Pearl Took · 14 September 2005 · Chapter 47: After All
HOORAH! For everyone except poor Woodruff :( I hope she gets some comforting. And such a load off of Merry :) *sigh*
Author's reply
Poor Woodruff. Things'll be looking up soon.
A Healer's Tale by Lindelea
Reviews (464)
Ariel · 13 September 2005 · Chapter 47: After All
Awww... poor poppet. I could really feel what she did in this and found her actions perfectly understandable. Nobody knows everything, but when someone's life is in your hands it seems like you have to. Awww.
Author's reply
I know. It's a lot like mom-guilt. You cannot fix everything, but that doesn't mean you don't try, and feel bad when it's beyond your power.
Anso the Hobbit · 13 September 2005 · Chapter 47: After All
Aww, poor Woodruff! Bilbo was right and seeing Ferdi so well is quite a shock to her. But he`s all better now. Now there`s only th cracked pot to be done with. :)
Author's reply
Yes, and very soon!
Andrea · 13 September 2005 · Chapter 47: After All
Finally, young Ferdi is really on the mend! Sneaking out of bed to the kitchen and getting himself a snack is a very good sign! And I'm really glad that Merry is relieved from his sorrows. But what about Woodruff? She's in a terrible state right now. She did the best she could and came to the same conclusion is Bilbo. But Bilbo was faster. I think the both of them should really have a long talk to set things right.
Author's reply
Poor Woodruff, but the sun will be coming out from behind the clouds any time now.
Connie B · 13 September 2005 · Chapter 47: After All
That was a nice moment with the whole group of them. Ferdi's teasing of Merry was some of the most creative name-calling I've read in a while.:) I only hope that this incident doesn't cause Woodruff to begin doubting herself. She really is an excellent healer, and she was going to make the same decision, she just hadn't got around to it. I know she comes through, but watching someone go through a crisis is still hard, even if you know it all works out in the end. Thanks. Connie B.
Author's reply
creative name-calling... Ferdi's quite a character. LOL Yes, it is hard, een knowing it's going to work out. I don't think I could write these stories if I didn't already know the ending. Whew.
Larner · 13 September 2005 · Chapter 47: After All
Old Hobbit and young healer together have wrought the miracle, if she'll open herself to receive the thanks due her part of the deal. Was wondering if this would come, Ferdi finally giving up on the rest to go and get something for himself.
Author's reply
LOL, well, it was a bit difficult, with people watching him constantly, but happily (for him) they all fell asleep at the same time. Amazing grit, that young teen showed, managing to get out of bed without a groan or thump, splinted leg and all.
FantasyFan · 13 September 2005 · Chapter 47: After All
Oh, poor Woodruff! It's so hard to have to act a part when you're so unsure, and when the consequences of a mistake are literally life or death. Not to mention doubly hard to make a decision when exhausted. (I have always questioned the wisdom of the hours doctors routinely work, though here there's no choice.) I'm glad Bilbo didn't shame her by telling what he had done, but I'm also surprised he let her get away without a reassuring word in private. Hopefully there will be some way for words of reassurance and wisdom to reach her.
Author's reply
Y'know, I've always wondered why doctors have to work such horrendous hours, especially doctors in training. What's the purpose of that? Bilbo is a wise hobbit, but he *was* wakened from a sound sleep, in the middle of the night, and by the time he turned from enjoying Ferdi's obvious signs of recovery, Woodruff had already gone. I don't think he realised she could move so quickly! But don't worry, Bilbo won't let a little obstacle like a disappearing healer get in his way.
Pearl Took · 11 September 2005 · Chapter 46: Interlude
And . . . and . . . I'm chomping at the bit here, though I will admit as eager as I am for the end (seeing as I rather know what to expect ;) ) I will miss having new bits to read. I'll hope I'll be able to get into your next story :) :) Wonderful as always!!
Author's reply
Moving right along... And I hope so too! (Whatever it might be. The Muse has been very close-mouthed of late.)
Andrea · 11 September 2005 · Chapter 46: Interlude
"...not until he sees Pippin standing on his feet again, laughing at some jest. How I hope to see it!" - Me, too! From her own experiences Woodruff knows the healing powers of the Ent draught. There are dangerous side-effects, no doubt, but Pippin has mastered them. I think, when he wakes up, he will feel much better. I wished, that would happen soon. For I am a little worried about Sam and *his* health. He was beside himself!
Author's reply
Nice summation. He was actually supposed to waken in the next Interlude, but that chapter split itself in half so it'll be the next one after that. Not long, now. Thanks!
