Larner · 5 March 2005 · Chapter 39: Doubts
The anticipation of the return, the so delayed return.
While We Dwelt in Fear by Pearl Took
Reviews (226)
Larner · 5 March 2005 · Chapter 38: Enlightenment and Madness
Finally--a look at the moment of redemption for Lobelia. Something that we speak about but I'd not seen described till now. Love it.
Larner · 5 March 2005 · Chapter 37: In Green Eyes
Very beautiful. I love the interlude between the fairy and the young adult Pippin. He is, as I have said in my own stories, one who has come to maturity the hard way, by accepting the responsibilities of an adult.
Larner · 5 March 2005 · Chapter 36: Names
I bless poor Fredegar. Love that Hobbit, I do.
PIppinfan1988 · 5 March 2005 · Chapter 38: Enlightenment and Madness
“Lobelia glared at herself until the flash of fury passed. Tears gathered along her lower eyelids before forming drops on her lashes, before forming tracks on the dry skin of her cheeks. She would do something, though at the moment she had not the slightest idea what, but she would do something to make amends. The haughty coolness of her grey-blue eyes was washed away by her heartfelt tears. It never would return.” PT Wow...amazing. The change in Lobelia is so felt so keenly here while just combing her hair and having a conversation with herself. Her thoughts on Hamfast living in little more than a privy-house was marvelous. So very well written, Pearl. There was so much detail about Bag End (in the Scouring) that JRRT didn’t touch on (for good reason). The gradual change of Bag End turning into Lotho’s and Lobelia’s own personal Lockhole was no less than they deserved, but sad nonetheless. I am glad that Lobelia found her senses before the end, and you wrote it all wonderfully. Thank you once again for another great chapter! :-) Pippinfan
PIppinfan1988 · 5 March 2005 · Chapter 37: In Green Eyes
Oh...my...gosh!!!! Awesome, awesome, AWESOME, Pearl!!! What a terrifying thing for Pippin to experience being a “man”, beating young hobbits and their families–just add that to the profound horrors the lad has already encountered in the War. I just wanted to cry with Pippin, weeping at the fear from looking into the Palant r before–wonderful insight: “I was alone then. All alone.” The small body on the ground trembled, fragile fingers continued their caressing. “He looked at me. I . . . I was a speck of dirt. He . . . He was in my head. He made me want to . . . to die . . . die if I did not tell what He wanted to know. He . . . was in my mind . . . and I knew I was nothing . . . I was filth, decayed and loathsome. A speck for Him to flick away then watch crawling through the filth . . . He ripped me apart . . . for the pleasure of ripping . . . the pleasure of destroying . . . and I was alone. Alone.” - PT And the history of Callassisul--Pippin blurting out how old she *didn’t* look! Brilliant, if I may say so...bsolutely brilliant. Have I told you lately how much I love this story??? Well, I DO! So gripping...so well written. I can’t think of anyone who could have written this any better–you were definitely meant to write this marvelous, untold story. Thank you for weathering all the heartache. :-) Pippinfan
PIppinfan1988 · 5 March 2005 · Chapter 36: Names
Yikes...you don’t pull any–well, let’s just say that was very eye-opening. And Freddie receiving the worst cell of all...poor hobbit–and the little lass! :’( The tables are turned now; writing this part must have been somewhat difficult for you–however, it’s the stark, cruel reality of war. This is all so wonderful; so much like reading a history book–and its sounds authentic! You are doing a lovely job with this story–thank you for sharing! Pippinfan
Hai Took · 5 March 2005 · Chapter 999: Epilogue
That was all so splendid! The way you described how bad things were getting for the hobbits, with the food running out and hobbit families wondering if they would have to eat their pets and things. The whole thing with Lotho's demise was so gross! That Saruman would trick Grima into killing Lotho, basically, and then for him to eat the hobbit, yuck! Although that did give a very believable idea as to where the knife came from the Grima used to kill Saruman later. It was very sad to see that the strongest hobbits were wearing down. That Saradoc and Paladin were trying to do their best yet knowing it wasn't enough. Saradoc trying to prepare everyone in the even they were found out and Paladin eventually being so affected that he couldn't speak of what was going on. What a dreadul homecoming these lads had! Although in a way I think it was good as it rather showed their quality to the rest of the Shire. Pippin ripping up his shirt and still keeping Merry's handkerchief. Was that only at the beginning of this story or was it another story all together? I must say I loved the reunions. Pippin scaring his poor Mum and pulling Paladin out of his gloom, then mustering the hobbits of Tookland. Dear Sam having to return home to find out that his Mum was gone. His Gaffer did seem to be so happy to see him yet so wonderfully in character. A bit ruff but loving. Merry returning home and the little bits of humor you put in the there like seeing the backside of it. Merry feeling bad he had left no word with them and Saradoc's reassurances that it wast he righ thing. That Esmeralda called them bother her sons was wonderful! When you mentioned that this wasn't going to end the way folks might like it you worried me but I think it ended well, although I must say I would have like to see Freddy's reunion with the Travellers a bit more, I know Tolkien mentions it but I always like reading about his being pulled from the Lockholes. I would have liked to see a bit more of Rosie and Sam but I guess we can't have everything ;) But I was very glad to see Pippin and Esme have a bit of a talk there at the end. To know that Esmeralda knows what happened would prove a bit of a comfort for him in a way, I would think. It was such a grand adventure! Thank you for giving such a wonderful look at exactly what the fairy blood might have been.
