Larner
· 3 October 2006
· Chapter 9999: The Saga Continues...
I was just checking to see if I managed to miss anything during one of my frequent down times, and rejoice to find I missed only this.
And now Degger goes on to find out more of his own family history, and we see Pippin's dad taking on the proper role of Thain at last. Ferumbras as you write him tends to be as formidable and almost as unpleasant as Lalia. Ah, well, he certainly wasn't likely to get encouragement to do super well with Lalia as his mother.
Larner
· 17 January 2006
· Chapter 11: The Measure of a Hobbit
Yes, indeed--a formidable team indeed! Glad they are working together! Heh! And they're getting around Ferumbras in spite of himself, are they? Good!
Larner
· 17 January 2006
· Chapter 10: Best Efforts
I find I like Ferumbras's intentional devilling of Degger not at all. Nasty git! Serve him right if Degger manages a better than passing grade! OHHHHH!
Larner
· 17 January 2006
· Chapter 9: A Change in Plans
That Paladin is concerned about Pippin's feelings is wonderful. Sorry about the migraines--have them, too, so know well how awful they are.
Miss Hemlock never came? Now, that sounds suspicious!
Glad Nula and May are looking out for Degger and offering him good advice as well. Lovely to see a Hobbit getting ahead where he belongs!
Pearl Took
· 15 January 2006
· Chapter 9999: The Saga Continues...
It is one of my biggest joys - encouraging you :)
Looking forward to the next part of the story!!
Many hugs and blessings!
Pearl
Author's reply
Awww...and thank you! And thanks for the blessings. :-) Part Deux coming up... Take care!
Pippinfan
Pearl Took
· 15 January 2006
· Chapter 11: The Measure of a Hobbit
*applause* Bravo!!
I'm so glad that Pippin told his papa about what Ferumbras did to Degger at the exam. So wonderful that Merry gets to teach Degger :) :)
Well done!! Bravo!!
Author's reply
Yes, it is! And I want to expound upon Merry tutoring Degger in the next tale. Poor Merry didn't get to try out his skills yet. LOL, yep--Ferumbras better run. Thank you very much! And thank you so much for stopping by to read! :-)
Pippinfan
harrowcat
· 15 January 2006
· Chapter 9999: The Saga Continues...
Poor Degger, what a huge disappointment to swallow and how well he did it too. Sorry I didn't drop in as often as I intended to review but promise to try and do better with the next tale - looking forward to it.
Author's reply
Thank you, Harrowcat!
Please humor an old lady and allow me to explain my foolish blunder. When I posted these last chapters on Saturday, it was about 11:30pm EST, give or take a few minutes. Way past my normal bedtime. I didn't even go back and comb over the reviews for names when I included some in my Thank You portion--I just threw out the ones most familiar to me. I was exhausted. I did go back today to ensure I didn't miss anyone else other than you. I would have done this yesterday, but I was entertaining family and was hardly online at all. I do apologize for overlooking your deserved recognition and gratitude--and all anyone has to do is just drop *one* note of encouragement and I can pretty much guarrantee that I will profusely thank that person (YOU!) because your thoughts and opinions mean the world to me. :-)
I look forward to seeing you round in the next tale! :-)
Pippinfan
p.s. Take another look at the names! ;-)
Bodkin
· 15 January 2006
· Chapter 11: The Measure of a Hobbit
Degger is a generous lad - but it's not surprising that he's feeling low. After all he's just had a professional kicking at his self-esteem. I'm glad Paladin has let him know that he values Degger and won't give up on him, no matter what.
Merry will make a good tutor - and it will be good for him to take responsibility as well.
Any story you want to write with Ferumbras getting his comeuppance would be welcome! Mud. Falling in streams. Broken limbs. Getting himself in some sticky situation where only the kind-heartedness of some despised servant will help him survive. For if ever a hobbit deserved a bit of torment, he's the one!
