Reviews (518)

AspenJules · 5 July 2006 · Chapter 46: A Dish Served Cold

Oh yikes... Opal got it bad! I guess the only good thing is that this will probably... well possibly... ok, maybe be considered sufficient punishment for her. I'm glad you didn't have the horses trample her, it's my understanding that horses will avoid that, even in the dark, as much as possible, though with her lying there it could have been difficult. And Merry!! ROFL! I love that he's so unrepentent about what he did. It really would be nice if we could just stop some of the stupid genes from being passed along (or cruel, selfish ones as well). I'm not sure I understand why Pippin is so forgiving of them, but I certainly understand Frodo, and Merry absolutely. I don't think he'd forgive such a prank on Pippin very easily at all, if ever. Smart and levelheaded he may be, but he's also calculating and clever... and I imagine could make a very bad enemy.

AspenJules · 5 July 2006 · Chapter 45: The Search for Clues

Oh boy, this is getting exciting! I can just imagine what Opal would do if she were found by men! *chokes back a snicker* And yes, Reggie really should be angry at himself for not taking a stand years ago... but poor fellow really did end up with a wretched woman for a wife. But now he's got 3 more he has to deal with as well. I loved how they instantly knew it was a hobbit by the fact that it was done with stone-throwing. I mean, men can throw stones as well but it is a significantly hobbit weapon, and with good reason. Those boys sure thought for themselves this time, just not thinking it through. They're going to regret those lost buttons! Can't wait to see what happens next!

AspenJules · 4 July 2006 · Chapter 39: Finery and Fancy Dress

Oh am I ever enjoying this! I can't wait to read about the shenanigans at the ball! I can't believe how much you've gone into detail in describing the preparations (like lowering the chandelier to put new candles in it). I know you think sometimes you put too much detail in, but it really does make it seem like I'm there as I read it. I do have one question though... I don't remember Pearl being a widow already? That *is* Pippin's oldest sister Pearl, right? Who was she married to and when did he die - in the Troubles? Is that mentioned in this story or elsewhere? Anyway, on to the Ball! Oh, and Happy 4th of July (that is, if you're American, and if you're not... well... hope you have a great day anyway, LOL).

AspenJules · 3 July 2006 · Chapter 27: A Grief Observed

I love to see that Merry and Pippin are able to give Freddy what no one else could, understanding of his loss and what he is feeling, and help in dealing with it. And I also love that Elves first response to grief and sadness is in song. I think there must be something remarkably soothing in Elvish music. I just wish I could hear some, and properly sung by an Elf. *deep sigh*

AspenJules · 3 July 2006 · Chapter 25: Bag End at Last

Ahhhh, that naughty Elf, tormenting Sam that way (not to mention helping Merry and Pippin's plan for Bergil to become an 'honorary cousin'!!) And poor poor lonely Frodo. I don't know if I can *ever* forgive Prof. Tolkien for not giving Frodo a chance at love and happiness in the Shire he saved.

AspenJules · 3 July 2006 · Chapter 23: A Look in the Mirror

Awww, poor Freddy... the flip side of Merry and Pippin (either way, if either had lost the other, but especially if Merry had lost Pip). I'm glad he's showing some interest in this trip, and that his father is sensible about it. I understand about the whole Odovocar and Rosamunda thing, although in my case it's reversed. I let my husband have his way in most things without much argument, but he knows if I take a stand on something to simply give in, because I won't be moved. I don't abuse it, and because of it, he doesn't even try to change my mind. Ahhh, the joys and trials of living with an opinionated husband, LOL. And poor Legolas!!! ROFL.... he can't help the effect he has on mortals, especially mortal *females*! I was rolling when I read the bit about the Dwarven women!! *snickers wickedly*

AspenJules · 3 July 2006 · Chapter 22: Interlude at Whitfurrow

I just had to take another minute to applaud this phrase "an amazing display of innate authority." I'm not sure why that hit me so strongly, but I think it so aptly described those who have authority, are sure of it and comfortable with it to a degree where they feel no need to bluster or posture at all. I have seen it only a few times in my life, and always with the kindest and gentlest of men, as well as some mothers (though children seldom act as sensibly as hobbits they *do* respond to that 'voice of command', as do most dogs, too. LOL) Anyway... very well done, my dear. I *DO* love a good turn of phrase!

