the custom of the widow of the Thain retaining the title of The Took, if she chooses. I doubt that Diamond would choose to do so, but she could, I think, and then how would that be handled? It suonds like a loophole in Hobbit law to me, and a good way for a widow to negotiate quite a 'parting package' were it to be necessary. And of course, I wonder what Pippin has got up to even in his dying moments. He's cooked up some spicy dish to feed the Tooks, but knowing Pippin it may not be to their taste. Who could he possibly name as sucessor? Reginard is full ready to take on the dreaded burden, and as steward everyone is expecting him to be named. Ferdi is special assistant - or is he still head of the escort? - but if anyone is singularly unsuited to be Thain, I think it is Ferdi. You know who I think would make a marvelous Thain would be Nell, but that might break with too much tradition. It must be a Took, so that leaves out a whole cast of characters. Will he name someone from outside the Great Smials? Oh, I should give up, I never can outguess Pip. Hope your busy weekend is joyful instead of only busy. FF
Author's reply
Umm, you're right, Diamond and Farry's farewell is going to be difficult at best. In Isum's promise, I forgot the twins! So have had to rewrite just a little bit to put them in. Yes, Diamond could retain the title of Took, or so Llinos told me once when we were discussing Paladin's death. (Eglantine could have remained "The Took" or head of the family, but she chose to give it up. Though Ferdi continued to consider Eglantine the head of the family, as he said in "Flames".) Parting package... gives "retirement" a whole new meaning. So if you've read the next Interlude you know what Pippin's cooked up. The question is, will they swallow it whole or spit it out? Ooo, Nell as Thain. I toyed with the idea of Pippin naming Pearl, actually, but thought that it might be too radical, considering the weight of tradition. The idea wouldn't have even as much chance as a snowball in a very hot place... Thanks! Author Reply: p.s. Ferdi is special assistant. He lost his position as head of escort when he fell in the race and broke his arm again... well, not exactly then, but when the next Tournament rolled around, he was ruled out because of his infirmity. Tolly shot the best score and so he became the head of escort; meanwhile Pippin promoted Ferdi to special assistant and required him to be at his side whenever he had to meet with someone, as a sort of organic tape recorder. And that way, Ferdi also learned an awful lot about administration...
Hai Took · 15 April 2005 · Chapter 10: Interlude
Oh dear, you have be crying like a baby and I know that it turns out all right! All of your good-byes are very well done and make it much more sad than it was in At the End of His Rope! Although I am curious what is going on, is Regi the one being named successor or does he have someone else in mind? Could it possibly be Ferdi? Or is it even someone else? Looking forward to more and hoping there isn't too many more tears in it!
Author's reply
You are an excellent guesser! There will be quite a few more tears in an upcoming Interlude, I'm sorry to say, but you know me. It'll all come out in the end. Thanks!
babzee · 14 April 2005 · Chapter 99999: Story Notes
I am so glad I've already read At the End of His Rope. Otherwise, I'd just be a wreck, reading this. It's lovely to have a backstory for Healer Woodruff. Och, aye, I love your Pippion. And I love how all of your stories dovetail so nicely. You've created a beautiful and believable Shire. Thank you for letting me visit it so often. I can't tell you how often your stories have driven me to happy tears.
Author's reply
And I thank you for the encouraging words... somehow when I sit down at the keyboard or take up the pen and the words won't flow, I read reviews like this and the door is unlocked and flung open, and I can catch a glimpse of what is beyond, just enough to start again. Thanks!
Mysterious Jedi · 14 April 2005 · Chapter 10: Interlude
I wonder who Pip means to name? I don't suppose it matters much, since he isn't going to die, but I'm still curious. I'll be looking forward to an update sometime withing the next several days! <>< Saved from Sin Through Christ, Mysterious Jedi
Author's reply
Well, now you know. (I think you've read the next Interlude, haven't you?) But what will they do about his wanting to set aside tradition? That remains to be seen. Thanks!
