Garnet Took
· 19 August 2006
· Chapter 10: A Matter for Tooks
I saw that ending coming as soon as Tina put that piece of paper on the night stand. Paladin is going to have a lot of explaining to do to his son.
This was a really fun chapter. We got a little Pippinhealing and there were also some really great moments between other characters. I really like the relationship between Palaidn and Adelard.
I am having a great time reading this. There are so many things going on that, if it were a paper book, it would be a real page-turner.
Thanks.
GT.
Author's reply
That is so sweet to say!
Well, I didn't think I was being very clandestine with Tina and the paper, lol, but I also didn't want to drag this part of the story on needlessly. We need to get on to the deeper things that are part of the cruxt of the story. :-) Paladin is the other "cruxt" of the story--and I'm glad you liked the meeting of the older pair to resolve an issue close to Paladin's heart: trust.
Thank you so much for all your encouragement!
Pippinfan
Dreamflower
· 19 August 2006
· Chapter 10: A Matter for Tooks
Oh, poor Paladin! I'm so glad he has a dear friend and cousin in Addie!
And I'm glad Pippin found the paper, since Paladin was too distraught to deal with it, Pippin will make sure he does!
This is going to be very interesting!
Author's reply
Yes, I view Paladin and Addie's relationship much like Pippin and Merry's--although the younger set go a step further and declare their undying "brotherhood".
We shall see what Pippin will do while he is recouperating in the next chapter. :-)
Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
Garnet Took
· 14 August 2006
· Chapter 9: Inside the Wooden Box
Whoa! I was so close. I kept looking at that family tree trying to figure out how Degger was related. I hadn't looked at the notation under Isembold. I just couldn't put that final piece into place.
This is so cool. I am glad to know which branch of the tree Degger came from. Now I'm curious what the ramifacations of this discovery will be.
Sorry I'm not more ceherent in my comments, but I'm exhausted. Let's just say the Wee One's scout trip to the waterpark was a splashing success.
Thanks for a great chapter, and the resolution of a mystery.
GT.
Author's reply
LOL, this is why Dreamflower is able gloat--and why I thought *for sure* you'd remember the wee discussion we had in early spring when I was working some awful overtime. I suppose you probably remembered it, but didn't know what route I'd take. Hehehe...can't grab all of my eggs from one basket--gotta keep you all guessing. ;-)
The ramifications are being discussed with my Muse as I speak. The mystery may be exposed, but there is still a bit of a road to travel for young Degger and the rest.
Thanks for reading!
Pippinfan
Pearl Took
· 13 August 2006
· Chapter 9: Inside the Wooden Box
Hehehe! I love this with Merry and Frodo scampering about sorting papers :) And more mystery to Degger's history! Wonderful, wonderful!!!!
Author's reply
What can I say? I'm having fun with the lads in this tale. I am planning more fun before it's all said and done. LOL, I had hoped that wee bit wouldn't be more of a mystery, but more of a revelation. ;-) There will be more in the next chaper. :-)
Thanks for reading, Pearl!
Pippinfan
Author Reply: What can I say? I'm having fun with the lads in this tale. I am planning more fun before it's all said and done. LOL, I had hoped that wee bit wouldn't be more of a mystery, but more of a revelation. ;-) There will be more in the next chaper. :-)
Thanks for reading, Pearl!
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 13 August 2006
· Chapter 9: Inside the Wooden Box
So Degger is actually a Took? This is certainly interesting. I loved Merry and Frodo's wagers and race. I also liked the fact that there was another Hobbit named Frodo. All of this history is making a very interesting story. Seems that Paladin may have more than paperwork to sort through before this is over.
Author's reply
Well...we're going to go on a hunt and find that out. ;-) I like to imagine that hobbits more times than not, named their children after someone they admired or someone in the family. While I don't believe "Frodo" was a common name, young Mr. Baggins wasn't the only one to bear the name. ;-) I had yet more fun with the lads--last time it was the foot ball game, this time it was the wager-race. I'm certain that there will be one more "fun time" with the lads before all of this is over. :-)
Thanks for reading, G.W.!
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 12 August 2006
· Chapter 8: Pomp and Circumstance
I adored Frodo's knowledge of the mithril. So like a Baggins to know that. LOL The graduation is over, now on to the new Thain and the mystery of the watch! This is turing out to be a very mysterious story indeed! *wink*
Author's reply
LOL, I thought so, too! Why thank you, and you know your mysteries, lol. I'm doing my best, so I'm glad you're enjoying it. The watch plays an important part, but we have to muddle through his roots first. ;-)
Thanks for reading!
Pippinfan
Dreamflower
· 12 August 2006
· Chapter 9: Inside the Wooden Box
*grins gleefully*does gloating dance all around the computer*
Ahem! Er...well, I guessed right.
Poor little Pippin--I hope he's not going to be too dreadfully sick.
And I love the way Frodo and Merry are helping Paladin--and making a game of the work. That's always the best way to handle a tedious task!
Author's reply
ROTFL!!! *Exhales loudly* Do you know how long I've been holding my breath over this???? I feel so relieved now! What did I tell you? Go on and gloat, dear friend--you've earned it! ;-) LOL, you doing your gloating dance and Pippin with his victory trot...both of you are dancing the afternoon away, aren't you? ;-) Hehehe.
Believe it or not, Pippin's illness actually has a purpose. :-)
Merry *had* to do something or die of boredom, and well, Frodo is still young enough to indulge his cousins with playfulness. Mix the two together there we had the results. Mix in a certain little Took for extra measure and the situation can become quite exciting. :-)
Thank you for reading! Stay tuned--you might have more gloating dances to do. ;-)
Pippinfan
Andrea
· 12 August 2006
· Chapter 9: Inside the Wooden Box
Each lad crossed the lines...at the same time...and collided--hard.
LOL!!! The "competition" between the two cousins was great! And stubborn they are - all of them, including Pippin ;-)
And I think Merry found a real treasure there! Diggory Took - that sounds very interesting.
"To err is human", and also hobbity, I might add. Maybe someone just mixed up Little Delving and Michel Delving, and the damage was done! It would not have been the first time.
I'm curious to see what happens next :)
Author's reply
Glad you liked the wager-"war"! There's just something about lads and competitions, lol. In this tale, Frodo just recently turned 35, so although he's a grown up, he's still quite playful and indulges Merry and Pippin a lot.
Indeed, this is the stone that causes the avalanche. Stay tuned. :-)
Thanks for reading!
Pippinfan
Dreamflower
· 10 August 2006
· Chapter 8: Pomp and Circumstance
What a nice family moment to end with! *sigh*
I loved all the rest of it--Pippin's obvious worry for his father, Merry's and Frodo's reassurances, and their offer to Paladin. And even though he let them know he didn't need them to *do* anything at the time, I am quite sure that their firm show of support was a help in and of itself, in the knowledge that they had confidence in him.
I liked that he showed them the graduate's gift. And yes, if there is *anyone* in the Shire besides a professional jeweler who would recognize mithril, it would be Frodo!
As I said--I have hunches. So I'm eager to see whether or not they are validated. I hope we see the mystery of the watch cleared up very soon, so I can either gloat or be embarrassed!
Author's reply
Awww! Thank you! The chapter was getting rather long, but I think if Degger had anymore happiness cast upon him, the poor lad would swoon, lol.
The Pippin&Merry and Merry&Frodo bits were what I wanted to put in the last chapter but failed to, so all of that was for me and you--lol, and anyone else who likes that sort of stuff.
I don't think I wrote the detail (imagine that), but what Paladin was really after was Merry's affirmation about the pocket watch, because Merry was present during that fateful trip to Michel Delving and got very familiar with the trinket. I felt Frodo would be an expert as well and wanted him to give his input, too.
We shall see either Friday or Saturday night, but I don't think it will involve too much the pocket watch, but rest assured, you will see a LOT more revealed. This will have to do with his roots, so to speak, and if I know you as well as I think I do, you will definitely be GLOATING! More would have been revealed in this chapter, but as I gave Merry a graduation ceremony, it was only fair that the rest got one, too. Plus, in a small way, it was part of the story, too. ;-)
Thanks for reading!
Pippinfan
harrowcat
· 10 August 2006
· Chapter 8: Pomp and Circumstance
Of course they must tell him! (and us too!) Paladin needs to make the job and title his own so Merry and Frodo are going to need to find more unobstusive ways to be supportive of him, and the rest of the family too, while thet all adjust.
Author's reply
LOL, oh, of course they will! And stay tuned for just how helpful Merry and Frodo can be. :-)
Thanks for reading!
Pippinfan
Garnet Took
· 9 August 2006
· Chapter 8: Pomp and Circumstance
You are really milking this mystery for all it's worth. I thought we were going to find out several more things this chapter, but we only got the added information that Ferumbras had never sealed the document making Degger Paladin's foster son. While that is important, it still doesn't answer the question of who Degger's parents really were. The suspense is killing me.
Eagerly awaiting the next installment.
GT.
Author's reply
In all honesty, I am not trying to milk anything. I'm merely trying to tell a story the best way I can without leaving gaping holes in it like swiss cheese. We were well on our way to discovering that bit of information when I realised I still had to give the threesome a graduation ceremony--its a minor part of the tale, but it is part of the tale nonetheless, and dear to my heart. I can easily tell you what you want to know about the plot, and it will just as easily end it all right there for you because that is the cruxt of the story.
This past weekend was a rather busy one for me and threw me off schedule with this tale. As I don't want to committ "Tale-icide" to a lovely friend, I will do my best to update either Friday or Saturday night. :-)
Thanks for reading!
Pippinfan
Pearl Took
· 9 August 2006
· Chapter 8: Pomp and Circumstance
Squeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!
Happy Dance!! Happy Dance!!
And it is sooooo wonderful that Degger will be officially adopted, so to speak, by Paladin and Tina.
*sigh* Happy, happy, happy :)
Author's reply
Thank you--I think so, too. He is able to make decisions in the best interest of Degger, or to support him in any way he sees fit--financially or to just make him feel like part of a family. I just thought it would be something nice to do for a child who almost has nobody.
Thanks for reading!
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 6 August 2006
· Chapter 7: A Took's Moot
No question in my mind that there is noble blood in Degger somewhere. This reminded me of Pippin pledging his oath to Denethor or the part of the films where Aragorn kneels before Frodo and says, "You have my sword." I am beginning to think that watch came to Degger's family by honest means. I do wonder if it is his father that Pippin is worried about or something more? I am guessing that Frodo and Merry will get to the heart of that.
Author's reply
The pledge was similar, yes, but more a solemn promise between friends.
Pippin sees more than what people around him thinks he sees. He may be young, but he ain't dumb. I'd say more, but I'm still dealing with that part. ;-)
Thank you so much for reading!
PF
Grey Wonderer
· 6 August 2006
· Chapter 6: The Fate of the Other
Uh-oh. I do believe Paladin is about to be in charge offically and with the graduation coming up this puts far too much on his plate. I only hope that Paladin is ready for what is coming his way. I am still wondering about the watch but now there is more to consider.
Author's reply
I think you're right, lol. Keep that watch in the back of your mind. ;-)
PF
Grey Wonderer
· 5 August 2006
· Chapter 5: The Destiny of One
Now you've really gone and surprised me completely! I wasn't expecting the watch to turn out to be of great value! This changes things completely. I wonder if Degger is unaware of important relatives in his family or if his father actually found the watch and kept it as his own or.....and the list of questions continues on and on. Very entertaining stuff and most mysterious!
Author's reply
I am so sorry to just now replying! What a weekend...busy, busy, busy.
LOL, nobody is really aware of anything, Paladin just has this wee bit of information at the moment. :-) I hoped it came across as mysterious. :-)
Thanks for reading!
PF
Grey Wonderer
· 5 August 2006
· Chapter 4: Change is in the Air
Ah, trouble is brewing I see. Interesting. I have catching up to do but I plan to get it done this weekend. I liked the gossip between the lasses and your discription of Frodo. Still enjoying this very much and I missed reading while I was away. No computer access is very annoying.
Garnet Took
· 3 August 2006
· Chapter 5: The Destiny of One
Oh, I knew I'd miss at least one chapter while I was gone, and it seems I missed more.
Now I'm getting really anxious to see what's going to happen. I'm going to keep reading although I'm tired. I may wait till later to leave more reviews though.
Thanks.
GT.
Andrea
· 3 August 2006
· Chapter 7: A Took's Moot
“You’re a terrible liar,” said Frodo, sitting down beside Pippin on the couch.
“So he is,” said Merry, sitting down on the other side of Pippin.
Oh, I love Frodo and Merry here (and Pippin, of course)! They know Pippin better than his father, it seems. On the other hand, Paladin is too much preoccupied with other things. He is afraid of what lies ahead, but he will see it through. He's a Took!
AND he has a protector! Degger is wonderful. Who knows (beside you) what his future will be? I'm looking forward to reading more.
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed that moment--I meant for it to be a special one. :-) Yeah, Paladin wasn't convinced his son was all right in the least, but he was being called back into an important meeting. He knew Frodo and Merry would help out in this instance. ;-)
That is a good question...what is in Degger's future? Hehehehe....I can see it all in my head. :-D
Thank you for reading, and for your gracious review. :-)
Pippinfan
Pearl Took
· 2 August 2006
· Chapter 7: A Took's Moot
With all seriousness, Degger knelt before Pippin, his hand resting upon his friend’s knee. “I promise, Mr. Pippin. He won’t be alone.”
*heavy sigh* The burden comes to Paladin and his family. Bless dear Degger.
I'm so totally loving this story, Pippinfan. Your writing is superb!!
Author's reply
Promises are taken serously, and I think you recall that tale I did earlier this year. ;-)
Yes, it has. Now we'll see what Paladin--and Pippin are truly made of. :-)
I am so happy you're enjoying this tale! You know how much I look forward to your responses, mentor. :-) If anything is superb, I've been taught by the best. :-)
Thank you so much for reading! Now off to work I go...(gag).
Pippinfan
Dreamflower
· 2 August 2006
· Chapter 7: A Took's Moot
A stroke. That was pretty much what I expected. Poor Ferumbras--a tough fate for anyone, even a selfish old goat like him.
Paladin's got to be torn--he doesn't want this job any more than he ever did, yet he also knows his duty, and he's no slacker. Poor Pippin, stuck with knowing his own fate as Thain's heir is looming over him, as well as worry for his father. Yet Frodo and Merry are there for Pippin--and Frodo will be there for Paladin as well, for he's an adult and a master in his own right, now. Hopefully these things can reassure Pippin somewhat.
But how will all this affect Degger's future? For I'm not forgetting the mysterious watch...
Author's reply
Yep, you're on the money--on both accounts. For as much as Ferumbras had his day coming, I do plan on portraying both sides of the issue. His "old goat" ways, and how his illness will affect him and those around him.
Again, you have the right of it about Paladin and Pippin. You've done such a fantastic job of portraying that Pippin doesn't want anything to do with the Titles for certain reasons, but I thought, what other reason would he *not* want the Titles? All those stories about Bandobras and the Fell Winter are coming to life to the young laddie. You may have touched on those reasons as well, I just didn't pick up on it. LOL, I *meant* to put something in there about that--and how much support Frodo and Merry are willing to give their young cousin, but it was getting late and my swiss cheese brain became even holier (not religously!). I think I can still squeeze that in there in an upcoming chapter. ;-)
LOL, yes, don't forget that mysterious watch. It will show up again. That last moment between Degger and Pippin...that was actually a lead-in of sorts to something that will happen futuristically to Degger. It came in the form of a challenge tale early this year. ;-) Just food for thought. :-)
Thank you so much for reading!
Pippinfan
Andrea
· 31 July 2006
· Chapter 6: The Fate of the Other
Oh dear! That was a stroke, wasn't it?
If the window hadn't been broken, Ferumbras would have died just where he fell. Although I was very angry about how Ferumbras treated Paladin, I pity him now. Not being able to move and to speak properly, that's the worst thing that can happen.
However, I enjoyed the foot-ball game!
What a decent lot, these lads, Degger thought to himself--all willin' t' help Mr. Ferdibrand t' not get muddy.
Well, Degger still has a lot to learn - at least about the sophisticated ways of gentle-hobbits ;-)
Author's reply
Yes, it was--very astute! Ever hear "what goes round, comes round"? A stroke is indeed a bad thing, but this is Ferumbras' comeuppance--and we shall soon see how his illness will change his world and that of those around him.
I loved writing the game, too! I hope to get the chance for the lads to do something else together before the graduation ceremony is over and they have to go home. We shall see.
LOL, young Degger is as green as a spring shoot breaking through the ground. He isn't stupid by a long shot, but his life experiences have been very minimal at best, so he is also very innocent. Watch how he will change in the "years" to come--maybe not all at once in this story, but I have plans for this young one.
Thank you so much for reading!
Pippinfan
Pearl Took
· 30 July 2006
· Chapter 6: The Fate of the Other
Two excellent chapters, which of course was expected :)
Mithril watch-casings eh? So many ways that story line can go, I can hardly wait to see what you have planned.
I love the lads and their muddy game of foot-ball. It turn's out to be a good thing about the window, otherwise Ferumbras may not have been found till much later . . . maybe too late.
As always, I can hardly wait until the next installment :)
Author's reply
Why thank you, Pearl! Yes, keep those watches in the back of your head. ;-)
I liked the football game as well--apparently, its been around almost as long as dirt. Not really, lol, I think somewhere around the 12th century. I think those balls, though, showed no mercy when struck with one--made of pigskin/leather, and filled with feathers. Not something I'd want to get hit in the face with!
I'd like to think that if the lads didn't break the window, that at least a servant would have checked in on him at some point.
Thank you so much for reading!
Pippinfan
Dreamflower
· 30 July 2006
· Chapter 6: The Fate of the Other
Well, of course, I was sure this was going to happen in this story at some point, but I really did not expect it to take place *before* the graduation, so I was quite surprised on *that* score.
I loved the interaction between the lads. You know, Ferdi might not be such a fence straddler, as you put it, if he were not so often the butt of the jokes, but on the other hand, he might not be so often the butt of the jokes if he were *not* a fence straddler--it just goes to show how self-perpetuating that sort of behavior can be.
Author's reply
Of course you knew it would happen--you and a couple of others know my world of hobbits as well as I do. :-) Also, I gave a lot away as I was ending Merry's Graduation. There is a reason as to why I had it happen now, and you will soon see why, but I am glad that I did give you a wee bit of a surprise this time! :-)
As I've said, I loved writing the interaction with the lads; it almost wrote itself. You know, that perpetuation is so true! Personally, I'd like to see Ferdibrand take a different path than his dad, but I just haven't dealt with his character much. I hope to change that in the near future. :-)
Thank you so much for reading--and for beta! I always welcome a little help from my friends. :-)
Pippinfan
harrowcat
· 30 July 2006
· Chapter 6: The Fate of the Other
Oh dear things are definitely changing - and for a lot of people aren't they? Perhaps it was a good job that the window got broken. I like the way that all the lads, well most of them anyway, stuck together.
Author's reply
Yes, things are changing--whether for the better or not, only time will tell. I'm sure that if the window wasn't broken, eventually a servant would have found him, but its much more dramatic this way.
LOL, I had fun with the lads--but Ferdibrand, like his father, likes to straddle the fence while running in both directions.
Thank you for reading!
Pippinfan
Dreamflower
· 27 July 2006
· Chapter 5: The Destiny of One
I loved this chapter--especially Pervinca's crush on Frodo, and Frodo surprising Pippin. And I am just about certain now of my suspicions...
Author's reply
Thank you! In a subliminal way, I've always had this notion that she did have a crush on him, though I hadn't really tread that area until earlier this year--and I believe you read that tale. I should put in a link to that story, but I usually forget those niceties--I'm just shy that way.
LOL, I'm convinced that you probably have a good idea where this is going...not only for that old question, but you and a few others know my world of hobbits inside and out. Regardless of that question, you'd probably have it guessed anyway. :-)
Thanks again for stopping by to read!
Pippinfan