Merry's Graduation by PIppinfan1988
harrowcat · 4 December 2005 · Chapter 6: Revelations
Things are winding themselves in ever more complicated knots - great stuff!
Author's reply
LOL, yes they are--however, I didn't start out with all of this in mind. Initially, Ferumbras wasn't so involved, but when I decided to give more backstory and there he was. Thank you for the encouragement--and for stopping by to read! :-) Pippinfan
Garnet Took · 4 December 2005 · Chapter 6: Revelations
This chapter had some really great stuff in it. I loved the two lads sitting facing Paladin. Merry's thought that Pippin had been spanked was amusing. I just so identify with your idea that Ferumbras is so enbittered. It really is time for a breath of fresh air to hit Great Smials. Ferumbras, and Lalia before him, have turned it into a place where snobbish upper-class people lord it over the servants and everyone is miserable. Glad to see this update. Looking forward to more. Garnet Took
Author's reply
Thank you, Garnet! I can't say that I have the corner market on the idea of Ferumbras (and Lalia) being a snoot. You and I share it with at least one other author that I know of, and I enjoy each one's take on it, too. There is always a different view on it, but essentially the same. Lalia's really showing her colors in "In the Mind's Eye"! JRRT said that generally, hobbits indulged their children, and Paladin certainly does his, but there comes a point when shenanigans have to stop. Thank you for reading--and thank you so much for the beta! :-) Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer · 27 November 2005 · Chapter 5: Trouble on the Horizon
So now Pip is using his talents for poetry to help Degger? LOL Can't wait to hear Paladin's reaction to this one. I am also interested to find out if Paladin is on to this conspiracy yet? Poor Miss Hemlock has her hands full of trouble now. Love this more with each chapter!
Author's reply
Well, we'll see more about Paladin's reactions in the next chapter... Miss Hemlock brought this on herself a bit, but little did she understand Tooks before arriving at Great Smials, too. Thank you so much for reading--I'm happy you're loving it! I'm on the verge of finishing up challenge 23, and I really need to get it done as soon as possible, but there ought to be another update for Graduation later this week. Take care! Pippinfan
Pearl Took · 26 November 2005 · Chapter 5: Trouble on the Horizon
AW! 'Tis so sweet *everyone* is wanting to help Degger! Wonderful indeed!
Author's reply
Thank you. :-) I think everyone wants to help Degger because they genuinely want to, but also to prove a point. Thank you so much for reading! :-) Pippinfan
Pearl Took · 26 November 2005 · Chapter 4: Help is on the Way
Ah, I love a good conspiracy ;) Ferumbras is making it rather tough on Vinca, Merry and Pippin, they don't have much time. Well done as always :)
Author's reply
Thank you...conspiracies are abounding at Great Smials, and yes, it's a time-crunch for them. ;-) Thank you for reading! Pippinfan
Larner · 25 November 2005 · Chapter 5: Trouble on the Horizon
The two turkeys! Paladin must be realizing these two have a reason for that they're doing, even if he doesn't yet understand it. That's a great deal of self-sacrifice for these two to do.
Author's reply
LOL, 'tis the season! I usually write Paladin as pretty reasonable hobbit, so we'll have to see what happens... Thank you for reading. :-) Pippinfan
Garnet Took · 25 November 2005 · Chapter 5: Trouble on the Horizon
LOL! The best laid plans of mice and...hobbits. I think Merry may have overdone it this time. I hope he and Pippin both realize that the best thing to do is be totally honest with Pippin's father. He's actually on their side, they just don't know it yet. Amazing what troubles could be avoided by simply talking to the right person. Talking, howerev, really isn't the way of a certain conpulsive Took and Brandybuck. So glad to see an update to this. I somehow couldn't picture you writing a poem that ended in the word that one appeared to even if you didn't mean to finish it. Now I'm curious just what that last word really was.:) Thanks. Garnet Took.
