Dreamflower
· 11 July 2005
· Chapter 15: Who's Minding the Minder?
Well, well, well.
Pippin is beginning to realize what she is starting to mean to him--but I get the idea she may have issues about the scar.
I loved the way Pip disposed of her friends, and finally got her to take her medicine. It's fun watching Pippin be the stern caregiver for a change, LOL!
Author's reply
Yes, he is, and you will see more of this develop. LOL...oh, yes--we've already seen that Pippin will put his own life down for the love of a friend, and caretaking is just as serious to him. Thank you again for reading Courtship.
Pippinfan
Larner
· 10 July 2005
· Chapter 14: Painting the Town Green
Boys shall be boys, whether sons of the Dunedain or lads of the Shire. Poor Diamond! Hope Hilly is just tired and not coming down with something.
Author's reply
No, no sick laddies today.:-) I had to stop the chapter at some point, but plan to update the continuing saga of Diamond's incident on Monday. Thank you for reading Courtship!
Pippinfan
Connie B.
· 10 July 2005
· Chapter 14: Painting the Town Green
Oh, I really wasn't expecting that. I was about half asleep when I sat down to read this. Needless to say, I'm a whole lot more awake now.:)
The first stages of romance are often so funny. The green-eyed monster of jealousy can slip out before a person is even aware of it.
For a moment I was worried that we were going to have sick children to deal with. The crankiness and Hilly's remarks about the midge while rubbing his eyes made me wonder if something was up.
Now I'm wondering exactly what happpened to poor Diamond. At least what I feared didn't happen as far as I can tell.
Please don't leave us hanging too long.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Bless your heart, Connie! I agree that crankiness is surely one of the signs of a sick child, but not in this case. Everyone was just out of sorts--yes, the green-eyed monster rearing its ugly head! LOL...I just thought the "midge" bit was reminiscent of "Mom! He's touching me!" or "Mom! She's breathing on me!"
I will update on Monday--didn't mean to leave the chapter on a cliff hanger; I'll explain it more in my next review-reply for chapter 15. Thanks for reading Courtship!
Pippinfan
Dreamflower
· 9 July 2005
· Chapter 14: Painting the Town Green
Oh my! This is an eventful chapter!
I'd *love* to know what the story was that Pippin wrote for the children, and why it only took half-an-hour.
Poor Pip, all the lasses are out to get him, one of the curses of being such an eligible hobbit. And Diamond has attracted attention as well. But they already are beginning to realize that they are forming an attachment for each other, and don't know what to do about it yet. Sadly, all Pippin can think is that he has another heartbreak coming...
And *now* Diamond is hurt! What happened with the pony whip? I was convinced that the coach was going to roll off with Diamond and Hilly inside; you surprised me!
Author's reply
Well....he didn't exactly write that one--I suppose I should have mentioned that he grabbed it from the library, underestimating it's length. But hey--why not (LOL) add to his repertoire of talents his skills in writing children's stories? He's already a great Storyteller--learning the art from his father.
Wow! I managed to surprise you?? LOL--sorry, I really did chuckle at that. :-) My aim was to get Pippin out of the way so that the lads could have a proper argument. What a good idea to have Pip-the-mechanic around!
Take care--and thank you for reading Courtship!
Pippinfan
Pearl Took
· 9 July 2005
· Chapter 14: Painting the Town Green
“I like you, Miss Diamond,” Pippin overheard Hilly whisper back into the child-minder’s ear. The little lad glowered at his uncle, “Can I dance with you at the Fair, Miss Diamond?”
Oh! This is just toooooo perfect!! LOL after all the other lads asking her and Pip feeling like his chance might be passing him by!! LOL
A great chapter :) :) :)
Author's reply
Oh! I do like little Hilly--he's such a heart-grabber. That's because he's just a wee six-year-old laddie--give him a few years and there'll be another Gelly on our hands! Oy...
I imagine that Pippin is just now realizing how much he likes Diamond and sees that he still has a window of opportunity--that's why he sends the poor kid back to his seat with a nasty gaze! Pip's still a bit gun shy, but yes--you're right in that if he doesn't wake up soon, this moment will truly pass him by.
Thank you for reading--and for all your help! :-)
Pippinfan
Dreamflower
· 5 July 2005
· Chapter 13: Settling In
Oh, you have *really* pulled all the stops out for me on *this* chapter! A musical Pippin! A Pippin who plays the violin, no less, and who you hint plays *other* instruments! A Pippin who uses his music to express his fears and sorrows and joys! Oh, I am in raptures! This is my Pippin, too!!!!
And Diamond understands.
Perfect.
I couldn't begin to be happier with the direction this is taking!
Author's reply
I went to reply to ch. 14 and then remembered I hadn't replied to ch.13 yet! Oy...
