Maaya
· 6 August 2008
· Chapter 5: Of Endings and Beginnings
That was such a warm scene between Eglantine and Paladin. I love your Eglantine and it is a joy to get to follow her thoughts in this story.
Author's reply
Thank you!
Am on vacation this week and getting very little computer time (and invariably when I do get to sit down, someone else comes up behind me, asking if they can have *their* computer time... Everyone's on vacation, you see, not just me).
But if things go well, next week there will be another chapter, on this and/or some other.
Thanks so much for the encouraging word! It certainly adds motivation to the writing!
Larner
· 29 July 2008
· Chapter 5: Of Endings and Beginnings
The end of an era indeed, and unfortunately the beginning of a nasty one--thank heavens it was relatively short!
Author's reply
You can say that again!
cathleen
· 29 July 2008
· Chapter 5: Of Endings and Beginnings
Wonderful to see a new chapter of this story at last! I do love the interaction between Pad and Eglantine, that is lovely. Looking forward to more soon, I hope??
Author's reply
I hope so too!
Dreamflower
· 28 July 2008
· Chapter 5: Of Endings and Beginnings
Ah! Yet it's more than just Frodo moving away, though Paladin and Eglantine don't know it!
I loved Paladin offering the traditional birthday toast to Bilbo *and* Frodo--but I wonder what prompted him to offer the toast at this particular time? I think possibly both Pippin's parents have a premonition--but they don't know what it is.
(*grin* And I loved that sweet and tender "wake-up scene" with Paladin and Eglantine--lovely, just lovely! *sigh*)
Author's reply
It may be a premonition, though not a strong one, or it may be simple realisation that this is Frodo's last day at Bag End, and that the formerly friendly, welcoming smial built by a hobbit who loved visitors, will no longer be as it was.
Still, they might be able to look back and pinpoint that day as a time when they felt something was wrong, or beginning to go wrong.
What a nice way to wake up! LOL.
Maaya
· 24 June 2008
· Chapter 4: In and Out
Curiouser and Curiouser... I'm really like the arrangement that Paladin has, as a farmer and also Thain. It somehow feels very hobbit-y, that there is an authority, but not overwhelming or "snobbish" in any way. It also helps to make the hobbit community seem more independent and free, somehow. Just a thought.
I always had sort of a crush on your Reginard, in your other stories, so it was nice to see him in this story as well. :)
Author's reply
Aw. It's nice to meet a friend of Regi's.
Thanks, appreciate hearing your thoughts!
Larner
· 19 June 2008
· Chapter 4: In and Out
In my timeline it's in two stories--in "The Acceptable Sacrifice" Merry tells Aragorn that Lotho was caught making inequitable contracts just before they left the Shire, and that he intends to use that as leverage to force Lotho to sell Bag End back to him and Pippin and Sam when they return so they can return it to Frodo; and in "Second Mum" Saradoc sets out with Esmeralda to meet with one of Lotho's agents about his plan to do "gathering and sharing" and Esme realizes he had anticipated the meeting was intended to be a trap if he didn't fall in with Lotho's schemes, and he'd already set a counter-scheme in action.
Author's reply
Ah, thanks!
Things have gotten busy again, but I've put these on my list to read or re-read. (The titles are familiar, and I think I probably read parts, in haste, and probably missed a lot.)
cathleen
· 17 June 2008
· Chapter 4: In and Out
Ah, the plot thickens, and I can see that Paladin is right on top of things, which is a good thing considering what's going on. As usual, Lin, your writing is rich in description, and leaves me wondering what will happen next! This story has great foreshadowing of ominous problems coming to the Tookland. I like the way you are developing Paladin so far, too. Looking ahead to more soon, I hope?!
Author's reply
You're right, I think Paladin had to be right on top of things, or the Tooks wouldn't have been able to keep the ruffians out in the first place. It has been interesting to contemplate the hints we have in the original, and try to figure out what happened, from those little snippets.
It is a good thing to hope for more!
