Guest. Humph.
Well, I really wonder who that guest is!
By the time the three exited the sitting room, both lasses were smiling at something Frodo had said. Ferumbras watched him leave with a touch of envy. The Baggins always seemed to have such an easy way with folk, young or old. He was going to be formidable as he got older.
The Thain of the Shire admiring young Frodo Baggins! Now that I like! Frodo had a hard time to grow into his new position as Master of Bag End and Family Head, there's no doubt. But there is something about him that makes everyone love him, and that's a rare gift.
Although Ferumbras' mere presence intimidates the Took girls (and their parents - in some way), he is a good hobbit. He does not believe the gossip about Pearl. But as Thain he needs a proof, and so he has to wait for more information. Maybe that makes him look hard, but he has to act according to his position.
Let's hope Pippin is up and about soon! I have no idea what Hyacinth's new plan might be.
Author's reply
Everyone is wondering about the guest. *grin*
Frodo had a great amount of the Fallohide charisma, and it affected all who knew him one way and another. I think even those who disliked him were envious of him. Ferumbras most certainly recognizes this quality in Frodo.
Well, Ferumbras is not a *bad* hobbit--but he has quite a few flaws. Still, he will do what is right in the end.
Hyacinth doesn't either at this point--but then she is very much an opportunist.
Somehow, I could feel the sunburn when I read this chapter. Ouch! Now, it would seem that Pearl is in for more pain of another kind. Never rains but it pours.
Author's reply
I'm glad I was able to convey that feeling!
Well, this is a hard time for Pearl. And it is going to pour for just a little while longer...
Bodkin
· 19 April 2006
· Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Merry does make a good sick nurse. But I'm glad he was keen to eat his breakfast. He is, after all, a growing lad.
How anyone - except Reggie, who has reason to know - has failed to notice the venom spewing from Hyacinth's mouth is beyond me. She doesn't hide her vindictiveness at all well.
Looking after Pippin is a very good reason for Pearl not to turn up at the feast - but I do think in Ferumbras's place I would feel inclined to make sure she was there and make a point of being extremely kind to her - it would be a better way to scotch rumours and show that he doesn't credit them at all. And I'm sure he could protect her from scrutiny over the course of the evening if he wanted to.
I wonder what unwelcome guest is about to turn up and sleep in the bed Hyacinth has prepared.
Author's reply
Yes, he's a growing lad, and at least his stomach knows that, even when the rest of him would rather not acknowledge it, LOL!
People constantly underestimate her, for one thing. She has a reputation for being silly and somewhat stupid--and actually, it's true. But hardly anyone ever looks beyond that to the cunning and greed underneath. And vindictiveness is not a generally hobbity trait, with a few notable exceptions, so most hobbits are not inclined to see it until their noses are shoved in it. When a fleeting thought occurs, it seems to be dismissed immediately--"Oh, she couldn't have really meant that the way it sounded; she's just not smart enough to realize."
Ferumbras would rather stick his head in the sand, so to speak. Protecting her from scrutiny is certainly within his power, but it would be an effort he'd rather not have to deal with. He'd much prefer to just let Reggie figure things out, and then just deal with it all at one time. Ferumbras is not malicious, but he is rather self-centered.
You will find out at the end--if you don't guess sooner...
Elemmírë
· 19 April 2006
· Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Oi! I hope that Hyacinth gets herself banned from the Shire! She's utterly horrible--she makes Lobelia seem nice at times! (now there's a pair to write about together :)
Poor Pip, I know exactly how he feels as I am very fair-skinned and have had the pleasure of quite a few severe sunburns in my life. They're no fun.
Author's reply
Well, as you can tell from the "flashforwards" she's already been cast out of the Took family.
Hyacinth and Lobelia together? I shudder to think!
No, sunburns are no fun at all.
PIppinfan1988
· 18 April 2006
· Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Hyacinth...oy, oy, oy...with family or friends like her, who needs enemies?
I do like the reasons your Ferumbras is keeping Pearl away from his assencion feast; even the way JRRT wrote it, it sounded more like a punishment than anything else.
I am really enjoying this tale. :-)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Who needs enemies, indeed? Of course a few years later, the cousins will meet far worse enemies than Hyacinth--but really, you know she's quite poisonous enough as is!
It did, actually. I would love to have had a peek into JRRT's mind, to see what the story *really* was, you know. It sounded like a lot of mystery and intrigue, didn't it? I write Pearl as being innocent of any ill-intent, but it *would* be intriguing to see a take on it, where Pearl really was guilty.
I'm glad you are enjoying it--I had a good deal of fun writing it!