As for Musical Pippin...LOL I love it when our characters meet up like this!! Oh, yes--our Pippin is *definitely* the multi-talented one! I imagine him playing his violin/fiddle, dulcimer, lap harp, citern...just about anything with strings. A fair player of the flute, but that is pretty much Merry's instrument. The *only* one that Merry plays--I see Merry as more a sketcher-artist. I have read many accounts of various forms of art being an outlet/release for people (not all) who have experienced certain traumas in their life. Unfortunately, I don't have a musical bone in my body! I am more like Diamond; I sit and listen to music, letting it take me to far away places.
This won't be the only time these two get together like this with music; I imagine this going on throughout their entire marriage. We may yet see another session before the story is done. :-)
Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 5 July 2005
· Chapter 9: Evening of Disaster
Ouch! The ex and her family in one visit? Poor Pippin. This is far too much for him to deal with in one throw. I do hope that someone comes to his rescue on this one and takes charge of visiting with Sapphira's family. I am glad that he was able to get away long enough to see his father. Maybe that will help. Too bad that Merry and Estella weren't coming back to the Great Smials too. I believe Pippin could use some support about now.
Grey Wonderer
· 5 July 2005
· Chapter 8: The Truth Comes Out
Not Pippin's best day was it? Looks like he is about to be on his own again.
Grey Wonderer
· 5 July 2005
· Chapter 7: No Troubles at All
Ah, the complications that can result when former lovers are present. Looks like Pippin is in for a rather rough night. Merry may regret inviting Pip's old flame to this one even though, at the time, he didn't realize there would be trouble. It is good to have lots of chapters to read at once. I like this method. LOL
Grey Wonderer
· 4 July 2005
· Chapter 5: Roses and Rhymes
Looks like Pippin is about to lose another lass from all the signs in this chapter. I do wonder how he will react to it all.
Connie B.
· 4 July 2005
· Chapter 13: Settling In
This was just lovely. The image of Pippin dealing with his memories and emotions through his music is so beautiful and poiniant.
I was hoping that Diamond would tell him what she had seen that first night, but maybe someday.
I bet I know why Sapphira got married so quickly.:)
Thanks, and glad to see an update so soon.
Connie B.
Author's reply
For me--and now another author that I know of--I see Pippin being musical because it translates so well his pain, sorrows, and even joy. Music transcends the ages, emotional boundaries, international languages. We'll see shortly just how important this truly is to (my) Pippin.
Diamond really didn't "see" anything; it is more intuition, or sensation. It probably will not happen again in *this* tale, but it may make an appearance in a "futuristic" tale. ;-)
Yes...and no. Don't write Miss Sapphira off just yet! :-)
Thank you for reading Courtship!
Pippinfan
Larner
· 4 July 2005
· Chapter 13: Settling In
I truly love the growing intimacy and beginning of understanding between them, and Pippin's own realization his previous loves, in refusing to listen to the stories of the quest, were in ways refusing to accept an important part of his personality. Love it one of Merry's pictures of the farm has made it onto Diamond's wall.
Author's reply
Thank you! I do like feedback like this--and you're pretty much on the money with his acceptance. Everyone wants to be "validated" in life and Pip is no different. I imagine that the Quest is now, what, five years behind him? (yeah, my math sucks, so I need to go back and correct when he and Merry do their first duty rotation) Anyway, Frodo, Bilbo, and Gandalf have left the Shire--even Middle-earth, so most who he could normally re-hash his experiences with are now gone for good. Only Sam and Merry remain--the remaining Fellowship are in other places out of his reach. Sam and Merry, of course, listen to Pip, but they were there with him. It's important to Pippin that someone who *wasn't* there, believe/validate him. Pippin has realized that this is very important to him; that the lass he marries be in tune with him in every aspect of his life, including his personal Journey. He's beginning to see that Diamond is different in this regard--she is genuinely interested in what happened to him--and you will see more of this because she often repeats almost verbatim what he has spoken to her and asks questions, too. None of the other lasses did this. hehehe--got a LOT more reply than you bargained for, huh?
LOL...you noticed that bit of the farm sketch? You are very astute, lady! I wonder if anyone else caught that...
Thank you for reading Courtship!
Pippinfan
Larner
· 4 July 2005
· Chapter 12: Fate Arrives
Lovely to see Pippin begin to be comfortable telling stories, and to see Diamond beginning to respond so well to the folk in the smial. Two each with nightmares of their own, finding comfort for their fearful memories or imaginings with one another.
Pearl Took
· 4 July 2005
· Chapter 13: Settling In
Wonderful! Wonderful!! Wonderful!!!
That's one for each of the three chapters I just read.
your descriptions are powerful, your characters delightful. I love Viola.
