Fate and Destiny by PIppinfan1988
Larner · 9 December 2006 · Chapter 17: Rhymes and Reasons
Hooray for the Took-Greenhills with good sense! I am very proud of the lad!
Author's reply
LOL, yes, Degger is one of those who possesses good "hobbit-sense". Thank you--I'm quite proud of him myself. :-) Thank you for reading! Pippinfan
Dreamflower · 9 December 2006 · Chapter 17: Rhymes and Reasons
I didn't much think Paladin would give Degger up! Layla was being a bit presumptious! And her daughters--well, they remind me of one of my OC's daughters, if you know what I mean. I got tickled at Pippin's immediate reaction to run away--out the window, no less! And I had to giggle at him saying his children would have to have windows near the ground so they could run away safely--such a Pippish thing to say! And I had a hunch for a while that "Degger" was actually "Diggory"--glad to see that confirmed!
Author's reply
I like to think of Paladin and Pippin as cut from the same cloth, if you know what I mean, and Pippin himself wasn't going to just let Degger go without a fight. Degger has done quite a bit of growing-up under Paladin's watchful eye, but has a lot more yet to do; he's still very shy and doesn't stand up for himself like he should. Yes, Layla was being *very* presumptuous, lol! Her desire to take Degger is rooted in a short-coming of hers that will most likely come out in a later story. Garnet Took made the same observation between the Jewellery (I remember your nickname for them!) and the Hornblower sisters, which surprised me because to be very honest, the Jewellery were nowhere in my musing. Then again, it could have been something completely subconcsious on my part, who knows? HOWEVER, I do hope you take any similarities (or reminders) you might see as a compliment because you indeed have had some influence on me. :-) I just adore your world of hobbits! LOL, I have enjoyed your Hiacynth and the Jewellery in Consequences of a Fall and A New Reckoning would love to see them again in another tale of yours...or is that dangerous thinking?? ;-) I really didn't mean for the Hornblowers to come off as arrogant as they did, but that's my fault as the author. I may correct that with a bit more narrative-thought for them. As for Pippin and the window, I was hoping to portray his impulsive nature here--a trait so prevalent in teens and tweens. He's just received some unsettling news and because he is little more than a child his only thought is to protect his friend and escape from a situation he's too young to deal with on his own. LOL, but he forgot he was in a two-story house and not a smial. ;-) I tried to bite my tongue with that off-the-wall logic, but then I couldn't resist the temptation for Pippin to blurt it out. :-P I did, too, but had no idea how I was going to connect the two until last night! But all I had to do was consider my own cursive writing, lol. Thank you so much for reading! Pippinfan
harrowcat · 23 November 2006 · Chapter 16: No More Doubts
No more doubts maybe but now some difficult decisions! Loved the drooling Pippin but I am glad that the book cleaned up ok!
Grey Wonderer · 22 November 2006 · Chapter 16: No More Doubts
Leave it to Pippin to stumble upon the evidence in his own way. (or with that Tookish sight as a guide maybe?) It seems that he has given Degger something to think about. Like Pippin, I do wonder if Degger will return to the Great Smials or if he will want to stick around and get to know the rest of his family. Great chapter. I am looking forward to more. I am sure that Paladin will have some advice on all matters once he finds out that Degger has, at least come to terms with who he really is.
Author's reply
No, no Tookish Sight in this universe, lol. However, I do love to read about it in other authors' stories. I thought that perhaps with all the research Pippin had already done back at Great Smials, the actual volumes of Isembold's family tree would interest Pippin greatly; to see it all organized, in order and in black and white, so to speak. I think we'll see more reactions from all parties in the coming chapter. :-) Thank you for reading! Pippinfan
Andrea · 21 November 2006 · Chapter 16: No More Doubts
“First, the past-tense of ‘spit’ is spat. I spat all over Cousin Rick’s family books. Second, I can’t help it--it happens when I’m asleep.” LOL! Great image! I don't think Degger would leave his old home from one moment to the next. And he also knows that he needs Paladin and Pippin to remain grounded and to find the right way to adjust to this new situation, which must be very confusing and a little frightening to him.
