pipinheart · 30 June 2005 · Chapter 30: Interlude
A very nice story...The healer jump into action,and is trying to help pippin... Keep it going...
A Healer's Tale by Lindelea
Reviews (464)
Hai Took · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 30: Interlude
Goodness! There is a lot of activity going on! Atleast Woodruff was able to find something to keep her and the others busy and hopefully offer some comfort to Pippin. I feel really bad for Sam to think that he brought this on. You mentioned it being easier to write when you know how it will turn out. It also makes it a lot less difficult to wait for the next chapter, but only a littly less difficult mind, I'm still on tenderhooks waiting to see how everyone deals with the situation! Looking forward to more! Thank you!
Connie B. · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 30: Interlude
Oh, this made me cringe. This is even more nerve-racking than it was in "Rope". Keep it coming.:) Thanks. Connie B.
Larner · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 30: Interlude
The image of poliomelitus in Middle Earth is intriguing, as is the treatment to aid in relaxing the muscles. Wonderful detail.
Andrea · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 30: Interlude
Thank you for your quick answer - it really arrived with "light-speed"! Well, everyone seems to know what is coming next, but I don't! But I'm really confident in Woodruff's healing skills. She has a lot of know-how and she just knows what to do! Poor Sam, he must think it's all his fault. But he saved Pippin's life with the draught and I'm sure, Pippin will survive.
Andrea · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 29: Tooks, Trees and Tethers
Oh my! At first I thought it would be Merry to fall off the tree! And now it's poor Ferdi! I hope Woodruff will arrive soon, she'll know what to do. She's the best healer I've ever met :) And Pippin is on his way to Bag End with the remains of the broken teapot. I wonder, what he wants Bilbo to do with it? Little Pippin must be deeply impressed with Woodruff and I think he still feels guilty for the "teapot-accident". Maybe, with a little luck he will run straightly into Bilbo and Frodo on their way back to him ...
Author's reply
Goodness, your review came in just as I was taking a lunch break and answering reviews! So you get a quick reply. Everyone else seems to think Merry more likely of falling out of a tree than Ferdi, as you'll see in an upcoming chapter. You're not alone! I'm glad you have a high opinion of Woodruff. I do hope she's not too perfect. I wouldn't want her to stray into "Mary Sue" territory. But I am very fond of her. Guess we'll find out what Pippin wants Bilbo to do, when the story reaches Bag End. Perhaps the Elves have invented Superglue? And Bilbo visits the Elves. It makes about as much sense as the thinking of another six-year-old I've known! Thanks!
Dreamflower · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 30: Interlude
Oh my! Of course, I'm feeling sorry all over again for poor Pip in pain, and Merry and Diamond--but I am really feeling for Sam, who is now thinking he has made things worse instead of helping, poor fellow. And *of course* I know it comes out OK, but it doesn't seem to matter, I'm still worried anyway, LOL!
Author's reply
Yes, poor Sam. He probably thinks Pippin might have pulled through if not for him, forgetting that the hobbit was on his last gasp. When we're sleepless and under great stress, our thoughts do not always follow a logical course. Well, glad (?) to hear you're worried even though you know the outcome! It means the chapter worked. Thanks!
Pearl Took · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 30: Interlude
I would be biting my nails if they weren't already clipped short!! Yes, I know what is coming but it doesn't matter, you have wonderfully built the tension all over again. Thank you for this story :)
Author's reply
You're welcome, and thank you for reading! (Y'know, I've rather maxed out on Pippin angst... the only way in conscience I can really write angst at the moment is by revisiting the past... Don't know if the mood will last, but it has made for an interesting story. Don't know if Woodruff's tale would have been able to stand on its own.) Thanks!
FantasyFan · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 99999: Story Notes
Off the top of my head, this treatment for polio included both hot cloths and exercise of the leg, and was developed by Sister Kenny, an Australian Army nurse. It was contrary to the wisdom of the day, which utilized the Iron Lung for paralysis of the breathing muscles, and proscribed movement: putting the patient in stiff braces or casts with extended bed rest (if they survived) resulting in permanent impairment. I recognized it when you put it in "Rope". My parents worked on the development of the polio vaccine in the 50's.