Author's reply
LOL! So true. Pippin is definitely impulsive as you say, and as for Merry, he's just not thinking straight--he's a bit behind in his sleep. Yet no one is saying anything so as not to ruffle the feathers of a certain belligerent Thain who is looking for any excuse to take Degger out of the class. Yes...you do know me well. :-) First, *I* am not a poet; second, Pippin may be thirteen, but he's not quite at the stage Merry has been in for the past few years. So, it's as Pippin says--he wrote the poem for Merry--someone he thought would appreciate that sort of poetry and to help get them both in trouble. Thank you for reading! Pippinfan
Dreamflower · 25 November 2005 · Chapter 5: Trouble on the Horizon
*chortle* The best laid plans... It's times like this that you show best that Merry and Pippin really are still lads, and their ideas for solutions to problems are not necessarily going to be the wisest or most mature, even when they have good intentions. Pippin's poem: *snerk* He has a knack, doesn't he? *shakes head* And Degger has clearly a talent for inspiring affection: everyone involved wants to help him continue his education. But of course, what makes it a story is that they are all working at cross-purposes, no one really knowing what the others are doing, LOL! I'm really getting a kick out of this...
Author's reply
Oh, yes. Absolutely--and Thank you! I am so glad you see that in their characters. In the past year or so, I've looked back to when I was about twenty (as I am writing Merry in this story--and naturally, hindsight is 20/20), and I clearly remember making some very unwise choices in life. LOL, no wonder the Professor called them the "irresponsible tweens", because they are--whether Hobbit or Man. When he isn't so exhausted, Merry is capable of better, but as you said, he *is* still a lad. LOL, and I'm thinking Merry is quite the "inspiration" to young Pippin's poetry. Pippin isn't yet at the stage of actually *liking* lasses in that fashion, but he gets a bit curious, and you know Merry... To me, Degger is like a mixture of Merry, Pippin, and Sam. From this study-group, I can now add a dash of Frodo, too. And these cross-purpose plots are surprising even me, lol. One plot spins off of another, and then another...before I knew it, I had this full-blown multi-plotted tale growing from one idea. I have certainly learned from some of the best plot-twisters, and you're one of them. :-) Can't say that lightening will strike twice in my case, but I'm enjoying it while it lasts. I am so glad that you're enjoying it, too! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! Pippinfan
Larner · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 4: Help is on the Way
Nice, nice touch here! Lovely plotting on several fronts. They are all working together to help Degger. And I'm certain, sweet lad that he is, he appreciates it and finds a way to express his thanks afterwards.
Author's reply
Yes, and the plotting thickens a bit, too, before it ends. I am rather fond of this lad also, and I think he does manage to show his gratitude in the end. Thanks for reading! Pippinfan
Larner · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 3: The Scheme of Things
The devious Took and Brandybuck! Poor Merry--glutton for punishment? Heh!
Bodkin · 20 November 2005 · Chapter 4: Help is on the Way
Good for Pervinca and Pippin. What with them and Merry, Degger should make a rather better showing in the exam. And it strikes me that with a class the size of hers, Miss Hemlock ought to be able to manage a bit of differentiation! The Thain doesn't seem to be very keen on educating the staff - I'm rather hoping that Paladin wins on this one. And that Degger's learning support assistants show their skills.
