The Blessing by Pearl Took
Larner · 7 August 2007 · Chapter 19: Piecing the Puzzle Together
From what I can tell you've pretty aptly covered what often happens. And it appears the girl and Feva and the dog might be guardians sent from elsewhere for Pippin's recovery. Very nice.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Larner! That really is so good to know. We really want to be as accurate and honest as possible. Yes, Pippin has someone watching over him :-)
cathleen · 7 August 2007 · Chapter 19: Piecing the Puzzle Together
I'm so glad Pip is starting to recover. This tale has been such an emotional rollercoaster! And one of the most beautifully written and touching stories I have ever read. I just love the way you are expressing the emotional upheavals of all involved as well as the healing each character is experiencing as the tale progresses. I'm glad Merry is finally able to be strong for Pip and be with him. Sometimes you just have to put your own squeamishness aside and be there for that person. I especially loved the part in this chapter that had Pippin going to Merry to comfort him during his nightmare. Obviously, somewhere in his mind he knew that his cousin needed him and nothing would keep him away - lovely! Cathleen
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Cathleen :-) It means so much that people are appreciating and enjoying this story, even though it has been pretty hard at times. Golden thought it would be good to have Pippin help Merry and I agreed. That is often an excellent way to get someone to come out of themselves.
Andrea · 7 August 2007 · Chapter 19: Piecing the Puzzle Together
“I think, the dog brought home a Hobbit,” Frodo said softly, as he waved Sam and Merry out of the door. Oh, how wonderful! Pippin is getting better and better and I'm as happy as the other hobbits are :) Maybe I said that before, but I think the little girl is like an angel! She's always there when Pippin needs help - and now she's even brought a dog to assist him. Sunshine - an appropriate name!
Author's reply
Thank you, Andrea :-) She's special, that's for sure ;-) It'll be nice for him to have a pet I think.
elanor winterflowers · 6 August 2007 · Chapter 19: Piecing the Puzzle Together
Oh, this was a lovely chapter! Fascinating and perilous and wonderful and very touching. A really splendid piece of work. I'm so glad he's getting better! And I love the dog, though it makes me sad to think Pippin might always need help of that sort. Still, this was beautifully done. :)
Author's reply
Thank you so much, elanor. Pippin is definitely getting better. I don't know exactly how much help he's going to need in the long run. We'll all have to wait and see :-)
Agape4Gondor · 6 August 2007 · Chapter 19: Piecing the Puzzle Together
A touching and beautiful chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Agape :-)
shirebound · 6 August 2007 · Chapter 19: Piecing the Puzzle Together
“Peregrin’s spirit is very near now. It is as a river below a thin layer of ice.” That's a lovely way of describing what's going on, and a very hopeful thing to say.
Author's reply
Thank you, m'dear shirebound! I love when those lines just come . . . my muse was kind that day :-)
Dreamflower · 6 August 2007 · Chapter 19: Piecing the Puzzle Together
This is so hopeful now. I loved the moment when Pippin just knew Merry was having his nightmare, and went to him instinctively! And I have a feeling that dog is going to have a very important role...
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Dreamflower! Yes, hope is kindled ;-) You guys are guessing well :-)
Garnet Took · 6 August 2007 · Chapter 19: Piecing the Puzzle Together
This was just a fantastic chapter. There was so much going on here, and it was all good. I'm glad Merry has got himself back together so that he can help Pippin. Pippin going to comfort Merry whas a wonderful moment. I love the dog! Sunshine the service dog. Let me guess, she can tell when Pippin's going to have a bad spell. There are dogs that do that, and it is simply amazing. This is such a hopeful chapter. Glad to see life returning.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Garnet :-) Yes, the sun is shining (pun intended) again in Pippin's life. We worked really hard on this chapter, and I'm glad it was worth it. Thank you :-)
Hai Took · 3 August 2007 · Chapter 18: Another Day
You had me crying with Gandalf going to see Pippin. The description of things he remembered of Pippin and wanting Pippin to be awake to ask his questions once again just went straight to my heart. I'm glad the song helped, Legolas and Elrond being able to feel his essence would rather make since and I'm glad LEgolas encouraged the singing. Of course Merry wasn't far! Merry wouldn't leave Pippin! Dear, Merry, he's just doing things his own time and way. I'm so glad for this little bit of Pippin's being conscious. Of course looking forward to more! Thank you, Pearl and Golden!
Author's reply
You're welcome, Hai :-) The Gandalf scene was Golden's, I hope she reads your response. Merry would want to do as much as he was able. It hurts when those we love are hurting. Thank you :-)
Bodkin · 2 August 2007 · Chapter 18: Another Day
I hope all those combining magicks from different species - not to mention their skills and knowledge - help improve matters. And it's good that Merry's coming round. Feeling helpless tends to make people angry - but any response from Pippin will make him redouble his efforts. I'm sure Gandalf can think of something. A powerful wizard is a powerful wizard - and he has the ear of all the right people. Up to and including Manwe. Fingers crossed the new medicine helps.
