Reviews (464)

Connie B. · 11 April 2005 · Chapter 8: Interlude

The waiting truly is the hardest part. The sensory details, like the freshly cleaned rooms, was great. Thanks for the update. Connie B.

FantasyFan · 11 April 2005 · Chapter 7: Home Again, Home Again

I'm sure you'll get many replies of this kind, from everyone who has a left-handed family. My dad used to have his hand slapped in school when he would forget and use the left, and although I cannot remember now exactly how the story goes, once he ended up with a bloody lip too (something about having his head pushed into the drinking fountain). None of it worked, and my father does everything left-handed to this day. By the time my sister Amy was in school, they were no longer punishing left-handers, but they did force her to choose which hand she would use and stick to it. (My son says, "Why did they care?") She does most things left-handed but not everything. Last week I had to use the computer at my dad's with the mouse on the left, so I have gotten a personal experience of just how tough it is to try to use the non-dominant hand.

FantasyFan · 11 April 2005 · Chapter 8: Interlude

My fingers are rusty typing a review to you - I've been away visiting my parents in Florida, and it seems like forever since I've reviewed. Hopefully things can get back to normal soon. I am always fascinated by the interweaving of your stories. This interlude is so different from the perspective in "Rope," where the focus is on the race Sam and Merry have with death. Here there is pleant of time for contemplation and grief, as Pippin hangs on. It was a lovely touch for him to remember to call for her husband, to comfort her when she loses this patient whom she has been trying to save for so many years. Pure Pippin at his finest. The tension of the desperate race has been replaced by something with much more angst - the slow-motion wating for another breath to be drawn. In the other story I get caught up in the excitement, and here there is grief that is overwhelming. It makes me cry even though I know how it ends. It was a wonderful detail for Sandy to show his love for his master, by doing all he can to a standard of excellence. That's one thing I learned at my mother's knee which fits perfectly with hobbity tradition. You show love not with a flashy extravagent gesture, but by doing all the little things throughout the day that can be done for the one you love, with cheer and patience and love that whispers rather than shouts. Marvellous storytelling. FF

Dreamflower · 11 April 2005 · Chapter 8: Interlude

Oh my, it's so sad to remember this anxious time of waiting! How perfectly you capture the sense of time holding its breath. I am anxiously waiting for Sam's arrival...

Bodkin · 11 April 2005 · Chapter 8: Interlude

What a dreadful hush of anticipation. Poor Woodruff presiding over what seems the inevitable demise of the Thain. Poor Farry - it's no wonder he's older than his years. He's spent most of them waiting to have his father taken from him. Ride, Sam! Ride, Merry! Ride Rose! Take the small bottle from Isengard to Great Smials. (And what a shock that will be!)

Mysterious Jedi · 10 April 2005 · Chapter 7: Home Again, Home Again

So she was predominantly left-handed, and beaten for it? I think she'll do much better once she practices using her leftie again!

Connie B. · 10 April 2005 · Chapter 7: Home Again, Home Again

How sad for Woodruff that she was so punished for simply being left-handed. I know that at times in the past this was considered abnormal, but it's still wrong to do that to her. I'd love to help Sweetbriar flatten Rosie Bracegirdle's nose. It sounds like Woodruff may have gotten out from under her old mistriss just in time. On another note: it's so sad that the Paladin of Pippin's early years was lost to Paladin the Thain. He was such a sweet and down-to-earth hobbit. If only there had been a way for him to not lose himself to his position, how different things might have been...for everyone, especially his son. Thanks. Connie B.

Hai Took · 9 April 2005 · Chapter 7: Home Again, Home Again

It has beena while since I have had time to catch up on things! I loved the chapter with Merry, Woodruff and baby Pippin. I liked Merry talking about all his cousins being lasses and that this must be the one Frodo spoke about. Wonderful! Pippin has been a wonderful Thain with sending for Woodruff's beloved knowing she would also need comfort. Then sending for him again knowing he will pass. That she had been beaten by Ms. Bracegirdle for using her left hand! Did I understand that right? I love the indignation that you gave Sweetbriar when she found out. Now maybe they will both be able to settle more naturally into their home! Looking forward to more!

Dreamflower · 9 April 2005 · Chapter 7: Home Again, Home Again

Oh I *do* hope Sweetbriar *does* get a chance to flatten that Bracegirdle's nose! Or something! I'd dearly *love* to see an encounter between the two now that she knows what was going on! Sheesh! Of course, what can you expect of someone who's related to Lobelia...

Bodkin · 9 April 2005 · Chapter 7: Home Again, Home Again

Nasty, spiteful, narrow-minded Rosie Bracegirdle. (Not that it was uncommon to force lefties into using their right hand that way. After all, any deviation from the average must by definition be bad, mustn't it!) Thank goodness for Sweetbriar. Woodruff'll be devoted to her for ever after this addition to the evidence that she is kind and loving and will not tolerate injustice. And Ted is nicely handy - and obliging.

Bodkin · 8 April 2005 · Chapter 6: Interlude

Poor Woodruff. It's one thing easing the path of the ancient into the next world - but when it's one you brought into the world, it's tough. And when it's Pippin, it's tougher still. Good thing she has a spouse to comfort her (?), and that Pippin is still with it enough to know that she will need support just as much as his surrounding body of Tooks, and even better to know that he will live to a fairly ripe old age. (Ride, Sam, ride. Spur that horsie homewards.)

