PipMer
· 18 October 2007
· Chapter 7: A Took's Moot
I love this so far. I read Merry's Graduation, and liked that as well. I'm a big fan of your stories, and found this one on the MEFA site. When I'm finished with it, I'll leave a review there as well.
I really enjoy your portrayal of Degger; so self-effacing. I like that Merry and Pippin are so kind to him; I also find it believable that Paladin is so kind to Degger, because he himself was once a 'lowly farmer'.
Nice job!
Author's reply
It's late at night (for me, anyway!), so forgive me if I don't make any sense, or there are way more typos than usual, lol.
Your review came as a genuine surprise to me, and most welcome, I might add. :-) I never think of anyone as being "big fans" of my stories. I believe everyone else to be far better writers than myself. I will go ahead and count you among them, although I don't get in nearly as much reading as I used to because I work so much overtime. And that is what gets me down in the dumps; I used to devour Pippin and Merry fanfic like nobody's business, but not for the past year and a half. Fate and Destiny wasn't supposed to take 9 months to write, but that's what happened after the long hours began last year.
I do promise to get out there and catch up a little bit on my reading -- esp. with your tales, but I can't promise *when*. Perhaps the upcoming holidays will be kind to me.
Thank you so much for all of the kind things you have said in your reviews of this story and others. You are a sweet lass! I *really* do appreciate them and tuck them away in my heart for future pick-me-ups. :-)
PF
Andrea
· 14 March 2007
· Chapter 20: Out of His Shell
Bravo! Great ending, Pippinfan!
First of all, the title "Out of His Shell" is perfect!
And the "Saffron incident" was wonderful! First of all Pippin manages to get everyone's attention. Then Frodo uses his sweetest words to remind her of her manners (I like it when he does that). And finally Degger surprises all the others with his words. He has come "out of his shell" indeed!
a beak-nosed-toad-lipped-pimple-faced-goose egg
LOL! Pervinca is very inventive!
Thank you very much for this wonderful story! I enjoyed every bit of it.
I'd say let's give Degger a time off! He deserves it :)
I'm looking forward to reading Part II!
Author's reply
LOL, you forgot "rat-haired"! Pervinca, as sweet as she is, has a sharp wit, too. And if someone pushes the right buttons, and pushes too hard, watch out - that terrible Took temper just might emerge.
You're another reader who nicely picks up on points I try to convey. Merry and Pippin have always come to Degger's defense, but now it's time for Degger to step out a little and defend himself. This is a key element that had to begin in this chapter and we'll see how the lad will develop it in Part II. He'll always have a shy side, but his new place in the family has given his confidence a boost. I just might drag the poor fella out of his holiday once or twice later this year to give an example of how he progresses. :-)
Thank *you* very much for taking the time to read Fate and drop a line to let me know how much you enjoyed it. :-)
PF
Dreamflower
· 14 March 2007
· Chapter 20: Out of His Shell
This is a wonderful ending. It does leave a few loose ends--which makes me hopeful for a sequel.
I have to say, this part made me squee:
Degger wasn’t going to make a fuss, however, Pippin loudly cleared his throat to gain her attention, but still Saffron almost clung to her brother in his wake.
“Cousin Saffron,” Frodo firmly, but kindly, addressed the young lass, “You have not greeted your host yet. I’m sure it was an accident.”
Saffron froze in her tracks while Frodo spoke to her, yet said nothing in response. All at once, the chattering and laughter all around the cousins ceased. All eyes were on the lass with dark, shoulder-length curls.
*sigh* I just adore it when Frodo is all firm and "older-cousiny", lending his moral support here, with the weight of his adulthood behind it.
Degger can now feel secure in his family and his future, even if he's not completely certain *where* that future will lead, he knows he does have a real place in his world. And Pippin and Merry have once more proved they are true friends.
I would love to see you do just a little short follow-up ficlet, with Paladin and Eglantine reading their notes from Degger-Diggory.
Author's reply
Degger can now feel secure in his family and his future, even if he's not completely certain *where* that future will lead, he knows he does have a real place in his world.