AspenJules · 3 July 2006 · Chapter 8: Gifts

Ok... So I read more than one chapter, but these chapters are like potato chips, you can't read just one... they just flow one into the other so smoothly. And each one is a delight. If I review every chapter I will flood your inbox (and have much less time for reading, selfish me!), so I will review every little while. I loved meeting the 'strangers' and especially loved that Bergil was there. I'm interested in learning more about how he managed to come. I'm also thrilled that Legolas and Gimli came, and that Saradoc got to meet them and see their interactions. I liked how he compared them to Merry and Pippin. It was touching to read Frodo's reflections on how they'd changed, with setting a watch being second nature to them. Pippin's encounter with Sam went about how I expected, with Pip being all mad and indignant but Sam taking the wind right out of his sails by agreeing with everything he said. Pip's anger soon showed itself for what it really was though, regret and almost envy that they weren't able to be there for Frodo and Sam was, as well as worry for Frodo. Frodo's reflections on his "lack of connections" to people was heartbreaking. I'd never thought about it before, but it makes such sense that such a loss, at such a tender age, for such a sensitive soul, could have made 'connecting' with people difficult, if not next to impossible. I'm glad that he had *his* Merry to help him out, even if he never completely regained the ability. It's interesting also to see the effects the Quest had on Paladin also, that now when they get news they are instantly afraid of what it might mean, instead of assuming happy or innocuous news at least, as they probably would have before their boys disappeared. Things change, and even adults can have their sense of safety and security threatened, and Paladin and Eglantine, and Saradoc and Esmeralda all were changed by their boys' disappearances. I loved the reunion with the men, and the gifts. Stubborn, hard-headed Frodo just refuses to make it easy for people to show their gratitude for what he's done, so I'm glad the men knelt to him in spite of his protests, LOL. And I love the ponies and pennies, and Pippin's medallion. And clever Aragorn and Arwen to figure out a way to give Sam a gift in spite of everything - he'd *never* turn down a gift to his beloved Rosie. Anyway, great story! Hmmmm, this review was so long maybe I should just review each chapter anyway.... LOL

AspenJules · 3 July 2006 · Chapter 2: Unexpected News

Wow, I'm liking this so far, Dream! I wanted to read Road to Edoras, but just couldn't yet when I realized it was a sequel... you know how that goes, but I hesitated when I saw this was 73 chapters! LOL... So it's going to be my motivation/reward for getting work done this week... read one chapter, do a load of laundry... read another chapter, go get my dishes done.... etc. So... WHO are the visitors? Luckily I don't have to wait to find out! WHEEE!! On to the next chapter (I was right at the end of this chapter when I got interrupted, so it doesn't *count* as a chapter, hehehe!)

Elanor Silmariën · 12 March 2006 · Chapter 72: Farewells and a New Beginning

This is my favorite stories of this time period! I absolutely loved it. The part at the ball and the part of Sam and Rosie's wedding reminded me of Emma by Jane Austen. I haven't read the book, but I saw the movie, and it's alot like that. Made me laugh, I loved it! God bless, Ellie

Endaewen · 9 February 2006 · Chapter 72: Farewells and a New Beginning

Lovely story.

Endaewen · 8 February 2006 · Chapter 31: Heart to Heart Talk

This is a great story. The emotions are so strong. This chapter practically brought tears to my eyes.

Gryffinjack · 31 January 2006 · Chapter 14: A Lot to Think About

"There was the lad, Bergil. Only eleven years old, and his father had allowed him to journey hundreds of miles away from his home, not even travelling with kin. Dark hair, solemn grey eyes, very serious and polite. Paladin had realized with a start halfway through the evening that the child reminded him of nothing so much as Frodo at that age." Ah, I thought of this in the last chapter when you mentioned that Bergil was motherless so many miles from his home. It's an excellent similarity that you have set up and noted. Bergil really does remind me of what Frodo would have been like at that age, now that you mention it. "More than the grave look on his son’s face, or the unshed tears that stood in the Dwarf’s eyes, it was the stricken look on his nephew’s face that convinced Paladin of how dire it really must have been. For Merry stood behind Pippin, and for an instant looked as if he might swoon. He noticed that the Elf moved a step closer to Merry, and put a supporting hand upon his shoulder." *wince* Poor ... everyone. They all sufferred so much, not only their own injuries, but the pains of knowing what the others in the Fellowship sufferred and that they had been able to do nothing about it, and more importantly, the realisation of how close each of them came to actually dying, even the immortal Legolas. And for Merry ... thank goodness Legolas was there for him. "But when Merry brought up the story of how Frodo, when he was seventeen, had tried to climb up a chimney on a dare, and gotten himself stuck, Bergil could not stand it, and burst out “Oh, now! Not truly!” For he could not imagine the brave, wise, solemn Ringbearer doing any such thing." This was a great story! I'm so glad you actually wrote it! "This led to more such stories, with even the Elf contributing a story of a prank that he had helped the King to pull when he was just a lad growing up in Rivendell." *glares at Dreamflower* And *why* exactly are you taking the time to read this review when you should be writing this story? Precisely what prank did Legolas help Estel pull off in Rivendell? I'm afraid Pearl's meaning is lost on me. I understand why she is distraught over what Merry and Pippin sufferred, but what precisely distresses her so about Beril's tale of Pippin and the Troll?