Author's reply
Things will be turning about soon, or at least as soon as we're able. Pippin really does have all the right people working for him :-) Thank you so much, Bodkin :-)
cathleen · 31 July 2007 · Chapter 18: Another Day
Oh my, this is still so very heartwrenching! I am loving this beautiful story you both have created! But I will be glad to see Pip recover. Cathleen
Author's reply
Thank you, Cathleen :-) I'm so glad you find it beautiful even though it is heartwrenching.
Dreamflower · 30 July 2007 · Chapter 18: Another Day
This is so hard--but I'm glad that things will be getting better soon! I found the use of "The Bath Song" under these circumstances very touching; and I'm glad that Merry is coming to terms with what he needs to do. I also liked seeing Gimli's stones make another appearance.
Author's reply
I'm glad too, Dreamflower :-) Using "The Bath Song" was Golden's idea, as was the other song. She's very good with good ideas for scenes. *applause for Golden* Thank you for mentioning the healing stones. I felt Pippin needs all the help he can get, an the others too. Thank you for your encouragement :-)
PIppinfan1988 · 30 July 2007 · Chapter 18: Another Day
It's wonderful to see everyont pitching in to help Pippin get better. I adored Merry cradling Pippin in his arms and singing to him. That is definitely a "Merry thing" to do. :-) I kind of got the feeling that Pippin would eventually get better, but it's nice to know it will be soon. Research; it's fun, but it can be daunting! You've painted yet another beautiful portrait in the life of another day. :-) PF
Author's reply
Aw, you're sweet, as always :-) Merry would want to be near Pippin, he just had to be able to do so around people he felt secure with and in a setting he liked. He, Parsow and Gimli have a bond when it comes to taking care of an ailing Pippin ;-) Thank you so much!
shirebound · 30 July 2007 · Chapter 18: Another Day
It's lovely how everyone is working together, with the best they have, to bring Pippin back to himself. “Yellow clover! Another weed!” Sam exclaimed. His eyes widened as he looked more carefully at the jewel-like liquid. “I see as we hobbits need to be thinkin’ over what we toss on the compost heap.” That's just delightful. Even Sam is learning new things.
Author's reply
Hi shirebound! Things always go better with everyone pulling together. I find myself wondering about a lot of the plants we nowadays view as weeds. So many are lovely and listed as being good in herb books. Thank you and good to see you :-)
Andrea · 30 July 2007 · Chapter 18: Another Day
And there I sat and was wondering where I knew that song from! Of course I know it, but in German :) "Und wenn ein Lied meine Lippen verlässt, Dann nur damit Du Liebe empfängst..." It's a great song! And the translation is wonderful! The healing power of music! I like this chapter very much for there is hope on the horizon. Only a few steps in the right direction and Pippin is back. I also loved Gimli's stones. The Dwarf, who usually seemed as tough as the mountains he loved was, like Merry, not the most comfortable around the severely ill. And who could be angry with him because of that? It's just human, or in this case: dwarvish (spelling correct?) ;-)
Author's reply
Hi Andrea! Yes, the spelling is correct :-) Well, for Tolkien, he preferred "dwarvish" and "elvish" to "dwarfish" and "elfish". I'm glad you liked Golden's translation (and my editing) on the song. It is a beautiful song. It just fit so wonderfully with what is happening in the story. And I'm glad you like Gimli's dwarvish medicine :-) Thank you :-)
Lindelea · 30 July 2007 · Chapter 18: Another Day
Glad for the glimpses of sunshine through the clouds.
Author's reply
Me too, Lin! :-) More will be breaking through soon :-)
Larner · 30 July 2007 · Chapter 18: Another Day
The healing is reaching all of them, I believe. Frodo evoked the twitch, and Merry the words. Song has been found to have much power; its use here in helping draw Pippin back is, of course, most appropriate considering Tolkien's own cosmology for Arda and Ea.
