PIppinfan1988
· 3 July 2006
· Chapter 17: Chapter 17
"How dare he think that *this* could make up for all she’d suffered? She felt a strong temptation to fling them back in his face."
Yeah! you tell'em Pearl! I always had a feeling that Pearl thought the gift very distasteful, myself.
"Hyacinth felt her heart pounding with a fear she had never known before. How long would it take?
Her mouth was dry; she licked her lips and swallowed hard. If she dithered much longer she might lose her chance. She took a deep breath and raised the cushion."
That lady never quits, does she?? ;-) That is one murderous hobbitess. What makes her *thoughts* any better than *action*? I am so glad she is found out later on in life! Yet, there is something else to consider in this tale, but I can't say it just yet--it's still too early. ;-)
Pippinfan
Bodkin
· 29 June 2006
· Chapter 17: Chapter 17
Horrible Hyacinth isn't going to impress anyone. The only thing that might retrieve her from Euphorbia's house is the pity of the masses for the unfortunate family who are having to shelter her.
I don't reckon Pearl will ever wear those pearls. Even if she is too polite to throw them back.
And thank goodness for that knock at the door. It might have been a nick of time knock.
Author's reply
Well, of course no one besides us really know just how horrible she truly is. She's never trusted *anyone* else with her thoughts. (Wise of her, actually. They'd probably have thought her madder than "Mad Baggins".)
She'll wear them a little bit, for diplomacy's sake, is all.
Yes, it was a knick of time knock indeed!
GamgeeFest
· 27 June 2006
· Chapter 17: Chapter 17
Oh, thank goodness! I take it Prim listened to her sister and went to check on Pippin? Whatever the case, this interruption will dash any evil schemes of Hyacinth's. Indentured servitude is too good for her.
Love your interpretation of this interesting piece of hobbit lore. Lalia created her own demise just by being herself - as do most of us really. Ferumbras might have thought better about the pearls though. He meant well, but it smacks of belittlement.
I take it this is coming to a close soon? I'll hate to see it end, but I'm curious to know if my guess about the guest is correct. :)
Author's reply
You guessed it, which is of course, why I waited till now to answer your review.
I was trying to get in all the events JRRT mentions in his Letter, yet putting my spin on it, of course. And you are right about Ferumbras--problem is, he doesn't realize it--she's a lass and lasses like pretty jewelry, so that should fix the problem, right? Uh-huh.
There are just a few more chapters left--between two and four, I think. I myself am not sure, because Lin is helping me divide it into chapters that are of a more reasonable length than the snippets I posted on the elist.
harrowcat
· 27 June 2006
· Chapter 17: Chapter 17
^gr^ You are becoming quite the mistress of the cliff-hanger Dreamflower. And you have all your readers panting for more! Loving it.
By the way - did you leave a Beta-comment in the text near the top? I agree with it totally!
Author's reply
*grin* I don't do cliffies very often, so I'm glad when they do their job...
Oops! *cringe*
*scurries off to fix!*
AspenJules
· 27 June 2006
· Chapter 17: Chapter 17
Wow... really good chapter. Great way of increasing the tension by switching from storyline to storyline. You even added in Primrose and Peridot, and Peri's premonitory feeling that something was wrong with Pippin did a lot to add to the tension. So... who is it at the door?? They sure came at a good time! And is Pearl about to throw the pearls at Ferumbras? Personally I think she should keep them but hey... what do I know? LOL
The Hyacinth sections are truly brilliant. You capture the thought processes perfectly... should I? shouldn't I? what if? why not? Heart pounding, dry mouth, swallowing hard... I know that feeling when you're about to do something that terrifies you, though it certainly didn't have anything to do with smothering a child! But still, you described it so very well, I felt it along with her. Great job!
Author's reply
I tend to switch POVs a lot anyway--I know that's not supposed to be how it's done, but I like knowing what's going on in everybody's head. So I'm glad when it also serves other purposes as well.
Who's at the door? You'll see.
And you'll see about the pearls as well...
She is terrified, definitely. No matter how selfish and twisted her own nature is, she is *still* a hobbit, and all her instincts have to be screaming at her *not* to do this, no matter what she wants...
Pearl Took
· 27 June 2006
· Chapter 17: Chapter 17
Yea!! Yea!! I'm vindicated . . . I mean Pearl is vindicated ;)
And Hyacinth with that cushion raised over dear little Pippin's head only to have him be saved by a knock on the door! Whew!
Well done, Dreamflower, as always :)
Author's reply
Yes, vindicated and proven innocent of *any* wrongdoing!! And all due to Reggie!
Hyacinth and the cushion...will we *ever* know what would have happened if there was no knock on the door?
Thank you!
Andrea
· 27 June 2006
· Chapter 17: Chapter 17
Someone at the door? And in the nick of time I'd say!
Wow, you really know how to write cliffhangers!
Maybe it's one of the aunties after all? Someone *has* to rescue poor little Pippin!