Pearl Took · 14 April 2005 · Chapter 10: Interlude
Perhaps I should have waited to read, as I'm already rather teary today, and yet . . . and yet the love shines through and the gentleness pervades and the tears are good ones indeed. Thank you. :)
Author's reply
I'm sorry you were teary, and hope the trouble is better now. Not all tears are evil, they say. *hugs*
Connie B. · 14 April 2005 · Chapter 10: Interlude
Oh, a cliffhanger! Yes, I know how it all works out, but it is still hard to leave them at this pass. Oh, Lindelea, you are ssoooo evil; in the most delicious way.:) Thanks for the update. Looking forward to next week and a new one. Connie B.
Author's reply
This, unfortunately, will continue to be a cliffhanger, at least all the Interludes will. Just one, long cliffhanger, yup. Thanks for putting up with me!
Dreamflower · 14 April 2005 · Chapter 99999: Story Notes
He consistently spelled "waggon" and "Travellers". It took me ages to wrestle my spellchecker into accepting those. Good for you!
Author's reply
Thanks! Every once in awhile I'll be reading along in the original and a light bulb will come on (or I'll wince, finding that I've made an assumption that doesn't hold up...) LOL!
Dreamflower · 14 April 2005 · Chapter 10: Interlude
*Whoosh!* If I did not know what was coming, I'd be climbing the walls. I very nearly was anyway--you almost made me forget what will happen! If you'd marked this story AU, I'd *really* be biting my nails. I like the way each family member speaks to him; I love the way he manages to respond,though he is barely able to breathe. ("Save the liver"--made me smile through my tears.) Hope you have a nice weekend! Take care!
Author's reply
What a terrible thing to do, to mark the story AU! It is bad enough to post these chapters, knowing the outcome! (I am the sort who reads the first chapter and last chapter of a book before diving into the middle. Write the same way.) I do believe Pippin is incorrigiable (don't know how to spell the word, tho). Thanks!
Hai Took · 14 April 2005 · Chapter 9: Family Matters
I like seeing that Woodruff has been adopted so nicely into the family! That Ted's mum made her the dress and Sweetbriar just "happened" to find the ribbons for her hair, lovely! The naming day always sounds like such fun! I loved reading the different things that are given as these, Merry having the hiccups was makind me laugh and Frodo's gift was very original! What a wonderful party it turned out to be! Despite the S -B trying to make a mess of things as usual. I did like that Bilbo seemed to be involved in their loosing this victory as well, it is always so nice to see them beat! Looking forward to more! Thanks for the fun!
Author's reply
Yes, a lot of happy "coincidences", indeed! I'd imagine Bilbo would be happy to be involved in thwarting one of Lobelia's pet projects...
Mysterious Jedi · 13 April 2005 · Chapter 9: Family Matters
Whew, that was close. Tooks are daft, but they're not a bad lot, really.
Author's reply
I know a number of people who verge on daft, yet have hearts of gold. So it is nice to write something showing the Tooks in a good light! (And I had to get out of the Great Smials to do it... Farm folk. Good, solid people.)
Bodkin · 13 April 2005 · Chapter 9: Family Matters
I suppose that any chapter that starts with sweetness and light can only be preparing the reader for a drop. Sweetie - new dress - Ted - adopted - freed from fear - off to a party - dancing - presenting the infant Pippin with a gift. All TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE. So along comes the Wicked Witch of the South Farthing, together with her flying monkeys, to undo all the good that has been done. And, in truth, even worse than the Return of the Mummy - the pressure to become the Bride of Lothostein. Thank goodness for a bunch of happy Tooks - none of whom wish to gratify the villains, who swirl off with their black cloaks wrapped round them and cries of 'Curses, foiled again'. And now Woodruff is a Took - rescued by Ferumbras himself. Hurrah!
Author's reply
Very funny. At least I hope you meant to be funny. Because if you were serious, then my writing is MUCH TOO predictable and I might have to KILL OFF a major character or something in order to regain my sense of balance and not-writing-to-a-formula objectivity. (How DOES one write a chapter that is entirely sweet-and-light? I think I've done it in the past, but only after a great deal of angst has preceded it.) It's how Ferdi nearly died in "Merlin", you know. I just had the feeling that my "happy endings" were "getting old" for the reader, and so something desperate had to be done. Thus Ferdi died in the first draft of that story. (As a matter of fact, the first draft of "Gentle Rain" had Ulrich hanged rather than rescued at the last moment. Those pesky revisions!) But then I got the idea of making him the blind hero of "Solid Ground" and then I had a long heart-to-heart with a sympathetic friend who allowed me to talk myself out of writing his death. Whew. Just think, there would have been no "As the Gentle Rain" or "Truth". Perhaps I won't take these comments seriously, then, even if you were being serious. What to do? What to do? Will revel in Woodruff's adoptive Tookishness. Yes. That's the thing.