Dreamflower
· 17 June 2008
· Chapter 4: In and Out
Oh, this is delightful, to see how Paladin and Eglantine work together, and also how the Tooks are so wonderfully insular that Lotho's plans aren't working there!
I had to laugh at the prank at Bag End. What a shame Frodo made them put it to rights! I wonder whose idea it was--sounds like a Merry sort of idea to me, perhaps with Pippin embellishments...puts "my" Pippin's little "ants-and-honey-under-Gandalf's-bed" prank in the shade!
So, the news from Buckland has yet to reach the Tooklands...poor Paladin and Eglantine...
Author's reply
I can see Eglantine as Paladin's prop and stay, the wall he bounces ideas off, the anchor that keeps him steady in a storm, and in business meetings such as this one, the silent partner. (Though she has an opinion, and knows how to express it!)
The prank at Bag End was first mentioned in a drabble, "Topsy-Turvy" and it was Folco's idea. I think Merry and Pippin were as surprised as everyone else, unless they were only feigning surprise. It must have been Fatty who helped Folco... (and I think that might have suited Fatty's sense of humour, come to think of it, when I remember the waggonload of apples he had sent to Merry...)
"Topsy-Turvy" is here, if you were curious:
http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=371&cid=23470
Author Reply: p.s. either I've forgotten the "ants and honey" or I haven't read it yet. Where is it to be found? Goodness, I'm surprised Gandalf didn't turn him into a toad!
Larner
· 17 June 2008
· Chapter 4: In and Out
I love the perception Paladin and Eglantine show here, and the realization that Lotho is up to no good at all. They're beginning to get the feel for what's coming, just as Saradoc does in my version.
Wonderfully thoughtful chapter here.
Author's reply
Ah, yes. They cannot yet know his intentions, but he's definitely stepping out of his place, trying to acquire more than is good for any one hobbit to own...
Author Reply: p.s. which story has Saradoc getting a feel for what's coming? I have the feeling I've read it, but I can't place the title, and so maybe I haven't.
cathleen
· 9 June 2008
· Chapter 3: A Problem for the Solving
I'm continuing to enjoy this story very much! Will you be posting the next chapter soon???
Author's reply
Yes, I hope so! Have been out of town or getting ready to go out of town for the past two weeks, and in between times our computer was deathly ill, so I've sort of been sidetracked.
Today is a catch-up day for unpacking and doing laundry and dealing with the pile of mail and trying to do something about the MEFAs and a beta-reading chapter I owe, and all the other "coming home" business, but I hope to get back to writing soon.
Thanks so much for inquiring! It's very encouraging and makes the Muse more cheerful.
Larner
· 2 June 2008
· Chapter 3: A Problem for the Solving
A Bracegirdle, then? Hmmmm. From the Southfarthing, and looking to buy Took land? A relative of Lotho's, then, through his mother, or so it would appear. They are a liverish lot, as one of your characters once said, or so I recall it!
Author's reply
Oh, yes, you are recalling that right. I'm pretty sure that Pippin said it in "A Small and Passing Thing" though it might have been someone else.
Sorry to hear of the stress at work. Here's hoping you can come down for a little R&R&HC (the latter meaning Hot Chocolate, of course).
Maaya
· 2 June 2008
· Chapter 3: A Problem for the Solving
Interesting start, a first curious event that I'm guessing is foreboding "the troubles". I liked the theme throughout the chapter about children, letting them move on, and such, and Chubb's character and situation was touching and interesting to read. It was fun to see how insulted Paladin was at the thought of an outsider wanting to buy Tookish land – partially touching in this case, partially somewhat amusing. Typical hobbit family pride and dislike of outsiders. :)
I like this story a lot!
Author's reply
Thanks, it's so nice to see the chapter through your eyes!
It seems to me that the Tooks must have been even more suspicious of outsiders, and bearers of family pride, than your average Shire-dweller, because they kept the ruffians successfully out of their homeland.
Dreamflower
· 2 June 2008
· Chapter 3: A Problem for the Solving
Ooh, aahh...the first rumblings of "the Troubles", as Lotho's relatives begin their efforts to "buy up land". Good for the Tooks that Paladin is so astute! I wonder how quickly he will make the connection from Bracegirdle to Sackville-Baggins?
