Ariel · 8 August 2005 · Chapter 41: Breakfast Surprise
Yes, it just might come true! LOL! Very nicely done.
Author's reply
LOL. I had never considered Frodo-and-Pearl until I read one of your stories, so I suppose you get some credit!
A Healer's Tale by Lindelea
Reviews (464)
SlightlyTookish · 8 August 2005 · Chapter 41: Breakfast Surprise
What a great chapter! How lucky for Pippin that Bilbo had a similar teapot and that Robin found it. I love how Bilbo turns it around and makes it seem as if Robin conjured it. And the bit at the end about Frodo marrying Pearl was fun :)
Author's reply
It is fun to start to pull things together and find solutions to problems! Thanks!
Hai Took · 8 August 2005 · Chapter 41: Breakfast Surprise
Well that was lucky for Pippin! Hopefully he wont be expecting all conjurors to produce the things he needs. Wise of Bilbo to steer him well away from the idea of Elf-glue! Now they are on their way back to Whittacres where they will surely find some distressing news! I wonder how long Woodruff with worry over Ferdibrand? I'm sure it must be difficult for her not allowing him to eat! Looking forward to more and hearing what happens next!
Author's reply
Hmmm. Do you suppose his faith in conjurors is going to be a bother to Gandalf? (Remembering Gandalf's irritation with him at the doors of Moria) Yes, the next "Whittacres" chapter is distressing, but things will get better after.
Bodkin · 8 August 2005 · Chapter 41: Breakfast Surprise
Very wise of Bilbo to insist on the absence of his special elf-glue. Or he's never be safe from the optimistic arrival of a hopeful Took. And give Jack the credit. Why not? He's not going to be called on to pull rabbits from hats on impossible tasks! I love Jack wintering in the Prancing Pony and being trusted to make the breakfasts - and wandering back to the Shire come spring. You wouldn't consider adding to Jack's story, now, would you? He's a very endearing character - and I'd like to see more of him. Poor Ferdi. And his family. I'm extremely pleased I know he survives this one without too much in the way of ill-effects. How long before Woodruff agrees to let him relieve his hunger, though? And poor Nell is able to be cross with the lad again - for putting them all through so much stress. I'm surprised Pippin let Frodo escape from marrying Pearl - now the idea has been put in his head. Having Frodo as a brother would almost have compensated for having him have to do yucky things like kiss her. Things are progressing nicely. One way and another. Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Glad to hear you like Jack. He has an entire story of his own, mostly "background" to other stories, because I wonder who would read a story almost entirely OC... (though Woodruff hasn't done so badly). He might appear in at least one more story in the works, related to his journey to Gondor where he saw Pippin and Diamond with Farry-the-faunt when they were visiting there. So if I ever get that story written, he'll make an appearance, at least a cameo.
Andrea · 8 August 2005 · Chapter 41: Breakfast Surprise
"Conjuror's tricks weren't wanted at the Pony" - That's very true! Our four hobbits will learn this lots of years later ;-) I'm fascinated how easily Robin "solved" the teapot problem! Who would have thought that Bilbo had a similar one? Pippin is quite taken with the idea, that Frodo might marry Pearl!In that case, he would not only be his cousin, but also his uncle. Imagine Pippin trying to bring them together - that would be funny! Poor little Ferdi. I hope, Woodruff can save his life!
Author's reply
Yup, those Breefolk are rather down-to-earth. It was quite a coincidence that Bilbo had a similar teapot. Thank goodness for that peddler with his waggon-load of teapots that he brought to the Shire when Bilbo's mother was little!
Larner · 8 August 2005 · Chapter 41: Breakfast Surprise
So, the lost has been replaced, and "magically" at that. And I suppose some years later Robin came to be known as Jack? It would be fitting, I must say. And Stelliana is riding as fast as she can to come to Ferdi's bedside. I'm just glad to know already that he recovers. Poor Ferdi, to be through so much in his life--life-threatening injuries, blindness, the terror of being made the Took and Thain.... Well done, as always.