Gryffinjack · 31 January 2006 · Chapter 13: Invitation

"His face was thinner than he had seen it last; there was no childishness left in it, though he still had three more years until his majority." Now this is very sad. This is the very reason that Tolkien included Pippin on the Quest - as the symbol of how war and such horrors rob us of our youth and innocence and make us older before our time. While generally, we are pleased that Pippin is no longer the foolish irresponsible Took he was before leaving the Shire, but rather a strong and competent soldier and hero, it does bring it home to us that there was a tremendous price. I do not enby Pippin his lost innocence. It is a treasured characteristic that nobody, especially a Took, should be without. "“I’m sorry.” “Don’t apologize. You did nothing wrong.” He gave a bitter laugh. “That’s a matter of opinion. I wish there had never been a Ring, much less that we had anything to do with it.” He stopped. He had not meant to say as much to her, and was surprised at his own outburst. “Oh, Frodo!” She reached out and gave him a hug. “Do not blame yourself for any of it.” For a moment, he allowed himself to relax into her embrace, as he seldom had when he was a child." If only Frodo would open up more to Esmeralda! That's just what he needs now, is a mother's hug, and Esmeralda is as close as he has to his own mother. I wonder how much different things would have been for Frodo after their return if his parents were still alive. Would it have made a difference in his life? It's odd to think that a minor's assets would belong to his or her parents when in this day, a minor's assets would still belong to him or her and it would be the parents' obligation and legal duty to preserve and protect the assets for the minor. "Just then, her father and the rest returned from their visit to the strongroom, and Esmerelda announced that dinner was ready." AHA! I haven't caught one of these in a long time! lol! "Bergil had eaten very carefully all day, taking Esmeralda’s advice, and just having a cup of tea and a nibble. Now he felt ready to have a meal, but he was going to be cautious as to the size of the portions on his plate. Legolas was sitting across from him, and he noticed how he was eating. He would let the Elf be his example." Bergil is a quick learner and will not make the mistake of trying to keep up with the hobbits when they eat again. It's very smart of him to let the Elf be his example.

Queen Galadriel · 29 January 2006 · Chapter 72: Farewells and a New Beginning

Wow! What an amazing story, Dreamflower! Incredibly inticate and intriguing! The change in Opal and her sisters was wonderful to see, and I love your characterization of everyone. The image of Aragorn putting a lizard in Gandalf's hat...LOL! Oh, I'd love to be around for that one! LOL! And poor Bergil, trying to be polite and making himself sick. But for me the highlight of the story was Sam and Rosie's wedding. Oh, I hope when I marry, that my wedding will be that beautiful! I tend to skip around and go from one author to another, but I find myself often wishing to come back to your work and read more. Your style, characterization, "voices," and the plots themselves are wonderful. God bless, Galadriel