Author's reply
Exactly! Sister Kenny! It was her story I was reading, all those years ago. I will have to go and look her up, for the benefit of our young readers. Got any good titles to recommend? Your parents worked on the vaccine? Wow. (Sounds lame. I am seriously impressed. What a blessing that vaccine was, and still is, when I consider those I knew who lived with the aftereffects of polio... heavy and awkward braces, limited mobility, etc. Do you suppose they'd have been less crippled if Sister Kenny's treatment had been used instead?) Thanks!
Hai Took · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 29: Tooks, Trees and Tethers
I haven't been able to read any more of this story until recently! I was very glad that Mardi's hand healed so well though I suppose it would have had to since he is still a healer in your later stories! Poor Ted is having trouble getting anything out, even though he was splendid with caring for Mardi. I'm so glad Hetty is to be one of the assistants! It will suit her perfectly and Woodruff will be better off for the help she will be able to offer! It must have come as a surprise for her family but a pleasant one of course. Gracious, Pippin's healing is hard on everyone! I'm looking forward to seeing how Woodruff deals with it. What a strange thing to try and understand. Not only to believe in the walking trees and such but then this substance that was helping and now seems to be hindering any progress Pippin might have been making! Finally, this chapter was very well done. I suppose Ferdi is shoving mud down Nell's dress because he likes her? Unfortunately that didn't go over well with Nell! Pippin is about to get into more trouble it seems. Maybe this dog trying to get away will be of some help? I hope Ferdi's fall, if nothing else comes from it, enables Nell to forgive him. Looking forward to more, I shall be much better (I hope) at being able to read and review! Thank you for the story it is always wonderful!
Author's reply
Well I'm delighted to hear from you! You help me to see the story through your eyes when you "hit the highlights". It helps to know what is going to happen, at least it does for me. I don't know that I could write angst without knowing the ending I'm aiming for. For example, I could only write Mardi's burns, knowing that he'd be working unimpaired in later stories. It was fun, too, writing his "romance", knowing exactly who he's going to marry, though it might not be completely clear to a few people (like Ted). Hetty is a delightful character, the invention of Marigold, who graciously loaned her and her family to me when I needed a new healer's assistant and a bustling family for the background of Mardi's mishap. You're right about Ferdi; he's plaguing Nell because he likes her, though at his age he might not even be aware of it, just that he's fascinated with her and wants to get a reaction out of her. The dog in this chapter is an excellent bodyguard as he considers Pippin something between a master and a lamb... or perhaps the master's lamb... or something like that. He's modeled on a real dog I knew long ago, and he makes his final appearance in "Pearl of Great Price". It was nice to go earlier on the timeline and see him vibrant and alive and full of his own quirks and personality. Thanks!
Larner · 28 June 2005 · Chapter 29: Tooks, Trees and Tethers
Pippin off to Hobbiton and everyone else checking on Ferdi--not a good situation. Glad the dog has its head on straight.
Author's reply
Dogs often have their heads on straighter than people, I've found. And then they do something completely screwy, like chasing a squirrel into a street, in front of an oncoming car, or silly like chasing the tail, and they lose all respectability. Thanks!
Pearl Took · 27 June 2005 · Chapter 29: Tooks, Trees and Tethers
Oh dear!!! A rough time ahead for the Tooks and their Brandybuck relation!Pippin is such a determined Took. I hope all goes well. *biting nails*
Author's reply
Hang in there... a little more angst to go through, but then the happy ending to look forward to. Thanks!
Stormscrystal · 27 June 2005 · Chapter 29: Tooks, Trees and Tethers
So Pippin has not forgotten that he is going to fix the teapot he broke. I wonder why he wants so badly to go to Bilbo's, maybe have him help fix it? Whatever it is, I can't wait fot it.
Author's reply
I am going to have to put that explanation into the story, I think. At the moment it resides amongst the pages of background. You'll see it when the story reaches Bag End, I promise. Thanks!
