I enjoyed this one very much. It was very realistic. Naturally it wouldcome as a surprise to her even if she had been told about it all. I think her reaction was very honest and very accurate. I also enjoyed how very tender the ending was. Lovely story!
Author's reply
Hullo G.W.! I thought for sure you'd still be sleeping off your wee hours, lol.
I always imagine that Merry is *so* absolutely in love with Estella, and vice versa. But experiencing her husband's nightmares for the first time would be frightening for her; it's all theory until the first situation--and its usually nothing like it was imagined in theory. But Estella is strong--and with her Tookish Tenacity running through her veins, she comes to the natural conclusion. Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
p.s. Look for my review for T&B in a bit...
Pearl Took
· 22 January 2006
· Chapter 5: Tea for Two
This is so precious :) :) It is often hard to give the older child the attention they need, Frodo was wonderful to notice and to give his attention to Pervinca :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Pearl. :-) Pervinca did grow to love her little brother, though the first year had to be a bit hard on her. The more I write Frodo, the more I am developing his character, so I enjoyed his interaction with Vinca...and don't think this is the last. ;-) I always look forward to your wonderful reviews. :-)
Pippinfan
Baggins Babe
· 27 October 2005
· Chapter 5: Tea for Two
Poor little Pervinca, desperate for a little attention and being ignored in favour of a baby! I felt for the poor little lass and I was so touched by Frodo's thoughtfulness. What an exceptional hobbit he is, and no doubt he did know how she felt. Thank you for a very sweet tale.
Author's reply
Frodo is indeed an exceptional hobbit--lol, along with Pippin and Merry--and yes, Sam, too. :-D I love hobbits, period. Thank *you* very much for stopping by to read and take the time to leave an encouraging word.
Pippinfan
shirebound
· 27 October 2005
· Chapter 5: Tea for Two
The tween remembered countless occasions here in Brandy Hall when he felt just the same as this little lass did at this moment; dejected and rejected. The few relations that did care for him were not enough to keep him here when opportunity knocked last year.
What a sweet story! Frodo is so compassionate and thoughtful, and the adults know their little daughter is in good hands. Lovely.
Author's reply
I like to think that Frodo was compassionate and thoughtful. I know *your* Frodo is! :-) This would have been a 100% Frodo gig, but I just can't see either Paladin or Tina being so oblivious to the needs of their children. Thank you so much for reading and leaving such a lovely review!
Pippinfan
Garnet Took
· 26 October 2005
· Chapter 5: Tea for Two
Frodo to the rescue. Poor Vinca. It can't be easy being replaced as the baby of the family. I have no idea how it feels; having been an only child, and being the parent of an only child. But I know friends who have gone through this with their kids, and it isn't easy. Thank goodness for the Tooks that Frodo was there to step in and cheer Pervinca up.
Glad to see an update to this.
Author's reply
No, its not easy, but thankfully there are those willing to take time out for such matters. And I thank you for reading! You'll hear from me over the weekend...(via mail). :-)
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 26 October 2005
· Chapter 5: Tea for Two
That is darling! I've seen and written my share of stories in which Pervinca takes her frustration out on Pip because she is jealous but this is the first one that I have read that shows exactly how difficult it must have been for Pervinca to adjust to the new baby. I love Frodo to the rescue and the gentle way that he makes her feel important. It was so much more effective than if Paladin had reached her first. Simply wonderful all the way through!
Author's reply
And I remember lauging my butt off at those tales! Most any child who gets a sibling at a young age, such as Pervinca, will have phases of jealousy at varying degrees. They all usually get over it in time, or it merely turns into sibling rivalry. Frodo making the wee lass feel important, I believe, is an inherent part of his personality--he empathizes with people. Even though his lines were few, this tale was definitely a Frodo moment...with Pervinca. Thank you so much for reading!
Pippinfan
Dreamflower
· 26 October 2005
· Chapter 5: Tea for Two
Aww, this is just so sweet! I don't believe I've *ever* seen a Frodo-Pervinca scene before, and this was just right. I can *so* see Frodo having some fellow-feeling for the forlorn little lass, and giving her his undivided attention. I wonder how this moment affected her relationship with Frodo in the future? Would she always have a bit of helpless adoration for this lad who was so sweet and understanding? Would she be even more jealous of Pippin later on when he *did* manage to garner Frodo's attention? And how would she have felt about him when he "stole" her brother and Merry away for a year? Would she understand? How would she feel when he finally sailed away for good?