Author's reply
LOL, I had a fun time musing on that bit. ;-) Well, Degger has some decisions to make--we'll see how he manages soon, but your comment is a very perceptive one. :-) Thank you so much for reading! Pippinfan
Larner · 20 November 2006 · Chapter 16: No More Doubts
I can certainly appreciate Pippin's concern here. But at last Degger has a history, a history that is his, one that gives him a place within a family, and an honored one at that. For all Degger's legitimate concerns about not apparently being sought, he knows now he is appreciated for who he is in relationship to these and those they loved.
Author's reply
I'm glad you caught on to Pippin's part in all of this; he's not going to just stand on the sidelines and watch his friend go through all of this alone. Frodo and Merry--and his dad to some degree--have all taught him how to be a good friend, and I'm eager to display Pippin's emotional maturity in giving that support to Degger. Being a teenager, Pippin may not be very mature in other areas, but his "big brothers" have played a big role in teaching him certain virtues. I think your remarks about Degger are good...we'll see how it all pans out soon. :-) Thank you for reading! Pippinfan
Pearl Took · 20 November 2006 · Chapter 16: No More Doubts
"Even if you were to have stayed behind at Great Smials while my father and I came here in search of lost cousins, we would have made the same discovery regardless." This has been some trip! Degger's world is getting turned upside down and inside out. At least he'll have a lot of folk who love him to help him work it all out. I'm loving this, you know that! Bless you for working so hard on this.
Author's reply
You are such a dear friend to say that. :-) Actually, I don't feel I'm workig so hard on this tale at all, as it's been swimming inside my head for the past year, but what I *am* finding difficult is finding a few quiet moments to tap it out on the computer. When I do, I'm smiling. :-) You're right about Degger's world--we'll see how it lands (or how Degger lands!) soon enough. Thank you for reading! Pippinfan
Garnet Took · 20 November 2006 · Chapter 16: No More Doubts
I loved the image of Pippin falling asleep and drooling on the book. That is such a Pippinish thing to do. The fact that he loves history is just so right. It would explain a lot about some of the things he said on the Quest. I hope Degger goes back to Great Smials. I can understand if he doesn't, but I don't think he'd be happy at Ivy Bellflower. For one thing, he wouldn't have one of his best friends there to support and encourage him. Thanks for the update. GT.
Author's reply
LOL, you, too? Maybe we ought to start the Drooling Pippin Group! Not! But it *is* a lovely image, isn't it? :-) Without it really smacking me in the head, I kind of got the impression that Pippin liked history not so much because he wrote the Tale of Years, but more so because of how hobbits in general love geneology. Even though it's history of their own families, it's still history; Pippin's--and Paladin's to some extent--coupled with love for adventure, just happens to branch out into other areas as well. :-) As for living at Great Smials vs. living at I.B., we'll just have to see how far Degger's decision-making abilities have come. ;-) Thank you for reading! Pippinfan
Dreamflower · 20 November 2006 · Chapter 16: No More Doubts
Aww....I love the image of little Pippin, asleep with his head on the book, drooling on it! LOL! That was really sweet. Degger's main fear, of course, is that he will lose his new family with Paladin and Pippin, and certainly there is also a bit of resentment about his parent's deaths, and the time he had to spend in his unfortunate situation. But Paladin is not going to just cut the lad loose, I'm sure. He will just need to reassure the poor lad.
Author's reply
I don't know why, but I imagine little Pip as a "drooler", lol. I had him drooling over his lessons in Irrepressible Pippin, too. I just think it's so sweet, as you said, and so comical at the same time. He's just a sweet deep sleeper. ;-) What can I say? You hit the nail on the head every time. :-) But by the same token, Pippin is also trying to convince Degger to not dwell on the unpleasant past. Degger's got some thinking to do. I know you are a busy lady these days, so I thank you for stopping by to read! Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer · 11 November 2006 · Chapter 15: A Tangled Web of Riddles
Poor Degger! So much to take in all at once without really any true memories of it all. I wonder if he will recall any of it now that it has been brought to light. I am very glad that Paladin is sticking close to him in all of this. I think it will take Degger some time to come to terms with his 'new found family'. Hope there is more soon. I am liking Rick more all the time.