Eruvyweth · 27 June 2005 · Chapter 29: Tooks, Trees and Tethers
Ooh! Ooh! Good heavens! The plot thickens! Ferdi's out and Pippin's leaving and - and the dog, and - and Nell and the mud pies...I'm babbling, aren't I? I think my uncooperative brain is trying to list all the things I love about this chapter... ~Your devoted fan, Eruvyweth God-follower
Author's reply
I love it when you list all the things you love about a chapter! Thanks!
Connie B. · 27 June 2005 · Chapter 29: Tooks, Trees and Tethers
Now, at least, I know why Pippin is so determined to get to see Bilbo. He did forget one thing he'll want on his trip. Food. Hope the sheepdog can herd him back home. They're good at herding children as well as sheep. At least Merry didn't fall out of the tree and break his other arm.:) Now I curious what happened to Ferdi, too. Thanks. Connie B.
Author's reply
My goodness, a hobbit forgetting food! Must be a six-year-old who just gorged himself completely full, even over-full and isn't thinking about food for the precise present. Let's see, you'll know more about Ferdi next Monday, I think. But that plot point won't resolve right away, I'm afraid. Good thing you know about his future! Thanks!
Ariel · 27 June 2005 · Chapter 29: Tooks, Trees and Tethers
Uh oh! I know that look... LOL! Poor Ferdi! And I bet Nell is going to feel very guilty. Eep!
Author's reply
Yep, Nell is going to feel very guilty. (Note to self: never make sweeping negative statements about somebody in the heat of anger... almost a surety it'll be something to regret) Fair amount of Ferdi-angst, mixed with some little-Pippin-angst, coming up. I can't seem to help myself... Thanks!
Bodkin · 27 June 2005 · Chapter 29: Tooks, Trees and Tethers
So Pippin is about to get lost wandering off in search of Bag End - Ferdi is unconscious at the foot of a tree - Pimpernel hates Ferdi for ever - Merry's fear of heights has been nicely reinforced - what more can go wrong? Oh wait - these are Tooks and travellers - of course more can go wrong! The weather? Dogs? Hostile countryside injuries? I can't wait to find out! How long will it take before they notice Pippin's absence, I wonder. Could be a while if they're busy sending for Woodruff to come and fix Ferdi. And that's something she will need to practise, too. He is very nearly as healer-intensive a Took as Pippin. Look forward to more.
Author's reply
Your summary sounds like the end of an episode in one of those cheesy serials they used to make. "Flash Gordon" is the only one I can remember. They used to show it at university in one of the halls during lunch break. What a laugh! (And yet, quite a training ground for angst and action, good versus evil and all that.) The weather. Gee, now, there's an idea. Well, if they think Pippin's safe at the Grandparents' and the Grandparents don't have a clue, it could be quite awhile before he's missed. Thanks!
Beruthiel · 27 June 2005 · Chapter 29: Tooks, Trees and Tethers
Laughing at Ferdi's antics with the mud. Rather unfair that Nell was the one who had to apologize, though. Is the sheepdog Lop, perhaps? 'Twould be nice to see him and Pip have some adventures before his untimely demise. And why is Bilbo apparently the only one who can fix Woodruff's teapot? Much to wonder about until next update. Evil cliffies. How long has it been since I last reviewed? Oh dear. Very naughty of me.
Author's reply
Bingo! No, not that the dog is named "Bingo", but that you have guessed correctly. This is Lop. It was so nice to bring him back to life for this story. How often in our large and boisterous family, the last child to err was the first one punished. Not fair, but that's life, sometimes. You're the second to ask the question about Bilbo's miraculous reputation for teapot-healing (at least in Pippin's mind). Must be I was making an assumption about some of the background material, and need to include a little "back story" in an upcoming chapter. Very glad to hear from you again.