A moment like this can have a lifetime's repercussions...
Author's reply
LOL...oh, my gosh--so many bunnies, so little time! You amaze me; if I didn't know any better, I'd think my muse was a double agent working on the side for you! :-) And I mean that in a very nice way. I got such a tickle when I first read your review this morning that I pm'd you when I did because I knew I wouldn't get home til late this evening.
I have envisioned a whole scheme of things that go on between this small circle of friends (Frodo, Merry, Pervinca, and Pippin), but I don't have it all fleshed out completely. I *can* tell you that I've wanted to write something like this for quite a long time. I am also glad you threw that lot of questions at me because that will help me to organize this bit of universe that I have yet to tread--and this tale is the first of more to come (if my muse quits her night job!). Thank you so much for all your encouragement!
Pippinfan
Dreamflower
· 12 June 2005
· Chapter 4: Storm at Sea
*very*big*grin*
What an adorable glimpse of the young hobbits at play! Paladin is such a good father.
Author's reply
I absolutely love writing our main lads and lasses as children, bubbling with imagination, innovation, innocence...and mischief. Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
Connie B.
· 12 June 2005
· Chapter 4: Storm at Sea
Oh the imagination of children. I wish mine were as good as it was when I was young. Kids today just don't have that it seems.
It is also so wonderful when a parent can participate in their children's play. The picture of Paladin running around the yard being chased by little ones is just precious.
Thanks for the cheerful story, and the memories it evoked.
Connie B.
Author's reply
I agree, and I blame tv, movies, and the internet. Kids had imaginations like that because they didn't have all these modern things at their fingertips. Thank *you* for stopping by to read.
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 11 June 2005
· Chapter 4: Storm at Sea
Ah, the life of a sailor is never dull. Too cute! Loved it.
Author's reply
Indeed, it is never dull. Thanks for reading. :-)
Pippinfan
shirebound
· 11 June 2005
· Chapter 4: Storm at Sea
“A sea-troll!” shouted a very soaked Merry, stepping out of the old cow trough they used as their ship. “Get him! Don’t let the troll get away!” The three wet sea-mates squealed and laughed as they chased their quarry around the yard.
I love your hobbit tales so much! They're so full of love, and make me smile so big.
Author's reply
LOL...I'm enjoying writing them! Can't promise they'll always be this happy, but I hope so--I'm rather partial to happy moments. Thank you so much for visiting and reading!
Pippinfan
Anso the Hobbit
· 11 June 2005
· Chapter 3: The New Lad
I knew that Sam would make Frodo laugh! It is a sad but realistic picture of Frodo`s first days at Bag End you paint here. I`m so glad he met the Gamgees.
Author's reply
So am I...life just wouldn't be the same without those two. I just imagine Ham and Hal's disposition much the same as Sam's: simple (not stupid), and down to earth. Thank you so much for visiting! :-)
Pippinfan
Anso the Hobbit
· 11 June 2005
· Chapter 2: Just Us Lads
Lovely picture again! I like the comfortable conversation between them and the warmtn and love they share. Nicely done! :)
Author's reply
Thanks again! This is how I see my Paladin and Pippin for the most part. Neither are perfect, but they have a lot of fun just being lads.
Pippinfan
Anso the Hobbit
· 11 June 2005
· Chapter 1: Tinderwood's Pipe Shop
So sweet! I love the picture of wee Pippin and his Da! :)
Author's reply
Wow! Welcome Anso! I am so glad you are enjoying these wee tales as much as I am writing them. ;-) Thank you so much for reading!
Pippinfan
Connie B.
· 11 June 2005
· Chapter 3: The New Lad
Children can be so cruel. I'm glad Frodo met the Gamgees when he did. Otherwise, eventually those brats that he met the first day would have allowed him into their group just so they could take advantage of him.
Very nice story.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Thank you! Well...*certain* children can be cruel. Children are often reflections of their parents, is how I see it. I'm sure that given time, Frodo made a lot more sincere friends in addition to the Gamgees--JRRT said that he did--however, I have been that "new lass" and I don't remember it being very fun. Thank you for reading Tales!
Pippinfan
Larner
· 10 June 2005
· Chapter 3: The New Lad
It's so often hard for the new lad or lass in the area. Glad they warned him off the Sandymans, and glad to see the rope being hawked. Well done.
