This is an interesting chapter--I loved Pippin's encounter with Merry, and Merry's defense was so true: he's *always* worried about his cousins, and this has just given him something else to worry *about*! I think now that Pippin's more stable, he can recognize this truth about Merry as something he's always known, and be able to put aside any small setbacks in Merry's behavior towards him as his "Merry-ishness", LOL!
I liked Gandalf getting a glimpse of Mallefinros' true nature, and Elrond's recognition of the power of Gimli's stones.
Pippin's setback as a being able to take part in a battle worries me. The Scouring is coming, whether they know it or not, and in canon, Pippin had a significant role, which I'd hate to see taken from him. One of my favorite canon moments is the one where he confronts the Ruffian over the insult to Frodo--I found it *very* significant that it was *Pippin* rather than *Merry* who did this! It seemed to me to set a seal upon his future as the Thain. How will this new development affect the Scouring? Will Pippin have the confidence he needs to undertake his part in it? He's got a mad dash cross-country to the Great Smials to bring back the Tookish archers--will he doubt his ability to accomplish this mission? Will *Merry* hesitate to allow it, knowing he might have a "spell" on the way?
And, not knowing how far you plan to take this--how will it affect Frodo's decision to leave? Won't he feel guilty sailing away to seek healing, when he knows there *is* no true healing for Pippin? Might he decide to stay after all? He might think that if Pippin can adjust to his disabilities, he might find a way to adjust to his own...
You have me mighty curious as to how you will deal with all these questions! So far you have answered quite a few, and raised new ones--so I am eager to see your solutions to these dilemmas...
Author's reply
Wow, Dreamflower, you wrote a novel :-) Thank you so much!
We shall see. We do plan to take them home and I do plan to have the Shire being occupied (book version as usual for me :-) )
I do know I won't have Frodo stay, in large part because I don't know what I'd do with him and I wouldn't want to have to give over much of this story to dealing with establishing a different path for him.
How do you read a story and see all of this? :-)
Thank you again m'dear!
What a difficult chapter to read. Leaving Minas Tirith would have been so very difficult for me - yet, you write it very well.
I loved Merry's finding Pip - and Pip's standing up for himself.
I loved Merry's heartache over Theoden - and his loyalty - and Pip's finally understanding.
I loved Pip's realizing that he alone is responsible for deciding whether to live as fully as possible or not... and seeing and asking for help from friends!
Great chapter... *sobs quietly*
Author's reply
Wow, I had no idea this would be so touching to readers! Thank you so very much Agape!
Merry's sorrow will be touched upon some more. It wouldn't be a good Pippin story of this time period without his caring for Merry.
Our wee Took is maturing nicely :-)
I have been following this story for a long time, and I am surprised and intrigued at the turn the plot has taken in the last few chapters--I supposed it would end as it began in the Houses of Healing, but now we are on the road, and Pippin is finding himself again, at least all those working parts that can be found! But there is a wonderful dignity to him now, despite his difficulties, and a nobility that won't be diminished, I think. I guess it's true: "that which does not kill us makes us strong"!
Looking forward to the continuation; Pippin is just doing splendidly and I am happy for him. Things looked pretty rough there for awhile, and I expect there are more challenges to meet. Thanks for a gripping story with some very important lessons!
Author's reply
Thank you so much elanor, for the kind words and staying with us.
When I first answered Golden's request for someone to help with this story, she hadn't really thought of how far she wanted the story to go, time wise. Mostly, she knew what she wanted to have be wrong with Pippin but not so much of what his recovery would be like. I immediately wanted to take him back home to see what would happen there and she that that would be interesting too.
I'm glad you aren't disappointed that we didn't end it in the Houses of Healing.
Ah. Headed home at last. Will you take this all the way to the scouring of the Shire?
I’m certain I’ll be clucking about after you when we both are grey, wrinkled like raisins and have 20 grandchildren each.
More power to him! I hope he's right!
Sunshine does seem a trustworthy sort, one to keep a confidence.
I loved the farewell to Pippin's magical friend, and the glimpse through Gandalf's eyes.
Ah, Beregond! I LOVE it when Beregond appears in a story! (in canon form, of course, though thankfully those who play fast and loose with canon seem to overlook him) I'm afraid he's right in his estimation of Pippin's chances in a fight.
Pippin's pony must be specially trained, then. I've known a few horses trained so that you could mount and dismount from either side, but if not so trained, mounting and dismounting from the right was a risky business.
Glad I had ten spare moments for reading and reviewing just now!
Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Thank you so much Lin :-)
I think we will go to the Scouring and most likely past.
