Reviews (24)

Marethiel · 31 December 2008 · Chapter 1

This was so dear. I love the trust and compassion flowing between "good old Strider" and the Guard of the Citadel. :-) Thank you so much for sharing your talent. ~Marethiel

Author's reply

Why thank you! It's delightful to get a new review of an older story, and this one is dear to my heart, as I originally wrote it in longhand, while waiting for the power to come back on after Hurricane Katrina. I am so glad you like it! I think the trust and compassion was definitely a two-way street for Aragorn and Pippin!

Golden · 25 November 2008 · Chapter 1

This story is great! I love the way you have Strider and Pip interacting and the deepniss that is in their characters. :)

Author's reply

Thank you, Jana! I do think there is a deepness to both their characters! I'm glad you enjoyed this; it's a favorite of mine.

Idril Celebrindal · 21 March 2007 · Chapter 1

Oh this was just perfect! I thoroughly enjoyed it! Thank you! Idril

Author's reply

Thank you very much! I'm glad you liked it! It's lovely to get a review for an older fic.

Linda Hoyland · 27 May 2006 · Chapter 1

THis was just lovely.I found it from the MPA site, which I'd dropped by to see how my story was faring.This was a real gem to discover.Good luck in the contest !

Author's reply

Why thank you very much! I'm glad that you enjoyed it! It's a very gratifying and unexpected treat to find a new review for a story that's been up a while. Thank you again for reading and reviewing!

Frodo Baggins · 14 March 2006 · Chapter 1

Oh Dreamflower! I am forever awed by your power to draw the reader into the moment! You almost had me in tears there! This was such a sweet story about one of the best kings ever instructing a leader-to-be. WOnderfully done! Namarie! God Bless, Frodo Baggins

Author's reply

Why thank you! This is one of the stories I wrote by hand, while the power was out after Hurricane Katrina, and when I came back online, I could not wait to type it in and post it. It came to me so clearly, this picture of Pippin and Aragorn on the steps in Meduseld, and Pippin trying so hard to understand what would one day be expected of him. I am very glad that you liked it.