Grey Wonderer · 11 November 2006 · Chapter 14: Lost and Found
Finally made it back to the land of internet and have been catching up on all of the wonderful stories that I've missed. I adore the newest Took cousins. I am also very much into this mystery and Degger's relatives. I liked the fact that they waited to be impressed until they found out that Paladin was someone in authority. This is so good! I am off to read more!
Larner · 30 October 2006 · Chapter 15: A Tangled Web of Riddles
So your Isembold had mostly daughters? Interesting indeed. And I certainly don't blame Degger for feeling totally overwhelmed. It's been a very strange visit for the young Hobbit.
Author's reply
Yes--that was one of the ideas I bounced off of Dreamflower long ago when I was musing this tale. All the Professor states is that Isembold "had many descendants" and none of his branch is mentioned. Everard is shown in the family tree as is his older brother and father. Even Ferdinand and Rosamunda are shown, but not Isembold's branch. This whole idea made me curious and thus this story was born. :-) Degger certainly is overwhelmed! We'll see how he copes. Thank you for reading! Pippinfan
harrowcat · 30 October 2006 · Chapter 15: A Tangled Web of Riddles
You call being the potential head of a lost branch of the Took clan (do I have that right? a 'wee part' - shame on you! But a great story and a great description of Degger's feelings.
Author's reply
Really? Thank you so much for that! I was quite worried that I had gone overboard with the emotions and hoped that I had got the emotional pitch just right. That's mostly what took me so long with this update. Thanks for the feedback! LOL, I did play that down just a bit, didn't I? That was on purpose. ;-) Thank you for reading, the feedback, and for your encouragement. :-) Pippinfan
Garnet Took · 29 October 2006 · Chapter 15: A Tangled Web of Riddles
Oh, you did tangle this web a bit, didn't you? Poor Degger. He isn't used to being stared at and all, and then to find out these people are all his relatives, and that he's someone inportant to this family; no wonder he just wants to leave. I wouldn't blame him one bit if he decides not to take on the family headship. Couldn't he choose to try to remerge the two families back into one and thus get them back under the headship of the Took? That way he'd be off the hook. Just a thought, even though Rick said they no longer think of themselves as Tooks. It's a dying branch anyway as Rick pointed out. I thought for sure Layla and Gayla were going to be twins. Very interesting. I'm very curious to see where this is going. I have to say that I hope Degger stays at Great Smials. Thanks. GT.
Author's reply
I did tangle that a wee bit, didn't I? =:-) Everything will get smoothed out soon. Degger does have a lot on his young shoulders, but we'll see how he learns to sort through this kind of mess. Couldn't he choose to try to remerge the two families back into one and thus get them back under the headship of the Took? I'm still musing on this idea and a couple of others...so I can't make further comments without spoiling things. ;-) "Layla and Gayla" is just another way of a hobbit being light at heart (to me, anyway) with names. LOL, like Rick, Nick, and Stick! Tolkien had Hob, Nob, and Bob. Stay tuned for what Degger decides to do! You are yet another encourager--and I want to thank you as well. I get 50 miles to the gallon with encouragement these days. :-) Thanks. Pippinfan
Pearl Took · 29 October 2006 · Chapter 15: A Tangled Web of Riddles
Oh my!! He's a Took, and the future head of a clan! So much for old Ferumbras treeting him so badly - although they had all shunned Isembold's family. Paladin is wonderful!! Bless you for working so hard to keep up with this! Wonderful!!!!!!