Author's reply
Yes, some years later, Robin comes to be known as "Jack". to be through so much in his life... LOL, adding "the terror of being made Took and Thain" is the perfect touch!
Dreamflower · 8 August 2005 · Chapter 41: Breakfast Surprise
Oh how lovely! I had a hunch, from your hint of Bilbo's memory being stirred, that he might know where a duplicate teapot could be found, but it never occurred to me that he'd actually *have* one, nor that it would be "Robin" who would "conjure" it. What a wonderfully delightful explanation for the little Took! (And I wonder, years later as an adult, thinking back on this episode from a more sophisticated adult viewpoint, what he would make of what happened then, and if he'd still consider it "magic"?) I also like that Robin knew his way around a hobbit hole enough to make a nice hobbity breakfast--I think any Man (or Elf or Dwarf or Wizard) who spent very much time at all among hobbits would soon find himself taken with their ways, and in fair danger of becoming a hobbit himself, LOL! (Good Guys, of course; Bad Guys scarcely count.) So, that was Ferdi's mother they saw on the pony? Now I'm looking forward to another "breakfast surprise" coming up in one of the interludes. *grins*rubs hands in gleeful anticipation*
Author's reply
Hmmm, it is interesting to consider what Pippin's view of the matter would be, years later. It must have been a crushing blow to Robin, years later, when the King's Edict was put in place. Poor fellow. Yes, that was Ferdi's mother, and Ferdi's uncle Ferdibrand, for whom he was named, riding as if all the Furies were after them. "Breakfast surprise", er... well, I suppose you could call it that, though the Tooks and guests will actually be at dinner. Pippin will be newly awakened, after all! And yes, it's coming soon.
Bodkin · 5 August 2005 · Chapter 40: Interlude
Ahh. A bit of gleeful hand-rubbing here. I'm glad Woodruff is benefiting from her exposure to Ent-draught. If there was ever anyone who deserved a boost, it is her. I am anticipating the outcome with pleasure. The look on the faces of the assembled Tooks will be worth recording.
Author's reply
LOL, poor long-suffering Woodruff. OTOH, she's managed to hold her own all these years, even has most of the Tooks at the Smials walking in fear of her. Thanks!
Andrea · 3 August 2005 · Chapter 40: Interlude
Woodruff must have had a blessed sleep indeed! Now the whole world looks friendly once again! Sandy seems to be very devoted to his master and the comparison to Sam is very interesting! Well, at the present date (i.e. in your story) I think it might have been possible for Pippin to carry the Ring to Mt. Doom, but not in the times of the quest. He was too young and unexperienced then. It would have destroyed him. Now I wait to see little Pip again and Bilbo's solution for the teapot-problem :)
Author's reply
Well, it's just idle speculation on Woodruff's part. I was a little shy about putting that bit in, for fear of sparking furious reactions from one of Sam's fans. But happily everyone's been polite about it. *g*
TopazTook · 3 August 2005 · Chapter 40: Interlude
Well, now I'm more intrigued than ever: who is this Sandy? A very cheerful chapter (since I know how things turn out), and a very appetizing spread of luncheon set out for Woodruff. I admire those who can write well about food.
Author's reply
Sandy is a loyal, devoted hobbit of the servant class, rather modelled after Bunter in the Lord Peter Whimsey stories. (At least I think it was "Bunter". It has been years since I read all of Dorothy Sayers' mysteries.) I learned about writing about food from Jodancingtree! Her hobbity stories make my mouth water.
Hai Took · 3 August 2005 · Chapter 40: Interlude
Oh, goody another chapter! I'm glad Woodruff slept so well! I'm sure she really needed, and the ent draght didn't do any harm ;) I love Sandy he is always so sweet and attentice, I liked that you have made him a bit...annoyed(?) with Woodruff thinking she is neglecting her duty but he would most likely be one of those who said it "wasn't proper" for him to say so directly. Pippin sleeps on, I'm looking forward to his waking up as I'm sure the hobbits are! Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Yes, she really needed it, you're right, and the Ent draught, though it was uncomfortable, actually did her some good. Pippin will be waking up soon! (Not the next Interlude but the one after, I think.)