Gryffinjack · 16 December 2005 · Chapter 1

Oh, my but this is one of my favourite stories! And not just because it's about Pippin. You know, I told you once in one of my reviews that I could easily see Pippin with a dog. And here you have him acting just like a puppy himself, following Aragorn around, anxious to please and for any wisdom Aragorn can impart to him. A puppy or a dog is a very good description of Pippin, including his ability to charm, his desire to play and ability to get into mischief, his boundless energy, his loyalty, and his ability to love. "Never, since the first day he had met Pippin Took, had he ever thought it would be difficult to get him to talk." Now *there's* an understatement! This story is such a beautiful moment between Pippin and his friend and king. Aragorn is so sensitive to the needs of his little knight that even though he does not understand what the problem is, he recognises that there is one and that he must be patient and genlte in the way he coaxes Pippin into telling what his problem is. The complete honesty and respect he shows Pippin in answering his questions shows what a great man and leader Aragorn is. For Pippin, as intuitive as he is about people, to trust Aragorn so much that he is willing to discuss his problem with him also says a great deal about Aragorn. For although Pippin thinks the best of most people and is easy with his friendship and trust (Banks brothers, anyone?), this is a different type of trust that he does not so easily give. And really, there is nobody better for Pippin to have this conversation with than Aragorn. "“Did you always want to be King?” “No. You must remember that I grew up as ’Estel’. I was twenty before I even knew who I was. I knew that I was a Man of the Dúnadain, and my hope was to become a Ranger and a healer among them.”" Really, there situations are quite similar: neither Aragorn nor Pippin knew that they were going to grow up to be king or Thain until they were older. They did not learn from the time they could talk that this was the case. In Pippin's case, he was already a teenager before he learnt he would one day be Thain and as Aragorn said, he was twenty before he learnt of his future. So both of them began their training rather late in life, and neither one particularly wanted it. "“I can’t think I’d be very good at leading the Shire. Merry, now Merry’s going to be a *brilliant* Master of Buckland! He’s just perfect for the job, he makes plans ahead of time, and he’s clever, and he’s a good leader. But I’m just not like that. I don’t like to tell people what to do.” ...“But mostly, I’m afraid I will let everyone down, that I will do one of those stupid things that make Gandalf call me a ‘fool of a Took’ and bring disaster on the Shire. And, like I said before, I don’t like to tell people what to do.”" I honestly don't know how Aragorn refrained from hugging Pippin. Although Pippin is right that Merry will be a brilliant Master of Buckland, magnificent in fact, he sadly underestimates his own abilities. This is most likely due to his being the youngest of four children (just like me!), with three older sisters to coddle him (me again!), and constantly being under pressure from his father because his father knows that he must learn to lead his people one day. Combine all of that with a penchant for getting into more mischief than anyone thought possible, and you have a recipe for underestimation of his talents. And if that wasn't enough, there are his two near disasters on the Quest. If you please, what good came out Pippin's dropping the stone down the well? Pippin may not be as good at planning and organisation as his older cousin, but he is every bit as intelligent as both Merry and Frodo. And he can, too, plan things like Merry and be as patient as Frodo - just look at his actions during A Conspiracy of Hobbits. Pippin also has the innate ability to read and understand people, much like Frodo, Aragorn, Gandalf, Faramir, and even Denethor. That is a talent that will stand him in very good stead when he becomes leader of the Shire. On top of that, he has an even greater slice of Took charm than either of his cousins that makes others want to please him. And *this* is one of the best qualities to have in order to make others follow willingly. "I have seen you wrap both Merry and Frodo around your little finger, even when they *know* what you are doing.”" Pippin does it at every turn and this reminds me of something I forgot to comment on in A Different Kind of Quest, where Pippin wheels around, shows Legolas and Gimli his most irresistible wide green eye, pouting trembling lower lip look that always gets to Merry and Frodo, and turns back around to the laughter of all. It is a calculated manoeuvre to get his way, yes, but the thing that is unbelievable is that nobody can resist it even when they know that is precisely what he is doing. Now *THAT* is irresistable charm! Any leader would be in envy of such an ability. Aragorn was brilliant in this story. He truly is a leader, able to find out what the problem is and solve it. But more than that, he is able to make others see things in a way they hadn't previously in order to arrive at a solution. He has a gentle strength and caring that would make anyone want to confide in him. This is a truly remarkable story.

Author's reply

You know, I never thought of Pippin as a puppy, but, really you are absolutely right! LOL! He does have that adorable puppy-like quality of wanting to please, and the certainty that everyone loves him. Pippin has an absolute trust and love for the King to whom he's given his fealty. After his experience with Denethor, I do not believe he would ever have repeated that oath to one he did *not* absolutely love and trust. And Aragorn honors that with love and trust of his own. They do indeed have those things in common. And their reluctance to want to be rulers stems from a lack of the kind of prideful ambition that moved Denethor, for example, or Saruman or even Lotho. And their willingness to put aside their reluctance to benefit their people is a true sacrifice to duty, and yet a joy at the same time. Although Pippin is right that Merry will be a brilliant Master of Buckland, magnificent in fact, he sadly underestimates his own abilities. This is most likely due to his being the youngest of four children (just like me!), with three older sisters to coddle him (me again!), and constantly being under pressure from his father because his father knows that he must learn to lead his people one day. Combine all of that with a penchant for getting into more mischief than anyone thought possible, and you have a recipe for underestimation of his talents. You have hit the nail on the head. And in addtion to being the youngest in his immediate family, he is also the youngest in "family" he has with his cousins, whom he adores and thinks can do no wrong; in his eyes, compared to his beloved Merry and Frodo, he feels himself to fall woefully short. As to the stone, *if* you think (which I am not sure is correct, but a good many people *do* think it, and I don't dismiss it out of hand) that the stone woke the Balrog, then if Gandalf had not fallen, he would never have become Gandalf the White, and been able to displace Saruman, nor some of the other things he was able to openly do after his return. Still, I am not sure that this view of things would have been much comfort to Pippin, and I am not sure Aragorn would agree with it, either, so that's why he doesn't belabor the point. But I'll bet it *occured* to him! Pippin knows his charm works on his cousins and his family. He really has not yet come to understand how deeply it works on everyone else he meets, and he charms most when he is unaware, from the way he got the old farmer to give him the ball in "All You Have to Do Is Ask" to the way he got Menelcar to invite him along on the road in "Life of a Bard". And think of how quickly he was befriended by Beregond and Bergil, or how close he became to Faramir. Aragorn is the kind of leader I wish we had in RL. And so he has all the leadership qualities I value most--I do so wish he were here and now. And thank you.

