Al · 2 April 2026 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
Whoa! That ending was unexpected! I hope that epiphany changed her for the better!
Consequences of a Fall by Dreamflower
Reviews (228)
Tari · 24 October 2007 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
This was an abosulutely wonderful tale. I shall have to read more of your writings. (This comes from one who loves the Elves the most.) Tari
Larner · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
So, the visitor is Pippin. Well, this was well deserved, and she has no idea just what she was saved from or what he survived. Dear Pippin, and the poor lasses, with such a mother. She is an idiot, though, and deserved to be eaten by a troll if anyone did. Heh!
Larner · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 22: Chapter 22
And all too soon Paladin Took will be Thain, and Pippin will have that role after him. Poor Pippin--but I think in time he'll come to like the Great Smials after all.
Larner · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 21: Chapter 21
I see that Dora's much vaunted Kindness resides in the breast of Meriadoc Brandybuck, and I love him for it. And a nice bit of gentleness after the angst of the last few chapters.
Larner · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 20: Chapter 20
Most certainly Begonia deserves some happiness with her own family at her time in life. As for Hyacinth getting her--I shudder at the prospect. Yecch!
Larner · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 19: Chapter 19
Slough off the fool, Reggie. You don't deserve misery of her sort! Lovely that all should fall to nothing for her, and that Merry gets his desired visit with Pippin. And poor Pearl--stuck with those awful pearls. I'd have been tempted to strangle Ferumbras with them, myself.
Larner · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 18: Chapter 18
And from here on in we get to see the silly fool destroying her remaining life with her husband, do we? She is only fortunate Primrose's arrival kept her from becoming a murderess.
Larner · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 17: Chapter 17
She was saved by the knock on the door moreso than Pippin himself, I think, although she'd never think of it that way. Well, well done. And love Lindelea's "flash-forward," I do.
Larner · 22 August 2006 · Chapter 16: Chapter 16
Oh, Hyacinth, you vindictive Hobbitess of little worth! No wonder Reginard would wish you elsewhere--you and everyone else! And the Thain has cleared Pearl's name! Wonderful for him. Poor Pearl!
Queen Galadriel · 16 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
Finally I get to finish this! I love the way Begonia stood up for Pearl, and I'm so glad that poor lady gets to go and live with her relatives who will love her as she deserves. But of all the nerve! What a gift for poor Pearl-a necklace that belonged to Lalia! Like a pretty little trinket will make up for all that mess! Merry did right to apologize to Amethyst. All three of those girls really do deserve pity. It wasn't their fault they had Hyacinth for a mother, and I'm glad they had the chance for a fresh start in the end. I really would love to see a glimpse of them post-New Reckoning, especially Opal. Dear Frodo, ever the loving and supportive elder cousin. To read stories like this makes the dreadful time in Mordor seem all the sadder to me, though it's hard to say just why. I know I keep saying this, but again, little Pippin is just adorable! :) So Thain Peregrin himself was the visitor. That conversation needed to be had, but I find I pity Hyacinth after all. What she almost did is appalling! but what a wretched feeling to realise one has wasted one's life, and to believe that there is nothing that can be done about it. Can she be redeemed yet? I'm afraid there doesn't seem to be much hope, but if she could just let go her bitterness and hate....*sigh* Congratulations on finishing this, and on crafting a tale that has provoked laughter, tears, and much thought. I've enjoyed this very much and can't wait for the next gem! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, Begonia will get to have a well-deserved retirement among loving family. Ferumbras is not so much "nerve-y" as he is clueless. He knows that Pearl was done an injustice, and she's a young lass, and lasses like jewelry, and so that should make it all right? Right? Yeah. He honestly does not understand. I show quite a bit of Opal's recovery in "It Takes a Took", my Pippin/Diamond romance. Since Diamond's an apprentice healer, and Opal wants to be, they strike up a good friendship. It helps that Diamond never *knew* Opal and her sisters while they *were* still brats, so she doesn't have any of that to "get over". So, anyway, if you want to know a bit more about Opal, that's one place I've already written her. Well, it's because we know that even though his heart is still as full of love as ever, the self-confidence and promise he showed was damaged by the Ring, and he will never be able to be quite the same as he was. He was chained to what he perceived as his failure at the Sammath Naur, and he couldn't let that go on this side of the Sea. But at this point in time, he is really rather at the height of all he could want--Master of Bag End, and well-loved and popular. Hyacinth has learned at least *one* lesson--that she cannot blame Pippin for all her trouble, and that she never really stood a chance of displacing him. But I do not know if she will ever let go of the rest of her bitterness. She really is a very selfish and proud creature, and not hobbity at all... I am very glad you have enjoyed it so! It was a fun and different story to write!