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner. Actually, I keep forgetting that Tolkien has the world created via singing. I was thinking only that songs evoke deep feelings in most of us and that it is easier to remember most anything if it's put to music. But, yes, it fits well and thank you for reminding me of it. Since the LOTR movies, many of us have Pippin being musical - me included. I know music would touch him deeply. Thank you, again :-)
Golden · 30 July 2007 · Chapter 18: Another Day
Hello everyone :) I just wanted to thank you too personally for continuing reading and staying with us also through those hard last Chapters! I am really happy, just like Pearl, that you like the story. :) And thanks to Pearl for putting up with my many wishes of "but we have to have a look inside his thoughts...and his too..and not forget his and hers and..."...*L* you know what I mean. *hugs* Thanks all! Golden P.S. If someone wants to know the melody for Merry´s song to Pippin, just tell me. Jaimy@gmx.de
Author's reply
You are very welcome, m'dear Golden :-)
Garnet Took · 29 July 2007 · Chapter 18: Another Day
What an incredable chapter. There is so much in this one. I loved the moment when Legolas realized that the singing was reaching Pippin and drawing him back to them. The information about the gem-stones was fascinating. I never have liked my birthstone, my name-stone, but I have a new appreciation of it now.:) The moment with them in the garden was just wonderful. I only wish, mostly for Merry's sake, that Pippin could have seen Merry before he slipped away again. Glad to know that the corner has been turned. I know so many of us are now relieved that things will start to improve a little for Pippin. I'm looking forward now to what you all plan to do about his recovery and his long-term dealing with his condition. What is going to happen when he gets home? His father is going to be most displeased with what has happened. How will Pippin be able to succeed his father as Thain? Will the hobbits accept him in that position with his current disabilities? Just a few questions that keep coming up. Thanks for a really good read.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, dear Garnet! I''m glad I could help you like your birthstone better :-) I need to get myself a sapphire - my birthstone - I need help with my thinking much of the time ;-) Well, the way I write Paladin, he'll be more heartbroken I think than displeased. I haven't worked much of that through as it's a bit in the distance yet, but I've been wondering about it all myself. Thank you for all your encouragement :-)
elanor winterflowers · 25 July 2007 · Chapter 17: Merry
Oh, good! Little by little Merry is getting coaxed back in--and I really suspect that he is just what Pippin needs! “As long as you have people who love you, it doesn’t matter as much that you’re broken.” This is a great line, profound and true. Excellent chapter; really good dialogue and pacing and a hopeful emotional arc for Merry!
Author's reply
Wow, thank you, elanor :-) It really is good to hear about the actual writing (dialogue and pacing). I constantly doubt myself. I think it would take Merry a very long time to feel *comfortable* with Pippin in this condition, and I know it wouldn't happen if it weren't someone he loves so dearly. That line is what I hope is true.
Andrea · 25 July 2007 · Chapter 17: Merry
“As long as you have people who love you, it doesn’t matter as much that you’re broken.” Merry and Strider both looked at Frodo. “It’s what that girl and her doll Pippin told us about said to him. Remember, Merry?” Wow! I think it's very fitting that it was Frodo who remembered what the little girl said! And she was right! Love is indeed a powerful medicine. Despite what goes around in Merry's head, he *is* a brave hobbit. For against his fears he stays there with Pippin. Pippin will feel it, I'm sure. Maybe he just needed his Merry and of course - The Blessing! Or so I hope ... Thank you Pearl & Golden!
Author's reply
You are most welcome, Andrea, from both of us :-) Golden reads all the responses but as the story is posted at my place here at SOA, she can't write replies. Like me, she is very grateful for them all! He is a brave hobbit, even though he has his doubts. Things will start looking up soon :-) Thank you!
Bodkin · 25 July 2007 · Chapter 17: Merry
Poor Merry. This is worse for him than anyone else at the moment, I think. Some of them can take comfort in offering physical care - but it's Merry's love, in all likelihood, that will make the difference. Mentally, anyway. Herbs can only do so much.
Author's reply
Yes, hardest for him because he has such trouble with the whole issue of anyone being in this condition. Love is powerful medicine :-) Thank you so much, Bodkin!
Larner · 24 July 2007 · Chapter 17: Merry
And the blessing fills Pippin, and will begin the calling back. Yes, Pippin will come through it all, surrounded and fulfilled by the love all need and that he could give so well.
Author's reply
Well said, Larner! Blessings do more than many of us give them credit for and can reach the farthest places. Thank you :-)
Agape4Gondor · 24 July 2007 · Chapter 17: Merry
All I can say is, oh my! My heart goes out to Merry................
Author's reply
Glad you're here and Merry needs the love right now :-) Thank you, Agape!
PIppinfan1988 · 24 July 2007 · Chapter 17: Merry
Wow...wow. Awesome. wow. Sorry -- I can't get over how fantastic, how wonderful this chapter was. It was *very* tenderly written. I am so happy that Merry has come to terms with Pippin and his ailments. None of them were the same as before, so really, none of them should be treated as "before". It is truly sad for anyone to be in such a state as Pippin is in, but glory be to those angels (hobbits :-) ) who stay firm in their love. Excellent as usual, Pearl! Fantastic, Golden! PF
Author's reply
Thank you, PF!! That will be something to explore as the story goes on, how all of them have permanent hurts - Pippin's and Frodo's just show up more easily. You're too kind :-)