Pearl Took · 17 October 2005 · Chapter 1

This is most excellent!!! I've always felt that Pip would not feel up to becoming Thain, but I've always known he'll be a great one. Very well done indeed :)

Author's reply

For my Pippin, the idea of the Thainship was colored by early and unpleasant experiences visiting the Great Smials when Lalia and Ferumbras held sway. On top of that was his terror at the thought that his father would die for him to take the job on, as well as the decided reluctance to wield authority commonly found in youngest children. And yet he did have what it takes--only needing experience and confidence to give him that boost into great leadership. The Quest most certainly tempered him, and honed his abilities, and Aragorn's faith and confidence in him did even more.

GamgeeFest · 28 September 2005 · Chapter 1

This is such a sweet little moment between Aragorn and Pippin. Aragorn is of course right about everything he said. Pippin's always doubted himself because his two favorite cousins always seem to come by things so easily, Merry with his cleverness and Frodo with his intelligence and grace. It would be easy for Pippin to look at himself and doubt his own abilities. I'm glad Strider was there to set him right. :)

Author's reply

Pippin's admiration for his older cousins sometimes blinds him to his own good qualities. Pippin is every bit as intelligent as either of them, but his mind tends to jump from one thing to the next, in little flashes of brilliance, and his impulsiveness means that he sometimes acts on a "brilliant" idea before he thinks through the consequences. Yet, as Aragorn points out, this is an advantage sometimes--for example, when one is seeking a chance to escape from Orcs. LOL!

Lindelea · 26 September 2005 · Chapter 1

Another lovely story! I'd heard you were busy during your enforced absence, and your readers will certainly benefit, I think. People say a crown is a burden, and so it is, but I find a special joy in knowing that I have the ability to help others, to make their lives better, to protect them from those who would prey on them. Not everyone can have such a privilege.” This is just how I see the Thainship, especially under Pippin. His eyes softened briefly, and he cast a thought in her direction. Such a lovely turn of phrase. “But mostly, I’m afraid I will let everyone down, that I will do one of those stupid things that make Gandalf call me a ‘fool of a Took’ and bring disaster on the Shire. And, like I said before, I don’t like to tell people what to do.” A heart-tugging moment. But that is not the only kind of cleverness. Nice explanation! Wise Elessar. You have a remarkable talent for making people love you, as do your companions. This made me chuckle... yes, a remarkable talent for making people love him, especially when you consider the reams of paper given to stories about him!

Author's reply

And of course, once he gained the Thainship, he had Aragorn's example *and* advice to guide him. I don't believe he truly understood what it meant to lead a people until he saw Aragorn doing it. And Arwen's never going to be far from the King's thoughts. Yes, poor Pippin, so used to being yelled at for his disasters that he doesn't really see his successes. And Elessar has had the entire Quest to observe his small friends and note their remarkable strengths. *chuckle* Now *that* I had not thought of. But yes, we do love him, don't we, and the others as well. *hobbits*hobbits*hobbits*...