Reggie paused a moment, to let the fact sink in to the listener’s minds. When he saw young Merry’s mouth open in sudden shocked understanding, he nodded to himself and went on.
No chapter without Merry, this time mirroring the thoughts of the other hobbits in his face! I like that very much!
Last but not least I want to defend Ferumbras: after lots of years with Lalia what else would you expect of him? He only wanted to give something valuable to Pearl in exchange for her troubles. He's a good hobbit, but he simply doesn't know better!
Author's reply
As you say.
Cliffhanger? Moi? *whistles innocently*
That wonderful sentence was another of Lin's inspirations, and I must say, I love it myself.
You are right. Ferumbras is not *bad* nor wicked, he's simply tired and selfish. After years of living under Lalia's thumb he's learned to be manipulative and secretive. And now that he's been unchained from her maternal tyranny, he wants to also be unchained from his unwanted responsibilities. And he did mean well, with the gesture towards Pearl--he's not exactly a people-person, and failed to realize how insulting it was. His reasoning is, she's a young lass, and of course, young lasses like jewelry. *sigh* So clueless.
SurgicalSteel
· 27 June 2006
· Chapter 17: Chapter 17
First of all, I want to know who's been giving you cliffhanger lessons. ;)
Lovely, though, I can completely sympathize with Pearl wanting to fling her name-jewels back in the Thain's face - and oh, I hope that's someone about to rescue Pippin at the door!
Author's reply
Why, my wonderful beta, the Mistress of Cliffies, Lindelea herself, of course! *grin*
Yes, but at least she's angry now, and not sad or fearful.
Andrea
· 25 June 2006
· Chapter 16: Chapter 16
Oh NO!!! She won't do that, she can't do that! The pillow!
It's really high time that someone comes to look for Pippin!
I'm very relieved though, that Pearl is now officially considered blameless for Lalia's accident.
And Merry looked positively fierce on her behalf. She nearly wanted to laugh at his protective scowl. Encouraged, she took up her story once more.
Ah, I really like your Merry :)
But, the pillow... Please update soon!
Author's reply
Of *course* she can't! Pippin has to go on the Quest, and all kinds of other things! She won't? Well, that's up for debate.
It's really high time that someone comes to look for Pippin!
Yes it is.
I wanted Pearl exonerated completely, and Reggie is seeing to it.
I like my Merry, too! He's very gallant. I'm glad that you like him as well.
Will update as soon as Lin is through with beta-ing the next chapter.
Bodkin
· 23 June 2006
· Chapter 16: Chapter 16
No! That's scummy even for Hyacinth! I would have thought she would have been more the kind of person who would not lift a finger to prevent harm, but would not have wanted to soil her hands with the actual act of causing harm. I could see her dosing the water, adding something to the lotion, failing to give life saving medicine - but holding a pillow over a kid's head.... Well, she must be desperate!
I'm glad Reggie and Ferumbras have loudly and publicly exonerated Pearl and Begonia. Even if that does stick Paladin with the Thain's job and make young Pippin into the Ernil i Pheriannath.
Author's reply
She is scummy and very unhobbity and more evil than I ever would have thought before I began this tale...
Yes, Pearl is off the hook. But the incident has left a very bad taste in Paladin and Eglantine's mouth. They will be leary of subjecting their children to the Great Smials when the time comes...
I'm so pleased that Pearl has managed to convince everyone of her innocence - no wonder she was distressed though. A horrible thing to witness.
As for Hyacinth..........she really is the most unspeakable, evil, awful........ Words fail me! I hope Eglantine or the healer return before anything too bad happens. *bites nails*
Are you all caught up with the missed stories now? Hope you've found the last two stories in 'Shire Sketchbook.'
Author's reply
Yes, poor Pearl. It was this incident that made Eglantine and Paladin refuse to have their children at Great Smials the first year he was Thain, for they did not wish to subject them to any more such malicious speculation. They waited until they had a firm grip on the household before they brought the youngsters there to live.
Hyacinth is unspeakable and evil, yet only those of us who are "story-external" have any idea how awful she is. But remember, this is not AU; Pippin *will* grow up to drop stones in Moria, escape from Orcs, steal palantirs, rescue burning Steward's sons and slay trolls...
I did, just now, thank you very much for the reminder! They were lovely! I'm still coming across stories and updates I missed!
Pearl Took
· 19 June 2006
· Chapter 16: Chapter 16
The pillow . . .
*biting nails*
But of course, if she does, then . . .
More, please! :)
Author's reply
If she does...
Take heart, and spare your fingernails, dear! Truly, this isn't AU, and Pippin *will* go on the Quest. Keep that firmly in mind!
More as soon as Lin gets it back to me!
SurgicalSteel
· 19 June 2006
· Chapter 16: Chapter 16
That is a *truly* evil cliffhanger. The pillow???
Author's reply
Yes.
At least Hyacinth is looking at it...
Tigger
· 19 June 2006
· Chapter 16: Chapter 16
Oh...My...
You just gave me a chill. I just thought she was greedy and stuck up. She is a Servant of Mordor instead. Only someone like that would think of what she's thinking of doing.