Author's reply
ROTFL!! Oh, yes, my precioussss, paybackses are a...well, they're difficult! We're not vindictive...are we, my love?? (gollum! gollum!)
Yes, Merry will definitely make a *great* tutor, and I promise to address that in the next tale. We have yet to see him shine. :-) My pen name may be "pippinfan", but I am a "merryfan", too!
Degger is very generous--a usually happy-go-lucky, good-natured teen. He's been through an emotional wringer; having survived the deaths of his father and brother six years ago, so he doesn't allow some of the trash that Ferumbras deals out, or cruel remarks made by callous peers, bother him too bad. It still hurts, mind you, but instead of dwelling on it, he'd rather surround himself with those who do care about him, or else tend to his plants in his bit of garden. That is where he finds his joy. Although his contact with Degger was limited while he lived in Whitwell, my Paladin has proclaimed himself Degger's guardian because...well, we most likely will read why in the next tale. ;-)
Thank you so much for stopping by to read!
Pippinfan
p.s. My swiss cheese memory just remembered that you reviewed ch. 10, too...
Bodkin
· 15 January 2006
· Chapter 10: Best Efforts
I do like Paladin spending time with Pippin - nice bit of father / son bonding. And it makes the sheer nastiness of that bullying Ferumbras seem even more vile and spiteful. Poor Degger - no-one stands a chance of showing themselves to the best advantage under conditions like that.
Author's reply
I rather enjoyed writing that, too. Oh, I didn't consider the contrast! Very astute on your part. :-) I have plans for young Degger, and he, too, will shine eventually. But travelling the road to get there will be interesting to watch. ;-) Thanks for reading!
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 15 January 2006
· Chapter 9999: The Saga Continues...
I will officially go on record as encouraging you to write as many stories about young Pippin and Merry and Degger and Pervinca as you have time to write. You know that the first one in the series, "Irrepressable Pippin" is one of my all time favorites of your tales and since I like all of your stories that's saying something. I can't wait for the next one to begin. I look forward to Merry's tutoring efforts, more success from Degger, more of your wonderful Pervinca and most of all, more irrepressable Pippin. Also, it will be fun to hear Paladin take on the Thain!
Author's reply
LOL, then the record stands. :-) Be careful for what you wish for, becuase it might accidentally come true! Yes, in the next tale I want to go into Merry's tutoring abilities as well. We'll see what the Muse has me write in the coming weeks. *wicked laughter*...I have plans for Paladin and Ferumbras. ;-)
Take care and thanks again for all your wonderful and much needed encouragement.
PF
Grey Wonderer
· 15 January 2006
· Chapter 11: The Measure of a Hobbit
Simply wonderful. I loved the way Paladin helped Degger to get through the news that he hadn't passed by encouraging him to continue. Loved Merry's speach too! Also I was relieved that the Thain didn't get to grade the test papers. If he had then it would have been very difficult to know if Degger had actually failed or if he had been cheated out of his passing grade. This was, as are all of your stories, simply splendid!
Author's reply
Thank you! I just thought it would have been so easy for the lad to quit; to just lay it all down and walk away. No one could have blamed him after he endured so much ridicule from Ferumbras and a few of his kitchen peers. He has yet to run into the likes of Saffron, Ferdibrand's younger sister; my equivalent to Lobelia S.B., but around Pervinca's age. I rather enjoyed writing Merry's speech, so I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you again for all your encouragement. :-)
Pippinfan
Garnet Took
· 14 January 2006
· Chapter 9999: The Saga Continues...
Ooo, looking forward to the Paladin-Ferumbras confrontations, or whatever you have planned for them.
Nice to know there's more in the works.
Glad to be of help. I'm learning a lot about writing and how different people's creative processes work from talking with you.
Sorry if my own spelling is lacking, but I'm really tired and am headed straight to bed as soon as get done here.
GT.