PIppinfan1988 · 12 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
*sniff, sniff* Destiny!! Yes! Gotta love it! :-) I loved your references to Pippin's destiny in life, and that Hyacinth just wasted her life in trying to snuff his out. All for the sake of self-promotion. What a sad life. You know, for all of the times I just wanted to slap her silly (not really--I'm not violent!), I was just as pleased to read in this chapter that she finally did see her own folly. I wish that she reached out to Pippin and her daughters, but this is your tale, and trust me, I have enjoyed every word of it. :-) Thank you so much for sharing it! Pippinfan
Author's reply
I don't think Hyacinth will ever be the "reaching out" sort. But at least now she can aim her regrets at her own self, and not at Pippin. Some people go the steps further needed to find redemption. Some, like Lobelia, find it when it is almost too late. Some, like Denethor reject it out of hand. And some never find it at all--they can feel sorry for not succeeding in getting what they wanted, but until they are capable of feeling sorry for the pain they've given to others, they will never go the last little bit needed for true repentance. It's hard to say what category Hyacinth will end up in at the last.
Pearl Took · 12 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
"Hating me, you know, got you nowhere. I was not about to die to oblige you." His voice was light, not angry at all . . . Did he have any idea? He had something, something special about him--how could she never have realized it all these years? He was *meant* to be Thain. She had wasted her life. And--she felt suddenly sick--it was her own fault." Wonderful, wonderful ending!! So fitting that she didn't care at all for what her daughters were doing or how they were fairing. Hyacinth is the epitome of "It's all about Me!" MEWD, my dear, MEWD!!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked the ending. Hyacinth is now going to have to stew in her own juice. I don't know that this moment of revelation will make her any nicer, but at least she now knows that she can't blame Pippin for all her woes any more.
harrowcat · 12 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
Wow what an ending Dreamflower! This is definitely a story on my favourites to re-read list. Good for Reggie. Separated and with responsibility for the girls - a much better scenario. I actually feel sorry for Hyacinth but it is her own bed that she has made and she must lay in it!
Author's reply
Oh my! I *am* glad that you like this enough to want to re-read it! Reggie's life from here on out is going to be much nicer, as are the lives of the "Jewelry". Opal, especially, has got a lot going for her now, in spite of her disability. Yes, she's definitely having to lie in her own bed of nails.
Elemmírë · 11 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
I liked how the sub-story featuring Hyacinth tied in with the other events you've written about. It sums eveything up nicely and I enjoyed the entire tale. I'm glad you posted it here for all to read. They chose their father over me. They may see me here or not at all. As for Opal, she brought her troubles on herself, and it is on her account that I find myself in this situation. I have no wish to see her at all." Poor Hyacinth ... her character sounds even more odious than Lobelia's. That hobbitess has not one ounce of sympathy in her. At least Lobelia had sympathy toward the destruction going on around her and her son's final plight, enough to be her saving grace in the end. Hyacinth, on the other hand, showed nothing but pure selfishness, thinking only of herself and of no others, or how her selfish actions would affect those around her. It's ironic in the end, when she realizes that it was her own selfishness that deprived her in the end. She had wasted her life. And--she felt suddenly sick--it was her own fault. As much I as dislike Hyacinth, you showed excellent character development with her (as you did with all the characters in the story). I do pity her. Nicely done, Dreamflower!