And they way music is touching Pippin and Diamond's souls is beautiful. This is a marvelous story. Truly marvelous :)
Author's reply
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! :-) I do love music although I don't have a musical bone in my body! I'm more like Diamond, sitting and listening--imagining I'm somewhere other than here.
Thank you for reading Courtship!
Pippinfan
Connie B.
· 4 July 2005
· Chapter 12: Fate Arrives
This just keeps getting better and better.
I somehow just knew that when Diamond had her bad dream and Pim sent her for warm milk, that she was somehow going to run into Pippin. I didn't think, at first, that it would be literally though.:)
Hope you plan to tell the rest of how he came to have the draughts board. I'm looking forward to that story.
Keep it coming.
Connie B.
Author's reply
At first I wasn't going to because it just wouldn't be enough to push the story, but I suppose I could squeeze it in--soon. :-) Thank you for the compliment! :-)
Pippinfan
Dreamflower
· 3 July 2005
· Chapter 12: Fate Arrives
Oh yes, this is it! This is really nice! I can just see this friendship developing. It's very promising that she's listening to his stories of the South...
By the way, I like Viola too! She's a charming OC, and I hope you will make frequent use of her...
Author's reply
That *is* the key to a lot of my upcoming Pippin...chapter 13 explains it even more.
As for Viola...we may see more of her. ;-) There is so much I want to tell you right now...but I can't. I'll sing like a bird after next chapter (figuratviely speaking!). Thanks for reading!
Pippinfan
Larner
· 30 June 2005
· Chapter 11: Welcome to Great Smials
Wonderful introduction between the two of them. And there are likenesses, but the differences are what will bring them together.
Author's reply
I've heard, too, that "opposites attract", but for right now, and because their frienship is just developing, my focus for will be on their similarities. As in all relationships, there will most certainly be differences, however, I probably won't get into them much. I am trying not to make this story into a massive epic. I just may save those differences for another wee tale later, called, "A Week After the Wedding"! LOL...she'll see Pippin in a whole new light--and vice-versa.
Thank you for reading Courtship! :-)
Pippinfan
Connie B.
· 30 June 2005
· Chapter 11: Welcome to Great Smials
This was such a breath of fresh air after all the heartache of the last couple of chapters.
Guess we now what Mrs. North Took is focused on. Yes, I know that it was important for girls to marry as well as they could; but it just seems that she's a bit obssessive about her daughters and their prospects.
Diamond certainly is her own person. Just the kind of lass Pippin will need. Strong but vulnurable, independant and strong-willed but caring and loving.
Thanks for the update, and I'm looking forward to see how it all ends up.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Yepper--poor Pippin having to deal with a mother-in-law like that! But thankfully he won't have to deal with her too much more in *this* tale.
My Diamond is growing into her own right before our eyes. She doesn't know it yet, but she is being molded into the person that Pippin will need by his side while wearing the many titles he bears. She is young, so she has a way to go yet.
As for the heartache; I am lightening things a bit, but at the same time, there will continue to be that ever-present drama we all love so well.
Thank you, Connie, for taking the time to read Courtship! Take care.
Pippinfan
Larner
· 30 June 2005
· Chapter 10: Depths of Despair
Yes, the calf was stolen indeed. Poor Pippin. His family doesn't really know what he went through down south, and now he's going through his second breakup in such a short time--I truly feel for him.
You have a couple homonyms going here, but well written overall. Apparently missed this chapter last time the computer went on the fritz.
Dreamflower
· 30 June 2005
· Chapter 11: Welcome to Great Smials
Wonderful!
Your Diamond has spunk and ingenuity and compassion and integrity, making her *perfect* for our Pip, who also has all those things!
This is going to *really* get interesting now! (Not that it wasn't already, but now that *Diamond* is in the story we get to the *true* courtship part, if you know what I mean...)
Author's reply
LOL...I knew what you meant--and for as much as I liked the "Sapphira" end of things, I'm really enjoying fleshing out Diamond. And that can be scary; there are many lovey portrayals of her, so I have some mighty big shoes to fill. Too bad I'm not a hobbit, because then there would *be* no shoes! Yes, Pippin and Diamond are going to be running into each other quite a bit--though not always so literally. I think it's going to be nice, and in the end I hope you think so, too. Thank you for taking the time to read Courtship! :-)
Pippinfan
Pearl Took
· 26 June 2005
· Chapter 10: Depths of Despair
Oh, poor dear lad! I like your version of Diamond North-took. Such loving parents, Paladin and Eglantine - letting Pim rest. As always, such a well written story, I'm loving it :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Pearl! Trust me, I am really pouring my heart into this tale, however, I have some mighty big shoes to fill. Thank you for reading Courtship! :-)
Pippinfan
Connie B.