Bingo! That is my answer to the loose-ends dilemma. :-) I probably did leave one or two loose-ends unintentionally because I've been so overwhelmed for a while - and that's what I was so worried about when RL reared its ugly head some months ago. From the start everything in the story had a purpose and, lol, well, when I started working 9-hr days and 6-day weeks, I had a hard time keeping up with *myself*, let alone the story. Fortunately, I made sure I got in the bits that were relevent to Degger's tale. But basically, the whole theme of this two-part tale is that Degger, like his new cousins, *does* have a purpose to serve in this world and that purpose will unfold in Part II. Part II is coming...but later this year after Degger's had a reprieve, lol. Stories like this are like a fire shut up in my bones, so it *will* get told. :-)
I'm glad you liked Frodo! I simply clouldn't imagine him allowing someone to disrespect a friend like that. Neither would Pippin or Merry; Saffron didn't stand a chance. ;-)
Pearl Took also expressed the same thing about a ficlet with Paladin and Eglantine reading their notes. You both shall have it. :-) I'll get on it as soon as I'm done with my next challenge tale.
Thank you so much for all of your encouragement as well and thank you for reading Fate!
PF
harrowcat
· 13 March 2007
· Chapter 20: Out of His Shell
A lovely ending PIppinfan.
Author's reply
And you have been a lovely reader! Thank you very much, harrowcat, for all of your encouraging words and for reading Fate. :-)
PF
Garnet Took
· 12 March 2007
· Chapter 20: Out of His Shell
I think this wrapped it up quite nicely.
It was very encouraging to see Degger becoming so much more comfortable and confident in his new role as a gentlehobbit.
Same on that muse! How dare she run off to mississippi to play the slots and, first of all, not invite you along and, second, not come back with anything to show for it. I'm assuming she went to that very nice, or it was 10 years ago, casino down by Meridian. she needs to let us know when she takes these roadtrips. She leaves you devoid of inspiration and blows her money. jeese.:)
Keep me informed on your next project. I'm dying to know all about it.
GT.
Author's reply
With friends like Pippin, Merry, and Frodo, Degger has no choice but to step up to the plate and stand tall. He will always be a little bit on the shy side, but he'll be fine. :-)
Meridian? Oh, no! - she has too many horrid memories of my days in A-School, lol. Or "Tech-school" for any Army types who need clarification. Yes, she has to let me know when she takes off like that so I can lock up my money.
When I'm ready to send out the first few chapters, I'll make an announcement on LJ and see if I get a response for takers. If at least 5 people become interested then I'll post it here on SOA. Anyone can request me to email it to them, I'm just doubtful as to how many people would be interested in a faith-type awakening for our beloved Tookling. Then again...He said where two or three are gathered... I'll have to think on this one. :-)
Thank you so much for all the lovely encouragement and for stopping by to read Fate. :-)
PF
Pearl Took
· 12 March 2007
· Chapter 20: Out of His Shell
Bravo! Bravo!! Bravisimo!!!
This is wonderful! The entire story and this chapter is the icing on the cake!
Degger will be a wonderful gentlehobbit. I love that he felt sorry for Saffron, that shows a lot of wisdom on his part. He's a good lad :-)
But I'm feart that you have a wee story to tell. Degger can still be on his holiday, but I'd love to know what the notes said that were on Eglantine and Paladin's book marks ;-)
Author's reply
Oh, Pearl - there are so many gaps in this tale I didn't touch on that your idea is quite possible! At least I'll muse upon the notes given to Eglantine and Paladin. ;-)
I felt as a tween, Degger had to show a little more mercy towards the wee hag because he had to grow up a bit sooner than most children his age.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and then send a sweet and encouraging response - and you have always been an encouragement to me. :-)
PF
Grey Wonderer
· 12 March 2007
· Chapter 20: Out of His Shell
Bravo! A wonderful story and a very fitting end. I enjoyed it very, very, much! I do hope Degger returns after he's rested up because I adore the character and would love to read more about him. Thank you for a great story!
Author's reply
LOL, oh, he'll be back. I just like to throw in a little variety - and I'm also a bit gun-shy after this last fiasco with updating on time. Well...on time *for me*.
I do thank you ever so much for stopping by to read even when work was taking up all your time and driving you nuts. LOL, maybe a short putt! I'll be around catching up on my reading. :-)
PF
Grey Wonderer
· 5 February 2007
· Chapter 19: In the Family Way
A lovely ceremony! Now Degger is official in every way. The family is restored again. I am so glad that Degger will no longer but considered as a servant but as an official member of the Took family. Bravo! Now, if only another chapter would magically appear. I am caught up and have nothing to read! LOL I shall await more patiently.
Grey Wonderer
· 5 February 2007
· Chapter 18: In the Wake of a Storm
I like the way Paladin handle this in his talk with Degger. He seems to have known just exactly what to say and how to say it. Great parenting that. It only seems right that Degger would wonder if his older brother could have been saved too. He must feel a bit of regret on that issue and maybe even a bit of survivor's guilt as well. I was so glad to get a minute or two of reading in this weekend! I managed to play catch up. I am now going to read the other lovely chapter of this story. Next weekend promises to be a long one with me working on Saturday so there will be no reading or writing time for a while. I will be thinking of you though and awaiting more of the story!
