The Blessing by Pearl Took
Larner · 15 November 2007 · Chapter 25: Farewell
Yes, time to help others recover, starting with his Merry. I'm so glad they are there for one another, and that Sunshine is willing to share herself, and that you responded to your reviews this way! Bless us all! Thanks.
Author's reply
Thank you Larner :-) Helping others is always a good thing. I try to respond as quickly as I can. I'm so appreciative of reviews/responses.
Garnet Took · 14 November 2007 · Chapter 25: Farewell
This was a very sad chapter. Poor Merry. This had to be one of the hardest moments of his life. Death is an awful thing, but when it is this dragged out.... It was nice to see Pippin doing the comforting. He really does have a gift for reaching the spirits of those he is close to. That exchange between Merry and Pippin at the end was wonderful. It was so believable that Merry would think that no one understood him. I was so pleased when Pippin put him in his place on that score. Sunshine being a comfort was such a sweet image. I loved it. Great job. Glad to see an update to this.
Author's reply
Thank you so much Garnet! I feel caring for his loved ones is a gift of Pippin's and am glad for chances to use it. Most of us feel no one understands our sorrows and it is wonderful to realize we're wrong. Makes it easier to share our burden. Sunshine is like her master, she likes sharing her love :-)
PIppinfan1988 · 14 November 2007 · Chapter 25: Farewell
Hello! “You are not useless, Pippin, even if you never draw your sword in battle again. Your calling is not only to be a soldier. A knight is called to serve and there are many services you may render to me and your friends and family. Can you still smile, Peregrin Took?” I remembered Aragorn's words to Pippin last chapter, and I can surely see Pippin fulfilling his "calling" just now with Merry. To be an encouragment or an "encourager to others" give one a deep sense of worth, and I can most certainly see Pippin in this lovely role. I believe him still to have higher tasks to accomplish and goals to achieve when he gets home, but the road getting there will be glorious indeed. :-) I thought a little focus on Merry was well done! I liked the idea of the chill in his arm being a barometer of sorts with how depressed he was feeling. As always, an excellent chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you so much Pippinfan :-) Thank you for remembering back to the last chapter! Wow! I often have trouble doing that myself. I think most of us see Pip as a sensitive and big-hearted lad. Thank you!
Dreamflower · 14 November 2007 · Chapter 25: Farewell
Poor Merry! But Pippin is seeing to him now. I loved the way you had all the hobbits observing one another so intently, worrying over one another, in a thoroughly hobbity fashion. You handled this with such gentleness. I always have been touched by that scene of Merry, weeping at Theoden's tomb, and you handled it so well!
Author's reply
Thank you Dreamflower! I'm glad it felt gentle. It was how it felt to me in considering this part of the original story. Despite the power of riders riding around the barrow and Merry's crying out, there is a gentle solemnity to the scene as well.
Agape4Gondor · 14 November 2007 · Chapter 25: Farewell
You know, dearest Ms. Took, a phrase like this is priceless.... 'the swords of all those in the honor guard lowered at the same time...' NONE could have written better. I hope it gave you joy in the midst of the sorrow of writing of Theoden's burial. Bless you! Beautiful chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you Agape :-) It was a picture that came to me late in the writing and I went back and put it in. I'm so very glad you liked it. It did give me joy. I like to think that his fellow knights would do something like that not just for Pippin but for any of their number who might need such a gesture.
shirebound · 14 November 2007 · Chapter 25: Farewell
They thrilled at the reciting of the names of the kings of Rohan, loving genealogies as all hobbits do What a wonderful detail! I never thought of that. Pippin drew Merry’s cold hand over and placed it against his cheek, still keeping it covered by his left hand. It wasn’t as cold as it had been before, which made Pippin smile; he was touching Merry’s spirit, he was helping him to come back. “Is there room on your pallet for two, Pip? We can stay quieter if we’re closer.” “Indeed there is, cousin. Room for three in fact. I’ll lend Sunshine to you. She can snuggle up against your back. It really is the most wonderful warm experience. Very comforting.” For the next few hours Sunshine slept peacefully against Merry as the cousins remembered tales of their loved ones who they had lost or nearly lost. As Merry fell asleep, he realized he felt better than he had felt since the day when Frodo and Sam woke up from their healing sleep and he was assured that all of them had truly survived the Quest. Oh, this is just lovely. What a comfort they are all to one another, especially Sam to his Frodo, and Pippin to his Merry.