I like the way you have the hobbit-land entailed! It sounds very likely and hobbity to me!
So, in this story, Paladin is running the office of the Took and Thain from Whitwell--does he ever spend time at Great Smials now for any business? And when will he remove there? *smacks head*just wait...she'll get to it...*
*grin* I am enjoying this take on things immensely!
Author's reply
Ah, yes, that mention of somebody or other buying up things, and Lotho suddenly and unexpectedly (not on Lotho's part, of course) owning "more than was good for him."
Y'know, I thought long and hard why Lotho couldn't get into the Tookland, the way he took over other parts of the Shire; and not being able to buy possessions there must have been part of it...
Yes... we'll get there eventually...
Soledad
· 2 June 2008
· Chapter 3: A Problem for the Solving
This was really touching: the way Farmer Chubb yearned for a son he couldn't have and yet *not* blaming his wife for having none; the way Paladin was concerned about Tookish land remaining in Tookish possession; the way Eglantine interacted wih her daughter, not wanting to lose her...
Now, which of the Bracegirdles would *that* be? One of the good ones or one of the greedy ones? *is excited about the possibilities*
Author's reply
Thanks for hitting the high points!
Hmmm. I don't think this was one of the good ones. Or if it was one of the good ones, he was a dupe for someone else's nefarious plot.
Neilia
· 1 June 2008
· Chapter 2: Leave-Taking
Oh my! If Pip's mum only knew what he knew...she would tie him to his bed for a month. Whooey! I remember finding out about some of my son's 'rambles' after the fact, and they were short! He was a 'Pip' for sure. I think that is why I love stories about the youngest hobbit the best. Hugs, Neilia
Author's reply
Ooo, tie him to his bed, what an idea! Reminds me of the old hobbit song where a wife grew so weary of her husband's wanderings that she tied him to a chair!
LOL, having raised a 'Pip' I can see how you enjoy Pippin-centric stories!
Hugs back.
Dreamflower
· 1 June 2008
· Chapter 2: Leave-Taking
Awww....Pippin! *hugs him and Eglantine*
You know, this is another of those occasions where fanfic has a huge advantage over conventional fiction. If this were an original fic, a lot of the wistfulness and mood would be totally lost--because the reader would not know what's behind all this. Or, to make the hidden sadness clearer to the reader, the author would have to be making all sorts of explanations. But with fanfic, the reader and the author *both* know what's going on, and all of these seemingly innocuous interactions between mother and son are laden with foreshadowing and angst.
Author's reply
Yes, to the reader they're laden with foreshadowing and angst, but to the mother... I tried hard to have her come up with reasonable explanations for her son's behaviour. Hopefully it worked!
Thanks!
Larner
· 1 June 2008
· Chapter 2: Leave-Taking
I fear that Eglantine is sensing there is something--wrong--or different--or particularly special--about this trip. And she may well be afraid she won't see her son again before the next few weeks are up!
Author's reply
You know, if she is sensing something different, she's being very adept at explaining it away... of course, hindsight is 20/20.
Thanks!
Maaya
· 1 June 2008
· Chapter 2: Leave-Taking
Ohh, the good-bye scene between Pippin and Eglantine was so familiar, surely familiar for anyone who has said good-bye to their mother when leaving on a trip. (Or at least, Eglantine reminds me a lot of my own mother here.) And it is such a sad scene, Poor Pippin, poor Eglantine!
Author's reply
Yes, definitely, that motherly feeling of being torn between wanting to "baby" them and rejoicing to see them stand on their own feet...
Thanks!
Pearl Took
· 30 May 2008
· Chapter 1: A Long-Expected Party
This is off to a lovely start, but I was thoroughly confused; so I waited until there were some reviews (to see what others said and how you replied) before I left mine.
I too was surprised that they were still at the farm, though that does make sense with what Pippin says to Beregond. Does this mean that in this version Paladin is not The Took and Thain?