Author's reply
LOL, oh, I can't wait to tell Ferumbras!!! His expression will be priceless. ;-) Pearl dear, this story is like a fire shut up in my bones, and I get so frustrated with how my time is so eaten up with regard to writing it. I'm worried that all the little nuances I had set up from the beginning will get lost in the shuffle...so far that hasn't happened, but I'm afraid something is going to fall through the cracks. :-( Thank you so much for all your encouragement--it means the world to me. :-) Pippinfan
harrowcat · 10 October 2006 · Chapter 14: Lost and Found
Yes very reassuring for Nick that he is dealing with someone who can speak and deal with authority.
Pearl Took · 10 October 2006 · Chapter 14: Lost and Found
“That painting doesn’t validate anything--it just proves that they look similar to each other,” Paladin answered unconvincingly. Actually, he was very curious and wanted to know answers, if nothing else, for Degger’s sake. “All hobbits in the Shire are cousins to somebody to some degree," he argued, "Some of us are bound to look alike.” I thought Paladin wanted to find Degger's right family? What's the matter? ************************** “So, ye’re not just a Took cousin sayin’ ye’re goin’ t’ reunite the families, then go home t’ yer own family an’ forget ‘bout ev’rythin’ the moment ye’re feet are warmin’ in front o’ the hearth?” Paladin shook his head. “No.” A sincere smile spread slowly across Rick’s face. “Good.” This sounds encouraging :) You've got me on tenterhooks! I hope all is well enough in RL for you to write more soon :-)
Larner · 9 October 2006 · Chapter 14: Lost and Found
As Gandalf might say, "Good. Very, very good!" About time someone did something to reunite the family.
Author's reply
Hullo, Larner! Thank you! I think so, too--and while (my) Paladin isn't perfect, he'll at least *try* to do the right thing. I haven't forgotten your earlier reviews, but if you read the author's note with chapter 13, then I'll just say that I'm still "there". Thank goodness writing doesn't rely on oral thought or I'd be crying about now. :-P Thanks for stopping by to read! PF
Larner · 9 October 2006 · Chapter 13: Journey to Little Delving
A good start at locating these long-lost Took relatives. Lalia did a disservice to her family in ignoring them and encouraging Ferumbras to do the same.
Larner · 9 October 2006 · Chapter 12: Nothing Like Family
Recognizing family in the depths of his heart, I must assume. Definitely recognizing acceptance must have played a part.
Dreamflower · 9 October 2006 · Chapter 14: Lost and Found
Ah, at last! It's all going to come out now! Poor Degger's going to be flabbergasted, I imagine; Pippin and Merry will be thrilled to discover he's actually a cousin too--and certain Tooks are going to find their noses out of joint! (Just at a guess, mind you. LOL!)
Author's reply
LOL, more will come out in the next chapter, and yes, Degger being flabbergasted is an *understatement*. ;-) I agree about Merry and Pippin--and also the current hoity-toity residents of G. Smials. ;-) LOL, 99% of the time your "guesses" are right on the money--and you're not "feeding" me; more than half of the time, I've already mused on your guesses. :-) Now whether they make it to press or not is another matter for the Muse, lol. Thank you for reading! PF
Larner · 9 October 2006 · Chapter 11: The Severed Branch of the Family Tree
Aha! So Isumbard and Betony had dessert first, did they, and got written out of the family tree as a result? How very sad for all of them. And there was a reason why Paladin's request to foster Degger got stuffed instead of dealt with. Glad they're getting things cleared up at last.
Larner · 9 October 2006 · Chapter 10: A Matter for Tooks
And--so the first Took to truly take note of this is Pippin, eh? Now, that is an interesting sidestep here.
Larner · 9 October 2006 · Chapter 9: Inside the Wooden Box
Ah, yes, a Took matter Degger has become, and most likely a Took indeed! Pal was right to see to it he got a Took education in the mix.
Larner · 9 October 2006 · Chapter 8: Pomp and Circumstance
So, Ferumbras had hidden this away? Had he lied because he lost it or because he knew Degger's proper pedigree? We wonders, doesn't we, gollum?