A New Kind of Courage by Auntiemeesh
Mistarry · 27 October 2004 · Chapter 16: Fishing
I just love this story. I've been reading it and rereading it for awhile now! Please update soon, it's really an excellent piece of work. Five stars *****! :)
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I'm glad you are enjoying it. The next chapter is off being betaed and I'll post it as soon as it's ready. :)
GamgeeFest · 25 October 2004 · Chapter 16: Fishing
How fun for Pippin to get out of that tent after so long. And how horrible for Merry to relapse like that, but it seemed to be what he needed to finally become comfortable going to Aragorn with his dreams. His guilt over wanting Pippin to come and blaming himself for all that happened to him was heartbreaking. This is a wonderful story. Keep it up.
Author's reply
Merry has a lot of issues. He needs therapy, and Aragorn is the closest thing to a therapist in Middle-earth, lol. Thanks for reading. :)
Hai Took · 24 October 2004 · Chapter 16: Fishing
It was very nice to see another chapter for this story! I loved the songs that you used! Of course I recognized the bath song but the other two were completely new and so neat! The one about death and the maid I liked particularly! I'm glad that Pippin seems to be doing better and remembering everything! Looking forward to more, thank you!
Author's reply
Thanks! I'm glad you liked the songs. This is the kind of music that I listen to while writing and it just seemed so suitable. If you would like to hear the songs, you can go to http://magnatune.com/artists/fleagle. Pippin does seem to be doing much better, and he thinks he remembers everything, but as you'll see next chapter, there are still some gaps that he isn't even aware of yet.
Anny · 24 October 2004 · Chapter 16: Fishing
Very sweet, I liked this chapter. Maybe Merry has finally recovered from the shadow...?
Author's reply
It would be nice to think that Merry was all recovered, wouldn't it? He would certainly like to think that he's done with the Shadow. Only time will tell for sure, however. I'm glad you liked the chapter. :)
SlightlyTookish · 24 October 2004 · Chapter 16: Fishing
It was nice to see Pippin get away from that tent for awhile, and for Merry to have a nice day. I really liked the songs you chose, and I like Marek - he seems like such a gentle soul. The bit about Aster was hilarious, too. I'm looking forward to reading more!
Author's reply
Thank you muchly. Poor Pippin has been cooped up in that tent for far too long. He was definitely ready for an outing. Those songs I used come from the collection of songs I always listen to while writing. They had become so wound up in the story that I decided I wanted to include them, lol.
Marcee · 24 October 2004 · Chapter 16: Fishing
Hooray, a NEW chapter!!!! I really love this story and you didn't let us down with this newest addition. I loved the interaction between Pippin and Merry here, the gentle teasing about the Tooks stealing 'the best cook in the Shire' away from the Brandybucks, etc. I'm also glad that Marek is feeling more comfortable around the two Hobbits and added his own song to their picnic. Hmmmm...with the song making Merry feel somewhat uneasy at first, it makes me wonder what may be afoot after he slips off into slumber while thinking about it. As much progress that he's made, I don't believe for a moment that he's fully cured. (Just my own speculation. I seem to be looking everywhere for the next trigger.) As always, I look forward in great anticipation to the next installment! Thanks for sharing this story with us! Marcee :)
Author's reply
You never know what might trigger Merry's next bad moment. It's an unpredictable thing, this Shadow. Thanks for reading!
pipinheart · 24 October 2004 · Chapter 16: Fishing
Lovely! I really liked the songs they all sung,it was nice to see them out in the open. Marke was a little timid at first but seems a little more open as he got to know them better. Stole thier cook,well that was mean of the tooks.... Please update soon,really enjoyed this... Where did you find these songs at wouldn't mind taken a look at them....?
Author's reply
You can find all the songs here, http://magnatune.com/artists/fleagle. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter and I'm hoping to update much more quickly this time.
Lindelea · 24 October 2004 · Chapter 16: Fishing
Very glad to see another chapter of this one. Such a nice, soothing chapter too, with the picnic and songfest and nap and fish-fry by the kindly old willow. The "discussion" of Aster was funny! And I loved Merry's being able to "feel" the willow, and this description: Legolas said all she’s thinking about is sunshine and squirrels. Looking forward to the next chapter, as ever, thanks!
Author's reply
Thanks! I've been trying to find a place to fit these songs into the story for a while now, as they just seemed so perfect. :)
Grey Wonderer · 23 October 2004 · Chapter 16: Fishing
Rread this chapter on the LJ and read it again here. Happen to think that a story about this drunken cook might might be entertaining. How about it? Plot bunny? I can see her running from the Yule pig now. LOL Great story and I look forward to more.