Author's reply
Thank you so much shirebound! A wonderful compliment to have so many lines/passages quoted :-) If there is one thing that Tolkien made clear it was how much these hobbits care about each other and the good care they take of each other. It is a beautiful thing!
pippinsgirl · 6 November 2007 · Chapter 24: Swordplay
Really? I'm glad you like my Idea! I was just thinking about all the stories I've written and thought about the fact that I have always made thier friendship so unbreakable that one of them could regain thier lost strength simply because of the other one getting hurt
Author's reply
I think that is very true to life. It's amazing how fast it no longer matters how I'm feeling if someone in my family needs me, especially if the need is serious.
pippinsgirl · 5 November 2007 · Chapter 24: Swordplay
AH HA! I finished what you have written! and lemme say that I really enjoy it and It never stops making me smile. Pippin constantly reminds me of myself throughtout this entire story. Aragorn has a very good point though, if you try to live out your life in your dreams you'll miss out on everythin that's important. This is probably a really stupid idea but like what would Pippin do if Merry had gotten hurt along the way? like Merry got hurt and Pippin had to help him..... IDK it's just a thought....
Author's reply
We're glad you are caught up, pippinsgirl :-) That isn't a stupid idea at all and we may do something with it! Thank you :-)
PIppinfan1988 · 30 October 2007 · Chapter 24: Swordplay
Wow. Awesome. Excellent...I'm almost speechless, it was that good! I started reading it this morning and ended up leaving late for work. :-P I got a little absorbed, lol. Aragorn's talk with Pippin was the epitome, and nearly had me in tears. I knew this "malady" first hand as a teenager, and those "dreams" do exactly that -- they keep one from living life to it's fullest. I missed so much, and so would have Pippin if Aragorn hadn't cared enough to help him see the light. Once again, an excellent chapter, ladies!
Author's reply
Hi m'dear Pippinfan :-) I'm glad we once again have hit the nail on the head with our depictions. That is so important to both Golden and myself. I'm glad your didn't sleep your life away so that you are here writing wonderful stories of us to reading and leaving kind comments for us! Thank you :-)
Hai Took · 29 October 2007 · Chapter 24: Swordplay
Poor Beregon! He couldn't deny Pippin yet it seemed to have hurt him just as much as Pippin for the truth of the matter to be known. I do like Aragorn, I mean who doesn't, but to be so intuned and caring of Pippin and even sharing some struggles of his own. I'm glad Gandalf was there to help him as well ;) Another lovely chapter, thank you! Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Thank you so much Hai! Strider is a wonderful man and a great King. Beregond is just a sweetie :-)
Daynawayna · 29 October 2007 · Chapter 21: An Afternoon in the Kitchen
WONDERFUL chapter ladies! I am a bit behind in reading so I'm catching up. Arwen is too smart... I love how she helped Pip. And I must say, the bit with him being, *ahem* aroused, was perfect. It was handled with the utmost of tact and taste; it made me smile and was not crude. I enjoyed the giggle it gave me. I was touched by the Gingerbread hobbits and Big People; Pippin is so clever. And a good brother to Arwen as well. ::wink:: I wanted to cry when he asked Aragorn to give Boromir to Faramir! Darn those sweet, loving hobbits! And Merry deserved to get his last... LOL. I'm glad Pip has his sense of humor in tact. Looking forward to catching up on the rest!
Andrea · 29 October 2007 · Chapter 24: Swordplay
It must have been very hard for Pippin to learn the truth, and even harder for Beregond to tell him. In such a situation it was only natural to flee the cruel world and live in a land of dreams were everything seems to be perfect! At first I was surprised to find out that Aragorn had had the same problems when he was a young man. But if you think it over, it makes perfect sense. I'm right glad that Aragorn and Gandalf managed to bring Pippin "back to the world". For he IS needed, with Merry being the one who needs him most of all! Thank you, Pearl and Golden!
Author's reply
You are most welcome Andrea:-) I think it is a rather common way to escape one's problems, it is surely one of the easiest as we need to sleep anyway. It just doesn't really accomplish a thing. Merry and the others will indeed be needing their Pippin. Thank you so much!
Dreamflower · 29 October 2007 · Chapter 24: Swordplay
Yes, it happened just as Beregond thought it would. I was at first surprised at how quickly Aragorn realized what Pippin was doing--until he confessed that he had once done the same. I would never have thought of that--that he would be so disheartened by the obstacles to his union with Arwen that he'd become depressed and seek solace in dreams. Yet it makes perfect sense. I'm still more than a little worried about the upcoming Scouring, however...