Bodkin · 10 September 2005 · Chapter 46: Interlude
Woodruff! Woodruff! What a star she is. Not only can she deal with Tooks. She can convince a Brandybuck. She should be one of the king's counsellors really. None could stand against her. Imagine - all of them longing to sit there and simply listen to Pippin snore. Well, I imagine it makes a pleasant change. For a while! By next week, Diamond will probably be looking for a cure for snoring. The sip of Ent draught seems to have done Woodruff a great deal of good - and has been a learning experience. She has a much better understanding of what is going on in Pippin's body. (But she's overestimating the amount of sleep he needs.) Get to that feast! Pippin needs to get his strength up. Recovering from death bed conversations is hard work.
Author's reply
How Woodruff would blush to hear her praise being sung! She really ought to win a Thain's Medal of Outstanding Service (if there were such a thing). LOL--recovering from death bed conversations *is* hard work, for everyone involved! And it won't really be a feast until Pippin arrives, so if I were Woodruff I'd pinch him awake. Good think for Pippin that I'm not Woodruff, I suppose.
Grey Wonderer · 10 September 2005 · Chapter 46: Interlude
I just love the way Woodruff manages these stubborn Tooks and Brandybucks. I do hope that Sam is able to be convinced that he has done some good for Pippin or he'll not enjoy his party at all. Maybe Merry and Diamond will be able to make him believe that there is still hope. Looking forward, like Woodruff, to Sam's reaction once Pippin is on his feet again.
Author's reply
Woodruff has to be part diplomat, part psychologist, part nanny... and a little bit healer. And you're right about poor Sam. Here they are honouring him and he is wishing he could climb under a rock. But Pippin can be very persuasive, when he's awake.
Larner · 9 September 2005 · Chapter 46: Interlude
And I am looking forward to that professional opinion being proven true! Lovely imagery here, Lindelea.
Author's reply
So am I! Thanks!
Ariel · 9 September 2005 · Chapter 46: Interlude
Still reading, but growing terribly eager to find out who the mystery husband is! I know Pippin is alright, but the romantic in me wants Sweetie to find a sweetie!
Author's reply
And so she will... but not until the end, the chapter before the Epilogue I think, if there is an Epilogue, that is. Isn't that the way love stories often seem to work out?
Connie B. · 9 September 2005 · Chapter 46: Interlude
Oh, I was hoping he'd wake up in this chapter; but maybe the chapter after next. Thanks. Connie B.
Author's reply
Not quite the next interlude, but the one after that. (Would have been the next interlude but the chapters ran long and split themselves in half.) Sorry to keep you waiting. Thanks!
Anso the Hobbit · 9 September 2005 · Chapter 46: Interlude
Yum, cinnamon rolls. I baked someting like it I think the other day, allthough we eat it like cake and not for breakfast :). Merry is having a bit of a battle going on in his head now. He wants to believe, but feels he can`t and then there is the agony of leaving Pip`s side while also wanting to attend the feast. I am wondering if this is when Pip suddenly wakes up and enters the feast sometime later in the evening or if I`m mixing up your stories here... :)
Author's reply
Yes, but I think I must eat quantities of protein for lunch as I am a wreck! (ah, but it was worth it. yum.) Yes, you have Merry's emotions pegged very well. And you are remembering the story correctly. Only two "interludes" left, and three chapters of the "in-between" story, I think, if I'm not too muddled--am working several chapters ahead of what's posted.
Anso the Hobbit · 8 September 2005 · Chapter 45: Starving, as unto Death
I`m glad Bilbo talked to Woodruff, he`s such a wonder that hobbit. And Frodo too, hopefully putting Merry`s mind to rest a bit. He was already worrying himself into a state.
Author's reply
Well, Bilbo has a lot of life experience under his belt, and so he can look at things from the perspective of time and experience. Wouldn't it be nice to be relatively youthful (I mean, none of the aches and pains of later middle age) and still have a long life to look back on? Don't know if I'm making sense this morning. We had cinnamon rolls for breakfast and those always make my brain go to sleep, for some reason. Too much sugar, perhaps.
Pearl Took · 6 September 2005 · Chapter 45: Starving, as unto Death
Ah! A risky business indeed! I remember a M*A*S*H episode where they had problems because the Brits would let lads with belly wounds have tea - only to end up with peritonitis. I hope all goes well with the lad. And I'm wondering, do Paladin and Eglantine ever find out about Pippin's wandering off? *sigh* There's just so many interesting things in this story!! VWD, m'dear.
Author's reply
You know, it's funny, but that was the very episode I was thinking of when I was pulling this story together. I wonder, too, just when Paladin and Eglantine will find out... really the odds are working against it at the moment!
Andrea · 6 September 2005 · Chapter 45: Starving, as unto Death
Now that was really insightful. Of course a young healer cannot know everything about injuries. Woodruff only knows, that what she did the first time, she was confronted with internal injuries, was wrong. And now she's terribly afraid of making a mistake again. But she's the healer and everyone waits for her next step. What she really needs is someone to guide her and to take over a part of the responsibility she bore all alone. And this person is Bilbo! Good old hobbit. I really hope, he did the right thing with the broth!