Author's reply
This story has inspired so many different plot bunnies. They'll be keeping me busy for another year, lol. Yes, I think there may have to be a story detailing the theft of Aster and her drunken antics with the Yule pig. :)
Mahala · 23 October 2004 · Chapter 15: One Step at a Time
hey this is really good. my sister is an editor for the newspaper, and she said that it was excellent. i love how you made pippin so stubborn ;). i also like how you don't make every chapter angst, and you alternate that with even some comedy. it's really good! :)
Author's reply
Thank you for such a nice review. I'm glad you are enjoying all the different aspects of the story. :)
Jazz · 23 October 2004 · Chapter 15: One Step at a Time
I'm really enjoying this story, but I would like to point out that it has been quite awhile since the last update. It's excellently written, with wonderful detail, but you may lose the patience and interest of many readers if updates take too long. I would love to see the rest of this story, and have been checking daily for an update. Please post the new chapter soon! I'm an author, and I understand how many things can get in the way of writing...But I just thought I should warn you to consider your readers, who cannot wait to read what happens next! I love this story, and I'm so glad that someone as talented as you is writing it, and that I found it by chance! Once again, full points ;), and keep up the GREAT work! :)
Author's reply
Thanks for commenting. I'm glad you are enjoying this story and I'm sorry I've been keeping everyone waiting with the next chapter (which should be ready sometime this weekend).
Scout · 18 October 2004 · Chapter 15: One Step at a Time
Oh, this is such a great story-I love it! When will the next update be?
Ariel · 8 October 2004 · Chapter 9: Seeing is believing
Working my way through this and enjoying it very much. Thank you for sticking to canon and for not making the hobbits quite so totally childlike I have to scream while still providing me with lots of nice tasty angst. I am reading slowly - partly because I've had little time to read and partly because I am savoring it - but I did want to let you know I have been enjoying it.
Author's reply
Thanks! I'm glad to know that you are enjoying this story and it's always nice to hear from new people. :)
Anny · 6 October 2004 · Chapter 15: One Step at a Time
I liked this chapter, it was a nice break from the drama of the last. I liked the description of the servent boy/man. Good work, and write more soon, please!
Author's reply
Merry needed a bit of a break from all the angst of the last chapter, so this little interlude with his cousins was just what he needed. Thanks for the comments. :)
pipinheart · 6 October 2004 · Chapter 15: One Step at a Time
Great! Love it.... Poor merry seems so restless,but hopefully Gandalph will find him something to do. pippin wants to do too mucg too fast,but healing takes time... Great story,can't wait to hear more...
Author's reply
Thanks. Gandalf has a good plan, but he has some arranging to do before it can be put into action. And yes, Pippin is trying to push himself as much as he can, so it's important for his friends to be watching him closely right now, so that he doesn't hurt himself. :)
Lindelea · 6 October 2004 · Chapter 15: One Step at a Time
The combination of ‘lunch’ and ‘surprise’ in one sentence had overcome any inclination he might have been tempted to make about feeling discouraged. * A very nice insight! The angst is well-done, with a light touch, never going into too much detail, but just enough that the reader "sees" what Merry sees. I liked Merry falling asleep while talking to Frodo and Sam, and the banter over Pippin's "eating" Merry's lunch--although it seems he was only joking, as lunch arrived later. I'm very tired, so if I mixed something up, chalk it up to that. I thought of reviewing tomorrow but then, I might not get the chance. Better strike while the iron's hot.
Author's reply
Thank you very much! I tried to keep the angst pretty low-key this chapter as it was ramped up pretty high last time. Merry (and the readers) need a break from time to time, lol. And yes, the lunch banter was just a game, Merry trying to distract Pippin from being bothersome with Aragorn. :)
Hai Took · 5 October 2004 · Chapter 15: One Step at a Time
I bored and frustrated Pippin has been fun to read! His strained walk in the tent and boeth Aragorn and Merry trying to to "hover over" and let him to it himself was very Pippin-ish. Dear Merry, falling asleep while talking to Frodo and Sam. I wonder why it is people feel inclined to talk to others even if they can't hear them? I know I do wether it is a baby who doesn't understand or to someone who is asleep. Merry sure does handle a frustrated Pippin well! Intervening in the argument with Aragorn was very well done! Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
I think, deep down, we all believe that the people we are talking to really do hear us, on some level, even though they don't respond. Of course, Merry's also trying to distract himself from all the stuff that's going on, and when he's talking about his adventures, he isn't freaking out about nightmares. :)
Skyaa · 2 October 2004 · Chapter 14: Relapse
This is amazingly wonderful! You truly spin an excellent tale, and I for one cannot wait to read the continuation of it. I'm hopeing that the next chapter will be posted soon, but I really don't want this story to end! Poor Merry, myself, like Aragorn, hope the shadow doesn't follow him around for the rest of his life! Once again, excellent job, and keep up the good work! :)
Author's reply
Thank you very much! I'm glad you are enjoying this. And don't worry, the end is nowhere in sight. :)
pipinheart · 29 September 2004 · Chapter 14: Relapse
Love this... Merry has to get almost drunk before he tells Aragorn about the dream... He has a lot of anger and blames himself,but I wonder if that isn't part of the shadows plan. The shadow creeps up and it is quick to try and ensnare merry. Will Aragorn fingure out why and what must they face before they can find out... Keep up the great work, can't wait to hear...