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower! I'm glad and relieved it all made sense, that really is a major concern of mine and Golden's. I've ideas perking in the back of my mind re: the Scouring, I think you'll approve :-)
elanor winterflowers · 29 October 2007 · Chapter 24: Swordplay
This was an excellent chapter; psychology was spot-on and the painful scene between Pippin and Beregond was really well done. Also Aragorn's explanation of what was happening, and his own experience with it was eye-opening! I am feeling very heartened for Pippin--he is reclaiming his physical grace and remembering who he was before he was forced by intrusive destiny to become a soldier for awhile. I continue to read this fascinating story with great admiration!
Author's reply
Thank you elanor :-) There is no indication in Tolkien's writing that Aragorn had any such problems, but then, most of us put more psychology into the characters than he did. I can't help but think he would have gone through some sort of avoidance period when his initial joy at finding out who he was and meeting Arwen was tempered by his mother's and Elrond's reactions and foreshadowing. Pippin was forced and wasn't forced. Don't forget, he and Merry continued to wear their uniforms the rest of their lives, so they were proud of being knights and soldiers. :-)
Larner · 29 October 2007 · Chapter 24: Swordplay
Marvelous! Acceptance isn't easy, but it is necessary, even if it does take time to appreciate all its ramifications. Wonderful!
Author's reply
Thank you so much Larner! So glad you're still enjoying this :-)
Lindelea · 29 October 2007 · Chapter 24: Swordplay
“Can you still sing? Tell jokes and stories? Offer a caring ear or a shoulder for someone to lean or cry upon? Can you walk with a friend? Can you cry over their tale or laugh at their jokes?” Excellent wisdom.
Author's reply
Thank you Lin! Wow, another wisdom comment . . . I have to start hitting my muse up for advice! ;-) Hugs to you!
Garnet Took · 29 October 2007 · Chapter 24: Swordplay
This was a sad, but not too sad, chapter. It was hard coming to the realization, along with Pippin, that he would not be able to fight any more except in direst need. That whole moment between beregond and he was heartbreaking. It is easy to hide in your dreams when life seems bad, but it doesn't solve a thing. In fact, it can make them a lot worse. I'm glad this only went on for a few days and that Strider was able to get to the bottom of it quickly. I'm also glad that our Pippin has a naturally boiant spirit and that a nice talk with Strider did so much to put things into perspective. That wouldn't work with everybody, but Pippin really doesn't want to be withdrawn and depressed. He just can't help it for a short time when his world has been rocked so badly once again. I know he'll bounce back. And he just may find that he isn't always the defendor of last resort.:) I love this story, Pearl, and am so excited when I see an update. Thanks for a lovely start to the week.
Author's reply
Thank you Garnet, then it turned out as I had hoped it would :-) I've read in several biographies of people struggling with an infirmity that they went through a period where they would hide in their dreams, where they were whole and do do everything they could before their accident or illness befell them. I wanted to show that aspect in the story as well. I can't see Tolkien's Pippin, or mine either, being depressed for too long. Golden and I are so glad you are enjoying the story so much and that we are managing to keep it feeling real.
shirebound · 29 October 2007 · Chapter 24: Swordplay
Aragorn, son of Arathorn sighed. “I slept part of my life away, losing precious moments, missing opportunities to do needed things because I was trying to hide from the burden that was mine to bear, until a friend came and helped me to see I was tossing my life on the rubbish heap instead of living it.” “You are not useless, Pippin, even if you never draw your sword in battle again. Your calling is not only to be a soldier. A knight is called to serve and there are many services you may render to me and your friends and family. This story is full of wisdom. What a lovely chapter, ending with such hope.
Author's reply
Thank you shirebound :-) I must have a wise muse as I don't feel that I'm all that much a fount of wisdom.
Agape4Gondor · 29 October 2007 · Chapter 24: Swordplay
You know what I really liked best about this chapter is one little line... where Merry notices that Pip eats better with his left hand. Now, with all the goings on and all the sadness that Merry is enduring... and all the fear of these last weeks over Pip, and knowing that they are going to bury his liege lord and good friend... Merry still notices a very little thing about Pip. I found it quite tender. As for the sword practice... poor Beregond - caught in the middle again. And having to face his King again... yikes! Pip, bless his little Hobbit heart, will survive. Every day he grows stronger in himself. What a blessing that is.