Gryffinjack · 29 January 2006 · Chapter 12: Disturbing Memories

"“I’ll have you know Frodo taught me to climb when I was only a faunt.” He sounded indignant. “Perhaps so,” said Legolas “but that was long ago for your kind. I doubt me that he climbs so much anymore.” Pippin leaned back against a convenient limb. Though he was not nearly so graceful in the trees as an Elf, he was very much at home. He sighed. “No, I fear you’re right. I don’t think Frodo has climbed a tree in a long time.”" OMG! You've just hit me with another plot bunny! Actually, it's incorporating one of the things I included in my personal Pippin over at the PippinHealers group and I'll have to re-read a part of canon as well as your fic with Tom Bombadil, but if it all checks out and I can make it work together ... *bounces up and down along with the plot bunny in excitement*! *Ahem.* Sorry about that. Now then, you know I always enjoy it when you include a mention of eithert Pippin or Frodo climbing trees. To have Pippin in a tree with Legolas engaged in conversation made me most happy. And I was glad of Pippin talking so seriously with Legolas and confiding in him. I do think that those two have a special relationship, but then it seems that the more I read of your stories, all of our lads have a special relationship with everyone else! lol! "Pippin froze as the blood drained from his face." Sadly, I can just picture that. My heart went out to Pippin as he listened to Bergil recount his slaying of the troll. This was the type of experience that none of the four hobbits would have been ready to share with the hobbitry at large yet. A few selected family and friends, yes, but not everyone. Pippin had a difficult enough time telling his own immediate family, and even then he left some of the details out. To have it described in front of him to so many young hobbits whom he knew would go straight away to their own parents with the tale ... *whoa* ... poor Pippin! You really outdid yourself with this chapter, my dear. There is so much feeling and emotion conveyed in here...wow.

Gryffinjack · 29 January 2006 · Chapter 11: Table Talk

Poor Bergil! The poor lad had no idea how to still be polite while refusing so much food. I imagine he will keep a closer eye on the Elf's plate from now on as a measure of the portions he should eat. Your descriptions of his awkward situation were just wonderful! It's so interesting to see A Different Kind of Quest discussed with one who was not there, such as Esmeralda. I always like when you mention something from one of your other stories! Poor Bilbo, feeling the length of his years at last. I don't think he is ever far from Frodo's thoughts. It's a good thing that this is but a brief period in Legolas' life. Having to endure all of the hobbit lasses drooling over him - lol! Not that I blame them, mind you. He must be something special at that for Pippin to want him for his brother-in-law! lol! I'm so glad I was finally able to get back to this story!

Gryffinjack · 29 January 2006 · Chapter 10: Guests

I could hug you for including Legolas and Gimli in this story! It's so grand to see the hobbits interacting with two of the other members of the Fellowship again. As Saradoc noted, they really do share that special bond with the other members of the Fellowship and fall into an easy way of talking to each other born out of such a strong friendship that it is like family. Particularly, I like how you show Legolas' sense of humour, which oft times can be lost in the more stilted language of the Elves. "...he was sure that any uncle of Pippin would take good care of him." I reckon Bergil hasn't heard about Uncle Clodio yet then, eh? lol!

Gryffinjack · 29 January 2006 · Chapter 9: What the Master Heard

Well, Saradoc certainly put those hobbits in their place! Your Saradoc is fantastic - I've liked him from the first time I read one of your stories with him in it. He certainly is the Master of the Hall, knowing that he must keep an ear on what his constituents are saying so that he will know how best to keep things running smoothly and properly. Paladin does much the same for the rest of the Shire and so the hobbits are all in good hands. It must be quite difficult for Paladin to really understand and accept that his still-tweenaged son is in fact all grown up and very well respected throughout Middle Earth. I've enjoyed reading about the ride Paladin and Berilac had together on this journey; I think it helps Paladin to see how much Pippin has changed by looking at him through someone else's eyes, and Berilac is the perfect hobbit for that, having heard so much from Merry about what really happened on the Quest. Paladin may not be as open and at ease with his son as Saradoc is, but Paladin loves his son greatly. Favourite line from this chapter: "Pippin was amused. He knew what his uncle was thinking. “It’s all right, Uncle Saradoc. The children of Men grow up more quickly, and Bergil has had a lot of responsibility before.” Now his face grew sober. “Being in a City at War does make one grow up quickly.”" It gives me chills to think how quickly both Bergil and Pippin had to grow up. In many ways, Pippin had to grow up more during the Siege than Bergil, since Bergil had grown up in the shadow of Mordor hearing about Orcs and other evil creatures and seeing how they have killed some of his father's friends and perhaps family throughout the years. For Pippin, this is all something new to him, something he has only experienced since stepping furry foot outside of Bag End to start on the long journey to protect Frodo and Middle Earth. He and the others are all still somewhat in shock at what they had seen and gone through. Hence the nightmares, which will take years and years to help them come to terms with what they went through. Of all four hobbits, Pippin saw more than any of the others how this war was effecting not only the soldiers, but the children as well. And for hobbits, this would be particularly painful, to see children effected so drastically by the war. This is something that Saradoc is now starting to understand from his encounter with Bergil. Excellent chapter!