Dreamflower · 26 June 2005 · Chapter 29: Tooks, Trees and Tethers
Oh dear! Poor Ferdi! Of course, he should never have tried to make Merry climb the tree, but it's kind of a drastic come-uppance. Well, now Woodruff will be back out to Whittacres again. Those cousins certainly do keep her busy! I imagine Nel is going to be feeling pretty awful about what she said about Ferdi now. And of course we *know* she forgives him eventually...*grin* And Pip's off to Bag End--good thing the dog plans to follow, for no one else will have any notion of where he is. I'm guessing he needs Bilbo's help to "fix" the teapot, though *why* he thinks only Bilbo can do it is beyond me...
Author's reply
Perhaps Woodruff ought to open a branch office at Whittacres farm. Save time and travel. Actually, she does, sort of, when Paladin becomes Thain. At least, he "invites" her to move to the Great Smials to become/remain his family's healer. And she does. {poor Pimpernel. Isn't that the way things seem to work--some mishap happens, not after you've been especially kind and loving, but usually after you've said something you regret later. Difficult lesson to learn.) Had you read "Pearl of Great Price"? This is the same sheepdog, Lop, as was in that story. The *why* will be explained in an upcoming chapter, at least if I don't forget to put that conversation in. (*I* know the "why", but your question reminds me that the reader doesn't see all the background material!) Thanks! Author Reply: p.s. another familiar character from another story in the cycle is about to pop up. Wonder who'll recognise him?
pipinheart · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 27: Silver Pennies and Showers of Blessing
Mardi is recovering,but his skin is very delicate right now... The healer has a new apprentice, and she is pleased to be one... Nice job
Author's reply
Yes, the skin is fragile and thin, but it will grow thicker in time, and he won't have to wear the gloves forever. It was fun to see Hetty come into her own. I love it when a story works out that way. Thanks!
pipinheart · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 28: Interlude
Poor pippin,he is in such agony,I hope the healer can figure a way to help him.... Love this keep up the good work...
Author's reply
Woodruff is a good healer, and her brain is on the job. Thanks for the encouraging words!
Larner · 24 June 2005 · Chapter 28: Interlude
Interesting development, and you have left us with a cliffhanger!
Author's reply
Yup, and the cliff just keeps hanging from chapter to chapter... but really, there isn't much left to the story. Fewer than ten chapters to go, if they break out the way I think they will. Thanks!
Pearl Took · 24 June 2005 · Chapter 28: Interlude
I really like the knowing, which we don't in "Rope" that Woodruff is feeling the same feelings though slighter. Just when everyone was hoping things were settling down - this is so hard to take. WD :)
Author's reply
Yes, it's a challenge to write from the different perspective. "Rope" was the "omniscient narrator" who didn't think it important to explore how the Ent-draught affected Woodruff. From Woodruff's perspective, however, her feelings are an important part of the story. (Did I just state the obvious? Had a long nap this afternoon, but am still just a bit tired. On my way to bed soon!) Thanks!
Bodkin · 23 June 2005 · Chapter 28: Interlude
It is fascinating to see how Woodruff is reacting to a small amount of Ent draught - it gives so much more life to her response to Pippin's need. And talk about learning on the hoof! She focuses on her own response and magnifies it and extends her understanding to her patient. What a healer! The description of sensitivity is amazing - sunburn is a good comparison, and yet it is so much more. I love the perspective here - and, thank goodness, know that there is light at the end of this particular tunnel.
Author's reply
Amazing to imagine that Pippin drank two glassfuls, and Woodruff had only a sip! Perhaps Treebeard meant for the stuff to be taken in small quantities at regular intervals, rather than a large amount at one time. OTOH, he's a very large being, and Pippin is very small, so an Ent-sized dose might be overwhelming for a Hobbit. Interesting to speculate. Thanks!
Dreamflower · 23 June 2005 · Chapter 28: Interlude
Oh, wow! Here it comes! I love Woodruff's description of her own reaction to the draught--felt like she had a sunburn, did she? This is going to be very interesting! I may have to go rush to "At the End of His Rope" and refresh my memory for the details. But I *love* seeing all this through her eyes!
Author's reply
Yes, it felt something like a sunburn to her. At least, that was the closest she could come to the tingling flashes of fire that she felt running up and down her nerves. Thanks!