Sunshine is an angel ;-)
I'm glad you liked Gandalf's POV.
I like Beregond too :-)
Hadn't thought about special training, we'll just say his pony was specially trained.
I'm so glad you had time for a read as well :-)
Garnet Took
· 16 October 2007
· Chapter 23: Leaving Minas Tirith
Things are starting to move along here.
Merry mother-henning Pippin was quite the moment. I thought for a minute there they were going to have another setback, but Merry always has been a worrier, and not just about Pippin, so that was easily cleared up.
Them leaving Minas Tirith and seeing everyone was very sweet. Bergil a healer, hmmmm.
You know, there has been a part of my mind that has played with the idea that Pippin was left handed. I think it started with that old Bakshi(sp) cartoon of LOTR. If you look real close in that film, Pippin is a lefty. The image never quite left my mind. I've never been able to be brave enough to make it part of my universe.
I know Beregond is trying to protect Pippin by not wanting him to actually try to use his sword-skills, but I sort of hope he doesn't tell Pippin that outright. I think it will do more harm than good. I know Pippin would be at risk in a true battle situation, but I would hope he could come to that conclusion without it being bluntly pointed out to him. Just my hope, you understand.
Now they're homeward bound, and I can't wait to see what is in store for our brave Pippin.
Author's reply
Thank you Garnet!
We'll see what Beregond does, you've given me a good idea :-)
When I sat here reenacting Pippin's stabbing the troll, it made sense that his right shoulder would be hurt and thus his right hand that didn't work afterwards. Wanting him to learn to use his sword left handed is based a bit on my learning to fence left handed when my right hand was injured (from fencing). It is interesting switching someone's handedness.
I hope he has a lot of good, interesting adventures ahead of him :-)
Now the ride home is going to be very interesting. And Pippin relearning to use his sword will be no easy task; and sadly, Beregond is right about Pippin being a competent soldier of Gondor. He might do all right in the Shire, but that is "iffy" at best, too.
I loved the conversation between Aragorn and Frodo, and Pippin's "new found" compassion towards his cousins and friends.
Well done, ladies!
Author's reply
Thank you PippinFan :-)
I had thought of his relearning his sword handling skills, but didn't think about the difficulty even the bad spells would cause until I started writing the scene. I know from my fencing that blanking out is not good. No, the poor lad will always be at a grave disadvantage.
"He gave a part of his heart to this city, its king and its steward, and I do not think hobbits forget those to whom they have given their hearts."
I just love that. This is a very growthful experience for everyone, not just Pippin.
Author's reply
Thank you shirebound :-)
That has been one of the more interesting aspects of this story is seeing how what is happening to Pippin affects everyone else.
PIppinfan1988
· 14 October 2007
· Chapter 22: A Fond Farewell
Awesome chapter, Pearl and Golden! I loved the fact that there is yet another "guardian angel" watching over folks in Arda besides Gandalf. I knew Mallefinros was special when I first "saw" her. :-) And I love her mission.
And our beloved Knight is an absolute sweetheart! (as always!)
Author's reply
Hi PippinFan!
Tolkien said there were quite a few beings like Gandalf involved in Arda and I'm glad there was at least one very busy helping folks in Minas Tirith :-)
He is a dear lad :-)
Larner
· 11 October 2007
· Chapter 22: A Fond Farewell
I read this first last night, but again the ISP from Mordor made itself a pain in the behind.
So, indeed, we have a sister of Gandalf here. And now she has new clothing for both her dolls. And so well beloved now by all within the city she's becoming. How very wonderful! Yes, just right as she sends Pippin along his own way, now recovered enough to do what needs to be done. Blessed indeed has he been.
Author's reply
Thank you so much Larner! It is a comfort to know there are those watching out for us even if we don't always know they are there.
Dear Pippin is very blessed indeed :-)
elanor winterflowers
· 11 October 2007
· Chapter 21: An Afternoon in the Kitchen
I'm sorry to be late in reviewing; I have not been able to read for awhile now.
I so enjoyed this warm and fragrant chapter! I loved the portrait of Arwen you painted here; it was a slightly different dimension than is usual and one I liked a lot. It spoke to how she was settling herself in the world of Men; I very much like that she deemed it an important thing to spend a day with Pippin. And what a gentle way to draw him out and provide him opportunities for both effort and success! The recipes looked wonderful, and I loved the decorations Pippin applied to the gingerbread hobbits.