Author's reply
Yes, I think Hyacinth is quite the most awful hobbit I've ever written. She actually contemplated doing with her own hands something no hobbit of the Shire has ever done--even Lotho and Sandyman used Men for the worst of their dirty work! And the thing is, when I first started with her, I had no idea of how dreadful she was--she just began to slowly reveal her character to me, and I was both appalled and fascinated. Of course her fate had already been decided, which is why the "flash-forwards"--she spent several more years getting away with more petty sorts of selfishness, before it all crumbled in on her. At the last, at least she finally realizes that Pippin is not to blame for all her troubles, though I don't think it will make a good deal of change in her actual behavior.
AspenJules · 11 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
Great job, Dream!!! Oh, I loved the ending in the epilogue! I do have one question though that I'll get out of the way before going on (or else I might forget it, LOL) - what is the time frame between the epilogue and the events in "A New Reckoning"? I know it's during the time frame of "Road to Edoras." OH - and a second question - any hope of progress on "Road" ? I am loving that story and hoping that inspiration will strike and you'll be posting more of it soon? Ok - on to "Consequences" comments. I have been suffering a bad case of Southwest Summer doldrums so I apologize for not reviewing much lately, but I have definitely been enjoying the story. I also, as others commented, loved Merry's little emotional growth spurt, coming to pity Amethyst and understand her better. I can only imagine how shocked he would have felt to hear a mother talk to her own child that way, considering the 2 mothers he would have to compare her too. It had to have been almost incomprehensible to him that, even as horrible a person as Hyacinth is, she could be capable of treating her daughters so badly. That's the kind of revelation that changes a child's world forever, and it certainly opened Merry's eyes to understand how and why the Jewels were the way they were. Pippin in the Epilogue was truly magnificent... all the promise of his early years of sensitivity, compassion and kindness forged by the Year of the Quest into what showed there. Able to show compassion and pity in the face of unreasoning, unrelenting hatred and malice. He had seen what such emotions come to, in Wormtongue, in the orcs, in Denethor and ultimately in all the suffering inflicted by Sauron himself, and saw what end it ultimately led all those who embraced it to... miserable ignominious endings. However, he also saw the pain it could inflict in the meantime, and understood that it couldn't be tolerated or condoned, thus tempering his willingness to forgive with understanding the need for irrevocable consequences. He truly was *meant* to be Thain. Brilliantly rendered, Dream... absolutely brilliant. And finally Hyacinth herself. What a devastating final line! I don't know about anyone else but I have had that feeling from time to time, to a *much* lesser degree, thank heavens, but that sick feeling of coming to understand how royally you've messed up on something. It makes me realize that I can join Pippin in feeling at least a little pity for her. Hopefully it will prompt her into changing her decision about the girls, though I'm afraid the feeling of realization will pass and she will slip back into her rut of hatred, anger and blame. Those are very hard habits to break after having them for so many years. A sober warning for all of us, I think. Well, this is a novel in itself but I just *had* to share some of the thoughts you've inspired. Words fail to express it sufficiently, so I'll just finish with *Thanks for sharing, Dream. You are, as always, truly delightful.*
Author's reply
As to the time frame, the "flash-forwards" take place a few months after "A New Reckoning" and before "It Takes a Took"--right after "Tribute" I should think. This would put it in the very early fall, just before Pippin broke his leg in "It Takes a Took". The main part of the story, however, takes place in the summer of 1402, 16 years before the Quest. It *was* a revelation to Merry, to see a mother behaving so. It's definitely *not* the hobbit way, to abuse children like that (and I think of it as emotional abuse) and it would have shocked and appalled him. Merry is not one of nature's natural forgivers, the way Frodo and Pippin are, but he is a hobbit and Pity is a racial trait of hobbits, according to Gandalf. I'm so glad you could see what I was trying to show here with Pippin. He is still not of age, yet his family can tell that he is serious enough, responsible enough, to be entrusted with an errand like this. And he has seen, as you say, what malice can do--and like Frodo, he has a forgiving nature, as long as the offense is only against himself. I hope that the little Pippin I showed in the story foreshadowed somewhat, the Pippin he grew to be--magnanimous, generous, great-hearted, and yet tempered with a sense of justice as well. With the examples of Frodo and of Aragorn and of his Merry, he knows what is right, what has to be done. You are right. She knows she messed up, and there is nothing *now* to be done about it. No way to go back in time and correct her mistakes--she's having to live with the consequences. I too, think she will still be bitter and angry. She will probably transfer a lot of her resentment to her husband and daughters. But I think she will no longer blame Pippin. I am so very glad you have enjoyed this. It was a very interesting story to write. As to "Road to Edoras" I have been plugging away at it. My problem has been that my muse kept wanting to write the ending when I had not finished with the middle. So I've been writing "back to front" so to speak. I've made a good deal of progress, and once I fill in a few gaps, to bring me back to where I left off, I will be able to start posting once more. I feel horrible about it, for I have *never* posted a story with such a long hiatus before. But rest assured it is neither forgotten nor abandoned!
