Lindelea
· 20 July 2006
· Chapter 20: A Knight in Smallclothes
Awww. What a chapter! My goodness, the "making sure" of Pippin's and Diamond's honour!
I do think it's a good idea that they're going to leave the Great Smials.
For a moment I thought the parents were going to propose that the wedding take place then-and-there!
VWD!
(Now I just need to go back and read all the previous chapters. Read this one out of order, but it was so well put-together I had no trouble picking up the threads.)
Author's reply
That's quite the compliment, Lin, that you could skip some chapters and have things still make sense. Thank you :)
The whispered conversation with Merry was one of the new additions, I'm glad it fit well :)
Bodkin
· 17 July 2006
· Chapter 19: Time Apart
I think Pippin's refuge is a great deal more sensible than Diamond's. Although I suppose she is the one who is on alien territory. And isn't it amazing how so little can build into such a major kerfuffle!
Still - now Pippin gets a chance to rescue his beloved - and then nurture her, according to Merry's training, with warm blankets and ginger tea. And they can discover that making up almost makes the quarrelling worthwhile.
Author's reply
Pippin definitely has the advantage of knowing the lay of the land, so to speak. I've always found it interesting how often arguments do start over piddly little things.
You're quite prophetic . . .
Thank you so very much, dear Bodkin, for reading this story and responding so faithfully :)
Grey Wonderer
· 16 July 2006
· Chapter 19: Time Apart
First, I love the way you've discribed the library. I could just see it! I also enjoyed Pippin's talk with his father and the story about the red bedroom. I continue to look forward to each new chapter of this one.
Author's reply
Thank you! Dreamflower (my editor on this rewrite) said I should write a story about why the library has "man style" windows. I just might have to do that ;)
Thank you so much, m'dear GW, for staying with me on this story and for leaving responses :)
PIppinfan1988
· 15 July 2006
· Chapter 19: Time Apart
I *loved* this chapter! Hehehe...I love *every* chapter, but there was something very special here; couples overcoming their selfish desires to love their spouse/intended all the more. I wish that happened more often in RL.
I do like your Paladin--he's very resaonable, caring, and has no problem telling those he loves how much he loves them. The moment between him and Eglantine, him and Pippin was absolutely sweet! Got me misty. :-) I can see that your Eglantine is an extremely reasonable lady--she likes *red*! ;-)
I can't wait to see the younger couple get back together again!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, it isn't the way RL often goes, more's the pity. There are authors who have written their Tooks (and other hobbits) more realistically, but I'm a sucker for happier Tooks and Brandybucks. I've always felt that Tolkien wrote his hobbits a bit idealistically, with exceptions like the S-Bs and Sandymans, but mostly easy going, happy, loving folk.
Red is a wonderful color ;)
Hopefully you'll have another chapter soon :)
Thank you so much, dear Pippinfan, for reading and responding so faithfully!
Bodkin
· 14 July 2006
· Chapter 18: A Matter of Opinion
Oh dear. Nothing like taking two tired and stressed people and putting a spark between them - explosions inevitable.
Mind you, a few good rows before they get married aren't a bad thing! They don't want to be left with the illusion that their whole lives are going to be filled with marshmallow sweetness. And fighting and making up are a good way of seeing that this isn't one of those milk-and-water relationships.
But still ... I hope they make up soon. That wedding is looming closer!
Author's reply
Totally right. It's a good thing they learn that they both have a bit of temper and how to work things out before the wedding and the marriage. Yes, the wedding is coming soon and this has been a rather whirlwind courtship, so it's good to learn as much as they can about each other :)
Thank you so much, dear Bodkin, for reading and responding! :)
PIppinfan1988
· 10 July 2006
· Chapter 18: A Matter of Opinion
Uh-oh! Trouble in paradise... Every couple goes through something like this--they'll think things through and get back together again. Hehehe...I hope!
I thought this edition of this chapter had a bit more of a kick to it than the first one. I loved the first edition--don't get me wrong, and there isn't too much of a change here, but I thought their emotional states and inner thoughts were expounded upon more. You're doing a fantastic job!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Thank you :) If they are, it's most likely Dreamflower's doing :) I'm glad you're enoying the rewrite. And thank you so much, Pippinfan, for staying with me and leaving resonses :)
Grey Wonderer
· 10 July 2006
· Chapter 18: A Matter of Opinion
LOL Written like someone who has planned a wedding or three! I loved how fussy they've become and the idea of them living at Crickhollow fits in so well with your other Diamond and Pippin stories. This was, my dear, another lovely chapter.