Author's reply
I'm not far behind you...it's about 9:45pm right now. Yes, I certainly have plans, my dear. ;-) I'll probably start writing this weekend, but won't post until I have everything pretty much fleshed out.
Thank you again for the betas, and for being the faithful reader that you are. See ya soon.
Pippinfan
Garnet Took
· 14 January 2006
· Chapter 11: The Measure of a Hobbit
Oh, what a nice ending. I had hoped Degger would pass the test despite Ferumbras, but that would really have been unlikely.
I'm glad Pippin told Paladin what happened and that Paladin is still determined to help Degger improve his lot in life.
I liked the name the tutor chose for her school. It reminded me of some of the names my homeschool friends use for their kids' diplomas.
Merry's speech was great, and the audiance reactions were wonderful.
Degger will certainly succeed with Merry as his assistant tutor and Pippin for a supportive fellow-student.
Can't wait to see what you have planned for this entrepid bunch.
GT.
Author's reply
"Oh, what a nice ending. I had hoped Degger would pass the test despite Ferumbras, but that would really have been unlikely.
LOL, we must all be on the same wavelength; Dreamflower said the same thing about Degger not passing. I confess, I do try to watch for plausibility. I've been in Degger's shoes...lol, or fur...whatever, but I've been there, and its not fun.
I imagine now that Paladin is living under the same roof as Degger, he is going to take more of an active role in being Degger's guardian. Degger needs a lot of encouragement as far as academics go; things don't come as easily to him as they do for Pippin or Merry. That was the principle part of the story with Merry; he grows up a bit in the way of noticing that aspect of Degger, and instead of becoming impatient with the lad (as some high IQ people usually do), Merry wants to help and encourage him along the rough road ahead.
LOL, glad you liked "Hemlock Academy"! As for the crowd, I imagined Bilbo's birthday party and the reactions of the hobbits under the big pavilion, then tried to reproduce a bit of it here. I thought it gave a nice touch.
I agree with your assessment of Merry being Degger's tutor and Pippin his suppportive study-mate, and I can't wait to start writing about it, because, yes, I do have plans. :-) Thanks for reading!
Pippinfan
Dreamflower
· 14 January 2006
· Chapter 9999: The Saga Continues...
It's been a fun tale to read, and I look forward with much anticipation to seeing more of the duel of wits between Paladin and Ferumbras.
I'm so glad I popped in for a few moments before signing off for the night, and found the last chapter posted!!
Author's reply
Duel...? Did you say duel....? (wicked laughter)
I am so glad you did, too! I so look forward to your bits and pieces--they often make me laugh, make me think...or simply make my day. I knew it was late when I posted and really didn't expect anything until this morning, so your review was a very pleasant surprise. :-) Thank you again for taking the time to read and leave encouraging words!
Until next time...
Pippinfan
Dreamflower
· 14 January 2006
· Chapter 11: The Measure of a Hobbit
Well, I'm sorry Degger didn't at least squeak by on the exam, but really, it is more realistic this way. And I loved Paladin's explanations to him.
Merry's little graduation ceremony was very sweet--and I think he is going to immensely enjoy his time as a tutor.
Author's reply
I was sorry, too. I knew from the moment I had Paladin pull Degger into the study group in "The Substitute" that the lad was going to struggle, but the storyline didn't allow me to venture into it at the time. As for Paladin, I felt the need to establish his guardian relationship. It was all right that Paladin wasn't *always* there for Degger the past six years because the lad chose to live at Great Smials while Paladin lived in Whitwell. But now that they both live at G.S., it was important for Paladin to take up what he felt was his responsibility from the first.
LOL, I had a great time writing that scene! Bits of Bilbo's farewell birthday party floated into my muse which inspired Pippin and Everard's responses and the crowd's reactions. I think Merry will enjoy it as well, although he knows what his true calling is. This is just one of the many indulgences my Saradoc will give his son before Merry finally buckles down and takes his place as the heir to Buckland.
Thank you for reading!