Something at the back of my mind tells me Pearl just might be in for a very hard time. I'm so glad Rosamunda isn't going along with any of this. But goodness, you can't catch sunburn! I can't *wait* to see what Reggie does! *gleeful smile*
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Pearl's already having a hard time, poor dear. But Reggie is working away! Rosamunda is a rather shallow person, but she at least has a heart. She'd be appalled to know what Hyacinth is *really* like.
No, she doesn't think sunburn is catching, but it's worrisome to her to realize how even little things like playing out in the sun too long can be dangerous for children.
Reggie is going to be very methodical in carrying out the Thain's orders...
GamgeeFest
· 18 April 2006
· Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Oh, what is that Hyacinth planning now? I have a theory, and I wouldn't put it past her for a second. I'm starting to get very curious about this guest Hyacinth is preparing that room for. Do we eventually find out?
Author's reply
No, don't put *anything* past Hyacinth--time will tell, if you are correct.
And, yes, if you don't guess sooner, you *will* find out who the guest is.
PIppinfan1988
· 12 April 2006
· Chapter 8: Chapter 8
So many new things...and so very sweet!
Something I don't think I expressed before was how much I like your Ferumbras. Not that he's an angel, but he isn't indignant toward Pearl. But like you said, there isn't a shred of malice in that lass, so could anyone *not* like her?? :-P
I enjoyed Frodo's storytelling and getting Merry to eat; Eglanting and her husband having a wee private moment...Pearl comforting her younger sister and then she being comforted (or about to be!) by her Auntie. All of it was just lovely!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, Lin's made some beautiful suggestions. And we've needed to add some things to make it flow better, now it's all in one piece, so to speak.
My Ferumbras is not malicious like his mother. He *is* however, selfish and a lttle manipulative (not unusual for someone raised by an overbearing parent--in order *ever* to get their own way, such children often learn to be self-centered, secretive and just a little deceitful out of self-preservation) and his social skills are very awkward. He tends not to have as much empathy as most hobbits do. But he's not evil, and he knows that Pearl could not have done such a thing. Still, he's going to handle it in a way that will cost him the least effort and embarrassment.
When we decided that this chapter needed to be a little longer, I came up with the idea of Frodo paying a little bedtime visit to those two--and the part with feeding Merry just came out of that...
Andrea
· 12 April 2006
· Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Reggie smiled. This was a task he would undertake with pleasure. And the less Hyacinth knew about it, the better.
Reggie knows his wife very well, it seems ;-)
I loved it how Frodo succeeded in "feeding" Merry. That was a clever idea!
"Did you enjoy your supper, sprout?"
LOL!!! Simply wonderful!
I wonder how Pearl will react when she learns that she is *forbidden* to attend the feast, or so it must look from her point of view.
Bodkin
· 12 April 2006
· Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Reggie goes for very quiet rebellion. The kind that lets you stick your tongue out at a person after they've left the room. The sort of resistance used by a pillow - still being there after you stop pummelling it.
Frodo did a good job of getting Merry to eat - and Merry is doing a good job of comforting Pippin. While Primrose is doing her best with Pearl.
Trust Lalia to leave the world in a way guaranteed to ensure that her unpleasant legacy lingered as long as possible.
Author's reply
Yes, Reggie is passive/aggressive, so to speak. He is quietly but firmly opposed to what Hyacinth stands for, but years of hiding his own foolishness in marrying her in the first place, as well as concern for scandal and how it would affect his daughters, has kept him from opposing her more openly. Even she does not realize the extent to which he constantly sabotages her efforts. She thinks she has him firmly under her thumb, and is always surprised and angry when she finds out he hasn't gone along with her schemes.
Yes, Frodo knew just how to get his Merry eating. I'm quite sure he's used that tactic before--just not very often since Merry was little. Merry, of course, will always be there for Pippin. And Pearl is learning a greater appreciation for her older Aunties.
Oh, Lalia was a troublemaker. You couldn't really expect her to quit just because she was dead...
Seems no one is getting any sleep tonight. I do feel so sorry for Pearl in all of this. Wrong place at the wrong itme. It could just as easily have happened when someone else was there.
Author's reply
No, it's a rather restless night.
And you are right--it *could* have happened to any of the other young Took lasses subjected to Lalia over the years. Unfortunately, it had to be Pearl.
GamgeeFest
· 11 April 2006
· Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Looks to be a long night for everyone. Poor Pearl. She already feel so self-conscious and horrible about all the rumors about her, and now she has Pippin to worry about too.
Frodo knows just how to handle Merry, just as Merry knows how to handle Pippin. Loved his use of Merry's childhood nickname and how Merry couldn't argue over it!
Wonder what Reggie's plan will be for stopping the rumors.