Pearl Took · 13 April 2005 · Chapter 9: Family Matters
Alright!!! Go Tooks!!! Go Ferumbras!!! I just love to see the Sackville-Baggins' lose ;) And I gather "Pippin" comes about from Merry's hiccoughs ;) VWD!!!!!
Author's reply
Very perspicacious of you! (I had to look that word up to be sure it meant what I thought it meant.) That is exactly where we decided "Pippin" comes from, when we were brainstorming. It helps to have an excited little one chirping suggestions whilst hiccuping. Thanks!
Connie B. · 13 April 2005 · Chapter 9: Family Matters
URrrrr! Those nasty S-B's. I'm so glad the Tooks came to Woodruffs rescue. I didn't realize the old Thain had such a forceful personality at need. I had also just thought of him as a "mama's boy". Guess he did have a backbone when he needed it. I hope old Rosie gets her come-upance--we already know her relatives do.(evil grin) What an exciting chapter. Looking forward to the next one. Connie B.
Author's reply
I think when he was out from under Mama's gaze, Ferumbras could be forceful. Unfortunately, that wasn't very often. I don't know what happened to Rosie; she doesn't enter the story again, at least, not the draft. Perhaps she came to a bad end. Perhaps she inflicted herself up on her relatives in her declining years. That might explain some of Lobelia's bad temper! Thanks!
Dreamflower · 13 April 2005 · Chapter 9: Family Matters
Goodness! What *won't* those Bracegirdles and S.-B.s do? Not much, apparently. Looks like Lotho couldn't get a bride on his own and decided to buy one. Tsk...tsk...tsk! It was a good thing Sweetie had already set the adoption in motion! And I still want to see someone punch that Bracegirdle witch in the nose!
Author's reply
Those S.-B.'s. "Pillars" of society, indeed, making them think they're "above it all". I get the impression that Lotho never married. Gee, I wonder why?
Citrine · 13 April 2005 · Chapter 9: Family Matters
Eeek! Ack! My heart! Not Lotho Pimple! Help! Go, Tooks, to the rescue! Oh, man, I'm laughing at myself now, but a minute ago I was leaning hard into my keyboard, like I was clinging to Woodruff's skirts! Don't get in that coach, girl! Hee. Whew boy. One chapter of this story makes me cry, the next one raises my blood pressure. Keep 'em coming:o)
Author's reply
Yikes! Your heart! Hope it has calmed down... there's a bit more to this roller-coaster, so eat something soothing. Chocolate, perhaps?
Glassadar · 13 April 2005 · Chapter 9: Family Matters
That was great! poor Woodruff, :( I sympathize with her. I dont think that the wedding had been planned "forever".
Author's reply
Thank you! And you are right, it hadn't been planned "forever" at all!
Pearl Took · 12 April 2005 · Chapter 99999: Story Notes
The wonder of this just continues on. *Sigh* I'm teary over both The gradual freeing of young Woodruff and her loving care of the Hobbits of Great Smials as an old accomplished healer. I am so impressed with this story. VVWD!!!!!
Author's reply
Oh, thank you so much for your encouragement! She certainly wasn't born a Took, but she became one, or as close as you can be without actually *being* one...
Mysterious Jedi · 11 April 2005 · Chapter 8: Interlude
and that was MJ, sorry
Anonymous · 11 April 2005 · Chapter 8: Interlude
and hobbits give a "final greeting" again in "As the Gentle Rain," don't they? That crazy Took outlives most of 'em. except his own kids! (Ah, the beauty of knowing what's going to happen. It's kind of like reading a favorite again, exept it's a little different. More like watching deleted scenes from a favorite movie, except it in itself forms a coherent story. What would we liken it to then...?) Sorry about the rambling, but I know that I, for one, wouldn't mind if someone gave me a rambling review, it shows for certain that someone's reading and not just skimming!