I am so pleased to see Pippin gaining heart again after his long confinement. Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
That is quite all right elanor, I totally understand and thank you for reading and commenting :-)
Arwen's personality here is contributed by Golden and I like her too. "Warm and fragrant" - thank you for such beautiful words! Glad you enjoyed it :-)
Andrea
· 10 October 2007
· Chapter 22: A Fond Farewell
Wow! I knew there was something special about Mallefinnros! I think I did call her "an angel" before. That's what she would have been called in our world.
In Middle-Earth she is more like Queen Galadriel or Gandalf or even Tom Bombadil. Old and wise and powerful! A fascinating person!
I'm glad that Pippin was able to bid her farewell and to thank her for all that she did for him. And I very much liked the presents.
Now I'm looking forward to reading the remainder! Dull and boring? No way :)
Author's reply
Thank you so much Andrea :-) Mallefinnros is very special indeed. Thank you for your words of encouragement :-)
Dreamflower
· 9 October 2007
· Chapter 22: A Fond Farewell
What a lovely chapter! Not only are my suspicions about Mallefinnros confirmed, but it was good to see Pippin able to go about the City on his errand with little or no difficulty!
Author's reply
Yes, well . . . I didn't think of that. Perhaps he shouldn't have been able to but the writer was distracted and as often happens to her when there is a lot to keep track of, things often go astray.
I'm glad you enjoyed it Dreamflower :-)
Garnet Took
· 9 October 2007
· Chapter 22: A Fond Farewell
Very interesting chapter. I knew that couldn't be an ordinary child. She is so much more. Pippin is blessed in so many ways. He not only has met someone who truly helped him, but he also met someone who could reach him on a lever that no one else could.
Hope this comment mekes sense. There is so much in the short chapter that I don't think I'm giving it the justice it deserves.
Looking forward to what comes now that they are heading home.
Once again, great job Pearl and Golden.
P.S. The blind woman reminded me a lot of my late mother.:)
Author's reply
I fear the remainder will be dull and boring - but then, I'm always fearing that.
Mallefinnros was not ordinary, and at first that almost destroyed this chapter. Golden's common sense saved it :-)
I hope the memories it stirred were good ones.
Thank you so very much Garnet.
Agape4Gondor
· 9 October 2007
· Chapter 22: A Fond Farewell
First - I must see this chapter is a blessing...
The line 'his mind had not yet returned to him' is very well-written. I very much like the idea it brings forth - the time of horror for Pip & his friends... but to have truly 'lost' one's mind... hideous.
I cannot believe that there are SIX orphanages in Minas Tirith!!! Horrifying thought - but one that should definitely be considered. Did they all come about because of the last battles? Nay, I think not. Gondor had suffered for two generations and then some... I'm sure the orphanages were already full. Thanks for bringing this thought up. It is not told by Tolkien, yet we must realize they were there and FULL. How very sad - the thought of all those little ones' lives changed forever.
And the blind woman's thought about the fathers who were lost were definitely soldiers... and because of that the children were aware, on a daily basis, of the structure of Gondor's army. Another disconcerting thought!
Enough of that - for, as I said above, the chapter is a blessing. I love Pip's kissing the old woman's hand and Sunshine nuzzling her other hand! I loved the phrase 'a voice that seemed to come up from the mountain the city was built upon.' Excellent. I loved her joy at the gift and the sense of hope this whole chapter left me.
As for angels in Tolkien - I, myself, believe it must be a Maia, clothed.
Excellent chapter - As I said before, your Muse seems to have returned in spades!!!!
Author's reply
Wow! Thank you Agape!
I don't know why or how my muse settled on six orphanages. I did feel there would be many, it is a huge city and I know as recently as the early 20th century orphanages were common in large cities.
Again, I don't know where the children knowing the soldier's ranks and proper address came from - other than I know it is true of children raised on military bases.
The blind woman was Golden's muse, her details and the lines you quote were my muse's.
Your belief is sound and it was Golden who "spoke" the word that solved a conundrum that nearly caused me to toss out the whole chapter. How she has managed to work with me is a miracle in and of itself. I think she is a Maia.
I do think both my muses are doing fine :-)
Lindelea
· 9 October 2007
· Chapter 22: A Fond Farewell
Ah, woven with much love and skill. As the search was progressing, I began to suspect, as I had from time to time, contemplating whence that marvellous dog came, what Pippin was yet to learn... and I was right. But you left just enough doubt to make the wonder complete, in the end, and not absolutely predictable.
MEWD.
Author's reply
Thank you so much Lin!
It could be, in part, because I wasn't sure myself until after the chapter was written and had some needed re-writing. As so often has been the case, Golden shined the necessary light on the matter.
harrowcat
· 9 October 2007
· Chapter 22: A Fond Farewell
Aw just a beautiful, beautiful chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you so much harrowcat :-)
shirebound
· 9 October 2007
· Chapter 22: A Fond Farewell
“No gift is ever amiss and Mallefinnros is as much who I am as any other guise I’ve taken. What is your gift to me?”
