Anso the Hobbit · 21 July 2005 · Chapter 34: Interlude
Poor Woodruff! Always looking out for others first, healer as she is. I`m glad she`s finally getting some rest.
A Healer's Tale by Lindelea
Reviews (464)
Anso the Hobbit · 21 July 2005 · Chapter 33: Death, a-Creepin' on Silent Paws
Finally a bit of time to read again. I`ve my hands full of hobbity things these days, lol, with hobbity visitors from other countries and whatnot. i do like this conversation between Eglantine and Esmeralda, and how you call nicknames for love-names. That is so true. :)
Larner · 21 July 2005 · Chapter 36: Interlude
Good use of Hobbit psychology there, and good use also of her healer's authority.
Author's reply
I think Woodruff has learned a lot over her years of healing... Now if she'll only be completely honest with herself. Thanks!
Hai Took · 20 July 2005 · Chapter 35: Wanderers Meet
What a good dog! Pippin doesn't even realise how long he has been gone, but Lop is taking excellent care of him. I did love this "Many were the childish secrets whispered into his ears, and he never told a soul." Hm, has this Man made an appearance in your stories before? At first I thought perhaps it was Jack, but the name he used was Robin so I suppose not... Oh dear, that must have been crushing for the family to think Ferdi was better then for him not to be. I hope his mother gets there soon and that Ferdi's healing is quick and painless. Poor Merry, to feel so responsible! I'm sure he is feeling really bad! Looking forward to more! Hoping it is soon!
Author's reply
(Actually, it *is* Jack, he's just going by a slightly different name at the moment.) More is due any time now. Thanks!
Mysterious Jedi · 19 July 2005 · Chapter 35: Wanderers Meet
looking forward to more <>< Saved from sin through Christ, mj
Author's reply
More coming soon. Just hammering out a few dents.
Bodkin · 19 July 2005 · Chapter 35: Wanderers Meet
Self confident, isn't he, that young Pippin. I suppose his age excuses him from being described as dumb. But he is lucky - even if he doesn't realise it. Good thing Lop's protective instincts make him ignore the young one's instructions to go home. Good thing that the passing conjurer - (Robin son of Jack, rather than Jack son of Robin? Are we looking at someone rather lacking in originality when it comes to aliases?) - is helpfully inclined. The as-yet-unnoticed missing Pippin might well get out of this without even noticing that he has been in danger. Ferdi's condition sounds worrying - especially if his mother's been sent for. Woodruff might just be being cautious, but there again . . . Good thing I know Ferdi survived this to endure a good deal more. Poor Nell. She feels so guilty - she'll probably want to punch him on the nose when he recovers. Just to relieve her feelings. I don't know what Bilbo will think if Pippin ever arrives on his doorstep. But at least he is less likely to think that Robin has deliberately stolen Pippin away than most hobbits.
Author's reply
Lacking in originality? Or perhaps prudent. It behooves a man to be able to remember to give the right name at the right time. I imagine that he might very well have recognised Healers' 7yo Pippin in Glisters' 6yo Faramir... Perhaps that's one of the clues, not just Diamond murmuring "Pippin" in her sleep, that led him to discover he had the wife and son of the Thain in his keeping. Punch him on the nose, just to relieve her feelings. Yes. That sounds like Our Nell. Bilbo, I think, won't immediately jump to conclusions. But remember, this is in a time when Men could freely enter the Shire. Besides the occasional skulking Ranger there may well have been peddlers, minstrels, and other such travellers, and not a lot of ruffians.
Beruthiel · 18 July 2005 · Chapter 35: Wanderers Meet
*Fangirly shriek* Wandering conjurer! Would this be Jack from "All That Glisters"? I wonder if they remember this encounter when their paths cross again decades later. Poor Ferdi. (Will we never tire of saying that?)
Author's reply
You betcha. It would be fun to listen in on Pippin's meeting with Jack, after the Epilogue chapter of Glisters. Poor Ferdi, indeed. The Muse, even, is not so eager for Ferdi-angst as used to be. Instead she keeps spinning scenes, lately, of him lying on a hillside, head in Nell's lap, watching the stars, or in their sitting room, holding his hands up in the air and far enough apart to hold a skein of wool while Nell rolls the yarn into a ball. Cosy, comfortable, loving, domestic scenes.
Larner · 18 July 2005 · Chapter 35: Wanderers Meet
Ah, Pippin you scamp! What do you know of what your parents think? Glad this is one Lop trusts. Hope he gets Pippin safely to Bilbo's place.
Author's reply
He's a good Man, for the most part. As likely as most to make a foolish decision once in awhile, but for the most part he's walking the straight and narrow. It's funny, but one of my brothers had a unique quality: Alsatian dogs hated him. Our Dad swore that it must have something to do with the way he smelled to the dogs, something people wouldn't notice but dogs would. He was bitten at least three times by three different Alsatians, and in each case he was minding his own business. Another time I was bitten in the face by an Alsatian who was lunging for this brother, and I was in the way, for I'd been petting the dog and it was quietly lying down, enjoying the attention until my brother walked up to us. Anyhow, Robin is one of those people that dogs instinctively like.