Tolkien *would* have Pippin say that, wouldn't he! hehehe
As I said, lovely start, Lin!
Author's reply
Thank you!
So many have been surprised to see this set at the farm, I may have to add an author's note of explanation! (Let me know if things come clearer in the next couple of chapters...)
Paladin is The Took and Thain, as that is canon, and this is strictly based in canon (at least, one interpretation of canon--my other stories are based in another possible extrapolation from what JRRT said. As a matter of fact, a lot of the early stories, and the later stories too, will mesh well with this one. It's just the "middle stories" that take a different path).
I hope that wasn't too confusing! I just came from a graduation party for a friend's daughter, and am thoroughly sugared-out.
Neilia
· 27 May 2008
· Chapter 1: A Long-Expected Party
Poor Pip! He has quite a secret held in his heart. His poor mum doesn't suspect the truth in this tale. I enjoyed the 'betrothal tea party' scene. Your words made it all come to life in my mind. Love, Neilia
Author's reply
Thank you! It must be awfully hard for Pip not to spill this secret, you're right.
Maaya
· 27 May 2008
· Chapter 1: A Long-Expected Party
I was a bit surprised they're still living at the farm, but I do so like it. And Pimpernel and Ferdi getting married! I love this story already; it's a lovely AU view of your regular universe.
Author's reply
Yes, I based it on Pippin's telling Beregond, "My father farms the land around Whitwell." Instead of thinking of a tenant farmer, as I'd thought of in the earlier stories (and truly, Paladin's living in the Great Smials was at first an error on my part, because I didn't know my canon so well as I came to know it later), I'm taking Pippin's words literally. It's interesting, to figure out how to change a few things (like Paladin's disposition, in more ways than one) and keep the rest as much the same as possible.
Thanks!
Larner
· 27 May 2008
· Chapter 1: A Long-Expected Party
A wonderful look at the family, although I'm a bit surprised they're still at Whittacres. Excellent ambience.
Author's reply
They're still at Whittacres based on Pippin's "My father farms the land around Whitwell." I know, it could mean that he lives at the Great Smials and has one or more tenant farmers, as in my original version of the Shire, but I chose to take it literally in this version. It'll be interesting to see how things work out...
Thanks!
Garnet Took
· 27 May 2008
· Chapter 1: A Long-Expected Party
This is off to a fantastic start, Lin.
As much as I love your original universe, there is something vary charming and right about this one. Paladin as a content farmer is a nice contrast to the way both you and I usually portray him.:)
I'm really looking forward this new road you're traveling with these character, and am anxious for the next chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you!
I do like to see Paladin as a happy farmer, especially after writing him so in "Healer's Tale" and some of the other stories set earlier on the timeline.
Soledad
· 27 May 2008
· Chapter 1: A Long-Expected Party
Oh, this is lovely. I came to love Ferdi through Larner' stories, and it's always nice to meet him elsewhere.
I know so shamefully little about Hobbits. Are Ferdi and Pimpernel canonically a couple? I know they're both canon characters, but unaware of any details.
Author's reply
LOL, I think Larner might have got Ferdi-and-Pimpernel from me. They are not canonically a couple so far as I know. I just looked on the family trees to find someone the right age to marry Ferdi to, and Pippin's sister was in the ballpark. The rest is history...
I do love Larner's Ferdi, and his special perception of Frodo and Sam's light. She's done a marvellous job of making the Ferdi in her stories real and believable. I think she might have picked up the idea of a blinded Ferdi from my stories, but his light-perception is her own special touch.
Dreamflower
· 27 May 2008
· Chapter 1: A Long-Expected Party
Oh my dear! What a lovely and promising start! *grin* I love this AU to your Shire already, seeing as Pimpernel and Ferdi are betrothed.
Poor Pippin, though, listening to his father boast of him and how he relies on him, knowing what's coming... Reading stories set during the Conspiracy always have this little touch of melancholy about them, no matter what.
Author's reply
*grin*
Ah, but there are always rocks in the road...
Poor Pippin. It must have been difficult to keep the secret, though knowing how high the stakes were, he could do nothing else.