Author's reply
Thank you! Glad you noticed the rope, Larner. Yes, Ham is the one to move to the Northfarthing to join his Uncle Andy in roping. Sam was a bit of a rope enthusiast, making off-handed remarks about forgetting it back at home while he travelled with Frodo. Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
Dreamflower
· 10 June 2005
· Chapter 3: The New Lad
This is nice! I love stories that acknowledge the rest of Sam's family. His brothers, especially, are often ignored. How nice that they are making Frodo feel at home!
Oh, and I loved that hobbits were playing "ponyshoes". *grin*
Author's reply
LOL...we're all going to get a bit more familiar with the rest of the Shire...including me! I always wondered about Sam's elder brothers, too, yet that was not necessarily on my mind when I wrote this. It just seemed natural for Ham and Hal to introduce themselves because they were all around the same age, however, because of "life", as I call it, went their separate ways after a time, leaving Sam to develop the sweet relationship he and Frodo had.
As for "ponyshoes"...(more laughter), I certainly can't have the corner market on that one. If you haven't already had your hobbits playing this ageless game, perhaps a game or two could release a bit of stress for your wee houseguests. (wink, wink) Shoeing horses and ponies have been going on for ages...someone had to get bored eventually with the pile of iron in their yard. ;-) Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
shirebound
· 10 June 2005
· Chapter 3: The New Lad
Your dialogue is marvelous. And I was so happy for Frodo that he discovered how kind and friendly his neighbors were!
Author's reply
Thank you! It was something different...like a trout swimming upstream (yet again). :-P I can't help myself sometimes. Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
Connie B.
· 6 June 2005
· Chapter 2: Just Us Lads
Oh, what a sweet image. Pippin and Papa spending an evening alone together. Memories to last a child a lifetime.
Thanks for sharing.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Indeed! And thank you so much for taking the time to leave a kind word. I know you're exhausted right now, so they are very much appreciated! Thank you.
Pippinfan
Connie B.
· 6 June 2005
· Chapter 1: Tinderwood's Pipe Shop
Wow, was I supprised, and pleased, to find this.
What a sweet child Pippin was. Even then, I don't think he had a mean-spirited bone in his body. He only behaved badly toward Sancho because Sancho was mean to him and his dear, sweet dad.
I'm looking forward to more of these tales.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Yes, our dear Pippin was indeed a sweet child; maybe full of mischief, but never malicious or vindictive. Sancho, I think, is a sad, confused lad, and we'll see more of that, I hope, not too far in the future. Thanks for reading!
Pippinfan
shirebound
· 4 June 2005
· Chapter 2: Just Us Lads
What a happy, snuggly scene! It's wonderful to see the love between Paladin and his young son, and how much they enjoy one another's company. "Just the lads"... adorable!
*big grin*
Author's reply
I love fluffy moments between these two; they are the threads that bind the love between father and son as Pippin grows into his tweens and then into adulthood. Thank you for stopping by to read! :-)
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 3 June 2005
· Chapter 2: Just Us Lads
I like the way Pippin notices that his sisters and his mum are not at home. I also like the way he calls his sisters 'the lasses'. This was sweet!
Author's reply
LOL...yes, my sister and I were labeled "the grills" by our younger brother when he was a preschooler, however, as he got older, we came to be "the girls". Glad you liked it! Have a great weekend! :-)
Pippinfan
Loved Paladin's reaction to Olo saying that if he fed Pippin he might grow up to be like Sancho. This one reminded me of the mum's at school events comparing notes on their little darlings. No one's child is ever as wonderful as your own. Terrific frist chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you again, Grey Wonderer! Yes, parental pride runs deep in Paladin and most other hobbits. Thanks for reading the tale!
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 3 June 2005
· Chapter 0: Just a few words
I like this very much. Now, this is just what I like to see. More of your hobbit stories posted. I think I shall be a frequent visitor here.
Author's reply
Thank you--and a warm welcome to yet another dear friend. Please have a seat and make yourself at home! :-)
PF
Dreamflower
· 3 June 2005
· Chapter 2: Just Us Lads
AAAaaaawwww....! *melts*
Author's reply
LOL...! I love fluff, but I know that life isn't always like that. However, fluff will always have a home here in these Tales. ;-) Thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions about ficlets and such--and thank you for stopping by to read. :-)
Pippinfan