Author's reply
I can imagine that Degger would--or should do better. I think Miss Hemlock might have managed a bit better if she knew from the start that Degger was lacking; she made the discovery a week into the studies, realising Degger's work was consistantly less than expected. Paladin failed to mention that bit to her--about Degger's education. He just grabbed the nearest child in the room (in The Substitute) in order to fulfill Miss Hemlock's requirement of a group. It's not so much an argument over educating the staff as it is with Paladin taking one of his (Ferumbras's)servants and offering him a much higher education than his peers receive. Ferumbras sees this as making the servant his equal. If you haven't noticed, Ferumbras is quite the snooty one. Does Paladin win? We shall see. The staff receives minimal education--barely enough to read (or merely recognise) the labels on containers, such as "salt, sugar, pepper", etc. As for sums, they know only enough to add small measurements for recipes. It is important that they get this much so that they can serve properly. Overseers are the ones to know enough sums to count items in the larder for inventory, but nothing elaborate at all. This is more than what most have received prior to working at the Smials; the majority did not know their letters at all. Is this good or bad? The Gaffer initially wasn't too keen on Sam learning his letters from Bilbo, saying something to the degree of "getting mixed up with his betters...", (paraphrased), so I sort of borrowed from the Gaffer's reaction and applied it to my own *simple* Tuckborough hobbits. Do they realise there is more to an education? Probably, but none have questioned it at all--its what's been done for ages, and "change comes slowly, if it comes at all." However, I will tell you something that I've not told anyone else; the kitchen servants are definitely sitting on the sidelines rooting for their co-worker. :-) LOL, I hope I haven't frightened you with all of his reply. Got more than you bargained for, huh? Take care. Pippinfan
harrowcat · 20 November 2005 · Chapter 4: Help is on the Way
It seems that help is coming from all corners. But I am still worried about Merry's plans!
Author's reply
I wouldn't worry too much...you'll see it next chapter. Thank you for stopping by to read! Pippinfan
Garnet Took · 19 November 2005 · Chapter 4: Help is on the Way
You and I see Ferumbras in almost the exact same way. I always figured he looked down his nose at his country cousins. The thought that one day soon the family would be headed by someone not born in the Great Smials probably galled him no end. The children all working to help Degger is wonderful. The adults could learn so much from their example. I can so relate to Pippin and his messy room. My own Wee One is nearly his age and could give him a run for his money in the messy room department.:) I also liked Pervinca and her dishpan hands. What a good sport she is. Thanks. Looking forward to the next chapter. Garnet Took.
Author's reply
LOL, I think we have company! Dreamflower's Ferumbras has difficulties, too, according to her review. I imagine Ferumbras taking after his overbearing mother (a momma's boy), who did not like the notion of a crop farmer inheriting the distinguished titles of Took and Thain--let alone a lowly servant receiving a decent education to reach further in life. How abominable! ;-) Little do they know it--because they have not compared notes *and* are working semi-independently, but they *are* working collectively to give Degger the help he needs. As for Pippin's room; you read his response for not doing his homework--do you really think he'd not reason the same in regard to cleaning up his room, lol? Goodness, he could be doing something more productive--like kicking the ball outside with Merry, pony riding, and chess games. LOL, I just may have some more fun with the "good sport"! Thank you so much for stopping by to read! Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer · 19 November 2005 · Chapter 4: Help is on the Way
Pervinca is getting the worst of Pippin's plan this time. All those dishes! I think I'd rather read Degger Shire history any day of the week. Maybe darling Pip should do the dishes. LOL Now that would be interesting. I am still anxious to hear the big plan and I am enjoying this all so very much. I just love it when you write the hobbits at this age.-
Author's reply
Seems you and I have the same feelings for washing dishes, lol! The big plan is unfolding in the next chapter, so you'll see it soon, lol. We already know they're planning something exremely wicked--and let that be a warning to you, because we get to see Pippin's wee devil-horns come out at that time. I am so glad that you are enjoying this story--you know you started it all! I do like to write them around this age; children can get away with so much--especially when the have large, green or blue eyes! Take care! Pippinfan
Dreamflower · 19 November 2005 · Chapter 4: Help is on the Way
I don't like your Ferumbras any better than mine. >8-p I do like the way Paladin stands up for his children, though. And Pippin and Pervinca are a good team. It was sweet of Pervinca to do all the dishes so Degger could study. And I'm glad Degger's not suffering from pride and refusing the children's help; but I'm wondering if a few days will be enough to make up for all he needs to know?