Author's reply
I really hope so too... Considering his injuries, there is a chance that Ferdi might die in horrible pain as Woodruff feared--and Bilbo knew this, and he took the responsibility on himself because he didn't want the healer to have to bear it. In a sense he took the decision out of her hands. Was that right, or was it wrong? Whew.
SlightlyTookish · 5 September 2005 · Chapter 45: Starving, as unto Death
I've missed this story! It's good to see Woodruff getting some rest, and Bilbo taking charge.
Author's reply
Thanks for the encouragement!
Larner · 5 September 2005 · Chapter 45: Starving, as unto Death
Bless the wily, EXPERIENCED old Hobbit for his foresight. I suspect it will do young Ferdi a world of good! Heh!
Author's reply
heh. could be. LOL! I didn't know the new story was more about Ruvemir (I hope I spelt his name right) until I peeked, just now! But I don't have time to read. Drat! However, it's on my list of "want to read" stories, and perhaps when things quiet down a little in October...
Connie B. · 5 September 2005 · Chapter 45: Starving, as unto Death
That Bilbo is being quite deceptive. I think he's right, but I'm not sure I approve of his methods. I hope Merry soon recovers his self-confidence and positive outlook. I also hope the family learns the whole truth about Pippin's little adventure, too. Thanks for the update. Connie B.
Author's reply
I'm not sure I do, either, but he's used to taking things into his own hands, I think, and it stems from the kindness of his heart, too, and his pity. If Ferdi is to die in agonies because nothing can save the lad, then let it be on Bilbo's conscience and not that of the young healer. And if Ferdi is to have a chance to recover, if his injuries are not mortal, well, then, he's got to eat! Things are looking up in chapter 47. Thanks!
Bodkin · 5 September 2005 · Chapter 45: Starving, as unto Death
Poor Woodruff. I'm glad Bilbo is old enough, wily enough and confident enough to take the decision out of her hands and offer the poor hungry Ferdi some sustenance. It's one of the downsides of being a healer - you can be wise and wonderful when it comes to burns, yet, when it comes to internal injuries, all you are is more knowledgeable than most of those present. Everyone seems young to Bilbo, though. (Except Gandalf. Or an elf.) But it is one of those moments that made me realise that Woodruff is the equivalent of a junior doctor in general practice doing a consultant's job. This is a very cheering part of the story because we are approaching some happy recoveries! And that seems a very good thing to have just now. I'm glad to see you're back to posting.
Author's reply
The weight of being a healer--everyone hopes you can do miracles, but you know within yourself that you can't--even though you've witnessed a few. You're very right about Woodruff's status. She's been so competent the last few chapters that it's easy to forget she would probably be just out of internship, perhaps in the middle of residency--except that she doesn't have anyone with experience and knowledgeg in authority over her to go to for advice! Yup. The last four or five chapters of the story will all be trending more and more cheerful. Don't know if I'm making sense. Break time is over, there's a viola going in the next room and someone is reading a story aloud to me "just for fun". I had better turn off the computer and pay more heed!
Hai Took · 29 August 2005 · Chapter 44: Interlude
Oh! That was so wonderful! Between Merry and Pippin you had me in tears right along with them! Poor Diamond, and Farry, but they have held on extremely well! I liked Merry's description, "like a brick with the mortar crumbling around her", very poetic. Also Sandy's hope in the way he laid out their tea was splendid! You write each character with so much depth! Thank you for the story, I'm still waiting for more although I can't seem to get around here as often as over the summer. Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Thank you for hitting the high points! Know what you mean about not getting around here as often... September is a busy month, and I still have lots of reviewing I want to do over at MEFA and so little time...
Andrea · 28 August 2005 · Chapter 44: Interlude
'You know that even if we missed our final goodbye in this life, I'd be waiting for you, saving you a place right beside me at the Feast...' The talk between Merry and Pippin was wonderfully done! Pippin knows his Merry so very well and he always succeeds in cheering him up or calming him down. I wished Pippin had a chance to talk to Sam, to assure him that everything's well now!
Author's reply
Thank you! Pippin does know Merry well, and Merry knows Pippin equally well, and I find it wonderfully charming. I do believe that Pippin will have a chance to talk to Sam. Yes, indeed.
Anso the Hobbit · 28 August 2005 · Chapter 44: Interlude
Eating is just as important as breathing to a hobbit, and Woodruff is right in feeding them all. Another way of the healers is to "aviod being seen if they wish" to quote Strider. (I`m tired today and therefore less coherent, lol). Poor Merry! He is so weighed down with sorrow, grief and guilt, but Pippin - noble and because he loves Merry so much, sets him free of the pain.
Author's reply
LOL, I never thought of that! So perhaps being able to avoid being seen if he wishes is part of Strider's healing skills, rather than his Ranger skills! LOL A nice summation of Merry and Pippin's interaction, thanks.