Andrea
· 30 January 2007
· Chapter 19: In the Family Way
“I am happy...we talked about my presentation ceremony, but I don’t remember us talkin’ about me bein’ adopted.” The tweenager smiled wide, “I’m part o’ a real family now.”
Congratulations to Degger Took-Greenhill! Finally, he has a *real* family! And congratulations to Pippin who fulfilled his job as "presenter" (almost) perfectly ;-)
And now I'm looking forward to the feast!
Author's reply
Thank you! Yes, I thought becoming a Took would help Degger feel like he belonged somewhere--all young people need that. I, too, liked the idea of Pippin doing his part--and Merry, also. :-)
Thank you for reading!
PF
Pearl Took
· 29 January 2007
· Chapter 19: In the Family Way
Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!
Well done, Pippinfan :-) I love it, he's a true Took now, in name as well as bloodlines.
Wonderful!
I loved your formal ceremony :-)
Author's reply
Thank you, dear Pearl! Yes, Degger is a true-blue Took; I used Sackville-Baggins as my example. ;-) So Degger is a Took-Greenhill, and likewise, is the head of a certain branch of the respective families.
As for the "formal" ceremony, Paladin did that off-the-cuff, but I would think that with more forethought it would be something really nice. I'm sure Degger will remember it for the rest of his life. ;-)
Thank you for all of your encouragement--and thank you for reading!
PF
Dreamflower
· 29 January 2007
· Chapter 19: In the Family Way
Ah, this is nice! "Diggory Took-Greenhill" indeed! Now of course, he will be even more related to Pippin, LOL!
I do love the way your Paladin has handled everything--a mixture of both surprise and of preparation ahead of time! I look forward to the party!
Author's reply
Yes! And I really ought to put up an A/U "warning" in the story summary, lol. :-P At the beginning I was walking a tight rope while trying to keep the story clean and free of Alternate Canon musings. However, when Degger officially became Paladin's foster son, I fell off and got in ankle deep. Then I thought...what the heck? This last chapter I dove in head first, lol. I'm glad you enjoyed it! :-)
Why, thank you! I wanted to think there'd be an 'oh, darn!' moment somewhere in there for Paladin--he ain't perfect. :-O
Party?? Party? Uh-oh.... Just when I thought I got away with something.... Well, I suppose we could delay the Epilogue for just a wee bit... :-)
Thank you all your encouragement--and thank you for reading!
PF
harrowcat
· 29 January 2007
· Chapter 19: In the Family Way
Can't wait for this to be continued.... So Deg...er Diggory is going to be a new family-head. What a distinction.
Author's reply
He's the head of his own branch of the Took family and nothing more...however, if you notice, I didn't mention anything throughout the story about Degger ever becoming the Took...lol, that gets covered in part II of this series (later this year). ;-)
Thanks for reading!
PF
Larner
· 28 January 2007
· Chapter 19: In the Family Way
Aha! At last! Pippin has a near-brother of his own, and Degger has a family indeed. Good thing that Ferumbras isn't more with it, I think, or he'd be a monkeywrench in the works, I'm afraid.
Lovely moment, seeing the induction of Degger into the Tooks at last.
Author's reply
Well, I hate to say this--well, almost, but I imagine that Merry will always be Pippin's soul-mate (after Diamond) although it is Degger who has latched onto Merry *and* Pippin as if they were replacement brothers for losing his own.
LOL, oh, Ferumbras is a long story, but yeah, you're right--he would be the obstacle to ruin the day. I thought I hinted at his memory as being the culprit, and I imagine that it is, but I thought it would have really slowed the pace of the story if I went into more detail than I did.
Thank you so much for all of your encouragement--and thank you for reading!
PF
Garnet Took
· 28 January 2007
· Chapter 19: In the Family Way
The end of this chapter was especially sweet. I'm really glad Degger got his forever family.
It was also nice the Pippin and Merry were allowed to be witnesses, and that Pippin got to be Degger's presenter. I would have assumed that they would have been too young only being in their teens and tweens. Glad they weren't too young.
I'm babbling so I'll stop now.
Keep up the good work.
Author's reply
Since they were "there" from the beginning, I thought it would be nice if Pippin and Merry got to be a little involved.