Author's reply
Yes, this stay at the Great Smials has been very rough for her. What with the trauma of witnessing Lalia's death, the suspicion and gossip, and now Pippin under the weather, she had to be feeling horrible.
Frodo's handled Merry all his life, LOL! And yes, Merry knows how to handle Pippin as well. I thought Frodo might like to tease Merry a bit; I think he misses calling him "sprout".
Well, Reggie has his assignment, and he will be quite thorough.
harrowcat
· 11 April 2006
· Chapter 8: Chapter 8
To keep her away from the feast might fuel the flames rather than quench them Dreamflower! Can't wait for more.
Author's reply
Well, yes. But Ferumbras is not exactly a people person. He goes by the adage "out of sight, out of mind", and the truth is, if he did not actually dislike Hyacinth as much as everyone else does, her campaign might have worked. But then Ferumbras has his own agenda.
Reggie's fault now, is it? Oh, that Hyacinth! She's hopeless!
*grin* That was very clever of Frodo, very clever! :)
Poor Pearl, I'd be a basket case if the whole Great Smial was gossipping about me and my baby brother was ill. I'm so glad she has the Aunties. Can't wait for more!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Well--yeah! You wouldn't expect her to take any of the blame *herself*, would you? *grin*
Frodo's dealt with Merry before; and really for my hobbits, it's automatic to nibble a little something to keep someone else company if they are eating. It's most unmannerly to allow someone to eat alone. And of course, Merry was not really noticing that Frodo was actually giving most of it to him. Until they were finished, at any rate, LOL!
And, yes, poor Pearl is having a very rough time of things.
Larner
· 11 April 2006
· Chapter 8: Chapter 8
It does appear Reggie is far more aware of his wife's nature than any one else had supposed, and is doing his quiet and surreptitious best to make certain Paladin will follow Ferumbras rather than himself. Wise Hobbit, Reggie.
Author's reply
Reggie is probably the *only* one who realizes that Hyacinth is just as malicious as she is silly. And even *she* does not realize that he understands her. But Reggie has no intention of ever allowing her to be the Thain's Lady if he can help it.
As I was reading this it struck me how Pippin's situation is a bit like it was after the troll fell on him. No one can touch him to comfort him. I notice they all want to hug him to reassure him but they can't. It just reminds me of what it must have been like when he was bruised all over and they couldn't touch him then either.
Author's reply
Oh, you know, you have a point there! I had not thought of that at all! That's why I love reviews--sometimes I learn things about my stories that *I* didn't know!!
I think a hobbit's first instinct when faced with a sick or injured loved one would be to hug and touch. On the occasions when that would not be advisable it must have been horribly disconcerting and disorienting, to both the one hurting and the one who is comforting.
Thanks for the bit of insight!
PIppinfan1988
· 8 April 2006
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
LOL, you reap what you sow, Hyacinth. :D
Frodo, who had followed Merry, nodded and went to help. They had not sent for any of the servants, most of whom were busy with other duties anyway. As it was, the Whitwell Tooks were used to doing for themselves. They had only two servants at the farm, and when it came to caring for the sick, that was a job for family.
Bingo! I couldn't agree with you more. :-)
Nice to see little Pippin is feeling a bit better--especially with the help of Merry and Frodo..and his father, of course.
Merry turned to Pippin’s mother. "I’ll stay with him, shall I, Aunt Tina?"
Was there ever any doubt? Eglantine thought.
Well said!
Author's reply
Years of treating her brother and his wife like dirt? Yeah, and now they have had to take her in. She should be glad they even give her a roof over her head.
In my hobbit society, families generally *do* take care of their own--even if healers and servants are brought in to do some things, it's family who would take the brunt of the care, and a sick or injured hobbit would never be left without some family member to watch over them.
Pippin will feel better, and especially now that he has both his best cousins to watch out for him. And his parents, sisters and aunties are also around.
But don't forget the other wheels that are turning, and that might interfere with poor little Pippin's care.
PIppinfan1988
· 8 April 2006
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
I was going to say that I had noticed a bit of new material in this chapter--and Euphorbia's cake-baking being "beyond" Hyacinth had me rolling! I'd like to see that old bat try her hand at baking--it *does* take a bit of skill! :-P
I enjoyed seeing Paladin more active in searching for his missing son. I, too, think Paladin had his share of "wild days" in his youth. ;-)
Poor, wee Pippin!! I do have to feel sorry for the laddie--burns aren't fun, but they're even worse when one has fair skin.
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, there is some new material. And Lin can be credited for coming up with the "cake-baking" bit! I thought it was quite inspired! I'm sure Hyacinth, like most hobbits, knows how to bake--but I would also bet she's not very good at it, and probably neither cooks nor bakes one whit more than she has to. Too much like work for her.