Andrea · 18 July 2005 · Chapter 35: Wanderers Meet
Pippin seems to have all the luck in the world - and doesn't even notice! First of all, good old Lop is protecting him. And when Pippin turns in the wrong direction (which Lop cannot hinder), Robin appears. Robin is very interesting and mysterious. Maybe, he's a Ranger? Ferdi however is getting worse. If he really dies, how will Merry and Pimpernel react? It won't be easy to overcome the feeling of guilt. But as Woodruff said: "While there's breath, there's life".
Author's reply
Robin is not a Ranger. He's a wanderer and storyteller and he uses his little "tricks" to please an audience and gain enough coin for a meal or two in each place he visits. Sometimes he has to work for his living, and then he works hard, but eventually the wanderlust kicks in again and he's off. In his lifetime he'll wander all over the North-land, and I think after the War he makes it as far as Gondor before turning back to the North, though of course he can no longer enter the Shire that he loves, once the King's Edict is put in place. Poor Merry and Pimpernel! Ferdi had really better recover, for their sakes.
SlightlyTookish · 18 July 2005 · Chapter 35: Wanderers Meet
Great chapter! I loved Lop and Robin, and seeing the magic tricks delight Pippin so much. But poor Ferdi, it doesn't seem very good for him right now.
Author's reply
Thanks! Lop and Robin make good guardians, I think.
Ariel · 18 July 2005 · Chapter 35: Wanderers Meet
At least you've used a different Ranger. From most fics, you'd get the impression that Strider was the only one who was ever in the Shire. LOL! Good work - enjoying it.
Author's reply
LOL! Actually he's not a Ranger. In Bilbo's time there was nothing preventing Men from entering the Shire, and so why not a wandering conjurer, or a minstrel, or a peddler? (Of course, the number of ruffians increased after Bilbo left, but I don't think there were so many renegade Men entering the Shire at this point in time.) And *was* Strider *in* the Shire before the Quest? I know some have written him that way... but is there anything in canon that says so for certain? I know Rangers watched the borders, per Gandalf's request, but I didn't get the impression they were all that commonly seen--though the Man Woodruff ran into, while herb-gathering, was likely a Ranger, and might even have been protecting her from a renegade Man without her knowledge, who knows?
Dreamflower · 18 July 2005 · Chapter 35: Wanderers Meet
*GREAT BIG HUGE GRIN* Now *this* I was *not* expecting! How wonderful to see Jack! I hope he'll not be in trouble for "making off" with the lad! Or will they encounter Bilbo and Frodo en route? Ferdi passing blood? Not a good sign, though since he does survive, I'm assuming something like a bruised kidney. Poor Merry and poor Nell, both of them suffering from unnecessary guilt.
Author's reply
Hah! You made my day, recognising Jack. I was hoping he'd be recognisable, anyhow, even though he's a young Man, probably in his 20s? You're right about the kidney. Painful, scarey, but survivable. Obviously, or the Ferdi in the "Interludes" would be a ghost or namesake! LOL. That unnecessary guilt is awful stuff.
Hai Took · 17 July 2005 · Chapter 34: Interlude
I can't imagine the worry everyone has for Ferdi right now. Him not waking up and all that. Good thing that sheepdog is still following Pippin! The dog will keep him safe at all costs. Poor Woodruff, she also worries, showing I suppose that even a Healer is not immune to sickness. Not eating as her grief and worry won't allow it, even as she urges other to do the same. This was much shorter than it was going to be butI have so much to catch up on I hardly know where to start!
Pearl Took · 15 July 2005 · Chapter 34: Interlude
Poor Woodruff, rather embarrassing for the healer to swoon and need to be revived. Good that her dear one was near by to come and get her. :) :)
Author's reply
It would be rather embarrassing, wouldn't it? To be always badgering her charges and then to come in for a little badgering herself... It has been so much fun to see the beginning of her relationship with her dear one in the other chapters of the story. Thanks!
Andrea · 13 July 2005 · Chapter 34: Interlude
LOL! Healers have always been the most difficult patients! Woodruff really needs a good rest and I think her beloved will see to it, that she gets it. Merry is also in need of sleep and I like it that Woodruff, despite her own situation managed to have a sleeping draught made for him. Let's hope they all sleep well, including Pippin, of course. Maybe the next day will be better for all of them!
Author's reply
I have the feeling everyone is going to sleep like rocks. I would, anyhow. It's a good thing Woodruff has her beloved to look out for her. I think she'd drive herself into the ground, otherwise. Thanks!
Bodkin · 13 July 2005 · Chapter 34: Interlude
Woodruff's collapse is a very good reason for her to miss elements of what's going on. And possibly Ent-draught induced as well as exhaustion induced? She'll feel on top of the world later. Mind you - even in her own sickbed, she's being bos. . . authoritative. I love the way she's determined to get Merry drugged, even though he is currently in better condition than she is. Glad to see Diamond is taking charge - and to hear that Pippin is fast asleep. As Woodruff will be in about two minutes. I look forward to having them all wake.