Gryffinjack · 19 January 2006 · Chapter 8: Gifts

Such lovely presents! Merry is certainly going to have a stable or two full of ponies before long! I'm glad Pippin got such a fine horse, too, and with such an appropriate name. And if Frodo is still insisting on not receiving gifts, then so is Sam, but of course he'll accept a present for his Rosie. Leave it to Aragorn to know the perfect gift.

Gryffinjack · 19 January 2006 · Chapter 7: A Joyful Reunion

What a reunion! I like the way the four hobbits reacted to camping and sleeping on the ground once more. After a bit of time in nice, soft beds, their backs would not be so used to the hardness of the ground any longer. You always do such a nice job of showing the thoughts of the four Travellers and how different their personalities are. Merry really is becoming quite the horsehobbit and it would only be natural for Pippin to wonder what, if anything, Aragorn had sent for him. For Frodo, of course his thoughts run to the Shire as a whole and their relationship with the rest of the newly restored kingdom. And Sam... dear Sam is of course thinking of his upcoming wedding. The reunion with Legolas and Gimli was just as it should have been, just good friends hugging each other and glad to see one another again. Still, it's good that Saradoc, ever a practical Brandybuck, reminded them of the waiting delegation. The greetings by the delegation were just as they should have been. I tend to agree with Faramir, however, that showing all honour was the proper and better course of action for this first greeting since the hobbits returned. Now we are only waiting for the arrival of the Thain!

Gryffinjack · 19 January 2006 · Chapter 6: In the Still of the Night

One thing that always comes back for Frodo is the sad loss that has shaped his life. "For him, life had changed forever with his parents’ death. The Brandywine had stolen away his connection to other people. Oh, Saradoc and Esmeralda had tried so hard, and he did love them dearly, but their efforts only reminded him of what he had lost. It was not until the day they had put that tiny little bundle of eyes and curls in his arms and said “meet your cousin Meriadoc,” that he had felt not only love, but connection. Someone who was *his*. Of course, Merry was his cousin, and not a brother, but that had never mattered. He felt as though he belonged to Merry. Later there were a few others who brought him that feeling: Bilbo, Pippin, Sam, Gandalf, Aragorn. When he thought about it, it was a pitifully short list. And even though he had developed much stronger bonds with Sam during their dark journey, nothing would change the fact that Merry was the first one who broke his loneliness, and who knew how to do that to this day." You really are exceptional at pointing out just what the death of his parents has meant to Frodo as well as the importance Merry has in his life. Although Pippin is the most like Frodo, it is Merry that broke through the cold, lonely barrier Frodo had put around his heart after his parents died. From the moment of his birth, Merry has been protecting and saving Frodo. I don't agree with Frodo that his list of those he feels belong to him is such a pitifully short list. That is a rather special feeling that one is lucky to share with anyone. btw, what do you call a baby hobbit? Is it still called a "baby" or something else? Poor Paladin and Eglantine - it's easy to see why they would jump to the conclusion that something was wrong with Pippin. Like you said, the last urgent message they had regarding Pippin was a nightmare for them. I'll be so glad when everyone is gathered together!

Gryffinjack · 5 January 2006 · Chapter 5: Four is Company

Saradoc is very wise to keep the Men out of the Shire until gaining the permission of the Thain and the Deputy Mayor. "The first thing they did, after a bite to eat, was to choose watches. Sam offered to go first, and Pippin immediately volunteered to relieve him. He flashed a half-defiant look at Merry, who merely shrugged, saying he’d go next." I love that description of Pippin, flashing a half-defiant look at Merry. It looks as though Pippin found the perfect time to vent his anger and cares about Frodo at Sam. Too bad Sam agreed with him so he couldn't really get a good head of steam up!:P No, really, nobody could have made Sam feel worse than he already did about not being there for Frodo. "“You know, you stayed with him when it was worst. You got to help him then. It wasn’t fair. We left home for *him*, for *Frodo*, not to go save the world or something. But it was *you* who got to stay with him every step of the way, and now we’re home, and you get to stay with him again. We can’t help him again.” Pippin felt tears begin to threaten, and he did not know if they were tears of anger or of sorrow. “We can barely help ourselves. If we can’t trust you to take care of him, what will we do?” Now the tears came freely." I love that paragraph; it's so full of raw emotion. It is very understandable that both Pippin and Merry would be upset that neither of them nor Sam were with Frodo during his illness. Frodo has suffered so much already and they love him so that any of the other three would do anything to spare him even a little of his pain. And what makes it worse for both Merry and Pippin is that they both feel as though they failed Frodo by not being with him when he went to Mordor, even though that was Frodo's own choice. "Frodo lay awake for a long time. He remembered when he, Sam and Pippin had camped the very first night of their journey. It had not even occurred to them to set a watch. Now it did not even occur to them *not* to set a watch. It was just one more of the many ways they had all changed." They went away as hobbits of the Shire and came back as war-weary soldiers. You pack so much thought and emotion into your chapters that each one of them is a gem to read.