Pearl Took · 8 April 2005 · Chapter 6: Interlude

"as if the Thain’s life is water cupped in my hand, as desperate, I hold on, to keep it from slipping through my fingers. One might as well try to stop a river from flowing away to the Sea." This continues to be such a deep story, so rich with love. Marvelous!!!!!

Citrine · 8 April 2005 · Chapter 6: Interlude

Ow. I should know better than to read this story early in the morning, when all my defenses are down. Ow ow ow. Thank goodness everyone is still asleep, so I won't have to explain these tears in my eyes. (And again, I sure am glad I know the rest of the story.) Good job with the angst again.

Connie B. · 8 April 2005 · Chapter 6: Interlude

Glad to see another update to this. I find myself feeling for Woodruff, even though I know that everything turns out all right. Thanks. Connie B.

Imrahoil · 8 April 2005 · Chapter 6: Interlude

This is far too short. So, next chapter, please.

sevenall · 7 April 2005 · Chapter 5: A Merry Meeting

What a wonderful atmosphere of homecoming and warmth in this chapter! And affirmation as well, of Sweetbriar among the Tooks and of Woodruff, both as healer and as an individual. I'm looking forward to meeting the Took that will sweep Woodrugg off _her_ feet. I like the small hints you've put in of Woodruff's competence and confidence in her own skills and how easily and naturally she takes care of both Merry and Pippin.

Anso the Hobbit · 7 April 2005 · Chapter 5: A Merry Meeting

Finally I have some time to descend upon this story! My life is so busy at the moment and I haven`t been too well so stories and hobbits have had to wait and still has for a bit, but I got some time off now. I`ve told you before and I`m saying it again: Lovely! Of course, putting in some Merry h/c alwasy melts my heart, but I love how you show these events from the healer`s perspective. She`s a wonderful person, your Woodruff. I like her very much. :) I very much like how you`ve showed what happened during Pippin`s birth. It`s hard to come by unique takes on that these days but I very much liked how you`ve pictured it. I like how you pictured Merry and Pippin`s first meeting too. Merry matter of fact and Pippin curious, looking up at him. I think Woodruff really loved Pippin and the interludes are so full of love and devotion that they almost made me cry.

Connie B. · 6 April 2005 · Chapter 5: A Merry Meeting

What a sweet chapter. I really liked the scene with everyone gathered round the dinner table. It reminded me a lot of family get-togethers when I was a child. I have always seen simulatities between the Tooks and my own large, loud and opinionated family.:) Merry's first meeting with Pippin was so nice. It shows that life can be like a circle. Woodruff is clearly going to fit in well with this new arangement. Thanks for the update. Connie B.

Dreamflower · 6 April 2005 · Chapter 5: A Merry Meeting

Another delightful introduction for Woodruff. I love the way Sweetbriar is already protective of her young assistant, protecting her from the boisterous jests of the Tooks, and lavishing her praise. Interesting sidelight on how Sweetbriar came to get her new apprentice. I do detect a little hint there that she just might have used Lalia's name in vain, in addition to the money, to coax the old Bracegirdle bezom out of her basically free help. Sweetbriar's definitely a clever one, but then she'd need to be to have made her way among all those recalcitrant Tooks. And Merry--oh, I do love the little meeting between Merry and Pippin. I was tickled at his assumption that the baby *had* to be a girl. And then his instant and touching recall of what Frodo had told him when he realize it really *was* a lad-cousin. *This* must be the cousin Frodo predicted! And of course it was! Frodo was always right! How sweet and loving! So wonderful for Woodruff to be able to see that momentous occasion, though I'm sure no one except Merry himself knew *just* how important it was.

Bodkin · 6 April 2005 · Chapter 5: A Merry Meeting

'a pandemonium of young hobbits' By the way, I absolutely love your collective noun for hobbits!

Bodkin · 6 April 2005 · Chapter 5: A Merry Meeting

What an adorable little sleep-creased Merry. And a positive introduction for him to the healer with whom he will deal so much in the effort to keep his cousin alive. She offered him food, comfort and Pippin. Interesting background on Woodruff. I'm quite surprised that Rotten Rosie was prepared to let her go if she was efficient enough to save the Bracegirdle from having to exert herself too much. Still, money talks - and some hear it better than others. You must have such a complicated timeline on what happens to everyone at each point over the years. I had almost forgotten that Merry broke his arm in that race. Do you ever lose track? What a delightful collection of my favourite figures gathered round that table - and how sweet and considerate they were to the shabby healer's apprentice. I should imagine that Ferdinand's boisterous warmth and kindness came back to reward him many times over the years to come.

harrowcat · 6 April 2005 · Chapter 5: A Merry Meeting

I am sorry Lindelea, I have been lurking and enjoying your story but haven't got round to reviewing. I just loved this introduction of Merry to Pippin. And 'a pandemonium of hobbits' well! *grins*

Pearl Took · 6 April 2005 · Chapter 5: A Merry Meeting

VWD!!!! You had asked . . . keep the pattern. I love the ebb and flow, the waxing and waning. You have a soothing, loving, gentle thread running throughout. A joy to read, a joy.

Connie B. · 4 April 2005 · Chapter 4: Interlude

How sad this is, but the obvious love between Diamond and Pippin is so sweet. The interludes don't bother me, but I like angst.:) I say, write it the way you feel comfortable. I'll keep reading with or without the interludes. Thanks, and looking forward to your next update on Wednesday. Connie B.

Mysterious Jedi · 4 April 2005 · Chapter 4: Interlude

That stubborn Took is not going to die that easily!