Pipinfan
Anso the Hobbit
· 12 January 2006
· Chapter 10: Best Efforts
I finally managed to get back to this! Argh! That Ferumbras! Oh, he is awful. Poor Degger.
Author's reply
Hello, Anso! LOL, take your time--it'll always be here. Darn that Ferumbras! But he will get his due! Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
p.s. I'll peep in on your LJ this week--I know I've been bad about getting on LJ of late. Someday we'll have to talk over a cup of tea. ;-)
Grey Wonderer
· 9 January 2006
· Chapter 10: Best Efforts
That was so evil of Ferumbras. He was so mean to Degger. I do hope Pippin tells every word of it to his father and that Degger passes in spite of it all. Can't wait to hear the exam results. It's a wonder that Ferumbras didn't give Pervinca a hard time too since she's a lass. Maybe his own mother wouldn't approve of that double standard. I am crossing my fingers like Pippin did in the hopes that they all passed.
Author's reply
And it was so evil of me to think I had already answered your reiview! I profusely apologize.
As you know now, Pippin sang like a bird after he left. If Ferumbras was smart, he'd leave town. You know...I thought to have him say something about Pervinca but just didn't do it here. I had thought to do it elsewhere...like in the next tale. Great minds think alike! Thanks for reading--sorry about my memory, or lack thereof.
Pippinfan
Garnet Took
· 8 January 2006
· Chapter 10: Best Efforts
Glad to have been of some help.
I love this chapter. The bonding moment between Paladin and Pippin was wonderful. I was glad Pippin was able to assess his thought about how he felt about his dad's relationship with Degger and that he was able to put his feelings into words. That is often so hard for children. They want to please their parents so much that they will often say what they think their parent wants to hear and not what they are truly feeling. I'm happy that Pippin knows his place in his father's heart, but that he doesn't want any more "adopted" brothers. The bit with the apples was cute. I'm feeling like you must have had some sort of premonition, or something. My Wee One and I had a big bonding moment tonight, and it even ended with a late-night snack. Funny thing is, now I'm craving an apple.
Can I drop-kick Ferumbras across the Great Smials, please? Please! That was so mean-spirited of him. He really is a snobbish and bitter old coot. Now I'm worried for Degger. I hope he did all right on the part of the test he was able to finish. May if he did enough of it and got enough answers correct, he'll still pass. I'm probably wishful thinking, aren't I?
It's a good thing Pippin and Merry, and Vinca for that matter, were gone before he started the worst of his annoying behavior toward poor Degger. Otherwise, he'd have probably had a small-scale riot on his hands.
Were all four taking the same test? I found it interesting that you had Pippin finish first. He really is one bright kid, isn't he? I always knew he was.
As you can tell, I really got a lot out of this chapter. Keep up the great job.
GT.
Author's reply
I am so embarrassed! I thought I answered all these...oy, I think the gap in my swiss cheese memory just got bigger. My apologies.
Sweetie, you can drop-kick Ferumbras anytime you want--just get in line, lol. Ferumbras is a bitter old coot, but he ain't dumb. The snobby coward purposely waited for the others to leave before launching his attack. Yes, all four took the same exam. Pippin finished first because I see him as extremely bright, and Merry no less, lol, he just likes to give very thorough answers! Vinca would be next; she, too, is a bright child, though not quite where her brother and cousin are, but has much more knowledge than Degger at this point. LOL, I used to proctor exams in the Navy--and take them, of course. One could almost time it on a stopwatch, but an hour and a half into the exam (exams are 3 hrs), one by one, an examinee would get up and hand in his/her test. It was like a "trickle" effect.
Thanks again for reading--sorry about my lack of memory.
Pippinfan
Pearl Took
· 8 January 2006
· Chapter 10: Best Efforts
"Pippin was shocked into the world of the living when he awoke to the sound of a tingling hand bell beside his ear."
LOL LOL
That wretched, rotten, mean spiteful Ferumbras!!!! I do so hope he gets his due in the end!!!