I know she gets caught, but still!!
Update this thing quickly my dear!!! If you don't, you might be hunted down by an angry mob. ;o)
Author's reply
Does she get caught?
Obviously, she doesn't harm Pippin but...
It's all up to my beta, Lindelea, who has to get Ch. 17 back to me! (That and the computer staying online.)
PIppinfan1988
· 19 June 2006
· Chapter 16: Chapter 16
Good grief--that Hyacinth is one sick hobbitess. The entire scene of Pearl giving her testimony was fantasic. Again, the interaction between family members and relatives is marvelous. I always enjoy your tales! :-)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, Hyacinth is delusional to *ever* think she will be the Thain's Lady. But it's a delusion she's nursed for a long, long, time. And again, thank you for the compliments on the part of the story I like best! *grin*
GamgeeFest
· 19 June 2006
· Chapter 16: Chapter 16
*smacks Hyacinth upside the head*common sense refuses to get knocked into her* That biatch would stoop to anything wouldn't she. The truly sad part is that she doesn't even realize that *she* is the reason Reggie would never be chosen for Thain. Clearly, nothing happens to Pippin, but don't make us wait too long for the next chapter! (computer allowing, of course)
Author's reply
I told you Hyacinth was a lot worse than I had ever imagined her before.
As soon as Lin is done with it, and allowing for computer glitches, yes, next chapter...
harrowcat
· 19 June 2006
· Chapter 16: Chapter 16
Ooh! This is getting much worse than I dreamed of. And what a place to leave it. I am glad for Pearl though.
Author's reply
Yes, our Pearl is out of the woods, so to speak. Our dear little Pip, however, is not...
Bodkin
· 6 June 2006
· Chapter 15: Chapter 15
No!!! Don't do it, Hollyhock!!!! Better to bring in the boot boy to act as babysitter than let Hyacinth hurt our hero!
And they'll only be Braxton Hicks contractions.
I hope Ferumbras doesn't hang the meeting out too long - or the whole story arc will come crashing down.
It would be interesting to see how Amethyst, Garnet and Opal are developing post New Reckoning. It won't be easy for them to shed their Hyacinth-training.
(Actually, it would be rather nice to find out how they're getting on on the way to Edoras - before they eat that nice family out of house and home...)
Evil Hyacinth. Put her to sleep in the pigsty!
Author's reply
Alas, Hollyhock has no idea of just how evil Hyacinth is.
We shall see about Ferumbras meeting. Just don't get too upset--this is not AU, Pippin *will* be going on a quest in about 16 years.
We've seen a little of them in "It Takes a Took".
As for "Road to Edoras", I'm having to work on it backwards right now. The bad news is, it's taking me a while to catch up to where I left off. The good news is, that once I do, I'll be able to post just about every day.
Poor pigs.
PIppinfan1988
· 5 June 2006
· Chapter 15: Chapter 15
Good gravy...and Mistress Hollyhock will be leaving poor, defenseless little Pip to....*gasps*! I shudder to think....
I always enjoy your dynamics between family members and between families. It's awesome. I know I repeat myself now and again, but I must compliment you on it.
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, poor defenseless little Pip, sweetly sleeping, all unknowing of the menace...
I'm glad you like my family interactions--as you know that's my favorite thing to explore, and I like it when folks think I've got it right.
Oh no! But this is terrible! Now Hyacinth will be left with Pippin, and... if I didn't know he lived to go on the quest... It sounds awful, but I wouldn't put anything past that wretch! Oh, don't let her hurt him!
To the practical, that was very cleverly worked out, Dreamflower! It would take me forever to come up with something like that, if I managed to at all. Wow!
God bless,
Galadriel
Pearl Took
· 5 June 2006
· Chapter 15: Chapter 15
This is such a "build up" chapter!!! One that leaves the reader saying, "Yes? And . . . and . . . What happens next?"
I'm eagerly awaiting "What happens next" :)
Now I'm really worried - Hyacinth babysirring Pippin - eeek! I don't trust her an inch, and I really hope she isn't allowed to do anything terrible.
Now I'll worry until your next update!
Author's reply
Well, this is not AU, so rest assured Pippin will survive to go on the Quest!
SurgicalSteel
· 3 June 2006
· Chapter 15: Chapter 15
Well. That's not good, Pippin being left alone with Hyacinth. Not good at all.
*waits patiently for the next installment*
Author's reply
No.
Not. Good. At. All...
Andrea
· 3 June 2006
· Chapter 15: Chapter 15
Oh dear! That leaves Hyacinth alone with Pippin!!! I can see her mind racing ...
That was a great chapter, full of growing suspense. Please update soon!
Author's reply
As soon as Lin gets the next chapter back to me! I promise!
harrowcat
· 3 June 2006
· Chapter 15: Chapter 15
Oh dear. Trust your instincts Mistress Hollyhock even though you can't do anything about leaving HER in charge of Pippin! Tell someone,...send a message to Pippin's parents.... something!