Author's reply
Actually . . . my Mom planned most of my wedding for me and my daughter is planning most of her own. This was written betwixt those two events. I guess I had just heard enough stories about it all :) I'm so glad you enjoyed it, GW and thank you, as always, for responding :)
Bodkin
· 4 July 2006
· Chapter 17: Sharing the Madness With a Friend
Pippin had better hope that Merry and Diamond don't spend too much time together - he would never be able to get away with anything! Merry knows him far far too well! It'll do them good to have some lad-time away from the wedding preparations - always provided Pippin doesn't go down with pneumonia. What was he doing to get that wet and cold? (Dosing Pippin - now that is something that Merry had better pass on to Diamond!)
Author's reply
Yes, I'm sure Pip could easily feel outnumbered. LOL He was riding in a storm that I pictured as being an all day type storm, so he had lots of time to get that soaked :)
Diamond will get her chance to learn some things about caring for Pippin.
Thank you so much, Bodkin, for your faithful reading and responding :)
Grey Wonderer
· 2 July 2006
· Chapter 17: Sharing the Madness With a Friend
That was great! I loved Merry's reaction to everything. It was so very funny that he already knew the details once he knew that Pippin had asked Diamond to marry him. Still love this story!
Author's reply
Thank you so much, GW! Years of close friendship with each other would lend itself to that sort of knowing, which is why Merry is so surprised that Pippin doesn't anticipate his reaction properly. But it's only Pippin's tender concern muddying his reading of Merry's reactions.
I'm so glad you're loving the tale!
PIppinfan1988
· 2 July 2006
· Chapter 17: Sharing the Madness With a Friend
"Sometimes tears just seemed appropriate.
That is so right! Such a special moment between two best friends--and Merry knows his Pippin so very well. And...Pippin knows his Merry, too! :-)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, Pippinfan, they are two halves of a whole.
Thank you so much for reading and responding :)
PIppinfan1988
· 2 July 2006
· Chapter 16: Taking the Madness Home
Hullo, Pearl!! I'm slowly but surely getting caught up with all the alerts I got this past week.
What a *wonderful* chapter!!! I think you did brillianly with Pippin showing Diamond off to his family--the whole dining scene was beautifully written. Everything flowed smoothly. :-) I loved your visual of Great Smials--well done...again! :-) LOL, I sat on the edge of my chair right along with Pippin's sisters--but I couldn't scream with them because my balcony door is open. :-P I loved it all.
Pippinfan
p.s. Missed you on chat this week!
Author's reply
Greetings Pippinfan! Thank you, thank you, thank you :) You would have given the neighbors quite the scare had you screamed, LOL I'm so glad you loved it all.
Pearl
p.s. Hopefully we'll catch each other on chat this week :)
Bodkin
· 29 June 2006
· Chapter 16: Taking the Madness Home
That is so much a son's letter. Information - the essential. Just enough to whet the appetite of the readers. What with the cloak, the Lorien brooch, the dress and the necklace, he's not leaving any onlookers in any doubt of his intentions!!
Pippin is feeling incredibly light-hearted! As well as the letter, I love, 'These are fake walls, painted on panels that pull over the real ones, which are just plain dirt with roots and worms hanging off of them'. Lovely line!
But I'm not surprised the ladies are left speechless. So much to do, so little time.
Author's reply
Thank you, Bodkin!
No, he's staking his claim rather obviously, LOL. I'm glad you enjoyed his letter, and the other line was new to the re-write so it's particularly nice knowing that came out well :)
Yes, dear Pip has has no concept of what he's asking of them ;)
Grey Wonderer
· 26 June 2006
· Chapter 16: Taking the Madness Home
I loved Pippin's note to the family. So very funny. I also loved the way he made them wait until after dinner for the announcement. His mother's reaction to it all was priceless. Great chapter as always!
Author's reply
Thank you so much, GW :) A grand entrance, making them wait . . . such a typical son and brother ;)
I'm so glad you're enjoying this!
Grey Wonderer
· 24 June 2006
· Chapter 15: Spreading The Maddness
Here I am reading a day late than I said I would be enjoying every word all the same. I love little Elanor and her honesty. Sam is right. Pippin does need a wife to look after him if only to comb his hair before breakfast. LOL Great chapter and I do hope this goes on through the wedding.
Author's reply
Thank you most kindly, GW :)
Yes, like most males, Pip will do better with a wife.
It does :)
Thank you so much for staying with me and for responding!
Bodkin
· 23 June 2006
· Chapter 15: Spreading The Maddness
Aunt Diamond!
If Pippin wants a wedding organised in eight weeks, I hope all the females make him work his toe fur off sorting out the preparations. I'm sure the Three Sisters will see that he does his part!
Author's reply
LOL!
"I hope all the females make him work his toe fur off sorting out the preparations."
Do guys ever help much with wedding plans?