More, m'dear, I want more :) :)
Author's reply
*Gasps!!* I thought I answered chapter 10 reviews! *blushes* I am so sorry!
Well, I *can* say that Ferumbras will get his just due. In the next story, as you already know. I couldn't help myself with the bell, lol.
Want more? You got it. Thanks for reading!
Pippinfan
Dreamflower
· 8 January 2006
· Chapter 10: Best Efforts
I have a feeling that Ferumbras may be surprised anyway, whether Degger finished every last word or not.
Prat.
And I loved Paladin's talk with Pippin, and his instant understanding about the apples. Such a contrast between a loving father, and a crotchety selfish old bachelor.
Author's reply
Ooooooh! Dreamflower--I had to do a double-take on that last word, lol. :-O But it would completely suit him. ;-)
In reference to Ferumnras...he may be...he may be not. This is my impression of an advising Elf. ;-)
I really enjoyed writing the part of Paladin talking with Pippin. I had the feeling any child would have been jealous--even a smidgen, and Pippin would be no different. I felt it important to establish that issue and for them to deal with it the same way they deal with other issues that come up. But Pippin has yet (in this series) to reach the turbulent adolescent period (something we just spoke of).
Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
Pearl Took
· 4 January 2006
· Chapter 9: A Change in Plans
Oh dear, the poor lads having to deal with Ferumbras!! :-o
Paladin and Saradoc are so cool :) :)
well done and looking foreward to more :)
Pearl Took
· 4 January 2006
· Chapter 9: A Change in Plans
Oh dear, the poor lads having to deal with Ferumbras!! :-o
Paladin and Saradoc are so cool :) :)
well done and looking foreward to more :)
Bodkin
· 2 January 2006
· Chapter 9: A Change in Plans
Ferumbras as invigilator! I hope he doesn't end up marking the papers.
I like the picture of Merry taking over as Degger's secondary tutor once he graduates from the class. I reckon he'll be pretty good. He might even do quite well with Pippin - who is accustomed to listening to his big cousin.
Author's reply
LOL, Ferumbras can't help his sorry-self; he'll end up doing *something*, but we'll have to wait and see what that will be. ;) You readers are giving me some pretty good ideas, though.
Merry as Degger's secondary tutuor was my whole (and orignial) plot, that is, until I want elsewhere with the story. I have now come full circle, so to speak, and Merry will get his due. His "Graduation" referred to more than just acamdemics; it also referred to a "growing-up" of sorts, which I hope will come across in due time. I reckon he'll be pretty good, myself. :)
Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
Author Reply: Yikes...sorry about all those typos! Thats what I get for attempting to speak before having my morning coffee! :P
Grey Wonderer
· 2 January 2006
· Chapter 9: A Change in Plans
Excellent chapter! I loved Merry's surprise when he realized that he'd be attending a ceremony for his hard work. LOL I also loved how Pippin got himself more into the conversation than anyone else even though he wasn't supposed to be talking during the meeting. Poor Miss Hemlock! I am glad to learn that it was nothing too serious and that she didn't take Merry and Pippin's misbehavior to heart and just leave. I was worried about that for a while. It's good to know that isn't the case here. I do hope everyone does well on the exam. I can't imagine how Degger will face it all. He's had a tough time lately and he is trying so very hard. I do hope that Ferumbras doesn't spoil things for all involved. So glad you got the time to update this one and as always, I can't wait for more!
Author's reply
Merry's ceremony was part of the aspect of the whole story--that is, until I decided to give more backstory and Ferumbras-the-prat. I am finally getting to the part that I've originally planned all along! :) You know our Pippin can't keep his mouth shut for very long--not when it concerns his friends or family.:P Miss Hemlock was just dealing with a bit more stress than she's used to, so the natural conclusion on that was a migraine. We'll have to wait and see what Ferumbras does...but he does do something, I will grant you that. :)
Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan