Polly Danderfluff · 28 December 2007 · Chapter 3: Three
I loved it! I'll keep reading your stories here and at Fan Fiction. Thank you for the great stories!
Thoughts in the Night by Pearl Took
Reviews (28)
Larner · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Three
Yes, indeed right and proper that Parsow join Bergil at the bedside as Merry and Pippin both rest and recover. Survivor guilt causing a feeling of blood contamination, is it? Very interesting indeed! Very interesting and believable. Each has been terribly hurt in his own way, and each need comfort and time and permission (even orders) to heal.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Larner :-) Parsow has earned his place by the two pheriannath's bedside indeed. Both hobbits were going through an awful lot at this point - well, actually all four hobbits. They are all showing their own strength and the real worth of the Shirefolk.
Larner · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 2: Two
Parsow is learning very quickly. And he does exceptionally well to call for Aragorn here, I think. Are the feet burned?
Author's reply
Thank you :-) It is good thinking on Parsow's part. No, not burned. It gets explained in the next chapter. Thank you for reading, Larner!
Larner · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 1: One
Ah--I love seeing the vigil rewarded in this way, and love the POV of the young healer. Excellently done.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Larner :-)
Agape4Gondor · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Three
“No. I didn’t sleep at all that night, nor the one before. No one slept that night. No one but . . . but the dead. I was in the Lord Steward’s chamber all that horrible day. He went away. He went and when he came back he had shrunk. He had grown old in an hour’s time. And I stood there as he aged before my eyes and his mind snapped and I could do nothing. People came and he sent them scurrying off. And still I . . . I couldn’t . . . there was nothing I could do. And he wept. He had belittled me, he had frightened me, he had ignored me completely, but I found I couldn’t bear to see him weep. So I spoke. I spoke the wrong words and brought no comfort.” Again another lovely chapter - I loved Aragorn's concern and the way he took care of poor Pip's feet. Very nicely done! Thank you.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Agape! I'm so glad you enjoyed the story and felt it was nicely done :-) You're most welcome, and thank you for reading and responding!
Agape4Gondor · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 2: Two
“*’Though the Stones be lost’* Denethor said . . . the stones. Seven Stars and Seven Stones and one White Tree . . . He saw me, Merry, Lord Denethor saw me when . . .” A deep shudder ran through him from head to toe. “He has one, Merry. He had a Seeing Stone and - and he - he . . . he had been using it. Using the horrid thing, Merry. No wonder . . . no wonder he . . .” Peregrin’s voice became a whispered chant. “He was mad. He tried to kill his own son. He was going to burn himself to death. Burn Faramir to death. I know the voice he had been listening to. I know who spoke to him from the Stone. I know. He knew I knew. He knew . . . Merry. He . . . knew.” TEARS - oh dear - beautiful writing!!! I can't wait to read the next chapter....
Author's reply
*blushing* Thank you so much for your kind words, Agape. Thank you.
Agape4Gondor · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 1: One
Oh! This was nice - can't wait to read the next.... I loved so many parts. The rumours, the work being done, the friendship shared. Thank you!
Author's reply
Wow! Thank you, Agape! I'm so glad you're enjoying this story :-)
GamgeeFest · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Three
This came out wonderfully, Pearl! I'm greatly impressed with your apprentice. It is clear he will one day make a great master healer. Pippin's ramblings to his sleeping cousin are heart-breaking, as was his concern that Aragorn's would stain himself by treating his feet. Aragorn's concern and care for Pippin is perfectly described here. I did spot one occurance of 'cousin' where it should have still been 'kinsman' early on in the previous chapter, I believe right after Merry wakens. Other than that, all the changes you made have really made this a wonderful story that flows from beginning to end. Well done!
Author's reply
Thank you, GamgeeFest :-) I'm so pleased that Parsow has been so well accepted. I'm so glad you enjoyed the story in full! I'll go check for that other misplaced cousin. Thank you so much :-) Author Reply: I found it :-) Thank you!
Bodkin · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Three
Athelas is really helpful - it seems to relieve the spirit as well as having actual curative properties. And Pippin needed relieving, poor lad! Parsow is going to be good at his profession - he has a good eye for what is important, combined with a lot of common sense. And, of course, it will do Merry a lot of good to see Pippin - and Pippin a lot of good to see Merry awake and looking better.
Author's reply
Thank you for reading and responding, Bodkin :-) I'm glad you liked Parsow. Yes, the best thing for the cousins will be seeing each other doing better.
Claudia · 19 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Three
Oh, this was delightful! I love seeing hobbits through the eyes of Big Folk. This story just has so much heart! ;-)
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Claudia! That's just what I wanted it to have. I'm glad you enjoyed it :-)
PIppinfan1988 · 17 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Three
“Yes. If green were to have a smell of its own, it would be this. Green like new grass in the springtime. New leaves, new plants, new . . . new everything. Green like the Shire.” He once again breathed in as deeply as he could. “Green.” That was too precious. Only a hobbit--scratch that, only *Pippin* would smell green. :-) I recall thinking after I initially read Crucible if Pippin's trouble with clean feet would have an after-effect during their time in Minas Tirith. You covered it very nicely in this tale. :-) This was a *lovely* "sequel" of sorts for Crucible and First Night and am glad you wrote it. Very well done, my friend! PF
Author's reply
Thank you once more, PF :-) I'm glad you like Pippin smelling green :-) The last line in "Pippin's Crucible" is him saying he doesn't think his feet will ever feel clean again. I really think it would take a while for him to put behind him the guilt, shame and discomfort of running through the soldier's blood. I'm glad you enjoyed this one!
PIppinfan1988 · 17 January 2007 · Chapter 2: Two
I remembered about Pippin's feet from Pippin's Crucible--another wonderful story. :-) Pippin is fortunate to have a curious apprentice-healer hanging about to help him. ;-) You are doing marvellously with this story! :-) Very enthralling! PF
Author's reply
I thought you would remember :-) You and Pipkin had a great to do with "Pippin's Crucible" getting written. Yes, Pip is fortunate indeed, but really, who could resist the cute, small soldier ;-) I'm so glad you're enjoying it, Thank you my dear PF!
PIppinfan1988 · 17 January 2007 · Chapter 1: One
omg...I thought I'd *never* get here! I'm really enjoying the first-person account of this apprentice healer! She is very observant, I might add. ;-) PF
Author's reply
Thank you, m'dear :) Glad you got here! You're the first person that thought Parsow is a she.
Tigger · 17 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Three
Oh, this was wonderful Pearl. I especially liked Pippin, even though it hit a bit too close to home. I've had my own experiences w/bad memories and staying awake all night because if you went to sleep, you knew the nightmares would start. That was perfectly done and written. I've often wondered after experiencing what he did in the Palantir, Rath Dinen and also finding Gandalf *and* the Witch King together when going for Gandalf's aid for Faramir, why in those early days after the siege of Minas Tirith why Pippin seemed to be just pitch perfect fine in ROTK. Older and wiser obviously w/his experiences during the siege, but I've often wondered being *that* close to the Witch King in what he thought was his hour of triumph and victory, Pippin *had* to have been exposed to The Black Breath in some manner. This is very, very good look at just that very thing. I like your healer's apprentice here very much. I'm glad someone was looking out for Pippin in among all of the events of those first days after the siege. As busy as everyone was, and w/good reason, Pippin had his own wounds from the siege and the apprentice's instincts told him so. He just needed to wait until he knew sending for Aragorn was the right thing to do. As I'm sure the Warden will be wondering about. You hinted as much in the third chapter and I'm sure that will be quite the interesting explaination. ;o) Also Pippin trying to cleanse his feet because they were "dirty" and then him not wanting Aragorn to touch them in case he "spread the filth" and "soiled" Aragorn's hands just broke my heart. I've heard of instances of something simliar and I guess we've all heard of rape victims doing the same thing after their attack. Needing to get themselves "clean" again after something so tramatic... Poor Pippin. I loved your Aragorn in this. So gentle w/Pippin and although it must have broke his heart to even think of ordering Pippin to clean his feet for him, he knew that Pippin needed to remember that Denethor was *not* there to hurt him anymore. Aragorn is a much different Lord and ruler and also his Captain now. He hoped reminding Pippin w/first his livery and then his Oath would all that was needed for Pippin to focus and remember that Denethor was no long his Lord and Captain, but that Aragorn was. That was a very well written scene as well. I do hope you add more to this. It has a very unfinished feel to it. How's that for an unsubtle hint? ;o) Thanks again for the wonderful story!! :o)
Author's reply
Thank you, Tigger! You wrote a letter, thank you :-) It really touches me when someone says they have gone through something like what I write and that I did it right. Thank you for sharing that with me. In reading through the chapters of ROTK covering the time from when Pippin looked into the stone through Merry's healing and the Army of the West being gathered, I found that Pippin is often shown to be tired and downhearted. He perks up in Beregond's company, though even then he is sometimes discouraged, and he has a good time with Bergil and his friends, but much of the time he is not the cheerful hobbit we normally think of Pip as being. Indeed, it all had its affect on him. I'm glad you like Parsow! "As I'm sure the Warden will be wondering about. You hinted as much in the third chapter and I'm sure that will be quite the interesting explaination. ;o)" I did? (Oh dear . . .) I'm also glad you liked my Aragorn :-) Yes, Pip does know who Strider *really* is and needed to be reminded, if only to help the lad focus and settle down. As I've said to others who have mentioned getting more story - at this point in time there isn't any more. Sorry :-( We'll have to see if the muse will take being prodded. Thank you so much, Tigger :-)
Grey Wonderer · 17 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Three
Oh, the Scotish Play as they call it. Interesting idea about the blood in the streets and Pippin's feet. I am glad that Aragorn was able to calm Pippin and I like the way you used the scarf in this. Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Yes, the Scottish Play - and reality. I have a friend who was there when someone was shot. She had to walk bare foot through his blood to get to him to see if he was ok. When I told her my ideas for "Pippin's Crucible" she told me of the incident and that my thoughts were right on. She then told me she had trouble for a while afterward with the whole thing of feeling like she still had blood on her feet and not being able to get it off. With the Scottish Play, an episode of M*A*S*H that had a person go through this "syndrome", and my friend's real life experience, I figured this really does happen. I'm glad the scarf fit well - the rest is based solely on book version but I do love Pippin's scarf :-) Oh dear, another person wanting/looking for more! At this point, this is all the muse has given me, we'll have to see if the prodding brings more. Thank you so much, GW!
Grey Wonderer · 17 January 2007 · Chapter 2: Two
Oh, good, Bergil's gone for help. Sounds as if Pippin is on the edge of a breakdown. He is so very rattled. I love how Bergil said that Aragorn would come because he and Pippin were friends. So cute, that. I like your OC too by the way. Still enjoying the POV in this very much.
Author's reply
You're making my morning :-) Pippin is needing help, yes. So glad you like Parsow and his POV!
Daynawayna · 16 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Three
Pearl, this was the quintencential (no I can't spell it!) Pippin h/c! OMG I loved it! Poor Pip! Overwhelmed, overtired, overworked, overstimulated.... the poor tween! And Parsow.. what a wise young man, and sneaky! My kinda kid, that's for sure! LOL I love how he became Guardian over Pippin of his own accord (and curiousity) and how he enlisted Bergil's help. I'm telling you, I could have been this young man, if I were a boy! "I've gotta fix it! I've gotta make sure the young hobbit is taken care of..." a true healer through and through. Although in my case, I refer to myself as being a "band-aid"... ::giggles:: And Aragorn... le sigh. And Pip freaking out over the Athelas... poor baby! He really was under the Black Breath in a different way. And I love how Parsow gently tended to him while Aragorn washed Pip's feet. Wonderful, wonderful story Pearl! :) I am SO favorite-ing this story!
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Daynawayna! And thank you for favorite-ing it as well, I'm honored :-) I'm glad you liked Parsow, he just came with the story and insisted he was the one to tell it. Pippin had been through a lot and I'm sure he needed some caring attention. Wow, my Aragorn warrants a "le sigh"! Thank you :-)
Grey Wonderer · 16 January 2007 · Chapter 1: One
Oh, this is excellent. I like the POV on this very much. So glad to find this to read after a long day at work.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, GW! I glad it is being a good read for you :-)
Lindelea · 16 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Three
Ah, how I'd love to be a fly on the wall for *that* particular conversation! (But really, you ended the story on just the right note) It has been nice to have a little time for reading today. We have had four inches of snow and the entire city has shut down. (And shut down tomorrow, too, at least for the morning, if the evening news is any indication.)
Author's reply
Hehehe, I bet it's a good one! Thank you so much, m'dear. I hope you are ok and just get to enjoy the snow vacation :-)
mews1945 · 16 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Three
I've read all three chapters and enjoyed them all so much. Your Parsow is a wonderful character, so compassionate and caring. And Pippin's pain and anguish are so realistically portrayed, as is Aragorn's concern for him. I look forward to reading more.
Author's reply
Thank you, mews, especially in regards to Parsow as I'm always unsure of my OCs. I'm so glad you enjoyed him and the story. To your last comment, I'm sorry to say this is all there is to this story and Parsow. Unless my muse has other plans.
Lindelea · 16 January 2007 · Chapter 2: Two
Y'know, I suspected that Pippin's trouble was nightmares. You do a good job of describing the unrelievable chill that accompanies exhaustion. And why would he be exhausted, once Merry was out of danger? Because he couldn't sleep, and with his memories, it's no wonder. Good for Parsow, to call for Aragorn! For an apprentice, he's pretty sharp. I think he'll make a fine healer.
Author's reply
Yes, I've always felt the hobbits would have trouble with nightmares as they tend to make light of things the rest of the time. That lends itself to allowing the troubles, worries and harsh memories to come haunting at night I'm glad you like Parsow :-) Thank you, Lin!
Lindelea · 16 January 2007 · Chapter 1: One
Aww. I can just picture what you've written, and you capture the rhythm of the speech of Gondor very nicely.
Author's reply
Thank you, Lin! I'm glad my word pictures are well painted. :-)
Dreamflower · 16 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Three
Pearl, this came out very well indeed! I am so impressed with your OC, Parsow--he's observant and compassionate and curious--he will make a fine master healer one day. I do hope we haven't seen the last of him! Pippin's exhaustion and reactions were shown very well--poor dear, what a horrid ordeal he'd had!
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Dreamflower! I don't know if Parsow will be back or not. Most of my OCs make brief appearances, but then again, some have managed to hang around :-) Thank you for your kind words!
Idril Celebrindal · 16 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Three
I enjoyed all three chapters! I also liked seeing the Hobbits through someone else's eyes. This was a great gap filler! It was very touching to see the interaction between Aragorn and Pippin.
Author's reply
Thank you for your kind words, Idril :-) It really means a lot to me when an OC is well received by readers. I'm glad you enjoyed Parsow's POV along with my Aragorn and Pippin.
SlightlyTookish · 16 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Three
Oh, Pippin!!! What a horrible thing to go through. He's been so badly traumatized and I'm so glad Aragorn was able to recognize that quickly and assess the situation. I love how well Aragorn knows his hobbits, and prepares for what will happen if Merry wakes first. Again, I must emphasize how much I love seeing the hobbits through the eyes of others! Nice work, Pearl :D
Author's reply
Thank you so much again, ST! The more I have read through the chapters about Pippin's time in Minas Tirith, the more I realize how difficult a time it was for him. The trip down the mountain to find Gandalf the night of the siege had to be very trumatic and would had to have had some lasting affects. Plus, the gloom, the evil vibes if you will, from Mordor had not totally left the area. It was still there when they marched to the Black Gate. Thank you for your compliments on letting Parsow tell this part of the tale.