For this sort of ceremony, I didn't think they were too young; Pippin really just squeaked by at 14. I figured that since the courts consider 12 or 13 year-olds old enough to declare which parent they wish to live with in a divorce, Pippin and Merry were mature enough to be witness to Degger's story, even though it was mostly formality rather than anything as grave as witnessing a crime. For something like that, it might have been a whole different matter.
LOL, and no, you're not babbling! The Epilogue got a little long, so to keep from deluging folks, I decided to post that one tonight. Well, off to work I go... Thanks for reading!
PF
Dreamflower
· 2 January 2007
· Chapter 18: In the Wake of a Storm
Yes, poor Degger--it had to have eaten at him to think that perhaps his brother could have been saved. But Paladin's conjectures are probably quite correct, and it was good for him to give them to Degger to chew on.
I am eager to see what happens next...
Author's reply
So am I! :-) LOL, not really, I've seen pretty much all of the story for a long time now--I'm just filling in the details. I could have forged on with the last bits but I thought it important to stop and take a wee breath with Degger and allow him to catch up. I'm still tying up loose ends so there's a tiny bit more to go.
Thank you for reading!
PF
Andrea
· 2 January 2007
· Chapter 18: In the Wake of a Storm
Degger stood and surveyed the best of friends any lad could ask for. “I’m a bit better, thank ye. I just needed remindin’ o’ where I came from an’ where I’m goin’.”
That's what Paladin did, and he did it very well, I must say! It seems he had some practice before.
Degger did the right thing when he decided to stay at Great Smials. Paladin is like a father to him and I think there's no one else in the whole Shire who could replace him.
It is very likely that amid all the possibilities Paladin finding Degger in that alley was the best thing that could have happened!
Author's reply
Oh, I agree; Degger made the right decision to stay at Great Smials, however, I don't think wild ponies could have dragged him away. He knows he's been blessed with a caring family who loves him as their own. I'm glad you like Paladin--he's one of my favourite hobbits after our Fab Five (Merry,Pippin,Frodo,Sam, Bilbo). I'm trying not to paint him so angelic, but when the lads are children and young adults, it's difficult to have him screw-up too bad--he's supposed to be an example, lol. Although I do have something tumbling round in my head to tarn his halo just a tad. ;-)
Thanks for reading!
PF
Larner
· 2 January 2007
· Chapter 18: In the Wake of a Storm
A good reminder that good can come out of troubles, if one is open to it. And I think Degger is at last opening to possibilities, and happy about it. Glad all now know he is Isembold's heir. Wonderful.
Author's reply
Thank you! Right now, I think Degger is open to a host of possiblities after what he's been through, lol. Whether or not he's happy about it is moot, but he is accepting of it for the moment.
Thank you for reading!
PF
Garnet Took
· 2 January 2007
· Chapter 18: In the Wake of a Storm
Poor Degger. I'm glad Paladin was able to pull him out of it, at least a little. It really must be hard for him to accept what has happened and to understand that events in his life were no one's fault, they just were.
Now I'm starting to get curious what is in Degger's future. Will he stay at Great Smials as a Took, or will he marry some working-class girl and go off to make his own way, or, who knows, will he end up in some place like Buckland or Bree even? Enquiring minds are starting to wonder. Hmmmm, can I feed the bunnies any more?
Thanks.
GT
Author's reply
Yeah, that was indeed a lot for him to take in all at once. I think he'll eventually come to terms with what happened and that some things are beyond his or anyone's control.
LOL, oh go on and feed me the bunnies! I've already have a headful of ideas for the next installment of the Degger Saga, what's a few more? :-P In fact, there are a couple of your bunnies that must have telepathic twins in my head, lol. Perhaps we'll see what transpires this coming summer. ;-)
Thank you for reading!
PF
Pearl Took
· 1 January 2007
· Chapter 18: In the Wake of a Storm
“Don’t say that,” said Paladin. “One never knows what the future holds for them. You may never wear the medals of Office, but fate may have other plans for Isembold’s descendant. Either way, master Degger--your lineage has plenty of Took blood in it, and there is a way to honour your mother, grandfather, and great-grandfather, if you wish.”
I'm eager to see what's next! This is such a touching tale, Pippinfan. :-)
Author's reply
Awww...thank you, Pearl! Your so sweet to say that. :-)
Oh, there's still a few ends to be tied up and there *is* the second part of this tale yet to write, but I think after this installment I'll let Degger rest for a wee bit and absorb all that's happened to him so far. ;-)
Thank you for reading!