Gryffinjack · 5 January 2006 · Chapter 4: Back to Buckland

Oh, what fun this will be! You've added so much more interest with the presence of Bergil, Gimli, and Legolas. That will be some reunion when our four hobbits arrive! Your description of the camp is fantastic. All of those little details really allow us to picture not only the camp, but the men and what they are doing as well. You really make the scene come to life. About the ponies - did you make up the name of Frodo's pony? It's great! lol! Also, did Merry get to keep Stybba in canon or is that your own little touch? Whichever it is, I think it's perfect. Leave it to Frodo to worry whether Aragorn had sent him any material rewards. He really did suffer so much to think he had failed. And, of course, he would know that the delegation would also be carrying Aragorn's response to their recommendations.

Gryffinjack · 30 December 2005 · Chapter 3: An Important Date

"“Oh, Sara--what could those men want with our lads now?” For she feared that perhaps they had come to take them away on another quest." Oh, dear. That is precisely what a parent would think, isn't it? I'm glad Saradoc was able to put her mind at ease. "It was strange, they looked like large versions of Mr. Merry and Mr. Pippin in their warlike get-up and with their swords and armor and all, yet even with all that, they did not seem so threatening as those ruffians who had over-run the Shire last year." I really liked this observation by Denny. I also really liked Denny's thoughts as he listened to and oberved the Men and how they spoke of Merry and Pippin and their deeds. The Men must really have looked like larger versions of Merry and Pippin to him and their behaviour would have been quite at odds with that of the ruffians. Still, it is as if all of the Hobbits other than the Four Travellers have completely forgotten their experiences of having met Menelcar and how nice and polite he was. Of course, that was five years ago and the fear and destruction from the ruffians would more than justify the wariness of the Hobbits. But still, it's as if nobody even remembers that they had met a perfectly civilised Man named Menelcar before. Then again, this could come from reading "Chance Encounter" at the same time as this story. It's Targon and Eothain again! Recurring characters are great, aren't they? "Targon’s voice took on an almost reverential note when he spoke that name," Simply wonderful. Saradoc's almost embarassment over how the Shire does not celebrate the new year on the day of Frodo's great deed and how the Shire does not even honour the four Travellers was spot on. Especially for one of the leaders of the Hobbits, this would definitely be a question that would make him squirm in discomfort. "Pippin laughed. “Who else would forget two ponies and a hundred silver pennies?”" A very Pippin line! It perfectly captures his cheekiness and the way he and Merry play with each other. "Pippin smiled fondly at his older cousin. Though he teased him, he knew the real reason Merry was uncomfortable with this. For even though the small Knight of Rohan *knew* without any doubt that he could not have done anything, in his heart he still felt guilty that he did not somehow save King Théoden, whom he had dearly loved. He knew Merry also still felt guilty that they had allowed themselves to become separated from Frodo. That was a bit of guilt he felt himself from time to time." Brilliant and very poignant. That relationship between Merry and Pippin - *sigh.* It's just beautiful the way they know and understand each other completely. And Merry's guilt about not being able to save Theoden is so touching and sad. For Merry and Pippin to both feel guilty about having been separated from Frodo is a prime example of just how hard all four of the Travellers are on themselves and how much they all love each other. Once again, your "voice" that you give Sam is spot on. "Sam, however, met their gaze directly, and flushed. He looked apprehensive. So. He had found out--probably Rosie told him. Now he was expecting, maybe even hoping, for a tongue-lashing as soon as Frodo was out of ear-shot. Pippin’s chin came up, and his green eyes glittered. Merry decided that if Pippin still wanted to upbraid Sam, he would not interfere. It might be more merciful than letting the gardener stew in his own guilt." I forgot to mention this in my last review, but it applies equally here as well. This reaction for Pippin is perfect. While Merry understands Sam far more and is much more like him, Pippin's only concern is for Frodo. But just your phraseology "Pippin's chin came up" or "his green eyes glittered" - it's a great visual. I can see it clearly. This is so well done!