Baggins Babe · 11 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
What a terrible revelation for Hyacinth - she has wasted her life - and now she knows it and will have to live with that. Even Pippin feels sorry for her, and in that he is very much like Frodo. As for Reggie, at least now he'll have some peace. The daughters can't be all bad if they've chosen to stay with him, and I hope he's much happier. Poor Euphorbia should get some of that money as compensation for having to put up with her for the foreseeable future. I'm with some of your other reviewers - she would make a delicious snack for a passing troll or a small troop of orcs........... Great story and full or your wonderful characterisations, Dreamflower.
Author's reply
Yes, she is going to have to live with that--knowing that all along her scheming meant nothing. I am not sure how much good it will actually do her towards changing her ways, but I think that at least she will cease blaming all her troubles on Pippin, anyway. (Which is not to say she won't blame *others* besides him--old habits die hard.) Reggie will indeed now have a more peaceful life. Opal, of course, is recovering from her accident and will one day become a healer. I've not yet mapped out all of Amethyst's and Garnet's futures--but out of their mother's baleful influence, and under Eglantine's and Pearl's wings, they are beginning to slough off a lot of very bad attitudes and habits. And they have seen that their father really loves them, because of the way he defied Hyacinth for Opal's sake. I'm really going to have to give that little AU some thought--poor Orc or troll... Thanks so much for R&R-ing!
Andrea · 11 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
He had something, something special about him--how could she never have realized it all these years? He was *meant* to be Thain. She had wasted her life. And--she felt suddenly sick--it was her own fault. And finally Hyacinth understands that she never ever had a chance - far too late! Her life is indeed wasted. That is really sad and I can truly understand Pippin's reaction, which is much like Frodo would have reacted. Well, in Germany we have a saying: Einsicht ist der erste Schritt zur Besserung! Directly translated this would be: Comprehension is the first step to improvement! Maybe it's not too late for Hyacinth after all. You know, I really pity her now, despite what she nearly did. Great story, Dreamflower. I'm looking forward to reading more!
Author's reply
Yes, she understands too late. Pippin takes after Frodo a lot in that regard, something I often try to show in my stories. I do not know if she will have enough courage to improve herself; certainly Reggie and her daughters will never trust her again. But I think she at least will cease to blame Pippin. I am so glad that you enjoyed this!!
lovethosehobbits · 11 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
This was truly, a great story. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.
Author's reply
Thank *you* for reading and for letting me know you liked it! I enjoyed writing it, and am glad that you enjoyed reading it!
SurgicalSteel · 11 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
*applauds* Perfect ending to a great story. I enjoyed this! Something about people realizing the error of their ways is always interesting to read.
Author's reply
Yes, she's realized her errors. I don't know if she has the will to do anything about it, but at least she knows she screwed up.
Bodkin · 11 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
My, Hyacinth's a nasty piece of work - but, if she's understanding - really understanding - that it's all her own fault, maybe there is some chance that she will improve. Not much, of course, because she's still being a total ... unpleasant person ... about her daughters. Now, I can forgive her finding Reggie a pain - these things happen. I can forgive her feeling that Pippin is an inconvenient addition to the family (although not for trying to polish him off). But I find it almost impossible to forgive her for rejecting her children and turning her back on them so contemptuously. At least her brother gets five silver pennies to reward him for the pain of having to look after her. (If I were him, I would give at least three of them to Euphorbia to sweeten the trial of having to spend most of her life in Hyacinth's company.) She has wasted her life so far - and I don't really think matters are likely to improve. Although you never know. She still might provide some necessary nutrition for a passing troll.