· 25 June 2005
· Chapter 10: Depths of Despair
How sad and how sweet all at the same time.
Pippin's grief is terrible to have to witness. I just want to rush in and give him a hug. But that is the last thing he wants right now.:)
I really like Diamond. I think she's the smart one in her family, whether any of them realize her worth, or not. I think I see how she comes to have a chance to be around Pippin so much in the near future.
I am so looking forward to the next chapter. I really want to see how Pippin finally deals with his sadness, and how he and Diamond really meet.
Thanks.
Connie.
Author's reply
Well, as for the Thain-in-training, Paladin has taught his son from his own experience that life goes on in spite of personal trials; Pippin and Merry's "death" during the Occupation are some examples. Pippin will be slightly jaded in in the area of relationships for a while, but he does comes to terms with his grief. He's a resilient lad--LOL...he can't hide forever!
As I develop Diamond's character more and more, I'm finding I rather like the lass myself! She and Pippin will come to "compliment one another beautifully", just as the young lass observed with her sister and Hildebrand.
(winks) Go ahead and give Pippin a hug; he could use one about now. :-) Thank you, Connie, for taking the time to read Courtship.
Pippinfan
Dreamflower
· 25 June 2005
· Chapter 10: Depths of Despair
I'm loving your Diamond already! She already has a strong sense of what she thinks is right (I love the way she's all shirty about her sister holding hands with her beau under Pippin's nose--disrespectful, indeed, she was quite right; and would only return the children to their mother.)
Poor Pip. It's a shame Merry's not there to comfort him. But it may be just as well. He might treat Miss Saphirra to the same treatment he gave Miss Posey. What's wrong with those lasses, anyway? Imagine anyone throwing Pippin over--I think they're *nuts*!
Well, it looks like Diamond will get to pick up the pieces--more power to her!!
Author's reply
LOL..."shirty" is perfect for what she is feeling! Diamond may be young, but her "emotional antenna" are quite developed. A lot of what makes up Diamond is to "compliment" her to Pippin. A wee idea has been floating inside my head as to *why* these two were made for each other, however, this is yet another one of those "side" angles (LOL) that I love so much. The "reason" need not appear in *this* story, but I'm getting ahead of myself.
As for Merry, remember he's going to come for a midsummer visit. Pippin and Merry are like peanutbutter and jelly--gotta have them both together. I have slowed these current chapters over a mere couple of days in order to flesh out Pippin's future in-laws a bit and encompass his melacholy and eventual...well, that is in the tale. :-) We *will* soon be moving on from here to "down the road a piece".
Yes, I agree--those darned lasses! He's rich and good looking--and can sing!! What more can a lass want? ;-) Hehehe...don't forget--this is G/pg! Thank you for taking the time to read Courtship!
Pippinfan
Pearl Took
· 24 June 2005
· Chapter 9: Evening of Disaster
Our dear tender hearted lad. She has to know it's killing him, but . . . I'm just hoping she didn't use Pip just to make Hildebrand jealous. I eagerly await the next chapter :) So very well done :) :) :)
Author's reply
Nah...Sapphira may be a bit on the thoughtless side, but "malicious" she is not. Thank you! And thanks for reading! :-)
Pippinfan
Dreamflower
· 23 June 2005
· Chapter 9: Evening of Disaster
*sigh*
Poor Pip.
Of course all of us knew this was coming, and couldn't do anything about it. LOL! It reminds me of the way my old granny used to watch soap operas, and she would talk to the characters, telling them "Now don't you listen to her!" and so forth. I *so* wanted to just grab Pip and warn him--but if he wouldn't listen to Merry he certainly wouldn't listen to me!!
But Diamond is there now, and will be able to soothe poor Pip's broken heart--though I imagine he *will* be trying to guard the poor wounded thing himself for just a little while after this, especially from any North-took lasses.
Author's reply
LOL! Your granny sounds terrific! You're right--Pippin is so Hades-bent on finding his special lass that he just would not heed any sound advice that even Merry had to offer. Grab him? Hehehe...you and me both, but my muse keeps telling me to write these things.
I imagine Pippin is going to be licking his wounds for a wee bit, but not for too long; after all, he *is* our beloved Pip. Just be prepared--JRRT has Diamond being born 1395, although he didn't say exactly when. LOL, I keep remembering your first review, saying I go about things sideways--(and I'm snickering as I say this because its true!) Be prepared for her to be a tad on the innocent side, because I have her being a Yule baby. She has her own unique and special gifts that I'm giving her to compliment Pippin, and I'd say more, but I want you to be surprised--even if you've probably guessed it already! :-P
Thank you so much for reading Courtship! :-)
Pippinfan