There was no question Paladin would be out looking for his missing lad; and Paladin's a Took. Of course he had his share of "adventure" as a child!
No, sunburns are no fun. But at least he will have lots of family around to give him comfort.
Bodkin
· 8 April 2006
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
It's so pleasant seeing Hyacinth reap what she has sown...
Good to see that Pippin's lesson in medicine taking has stuck. Could be particularly helpful if he becomes feverish. And I was glad to see Merry holding him by the (unburned) leg - and his right hand. And patting his head. Pippin needs the contact, even if he doesn't want his back touched.
Looking after a miserable Pip will be as good a penance for Merry as anything too - if he thinks about it, he's bound to start blaming himself for getting grounded and not being with his cousin.
And seeing Hyacinth sweetly injecting her poison into Ferumbras makes reading about her current fate even better... Orc-fodder, that one.
Author's reply
Yes indeed. Years of being nasty and condescending towards Euphorbia, and now her sister-in-law is giving back as good as she got.
I loved "Tonic and Tea" when we did that Round Robin, and was happy to integrate the resulting story into my own universe. Pippin may be impulsive, but he's also bright, and he doesn't need to be taught the same lesson twice. Having promised to take his medicine from then on, he most certainly would do so.
And of course, you are right. However, I am just as glad he will never know that *I* am actually to blame for his punishment, LOL!
Orc-fodder? I suppose the troll found her indigestible. But orcs will eat anything...
harrowcat
· 7 April 2006
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Oh poor, poor Pippin. I am glad that he has his Merry back.
Author's reply
So is he, poor dear!
GamgeeFest
· 6 April 2006
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Poor Pippin! So miserable, and it's just beginning. At least he'll have his Merry there with him, and Merry will find ways of comforting him that won't involve having to touch him. Loved his parents' astonishment at how easily he took his medicine.
Euphorbia is being a bit of a prude at the beginning there. Good thing Hyacinth kept check of herself and didn't try to clock her one. :)
(I noticed a few misplaced pronouns in the chapter, btw, mostly around the part where Paladin is removing his jacket, and around and just after the bath and when they're back in the room.)
Author's reply
Yes, he is pretty miserable, and he will now have Merry, for the most part. *grin* I always figured that the tonic incident was not something Frodo and Merry confided in Pippin's parents about--no need to frighten them over a crisis averted, and it might have resulted in future visits being curtailed.
Lindelea has helped me give Euphorbia a bit of a personality. She is enjoying putting Hyacinth in her place a lot, isn't she?
(Pronouns? *goes to check* *aaargh!* missed deleting them when I made the beta changes!!* no time to fix now--will have to catch it later on!* Thanks ever so for the heads up, though!)
Author Reply: Okay--I went in, and I think I weeded them all out. I thought the strike-throughs would automatically delete--they did once before--but apparently this time they didn't. Thank you so much for your eagle eye!! Very appreciated!!!
Oh no, I knew that was going to happen! Poor, dear little Pippin! But I'm so glad Saradoc let Merry go to him--not that I thought he wouldn't.
And that Hyacinth is really horrid! To say such things! "Poor dear Pearl," indeed! And making it look as if she'd been crying too!
But one can't be too preoccupied with her when Pippin is so unwell. I can't wait for the next update!
God bless,
Galadriel
Andrea
· 6 April 2006
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Just then Pippin looked up, briefly lucid, and met Frodo’s gaze. "F-fro? I want my Merry…" he whispered.
Oh my god! From that moment on I simply *knew* that Saradoc would end his punishment!
I'm really impressed with Pippin's behaviour. From what I've heard, willow-bark tea must taste dreadful.
I remember a real bad sunburn when I was a teen. It covered the back of my legs and I could only lie on my stomach. So I can very well imagine how Pippin must feel. I hope he will get better soon.
Larner
· 6 April 2006
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Nice to see "Of Tonic and Tea" referenced here, for I do remember it.
And at least he learned his lesson then, and is receiving exemplary treatment this time. So glad Merry's punishment is rescinded for the emergency. Pippin needs his Merry, after all.
Perhaps Euphorbia could use Hyacinth's head to clean the over? :-))
Poor little Pippin - and I just knew Frodo would be the one to the rescue. I hope the healer can do her stuff and make dear Pippin feel better quickly.
Author's reply
*snicker* Goodness! Hyacinth certainly brings out the bloodthirstiness in my gentle readers! Bodkin wanted her eaten by a passing troll, and now you want to use her head to clean an oven?!? Now, really! *grin*
Yes, well it just had to be Frodo to the rescue--you know how I love to do that! And Mistress Hollyhock knows her stuff, don't worry!