Author's reply
She is still a nasty piece of work, I'm afraid, but she does at *least* understand one thing: Pippin is not to blame for all her troubles--and for her that's a major concession. As far as her children go, she's always been a selfish mother, spoiling them and giving them their way when it suited her to use them to show herself as being "motherly", and rejecting them and taking her anger out on them when they failed to advance her own agenda. I've seen parents like that. They use their children as status symbols, and only punish them if their bad behavior causes trouble for the parents. It's a very sad state of affairs when it happens. Yes, brother and Euphorbia are going to have a lot to put up with. I think that is why Reggie was so generous--he knew what they would be going through! No, sad to say, I don't think she will even do a "Lobelia" and turn her life around at the end. But she might be a bit more subdued and easier to live with for a little while. I will definitely have to give some thought to writing you that AU...
GamgeeFest · 11 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
I was right! If it was going to be anyone else, it would have been Reggie, but I can more than understand why he wouldn't want to see her. It's a shame that it took Hyacinth nearly ruining everyone's life before she saw the error of her ways. So much harm done because of her foolishness. And Pippin, saying exactly what was needed but not being harsh, showing his compassion and sympathy which is so very much him. This is a wonderful ending to a wonderful story. It's been one of my favorites.
Author's reply
Yes, it had to be Pippin. Reggie would not *want* to see her, and the only other candidate might have been Primrose. But it's a long journey for an old hobbit-lady, so Pippin is the logical choice. He's proven himself a trustworthy messenger for the King--and he deserved a chance to face the one who had wronged him--though of course no one knew just *how badly* she had wronged him. She got away with a lot of nastiness for a lot of years, so the harm she caused was not small. But there's a new wind blowing through the Shire now, and a new light, and she couldn't have expected to hide her true nature much longer. Pippin has always been compassionate and sympathetic, but now that sympathy is tempered by true understanding. He is very much in the mold of Frodo, as far as that goes. I'm very glad that you have enjoyed this--it's been a favorite for me to write!
Lindelea · 11 August 2006 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue
Woohoo! *throws confetti* Marvellous character exposition. Wonderful details. Great descriptions. And the sketching of the relationships between personalities... Gorgeous story, as I've already said elsewhere. Simply gorgeous.
Author's reply
And absolutely *impeccable* editing! *grin* Truly, I thank you! It was great fun working with you, and you improved the story *immensely*! "Gorgeous"? *blushes* Thanks!
PIppinfan1988 · 10 August 2006 · Chapter 22: Chapter 22
Oh, I so love your world of hobbits! I loved the *entire* apology scene!! Hyacinth thinks her daughter was subject to humiliation for behaving like a proper lass ought to? Those poor children--having to endure their mother. Even more so, poor Reggie! I do feel for that hen-pecked hobbit. I am eagerly awaiting Hyacinth's comeuppance in the Epilogue! You have done so well with your O.C. Hycainth. She is one hobbitess that I love to hate, lol. Are you certain that your Hyacinth and my Ferumbras weren't siblings? hehehe. I truly, truly have enjoyed reading about your wee hobbit lads and lasses, the Whitwell Tooks, et al. The interactions between family members are always my favourite. Thank you for sharing this wonderful tale! Pippinfan
Author's reply
Well, Hyacinth's view of her children is entirely colored by her own selfishness--if someone *else* inflicts tears on her child, it's humiliation--if *she* does it, it's just what the brat deserves. And of course, after this Reggie's hardly ever going to dare to open his mouth... I'm so glad you like "my" Shire. I'm rather fond of it myself, LOL! (And of yours as well, by the by!) Well, the Epilogue is up, and you will now see who the guest was! And you are welcome--it was an enjoyable story to write!
Pearl Took · 10 August 2006 · Chapter 22: Chapter 22
" Poor little Amethyst, cried her eyes out" Bah!! Hyacinth can stuff it! LOL And way to go Pippin!!! He's a good lad :)
Author's reply
Yes, when it suits her own agenda, she can play the sympathetic mother. But I don't think even her own children are fooled into thinking she really cares. Pippin is a very good lad.