Author's reply
LOL! Yes, Ferumbras is a chip off the old block--his *mother*! ;-P I once wrote Paladin and his cousin Adelard having an exchange about what Lalia thought of farmers becoming Thain, so Ferumbras is just keeping with tradition. I don't see Paladin and Ferumbras getting along at all because of that rift, but Paladin knows he has to set the example of respect toward the head of the family, so he is civil toward his snooty cousin. Oh, yes, Eglantine and Paladin are nice, loving and firm parents, but try to harm one of their chickadees and you'll see both come out like a roaring lion. I'd like to comment on Pippin and Pervinca's teaming up, however, I'm not sure I'm done with that bit yet. :-) One thing's for sure; Degger is not too proud to accept help. I guess he's done it for most of his life, so it comes natural to him. I do thank you for stopping by to read--and for your most wonderful encouragement! Thank you. :-) Pippinfan
Bodkin · 16 November 2005 · Chapter 3: The Scheme of Things
So their cunning plan is for Merry to get into more trouble so he gets condemned to extra work? Does it not occur to them that simply to ask might be a lot more effective? A quiet word with Miss Hemlock and Paladin is all it would take! (I would have thought Saradoc would really have appreciated the kindness and responsibility shown by helping Degger.) Too simple. Why go for that when you can hurl yourself off a cliff into water of debatable depth! Good-hearted pair. Not so sure about their sense. Yet!
Author's reply
oy, oy, oy! I profusely apologise for not responding before today--and you weren't the only one! Its been a rough week, and my grey cells obviously are not up to snuff. Again, I'm sorry. Oh, we're not far enough along in the story, but it gets real harried at some point with Degger and his...ahem--assistance. I thought it was fun, anyway. As I mentioned to someone else, Pippin may be a clever lad, but he is still reasoning like a brand new thirteen-year-old, and as for Merry, he's burning the midnight oil after he is finished with Degger in the evening, so he's not at his peak, either. Perhaps I shouldn't have said so much in this last statement, but it's a short story--there isn't too much left. Thank you for reading! Pippinfan
Garnet Took · 15 November 2005 · Chapter 3: The Scheme of Things
I guess they're working on the premis that the end justifies the means. Merry is going to get in dreadful trouble to get punished again so that he can stay and help Degger. I admire his loyalty, but I don't know that his plan is advisable. Degger really does seem to have potential as a student. I hope Merry can get him caught up so that he can continue in the class. This is a really good story. Thanks. Garnet Took.
Author's reply
I am soooo sorry for not replying!! I don't know how I forgot except to blame it on age--or the Flanagan gene. Well, Pippin may be a clever lad, but he still reasons like a brand new thirteen year old. Merry *should* have better sense, but he's been burning the candle at both ends of late, so he's not thinking straight, either. As for Degger...lol, it gets a little harried, but fun in the end. And I am glad that you are enjoying the story! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave an encouraging word--and I'm terribly embarrassed for my slip of the grey cells. Take care! Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer · 14 November 2005 · Chapter 3: The Scheme of Things
Merry might have made an excellent tutor himself if he hadn't had that Master of Buckland thing to attend to. LOL I love the way he is helping Degger and the way Degger is taking to it all and excelling beyond what Merry has given him to learn. But now, it looks as if Pippin is plotting and Merry may not get out of lessons before Pippin does at this rate. LOL I can't wait to see what they try this time.
Author's reply
Ever since I wrote the worm incident in the last installment and "dragged" Degger into the study group, I knew then that he would hold back the class because of his lack of formal education. Doesn't mean he's stupid (not that you were indicating that at all--just making a point), only ill prepared for what was to come. LOL, I can't help it. YOung Pippin and mischief are synonymous. I see my little Pippin as a completely charming, big-hearted, mischievous lad. Thank you for reading! Pippinfan
Pearl Took · 14 November 2005 · Chapter 3: The Scheme of Things
Scheme of things indeed! Those rascals :) LOL Whatever shall they come up with?