Armariel · 25 September 2005 · Chapter 1

awww now isn't that just sweet! heheh Aragorn is the soul of patience, what? And Pippin is just so......Pippin.... Brava!

Author's reply

Yes, it did take him a good deal of patience to dig out what was bothering Pippin--hobbits don't especially like to talk about serious things, even when they want to. And I'm very glad that you think my Pippin is "so...Pippin". That really makes me smile.

Anso the Hobbit · 25 September 2005 · Chapter 1

Who else to get advice from! :D I always love it when Aragorn (or the other Big Folk) have this kind of conversation with the hobbits, and he is right of vourse. Pippin is very clever, even if he doesn¨t see it so much himself. :D

Author's reply

Of course he's the perfect person to give this advice. Pippin is so used to people telling him he's done something wrong or foolish that its very startling and gratifying to learn that he's done much more that was *right*. *grin*

Laerien · 25 September 2005 · Chapter 1

Oh, I loved this! It was so cute! And I have never thought about this. I mean that Pippin became a Thain and what that could mean to him! Thank you for sharing this! It was lovely! :o)

Author's reply

Yes, Pippin becoming Thain was a rather important even, and it was more than a little significant that the first new Thain after the King came back was also a Knight of Gondor. And thank you for the review; I'm so very glad that you liked it enough to tell me!

Kitty · 25 September 2005 · Chapter 1

Oh, that was so sweet and touching! I remember Pippin’s doubts about being Thain, lose his father and take up the responsibilities of this office. After what happened with the palantír and all, it is not surprising he is more unsure than ever. I am glad he got to talk with Aragorn about this. Dear Strider, he was great and found exact the right words. To be the Thain for the King is certainly the best way to erase Pippin’s doubts. Pippin will gladly doing everything for his beloved Strider!

Author's reply

Yes, this is something I've touched on several times before with Pippin. A good deal of Pippin's doubts and insecurities come from the fact that he is a "youngest". Not only a baby brother to a lot of big sisters, and a much longed for son, but youngest among his group of close cousins and friends. Add to this his mercurial temperment and propensity for acting on impulse, and he's found himself often in trouble. On top of this, his loving nature makes him reluctant to say and do things that he thinks might be hurtful. You are right. While it's true that he grew up a good deal during the Quest, he also experienced a couple of very traumatic and less than stellar moments as well, which would have really contributed to his doubts. Stider's love for Pippin, added to his wisdom as a Man of long experience--(we need never forget how old the Dunadan is) enabled him to see just what the trouble was and say the right thing.

Baggins Babe · 25 September 2005 · Chapter 1

How lovely that Pip can go to the King with his doubts and questions, and how beautifully Aragorn reassures him that he will be a good Thain when the time comes. He is quite right that people who seek to dominate others do not make great leaders - far better that people do things out of love than fear. A lovely story, Dreamflower, and a lovely picture of our King and his smallest knight.

Author's reply

Yes, this is not a question he can really go to his cousins with; he needed the King's unique perspective on it. I wanted Aragorn to be able to honestly show him just *why* he would be a good Thain. JRRT often touches on the theme of how a desire to dominate corrupts, from Morgoth through Sauron, Saruman, Denethor and even Lotho, the wish to hold power over people--not the power itself--is shown as Evil. I am so glad you liked it. Thank you very much.

harrowcat · 25 September 2005 · Chapter 1

I just plain love the way that you have Pippin following Aragorn around even when he isn't on duty. Glad that Aragorn is perceptive enough to see that Pippin has something on his mind. This is a wonderful read Dreamflower.