Author's reply
Thank you, Hai! You wrote a novel here *blushing*. Tolkien hints at Wormtongue eating Lotho, and I just always felt that was indeed what happened. Poor Grima, to get driven to that point. Our lads getting to "show their quality" is the main reason that I was frustrated with PJ leaving the Scouring of the Shire out of the films. I always liked that it showed the strengths they gained as well as the hurts they all, though particularly Frodo, carried home. Merry's gift was only in this story, way back near the beginning :) Thank you for staying with this story. Thank you for responding so faithfully. Thank you. Thank you. :)
Larner · 4 March 2005 · Chapter 35: Sorrows and Fears
Lovely reassurances. Still trying desperately to catch up, I swear. Loving the story.
shirebound · 4 March 2005 · Chapter 999: Epilogue
Pearl, this story was simply amazing. I never dreamed what an epic you would write, and how it would evolve -- and I'll bet you didn't either! I hope you're very, very proud. You're a phenomenal writer, and have filled in a part of the story in a way that just leaves me breathless. There's not a thing wrong with the way you ended this. I especially adore Pippin offering his sword and service to the Thain of the Shire. Wow. *applauds loud and long*
Author's reply
shirebound, dear friend and mentor, Thank you most deeply. You're right, I had no idea what I was getting into or I might have run and hid right off the start! Thank you so very much for all then encouragement you've given me and thank you for the applause. Thank you, Thank you, ever so much.
Lindelea · 4 March 2005 · Chapter 999: Epilogue
Ah, I am laughing and crying in the same breath. No, Pippin, I thought we'd just sneak up on them in the night like you did to your parents... What a lovely epilogue! I'm so glad. The perfect capper to the story, I think, and if I had time I would quote a lot of bits. VVWD (is that possible? a new acronym!)
Author's reply
Whether possible or not, I'll take it!! ;) Thank you, Lin, for staying with me through all of this. Thank you for responding :)
Larner · 4 March 2005 · Chapter 33: Plans
The nasty, evil gits!
Larner · 4 March 2005 · Chapter 32: Troubles Brewing
Yes, they are needed at home. They tarried so long in the Southlands.
Larner · 4 March 2005 · Chapter 31: Gaining Knowledge
Hooray for the Took in the Bolger, and the work at finding out what is up.
Larner · 4 March 2005 · Chapter 30: Getting Reestablished
Fatty's courage come at last. And good it is to see it happen.
Larner · 4 March 2005 · Chapter 29: Dealing With Changes in Circumstance
They lingered so long, so long in the South. Well done as usual.
Hai Took · 3 March 2005 · Chapter 42: Sharkey
Poor Lobelia, really you did a wonderful job turning such a wretched hobbit into someone you do feel sorry for. Well done! It is too bad that she didn't see things sooner. Pippin's talk with Elrond was nicley done as well! That he could hear the faerie was well! Also that Pippin would use his eyes to change people's thoughts and that he found it to be wrong once he understood what he was doing. The idea that most often things did not go as badly when one of the fey folk around was great! The things Pippin saw this time through Esmeralda's eyes! How hard that would be to keep those things to himself! Especially when I'm sure he is ready to rush on home. Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Thank you, Hai :) Yes, I kind of back Pip into this corner of not being able to say much. It wasn't very nice of me, poor lad ;)
shirebound · 3 March 2005 · Chapter 41: Buckland
My goodness, how amazing. I tried to touch on this aspect of Pippin as I saw him in "A Matter of Time", but never dreamed of taking it to the extent you have. I adore this, Pearl... and especially adore that Elrond and Gandalf knew, and that Pippin realizes that everything happens when it should, as it should.
Lindelea · 3 March 2005 · Chapter 42: Sharkey
Excellent! Such attention to detail, and fitting so closely with the original account as to present a seamless appearance. VWD. (poor benighted Lotho)
Author's reply
Thank you, Lin, ever so much. I truly wanted to dovetail as much as I could to Tolkien. Thank you :)
Lindelea · 3 March 2005 · Chapter 41: Buckland
My goodness, you have moved me from chuckles to tears in the space of one chapter! *bowing low* Amazing work.
Grey Wonderer · 3 March 2005 · Chapter 40: Revelations, Celebrations and Visions in Rivendell
Seems from the sound of this that Elrond means to help Pippin or to at least make him talk about things. Poor Pippin! He can't tell the others all he suspects without causing them such worry, if he completely understands what he sees. He seems to have been protecting and comforting Esmeralda and had he heard that, Merry would have been very unsettled. Great chapter and I look forward to the next.
Grey Wonderer · 3 March 2005 · Chapter 39: Doubts
This bit only goes to show that children are much harder to fool than we might suspect. Paladin's intentions were good, but little ones always see things we don't want them to, don't they? Lovely chapter.
Hai Took · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 40: Revelations, Celebrations and Visions in Rivendell
I loved the bit with Lobelia. Even though she was so wicked I always like to think that she had a turning point. Obviously Prof. Tolkien did as well as she seemed to be dragged away fighting. I'm glad to see her realizing her mistakes. I like the way you showed different people; Paladin, with his granddaguhter, Saradoc and Esmeralda, the Gaffer and Daddy Two-foot and then Rosie. She is certainly holding on to hope isn't she? I hope we will get to see her reunion. All of these really need good strong happy endings. Pippin's dream getting worse the closer he gets to home is rather sad. To want to be home yet he can't really speed up the process. I'm curious as to what he was dreaming, it obviously had something to do with Esmeralda and I hope all is well with her and she is recieving comfort from this. I'm curious as to what Elrond will ask and how Pippin will answer. Looking forward to more and so happy to have it coming so quickly! ;)
Larner · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 28: Spring
Love the imagery, the gentleness. Must let it sit again for a day or two, but will continue to read as I can.
Larner · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 27: The Ending and a Beginning
Oh, how wonderful! The fairy and Esmeralda both succoring Pippin, each as she can--it is so lovely.