Author's reply
Hmmm, hadn't thought of the Ent-draught leading to healing sleep. Interesting prospect. LOL, she ordered that draught, darn it, and she intends to see it administered! Just a little more housekeeping, and the grand wakening will be along soon. Thanks!
Connie B. · 13 July 2005 · Chapter 34: Interlude
At this rate Pippin's going to be in better shape than any of them.:) I didn't realize from the other story that Woodruff faninted. I'm not surprized. She's been pushing herself so hard. I guess it kind of shows what love and loyalty Pippin enspires in his people. Thanks for the update. Connie B.
Author's reply
Well, the other story wasn't told much from Woodruff's viewpoint, and the fainting scene wasn't all that important to the plot in the other story, so it sort of faded into the background. Pippin is just as loyal to his people as they are to him, and it shows! Thanks!
Dreamflower · 13 July 2005 · Chapter 34: Interlude
*chortle* Sauce for the gander is as good for the goose...' It's about time that some of them made Woodruff get some rest. I love the image of her being carried off, and still leaving directions behind her... Looking forward to her shock on the morrow...
Author's reply
LOL, I can't see her just "stopping", somehow. She's the sort who would take work home, if she lived in today's world. Thanks!
Larner · 13 July 2005 · Chapter 34: Interlude
I also sincerely hope she won't be needed again for a good long time. Poor Woodruff is quite done in, and it's time for healing for the healer!
Author's reply
Yes, lends new life to the old saw "Physician, heal thyself." Though I don't remember the context of that statement, so I might be taking it woefully out of context, for all I know. Thanks!
SlightlyTookish · 12 July 2005 · Chapter 33: Death, a-Creepin' on Silent Paws
Thank goodness that the sheepdog was there to thwart the fox's attack. I wonder how long it will take for everyone to realize where Pippin went. And Pippin has such a big heart to want to repair the teapot :)
Author's reply
Ah, you made it all the way through to the latest chapter! Welcome! It will take awhile, if I don't tangle the threads of the plot. And yes, Pippin has a big heart! :)
SlightlyTookish · 11 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Just a Breath Away from Life
How did I miss this story??? Thanks so much for sending me the link! This birthing scene was wonderful. So incredibly detailed! I'm just going to scurry off now and read some more...:)
Andrea · 11 July 2005 · Chapter 33: Death, a-Creepin' on Silent Paws
Good old sheep dog! Now I'm really relieved! Still, I fear for the life of little Ferdi. But that's something only time can tell. I would have liked to see Ted's face when he saw, who Mardi's bride would be :)
Author's reply
Yes, only time can tell with little Ferdi. It's amazing what a little "healing sleep" can do. But am also basing this on some RL knowledge as well. Yes, it is possible to have bruised kidneys and yet survive. Poor Ted! And yet, this could be the beginning of something good...
Ariel · 11 July 2005 · Chapter 33: Death, a-Creepin' on Silent Paws
Hehehe! Poor Ted! Now, he's got to speak up soon! And I guess it would be a bit much to ask to see little Pip having troubles now too. *sigh* Oh, well - we'll get him later. heheh!
Author's reply
He had better speak, hadn't he, before someone else comes along! (Is it as you surmised?) Angstthirsty, are we?
Bodkin · 11 July 2005 · Chapter 33: Death, a-Creepin' on Silent Paws
Well, even Ted can't misinterpret that, now, can he? Can he? Good party. Good conclusion. Now he'd better look at Woodruff carefully and note that she is perfectly happy with the result - and that, in fact, he is the only one who didn't know what was going on. Ferdi doesn't seem well - no singing is uncommon - although I suppose that if Woodruff didn't expect him to wake up, she wouldn't tell his kin not to sing. And that dog - Lop? - good thing he was on the trail. And a good thing he is keeping the silly little hobbit warm. Pippin is, in many ways, a very lucky hobbit. Doesn't always seem that way, since he courts disaster constantly, but he always seems to surf along the edge as he is chased by imminent catastrophe.
Author's reply
Um. I suppose if there were a way to misinterpret it, he would. Not because he's insanely jealous or anything like that, but because he's a stubborn Took and he got this idea in his head when he saw Mardi and Woodruff working so closely over the chicken. He'll learn, seeing Woodruff with Hetty, that it's just Woodruff's "teaching style". Good point about the singing. I love the image you paint, of Pippin surfing!
Connie B. · 10 July 2005 · Chapter 33: Death, a-Creepin' on Silent Paws
Well, at last we have a resolution to the issue with Ted and Mardi, or we will when Ted can pick his jaw up off the floor.:) Thank goodness that fox is now dead and Pippin now has a guardion. How long is it going to take for everyone to realize that he's not where they think he is? Eglantine is going to be a wreck when she finds out what really happened. Man, this is interesting. Thanks. Connie B.
Author's reply
Quite the image, picking his jaw up from the floor. Do you suppose his family knew he was mistaken, or did they just think he was on the same track as they were, all along? Well, if I can play my cards right, it'll still be quite awhile before Pippin's family realises that he's gone, and not to his grandparents'. Thanks!