Author's reply
A couple of schemers, indeed! Hehehe...its coming up. Thank you for stopping to read! Pippinfan
Dreamflower · 14 November 2005 · Chapter 3: The Scheme of Things
Oh, Pippin, you are *so* wicked! He does have these flashes of brilliance from time to time--I just *hope* this one doesn't backfire, LOL! *snerk* PS. I sneaked over to ff.net to read "Merry's Summer Holiday", and even though I do see what you mean about it, the bones of the story are very nice, and do set up your little universe very well.
Author's reply
LOL--you are *too* funny! Backfire??? Whatever do yo mean?? We'll have to see how all this plays out... Oh, I'm a wee bit embarrassed. You probably saw all those other irreparable tales! I actually tried to "repair" Holiday last December, but halfway through I gave up. Isn't that terrible, lol? But I do thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind words of encouragement...I just may give it another try over the...hehehe--Holidays! Take care! Pippinfan
Bodkin · 14 November 2005 · Chapter 2: Lending a Hand
Poor Degger. Yet Miss Hemlock can't keep the whole class back for him. I think it might be time for another strategy! Perhaps Someone could work with him on a one to one level. And maybe he has strengths he could reveal - and pass on.
Author's reply
LOL, strategies are abounding in the next chapter! That is absolutely true about the strengths...perhaps we'll see more of that in later chapters. :-) Thanks for reading! Pippinfan
Larner · 13 November 2005 · Chapter 2: Lending a Hand
Yes, it's an interesting question as to why she's keeping all learning on what she assumes is Degger's level, although she's still not getting the basics to him. Poor Degger, feeling so incompetent when it's not his fault.
Author's reply
Finding himself in a tight spot, Paladin placed Degger in the study group on a whim, without thinking the repercussions through--this happened in The Substitute. Degger barely knows how to read and write, let alone solve complex calculations--not that he's dumb, just behind. To give Degger the attention that he needs would literally stop the class; something that would draw the wrong attention from the Thain because...well, you'll see why soon if you decide to stay. Yes, poor Degger, but he won't be poor for very long. :-) Thanks for reading. Pippinfan
Larner · 13 November 2005 · Chapter 1: Teacher's Dilemma
Interesting logic here. And feel sorry for Degger.
Grey Wonderer · 13 November 2005 · Chapter 2: Lending a Hand
Looks like Merry has the situation well in hand, or at least Degger's part of it. It looks as if Pip is bored with it all but I don't think he knows that Degger is having trouble or why the lessons have slowed down like they have. I can't wait for Merry to take action because I know he will. He's a Brandybuck after all, and I think he's about to put the trouble with the Took's education system in order. LOL Go Merry! I loved Merry's patient way with Degger and I do think that Miss Hemlock is planning to make a suggestion or two about both Degger and Pippin but I wonder if her ideas will fit with Merry's. Can't wait for more!
Author's reply
Pip's a bit too bored right now to see what's going on with Degger. Actually, just to be different, I thought to put in the Brandybuck's tradition for teaching their children their letters and sums, which is different from how parents in the Shire do it. We'll have to see about your ideas... :-) Take care and thank you for reading! Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer · 13 November 2005 · Chapter 1: Teacher's Dilemma
So, Pip is up to his old tricks with the homework again. I loved his logic about not taking work home with him but it doesn't seem to have gotten him anywhere except up to his eyes in homework. LOL I also feel sorry for Degger and I hope that either the teacher or Merry will be able to help him somehow. It looks as if they both mean to try. I had to laugh at Pervinca naming her plant after herself! That was so in character and so funny! This is such a welcome surprise for me. I am loving every word of it!
Author's reply
LOL, and into the corner when he tried to lessen the sentence he had to write a hundred times. I couldn't help myself with Pervinca...her appearances are cameos, but they're good ones, nonetheless. Thanks for reading! Pippinfan