Pearl Took · 3 August 2005 · Chapter 40: Interlude
Smiling and bright of spirit indeed :) Dear Woodruff! This is so exciting, and I'm so eager to see what happens with the other part of the story. I hope I have good connection to the internet in London :) Currently I'm in Chicago - our flight leaves this evening :) Thank you for this story :)
Author's reply
Ah, I wondered when I got your review--I thought you were already in London! I hope you are having a marvellous time.
Pearl Took · 3 August 2005 · Chapter 39: A Matter of Business
'Just a moment,' he said, slipping down from Bilbo's knee. He left the study, ordering the sheepdog to stay. Lop and Bilbo stared solemnly at each other, awaiting his return. 'I don't suppose you know what all this is about?' Bilbo said. Lop put his head on his paws and sighed. 'I thought not.' This is just perfect!! The whole chapter is a sweet, tear inspiring joy to read. I don't suppose Robin can conjure the teapot back together? *sigh* Most likely not.
Ariel · 3 August 2005 · Chapter 40: Interlude
A bit more coherent this morning. ;) The gyst of my last review was that I liked what you had done. :) And now I am dying to she what she walks in on. LOL!
Author's reply
Well, what you're dying to see is in the next Interlude to be posted, and hopefully it will post soon. (You know how it goes sometimes.) Much more coherent, which is a good thing, because I'm not. Or at least I don't feel so. Sometimes I really miss coffee and tea! Thanks!
Dreamflower · 3 August 2005 · Chapter 40: Interlude
Well, I think that after this experience, Woodruff will certainly know to trust the Ent-draught!! *chuckle* It was hard to keep from laughing out loud and waking my husband, as I read her reactions. I liked her musings on the Quest. It's interesting that she thinks Sandy could have played the role for Pippin that Sam played for Frodo. As to Pippin walking into the Fire, I do believe that if something had happened to Frodo, Pippin possibly could have carried his role. It's an interesting speculation. I'm looking quite forward to the upcoming Interlude, where it intersects once again with "Rope"... But I'm also looking forward to finding out what happens to the teapot.
Author's reply
Of course, Sandy would likely have been too young to follow Pippin into the Fire... he'd have been only about twenty-five at the time of the Quest, I think, if I'm awake enough to do my math. The story would have read like one of those adolescent movies, with the two tweens fighting villains and having all sorts of adventures. (OTOH, we really found "Adventures in Babysitting" amusing!)
Larner · 2 August 2005 · Chapter 40: Interlude
And there is much to smile at. She is finding peace in her body, and at a certain level realizes Pippin does likewise. Interesting Sandy is Pippin's Sam.
Author's reply
Yes, a few of Woodruff's ills have been healed, and she didn't even know it... Her experience with Ent-draught is probably why she hurries to get the Ent-draught to Regi in "Where the Merlin Cries", and sends the Ent-draught along with Regi to Pippin in "At the End of His Rope". Pity the stuff is in such short supply.
Andrea · 2 August 2005 · Chapter 39: A Matter of Business
Elf-glue? LOL! Oh, Bilbo! It all started as a simple lie to comfort little Nell, but Pippin (and I think Nell, too) believed every single word of it! And now the old hobbit is trapped ;-) When he knows the whole story behind the teapot, maybe he will have a good idea how to help Pippin. I really hope so. And Frodo is wonderful. He doesn't know what's going on, but he just has to see a sad Pippin to do everything to comfort him. So Paladin has not yet realised where Pippin really is? Well, at the moment he's better off with not knowing everything!
Author's reply
Ah, those little tall-tales that grown-ups tell children... sometimes they come back to bite them. Frodo is a wonderful older cousin! No wonder Pippin followed him on the Quest. I guess that "ignorance is bliss" so far as Paladin is concerned, at the moment. At least Pippin is safe, so there's nothing to worry about!