Thank you for reading and responding, Boz! :)
PIppinfan1988
· 22 June 2006
· Chapter 15: Spreading The Maddness
I can see a bit of madness in the near future of both the Gamgees and the betrothed couple! I love how Diamond is like a giddy school girl--haven't we all (we more mature ladies ;-) ) been there at one time? Sort of brings back *some* fond memories. :-P
I'm looking forward to more! :-)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, I think we are all giddy school girls at heart :) Thank you so much for staying with me, m'dear Pippinfan :)
Larner
· 22 June 2006
· Chapter 15: Spreading The Maddness
Yes, a wonderful choice and a properly mad one for two Tooks. Am so glad they're getting married in Hobbiton and by Sam. Right and proper! Lovely, lovely! And love how Elanor is involved in it all.
Author's reply
Yes, I do love those slightly mad Tooks :) Elanor is a sweety who I couldn't bear to leave out of things.
Thanks so much for everything, Larner!
Larner
· 22 June 2006
· Chapter 14: Confession
I love her understanding of the situation with the other lasses as well as his relationship with Merry and Sam. Hopefully she will also come to understand that with Frodo as well, the loss that wasn't death after all. But she's a dear one and am glad she's worthy of him.
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner :) She is a dear lass. The original of this story had not mention of Frodo at all, so I'll have to see how she reacts to him now being part of the story. I'm sure she will wonder why he wasn't in it before :)
Larner
· 22 June 2006
· Chapter 13: Rearing It's Ugly Head
Yes, a worrisome concern. And Sam offers proper guidance and advice. Love it!
Author's reply
He is blessed with a lot of hobbit-sense :)
Thank you so much, Larner, for reading and responding.
PIppinfan1988
· 19 June 2006
· Chapter 14: Confession
Absolutely beautiful! This new edition is really turning out brilliant. your Pippin and Diamond make such a beautiful couple--they truly love each other from the depths of their hearts. I enjoyed it all from beginning to end. :-)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Aw, thank you m'dear. It is so good to get positive feed back from those who read it before the rewrite - good to know they still like it :)
Yes, in my little corner of Middle-earth, they are devoted to each other :)
PIppinfan1988
· 19 June 2006
· Chapter 13: Rearing It's Ugly Head
**GASPS!!!*** I did miss a chapter!! How in the world...?? I am so sorry, Pearl! (blushes)
My swiss cheese memory aside, I thought this was a most excellent chapter! I just loved the conversation between Pippin and Sam; Sam drawing quiet strength from the ghost of his beloved master, and Pippin wondering if Diamond would be jealous of Merry. I adored Sam's answer to that! And then little Elanor wanting to be betrowed. :-) Wonderful!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Don't fret, your memory is as good as mine is :)
Thank you for the loverly praise, glad you're enjoying it :)
Grey Wonderer
· 18 June 2006
· Chapter 14: Confession
All of this wonderful story is so very romantic! This chapter was no exception. I find myself wondering if Diamond knows Cullassisul because of your mention of Pippin's eyes in this chapter or will that come as a surprise to her too?
Author's reply
Thank you so much, GW :)
Good question. I don't think she does know, now that you mention it. I'll have to check it out, and if she doesn't it sounds like a good future story to write ;)
Bodkin
· 18 June 2006
· Chapter 14: Confession
It is a good thing he confessed - Diamond will think better of him for realising that such a thing might be important to her. And of course she knew - I don't think you could keep that sort of thing too quiet around the Shire. There were two mothers probably preening themselves on being the future Thain's mother-in-law, if they were anywhere near as shallow and manipulative as their daughters.
Eight weeks to the wedding, though! And he hasn't even spoken to his parents yet! But at least she has her frock.
Author's reply
Thank you, Bodkin :)
Yes, it's best to just get such things out in the open and dealt with. And the girls were chips off their mum's shoulders, that's for sure.
The lad has a poor sense of the time needed for such matters as bringing off a wedding, but he'll soon learn ;)
Bodkin
· 13 June 2006
· Chapter 13: Rearing It's Ugly Head
A memorable and very Tookish betrothal spot.
I think Sam's right. Plain-speaking would probably be best - the knives of the gossipmongers will do less damage if Diamond knows all. It's not going to be a very comfortable conversation, though! Although it might add if he includes this piece of information ...'I love her so that I would die for her, and die without her.' As long as he can convince her!
Author's reply
Hehehe - thank you, Bodkin :)
Yes, best to deal with it all right up front. I loved that when I heard Pippin say it to Sam in my head, it is a wonderful sentiment :)
Thank you so much!
Grey Wonderer
· 12 June 2006
· Chapter 13: Rearing It's Ugly Head
Help from Frodo or not, I am quite sure that Sam would have known exactly what to say to Pippin. Sam is so very level-headed and truthful. His advice was perfect however he came by it. I don't envy Pippin what he has to tell his future bride but I do agree with Sam. Lovely chapter as always!
Author's reply
Aw, thank you so very much, GW :) Yes, Sam has a goodly amount of hobbit-sense and a deep wisdom to go with it. Pip is facing a challenging time and it's good he has Sam there to give him love and moral support.