PF
Pearl Took
· 11 December 2006
· Chapter 17: Rhymes and Reasons
Not much more to go? I hope you're working on a new story then. I need regular doses of Pippinfan stories! And this one has been a gem!
“All right, but when I’m grown up and married,” said Pippin while getting to his feet, “all of the bedrooms in my home are going to be on the lower level. If my children want to run away, they shouldn’t have to hurt themselves in the effort.”
LOL LOL If his children want to run away . . . how nice of Pip to want to make it easier for them!!
Yea!!! The Paladin Tooks are keeping Degger!!! WOO HOO!!
Author's reply
Well, the story has basically been told; now I will turn my attention to tying up the loose ends. This is actually part one of a two-part story, but the next one is still on the back-burner. You haven't heard the last of me (Darn! some might say, lol). I want to concentrate on short stories or challenge tales for a while--at least until the bowling season is over. :-P
Remember when we were kids we'd say, "When *I* grow up..." or "When I have kids..." That was Pippin's version. :-D
I couldn't imagine Paladin ever willingly giving up Degger. He's part of the family now. :-)
Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 10 December 2006
· Chapter 17: Rhymes and Reasons
Loved the Pippin logic about the height of windows. An excellent chapter and Degger just keeps getting more and more news to swallow and adjust to as he goes along. I wonder if this will help him to stop referring to Pippin as Mr.? After all, now he is a full cousin. Still enjoying this very much and looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Hmmm...that's a good question! I'll have to confer with my Muse on that one. ;-) I called it lopsided-logic, but I believe you nailed it; it's *Pippin-logic*, lol. I think poor Degger has been through the emotional wringer enough for now...I suppose I'll let him digest it for a wee bit. Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
Garnet Took
· 10 December 2006
· Chapter 17: Rhymes and Reasons
You had me pretty nervous there for a minute. I thought for sure that Degger was going to end up having to stay at Ivy Bellflower.
I really dislike Layla and her daughters. They remind me a little of a certain family in Dreamflower's universe. Of course, they're not as bad as that bunch, but they're still not nice.
I'm glad that Rick saw things the same way Paladin did, and that Degger gets to stay at Great Smials. After all, it will be a great learning experience.
Pippin and Degger are a lot of fun together. You can just tell they have to be related. They make a wonderful team.
Thanks for a great chapter.
GT.
Author's reply
Well, I don't think Paladin would have allowed that--he just got official custody of the lad mere months ago. LOL, and he had to sign the papers himself as head of the Took clan.
I suppose a good night's sleep brings brighter wits in the morning, lol. When I combed over the chapter last night, the Hormblower sisters didn't seem so snobbish to me. However, after two observations of the same thing this morning, I think perhaps I may have missed something, lol. Dreamflower holds the crown for Hobbitesses we love to hate, and there's no way I could compete for such a trophy. I don't think any original character I make up could ever hold a candle to Hiacynth and her Jewellery. :-)
I like to think Pippin and Degger have their own sort of fun. Degger feels close to both Merry and Pippin and has a unique relationship/friendship with both.
I think Rick saw something in the relationship between Paladin and Degger. Even though he quit looking for the children too easily, I would hope that Rick, being a father himself, would still consider the wishes and the emotional state of the child. Degger obviously needed Paladin for guidance and loving support.
Thank *you* for reading!
Pippinfan
Andrea
· 10 December 2006
· Chapter 17: Rhymes and Reasons
I'm very proud of Degger to speak up like that! And it was high time, it seems!
Each coversation brings loads of new information for the poor lad. It will take some time to digest it all. But he's not alone, for he has the best friend one could wish for. And Pippin will see to it that Degger (or should I say Diggory?) can adapt to his new position among the Tooks and Greenhills. And with Pippin around there will be a lot of fun, too :)
“all of the bedrooms in my home are going to be on the lower level. If my children want to run away, they shouldn’t have to hurt themselves in the effort.”
That's 100 percent Pippin!!!
Author's reply
You're right--Degger doesn't stand up for himself like he should, but with Paladin and Pippin's help, he's slowl coming out of his shell. We shall see very soon how well Degger copes with his "new" self. :-)
LOL, I couldn't help myself with Pippin's remark--I'm glad you enjoyed it. :-) And thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
harrowcat
· 10 December 2006
· Chapter 17: Rhymes and Reasons
Wow! what a lot for Degger...er...Diggory to take in. Now he needs a bit of poece and quiet to digest it.
Author's reply
You are indeed a perceptive reader...we'll see what goes on in the next chapter. :-) And thank you for reading!
Pippinfan