Grey Wonderer · 2 August 2005 · Chapter 39: A Matter of Business
I have seen many occasions when I could have used a bit of that elf glue. If only Bilbo really had some. Poor, Pip. He feels so guilty about the tea pot. I wonder what he will do?
Author's reply
Poor Pippin. If he were like my littlest, he'd probably save all his pocket money until he could buy a new teapot.
Larner · 1 August 2005 · Chapter 39: A Matter of Business
Poor little Pippin; and Paladin still none the wiser about his son's great adventure.
Author's reply
Poor lad indeed, and his father at least isn't worrying needlessly.
Mysterious Jedi · 1 August 2005 · Chapter 39: A Matter of Business
Excellent, as always. Saved from sin through Christ, mj
Author's reply
Thanks!
Hai Took · 1 August 2005 · Chapter 39: A Matter of Business
Oh dear, now Pippin's plan isn't going to work any more! It would be just like Pippin to remember what had happened and hold onto the idea that he could stil lfix the teapot. It is a bit amusing that Paladin and the others still don't realize that Pippin has actually been wandering on his own! Of course it might be better for them to find out when he is already safe at home! I suppose worry over Ferdi has caused things to be a bit more chaotic than they normally would have been. Frodo did a very nice job in comforting Pippin despite not knowing what the trouble was. Very sweet, and perfectly hobbity! Often times people are insistant on knowing the "why" and all to keen to get their opinion in. Thank you for the chapter, looking forward to more!
Author's reply
It is amazing what facts stick in little children's minds... You are right about it being better to find out about Pippin after he's safe, rather than worrying about him when there's nothing to be done--he's already in good hands. Sometimes you can make a person *more* upset by trying to find out exactly what the trouble is, don't you find? Thanks!
Anso the Hobbit · 1 August 2005 · Chapter 39: A Matter of Business
It`s always a sad thing when the "magic" is revealed to not be so fantastic as one thoughts, isn`t it. Poor Pippin.
Author's reply
Ah, that childhood disillusionment. Sad business, really.
Connie B. · 31 July 2005 · Chapter 39: A Matter of Business
And the comedy of errors continues. I am curious to see the reaction of the Tooks when they find out that Pippin was never at the Banks's. Poor Pippin. I hope he can at least get them to understand that he feels so bad for breaking the teapot planter, and that he only wants to make things right with Woodruff. Glad to see an update. Thanks. Connie B.
Author's reply
LOL, I wonder what their reaction would be! Poor Pippin, he has only the best motives, but he's remarkably short-sighted (of course, being a little one, he makes assumptions that are not tempered by experience) Thanks!
Dreamflower · 31 July 2005 · Chapter 39: A Matter of Business
Aaaawww...poor little Pip! And he was so confident that Bilbo could mend the teapot, too! I hope Bilbo realizes now what his well-meaning sleight of hand with the cup did. Sometimes a sweet gesture like that can backfire, especially with children. My reaction to Paladin's reaction to Bilbo's note was a mixture of laughter and exasperation! They *still* don't know the whole story of what's happened with Pip, and when they do find out, I cannot begin to imagine their reaction, even though he will be safe at home once more. *sheesh*rolls eyes* And Frodo comforting Pip, and cuddling up to him was just too sweet for words. I'm sure it reminded him of comforting Merry at that age. I could just picture the two lads. Lovely!
Author's reply
It is fun, seeing how far that particular plot point will stretch (Pippin's folks not realising that he's not where they think he is). Y'know, Pippin is about seven here, which would be the same age Merry was when Frodo left Buckland... I didn't really make the connexion until I read your comment! Thanks!
Mysterious Jedi · 28 July 2005 · Chapter 38: Interlude
I'm still reading and enjoying! <>< Saved from sin through Christ, mj
Author's reply
Glad to hear it!