“You gave from your own joy and love. An innocent heart never forgets the blessing of toys in the life of a child.” Mallefinnros kissed his forehead. “Go with my blessing upon you and those you love. Face your battles with the joy that is in you. Serve your king and kin well.”
Oh, what a lovely, dear, wonderful chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you :-) 'Twas short and sweet this time. So very glad you liked it!
Agape4Gondor
· 8 October 2007
· Chapter 21: An Afternoon in the Kitchen
Your muse is back with a vengence. I read this awhile ago and almost choked with laughter, joy and tears.
Excellent job - not only the baking but Arwen's incredible insight, love and acceptance of Pippin. The others could well take a lesson from her, but I'm glad she devoted herself to teaching Pippin so many lessons in one day!
Excellent chapter! I'm still reeling.
Author's reply
Thank you for your encouraging enthusiasm Agape! Now all we need is for Pippin and me to remember what Arwen said! *G*
Hai Took
· 6 October 2007
· Chapter 21: An Afternoon in the Kitchen
Well it was certainly worth the wait! Arwen was so good to Pippin! I like stories that bring out characters you don't really see in the books. She was wonderful and knew exactly what Pippin needed! The idea of Gingerhobbits was very nice (I'm with Merry on those). Pippin making the Fellowship was great, now have you really done that? ;)
I'm glad Sunshine is being recognized as a way to tell if Pippin is having spells. THings are certainly looking brighter! Pippin is getting use to his limitations and finding out they don't have to be as limiting as all that! And everyone is getting use to things as well! Looking forward to more and thank you for the story!
Author's reply
Thank you Hai, glad you felt it worth the wait.
I've not made a gingerbread Fellowship, but I'm seriously considering it :-) I think Sunshine's abilities will prove most handy to Pippin and his friends.
Andrea
· 5 October 2007
· Chapter 21: An Afternoon in the Kitchen
Great chapter, Pearl!
Arwen did a wonderful job to show Pippin how to do things in spite of his handicaps.
“You are fighting your hand instead of working with it, Pippin.”
Wonderful! I liked this sentence very much!
I also enjoyed the dance of the hands, the tune Pippin hummed with it and, of course, Arwen being clumsy ;-)
A perfect day for Pippin! I wish for him to have many more!
Thank you very much, Pearl & Golden!
Author's reply
Thank you so much Andrea :-) I'm sure he will have many more, as well as a few rough ones as well.
Edlyn
· 5 October 2007
· Chapter 21: An Afternoon in the Kitchen
I have been enjoying this story all along but this has been the best chapter yet. I could just see Sunshine's expression as she licked her trodden upon tail. And the sugar and breaking bowl and everything reminded me of the "cream pie chorale" scene in a silent movie I saw in film history class. I kaughed out loud, honestly! I think I'll be smiling all day now.
Edlyn
Author's reply
My goodness, thank you Edlyn! For how long it took to write, and how much trouble it gave me, it is nice to hear that you liked it so much :-) We're so glad to give you a smile for the day.
Thank you for responding, nice to know you're reading our story :-)
Larner
· 5 October 2007
· Chapter 21: An Afternoon in the Kitchen
Oh, I love making and eating Challah. Close friends are Orthodox Jewish, and they gave me my recipe a long time ago. It's truly best if you can find and add some saffron, but that's pretty expensive here in the States, I've found.
Poor Arwen and Sunshine--have been in that position several times, always having dogs and cats around, many of whom love to see if we'll drop something on the floor for their enjoyment!
And excellent recipes!
Author's reply
Hi Larner!
I've only made it a few times and loved both the making and the eating - it is a beautiful bread and it just seemed like something Elves would make.
*G* I have to watch out for cat tails in my house!
Glad you enjoyed it :-)
PIppinfan1988
· 4 October 2007
· Chapter 21: An Afternoon in the Kitchen
Wow!! Yep, I think that nasty block is gone for good, lol.
I really enjoyed watching Pippin in the company of someone who truly cared about Pippin and how he coped with his malady. I like baking as well, so the idea of Arwen and Pippin spending the day in the kitchen was great. Seems Pippin is on his way to becoming his own person and life life to the fullest that he is able to. Excellent!
Author's reply
I'm behind in replying, please forgive the delay.
Thank you so much, m'dear PippinFan! Golden established a nice relationship between Pip and Arwen and it was fun to carry it on :-)