Author's reply
Hi Agape! Whew! I'm glad you found that tender and not odd :-) That does seem to keep happening to Beregond, doesn't it? Pippin is irrepressible :-) Thank you!
pippinsgirl · 28 October 2007 · Chapter 21: An Afternoon in the Kitchen
ALAS! I am a horrible reader, for I didn't know you have written two more chapters since this one!!! I have not been keeping up very well and I feel awful for it. but I shall finish this story one day!! "Suddenly, Arwen was behind him and he found himself between her outstretched arms. She placed her hands atop his. “You are fighting your hand instead of working with it, Pippin.” Her voice was soft and soothing as she moved her hands with his to the back of the dough. She gently moved their hands past the edge of the lump, then drew his hands back to catch his curled fingers allowing the dough to help uncurl them. But she did not let him pull his right hand’s fingers tight against the dough as she did those on his left hand." I want to draw that picture so badly. I keep seeing it in my head and it looks so beautiful there but when I began to draw it, it becomes a hopeless wreck maybee one day I'll get that picture drawn
Author's reply
Please don't fret, pippinsgirl, there are stories by other authors that I'm behind on as well :-) We're just glad you keep coming back! Thank you! That is a wonderful compliment that you want to draw a picture from my writing. Let me know if you ever get it done, I'd like to see it.
cathleen · 18 October 2007 · Chapter 23: Leaving Minas Tirith
So sad, and yet so full of hope. Pippin's determination is a wonderful thing to behold. I'm glad he's back to himself in that way, at least. In some ways, I hope there is a miracle so he can be totally whole again, although I realize that's not realistic. But I can hardly bear to think that Pippin has been changed so greatly for the rest of his life. He's so young. This story certainly continues to be a gut wrencher, Pearl! Cathleen
Author's reply
Thank you so much Cathleen :-) No, we won't be having a miracle cure as we're going more for realism. Not that miracles don't happen in RL, they do. I do see Pip as the sort who would come out on top of things, at least in his attitude.
cathleen · 18 October 2007 · Chapter 22: A Fond Farewell
I had the feeling that there was a lot more to Mallefinnros than met the eye. How appropriate, that a supernatural little being should visit Pippin to help him through his woes and nurture him. She saved his life that day. Loved all the things Pip found out as he searched for her! Cathleen
Author's reply
Hi Cathleen Not your average Gondorian child ;-) She did save him. Alot of the goodies he found out were from Golden's imagination. Thank you Golden!!
cathleen · 18 October 2007 · Chapter 21: An Afternoon in the Kitchen
I LOVE this chapter! So very well written and touching. You have really captured the essence of Pippin's fears as well as his determination to get better. And I adore the way you wrote Arwen here. She was absolutely the perfect person to assist Pip at this time. Just wonderful! Sigh.... Cathleen
Author's reply
Thanks so much Cathleen :-) For Arwen, I tried to keep the feeling for her that Golden had in her story "A Friend's Hug". It seems I succeeded :-) Glad it made you sigh!
Andrea · 17 October 2007 · Chapter 23: Leaving Minas Tirith
Wow! It's always a good idea to read reviews before you write one yourself. The reviews you already received are very interesting, especially Dreamflower's! I also recognised that Pippin has much more self-control now and is able to understand Merry's real intentions! Mother-hen, an appropriate description, which is also true for Frodo ;-) I loved the conversation between Frodo and Aragorn about Pippin and how he should be treated. I think Frodo understood very well how important it is to retain one's dignity and freedom. He had enough experience in this matter himself. Taking into account what will happen in the Shire later, Pippin's lessons in swordplay are very useful. But like Beregond and Dreamflower I'm a little afraid of what will happen if Pippin really has to fight against the ruffians. I'm looking forward to reading more!
Author's reply
LOL I usually avoid reading the other reviews for stories I read. Tolkien has Pippin grow up an awful lot by the end of the books and I like to have my Pippin do the same. He can still play the fool, but he's not a child any more. Yes, Frodo understands a lot of what they are all going through, though sometimes his own troubles will blind him as happens to all of us. We'll have to see what happens. All of you have stirred up the hornet's nest and now I'm thinking ahead. LOL! Thank you so much Andrea :-)
Hai Took · 17 October 2007 · Chapter 23: Leaving Minas Tirith
I was very glad that Pippin got to see Mallefinnros again and thank her! So she was a wizard? Sent with no less purpose than Gandalf's it was just a little more personal. Saving the world one hope at a time. Things are going to be difficult for Pippin but it seems he is more prepared to cope with it now. I am really glad for Sunshine. She will be quite an asset to Pippin and those around him as well I should think. I liked the way Strider handled Frodo's worry, it will be hard but he understands. Although perhaps like Merry old habits die hard. Thank you for two lovely chapters! This story is so very touching, thank you!
Author's reply
You are most welcome Hai! He is getting a better handle on things, yes. I'm sure there are still problems ahead though. I'm glad to know we are touching your heart. Thank you :-)