Author's reply
He has a lot of anger and blames himself,but I wonder if that isn't part of the shadows plan. You're too smart. :P Merry has a lot of issues right now, and some of them are being encouraged by the Shadow, some of them encourage the Shadow.... Thanks for reading!
Anni · 28 September 2004 · Chapter 14: Relapse
Wow, this is great! Really, really excellent! I've been waiting for this chapter, so glad it's here! D'you know when the next one will be posted, by any chance? :)
Author's reply
Thanks. I'm glad you are enjoying this. I hope to get another chapter up early next week, but no promises. :)
Lindelea · 28 September 2004 · Chapter 14: Relapse
Aragorn's tent reminds me of that of a Civil War commander. Laughing at Aragorn's plying Merry with wine and careful progression of food. Pippin found out about the conspiracy almost before it was formed! How telling! Ah, the smell of athelas from Merry's point of view is very well done--I assume it's athelas, anyhow. Yup, I was right. The Shadow almost had Merry... how chilling. (No pun intended) Very well done! Looking forward to the next update.
Author's reply
Thanks! I'm trying to get back to a weekly update schedule so hopefully there will be more early next week. :)
Marcee · 28 September 2004 · Chapter 14: Relapse
WOW...I'm really loving this story, and this chapter is incredible! Merry is my favorite LOTR character and I always thought his encounter with the Witch King would be fraught with angst and bad tidings for weeks, months, or even years after the destruction of the One Ring. The Shadow certainly has a cloying way of sneaking up on poor Merry this time...sort of like it's laying in wait to find a weakness. I wonder if everyone who encounters the Shadow (and survives) deals with this threat (for instance, Eowyn)? Perhaps the wine took away the last of Merry's defenses? It's scary that even Aragon is uncertain what to do. I bet Pippin will be worried now, too, if he doesn't see his cousin in the tent they share. But perhaps Merry needs time away as caregiver to heal himself. I LOVE this story and am really looking forward to reading the next part!
Author's reply
Yes, it does seem a bit unlikely that someone could be touched by that Shadow and then recover so quickly from it. I think you might be right about the wine. Aragorn needed to get Merry talk but he wasn't prepared for what happened next. And Merry's plan is for Pippin to not find out about this! I'm glay you are enjoying this story! Thanks for commenting. :)
Hai Took · 27 September 2004 · Chapter 14: Relapse
Oh dear! What a violent relapse! I certianly hope Merry doesn't have such frightening relapses like that all after every nightmare! His telling Aragorn about the dream was perhaps a bit much and the way it ended up turning is perhaps the root of the Shadows quick growth? My specualtions anyway. Looking forward to finding out how these things resolve!
Author's reply
Hm, some interesting speculations. Merry is also hoping he doesn't have this sort of reaction to every nightmare he has, lol. It would be a bit inconvenient when Aragorn isn't right there to pull him out of it. :)
Grey Wonderer · 27 September 2004 · Chapter 14: Relapse
I read this over on your LJ and commented there, but I did want to post here too because I had to read it again. LOL I can't wait for more because I am very concerned about Merry. Even Aragorn doesn't seem to have the answers this time and that's a bit frightening. This is a great story and I am looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Wow, a second review! I'm really going to try to get back to a weekly update so hopefully I'll have more for you to read soon. :)
good_one_pip · 22 September 2004 · Chapter 9: Seeing is believing
This story keeps getting better. I'm glad pippin's feeling better, and at last the hobbits are somewhat reunited, if not consiously. I havn't been on the sight for a while, but i can't wait to catch up on all the stories. keep writing, I love them!
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm glad you are enjoying the story. :)