Author's reply

Yes, I could see Pippin dogging him like a puppy, wanting very much to talk, yet in that very hobbity way, afraid to bring up a serious subject. You will note how even when he finally gets the courage to ask, he still skirts around what he really wants to know. And Aragorn has experience enough with hobbits now to recognize this state of mind. I'm so glad you liked it!

pipspebble · 25 September 2005 · Chapter 1

This is just lovely, Pippin's open love and admiration of his King and the King's return of that admiration and love, and his faith that Pippin will be a good leader. Very sweet, gentle conversation, very easy to picture really happening. Wonderful job.

Author's reply

I'm glad you think that this conversation *could* have happened. It's what I try so hard for: to come up with moments that are in character enough that they could have been possible. I always worry about that--it's important to me to honor the original spirit of the characters. The love and respect Aragorn holds for all the hobbits has no bounds; and they have loved him for a good long time; he's their Strider, after all.

Grey Wonderer · 24 September 2005 · Chapter 1

(“As for ‘telling people what to do’, that is not the only way of leading them, and a liking for ordering folk about is *not* a good thing in a leader.” ) Excellent advice! I love the way Aragorn explains leadership and talks about taking on the duties of being King. This is such a nice insight into his feelings and his acceptance of his responsibilities. It was like hearing his thoughts because he seemed to say more to Pippin than he might have to someone else. (You must remember that I grew up as ’Estel’. I was twenty before I even knew who I was. I knew that I was a Man of the Dúnadain,) I think this is a very easy thing to forget because by the time Aragorn meets the hobbits it is so far in his past and he is already on his way to meet his responsibilities but they must have come as a rather unwelcome shock at some point in his life. I enjoyed this look at Aragorn very much indeed!

Author's reply

Yes, I thought his explanations might have a uniquely personal slant. You just know that this Man, who's enjoyed the free life of a Ranger for decades, is not especially going to enjoy the formalities and constraints of kingship. Yet his recognition of how important the responsibilities and how much he can do for his people enables him to put a positive spin on the job. I think you are right about his speaking to Pippin. He knew that this was something Pippin *needed* to hear. Yes, I am sure that when he first realized just where his lineage would ultimately take him, it must have been a shock indeed!

Mum's the Word · 24 September 2005 · Chapter 1

Dreamflower dear, I just loved this! How wise Aragorn is, and what insight he has into both the qualities of leadership and the qualities of our favorite Took. How wise you are as well, to point out all of Pippin's qualifications and to see how Eru can take what we think of as a shortcoming and turn it into a great strength. Blessings, Mum's the Word

Author's reply

Thank you; I'm glad you enjoyed it. Aragorn is indeed very wise--he's had decades to reflect on leadership. And he can easily see what others might not about Pippin: that his impulsiveness can be just as much an advantage as a disadvantage. A leader must be able to be flexible and think on his feet. Pippin has the unique ability to do that.

elliska · 24 September 2005 · Chapter 1

I don't read a lot of hobbit stuff, but the title and summary caught my eye on this and I'm glad it did. Wonderful conversation! Both Pippin and Aragorn seemed perfect. I really enjoyed this.

Author's reply

Oh, well thank you for reading! I always love it when someone who doesn't usually like hobbit stories tries one and likes it. I'm glad you thought I had the characters down. That is always my main goal in any story.

good_one_pip · 24 September 2005 · Chapter 1

THis makes me think of one of my favorites of your writings, The Life of a Bard. Are you working on a sequal yet? I miss that minstrel :) LOL Wow. this story hits me in a rather personal way, actually. I am in my own way a "fool-of-a-took." I have my fellowship of friends, and a best friend who has remarkably Merry-like qualities. I always saw her as the leader. After all, I mess up too much. I couldn't be a leader. My parents, however, thought that I could be. This is something I've struggled thinking about for the past year. And yet, I begin to see exactly what Pip sees in this story. I can lead people! In fact, I was invited to a prestigous national leadership conference in Washington DC! It surprises me and makes me happy too. Especially when I think about what Aragorn said to Pippin about having a quality that make others love you. I wonder if I'm like that sometimes. Interesting that you should write ANOTHER a story in which Pip's feelings reflect my own so perfectly. Thank you for your writings. I really appreciate your style, and the way you bring my favorite hobbits to life.

Author's reply

I have sort of posted a sequel to "Life of a Bard" as a serial on my LiveJournal. It's in beta now, and then I'll post it here. I usually don't use a beta, but this was more or less a bunny chase, and needs some work on its rough edges. It features a "Chance Encounter" with Menelcar when the hobbits are in Minas Tirith after the Quest. I am always glad to hear that a story can help someone in a personal way. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. 8-D Both Merry and Pippin have remarkable qualities. Merry's leadership abilities are a bit more obvious, but Pippin has a good many strengths as well. He just lacks confidence because he's always been the youngest and usually a follower. But time will soon show him his abilities. And I thank you very much for your lovely compliments. I sometimes feel my style is a bit bland, so I am glad when someone says they like it.

shirebound · 24 September 2005 · Chapter 1

This is just the *best* conversation! It makes me grin so big, Dreamflower! These are my two favorite passages: You say that Merry is clever because he makes plans ahead. You are right--Merry is a very intelligent hobbit, perhaps even more so than Frodo. But that is not the only kind of cleverness. You have the kind of cleverness that comes from acting on a sudden idea, and taking advantage of the moment.” And this... Pippin smiled. “But that’s because they love me.” “That’s right. And the best way to get people to do what you wish is out of love. You have a remarkable talent for making people love you, as do your companions. You know, don’t you, that *I* would probably do anything for you that you would ask of me.” “Oh.” Pippin’s eyes filled again. “Anything? What if I asked you to do something that was not right?” “But you wouldn’t would you? Because you know that I love and trust you.” Wonderful.

Author's reply

I made Shirebound grin! That makes *me* grin! I'm glad! *happy sigh* Thank you so much!

SlightlyTookish · 24 September 2005 · Chapter 1

This is such a wonderful moment between king and knight and also between friends. I love seeing Aragorn mentor Pippin here, and who better to give him advice on how to rule? There are not enought Pippin and Aragorn moments out there.

Author's reply

I always feel that when it comes to the hobbits, Aragorn is friend first and King second. Aragorn would be a wonderful mentor for Pippin, knowing so well how his mind worked, and knowing also, just what is needed in a good leader. And yes,I agree. We need more Pippin and Aragorn!

Larner · 24 September 2005 · Chapter 1

Oh, Dreamflower, I can just see Pippin asking that question, you know.

Author's reply

Thank you. I think it would have been a rather burning question on his mind as he prepared to finally return to the Shire. As much as he wanted to go home, I'm sure that there was some ambivalence there. And Pippin's feelings about becoming Thain had changed a great deal by the time he returned. Still not something to relish, but with Aragorn's example, something he could take on with pride.

Bodkin · 24 September 2005 · Chapter 1

And as chin-wags with good old Strider go - this is a good'un! Aragorn manages to be very reassuring. And he's right too. Pippin's ability to think? / react on his feet will be very useful in his role as Thain. (Especially considering that Merry can help out with the long-term planning.) And I do think that the job of king must have gone down like a lead balloon with a man who was used to being free. Responsible for lots of things, yes, but able to get away from all the annoyances that are going to be there all the time now. Arwen might have made up for a lot - but he'll still have craved the fresh air on his face and the quiet of the forest. Pippin's probably better trained to become Thain than the Ranger is to endure kingship!

Author's reply

Well, you'll notice he was honest with Pip when he said "No". Of course he did list all the things he did like, and rather skimp on the ones he didn't, but he was trying to put a positive spin on things for Pippin. I know that there's often a debate over whether Aragorn really wanted to be King. I think he wanted the results of what would come from his being King--Sauron's downfall for one thing--but not especially the Kingship itself. He had no craving for power. You might be right at that. *grin*