Scoutsonnr
· 20 September 2004
· Chapter 13: Near Drownings
This was very well-written. It is very interesting, as we don't hear very much from what happened in this time period in the books. Merry's acting so very much like I expect him to, so good job there! :)
I am curious, do you think that you could maybe tell us a rough estimate when the next chapter (14) will be posted? Thanks for writing such a great story! :)
Author's reply
I'm glad you are enjoying this. As to when chapter 14 will be ready to go, that is anyone's guess. I have a very rough version out being test read by my beta, but I may have to start over, so I'm guessing it will be next week at the earliest (unless a miracle occurs). Thanks for stopping by. :)
Sheildhobbit
· 18 September 2004
· Chapter 13: Near Drownings
WRITE MORE PLEASE!!!!!!! This is really, really good! Please write more soon!!!!!!!!!
Author's reply
Thank you for this very enthusiastic comment. I'm glad you are enjoying the story and I'll do my best to get some more written soon. :)
GamgeeFest
· 18 September 2004
· Chapter 13: Near Drownings
It would be frightening indeed to have to remember such a helpless moment in the hobbits' lives. I like your description of how Merry's frustration at not being able to help Pippin gave him the strength to run as long as he needed. At least Merry can help Pippin now - even if he gets splashed with water for doing so. ;)
Author's reply
Merry knows how luckily he is to still have Pippin, and he is happy to get splashed if that means Pippin is recovering. That doesn't mean he won't try for a little revenge somewhere along the line, of course, lol. Thanks for commenting. :)
GamgeeFest
· 15 September 2004
· Chapter 12: Putting the Pieces Together
I would think it rather important, just for the necessity to examine and treat the wound properly, that someone would have washed Pippin's hair.
It was fun to see the fellowship, the ones who are awake anyway, eating together again like they had so many times during the quest. Having Merry fill in the gaps should help Pippin remember everything a little bit more. I hope he gets his full memory back soon.
GamgeeFest
· 15 September 2004
· Chapter 11: Interlude
I liked Merry's reflection on how the conspiracy was formed and how Sam became involved, simply out of concern for his master. I also liked Merry's comment about Pippin always trying to outdo the Bullroarer, a nice connection to Pippin's comment in the book that he fears there's not enough of the Bullroarer in him. Look's like Pippin found what he had and used it!
Lindelea
· 15 September 2004
· Chapter 13: Near Drownings
Reading others' reviews can add depth to a chapter! I noticed subliminally the contrast between the dark dream and the gentle awake-time but it didn't impress itself upon my conscious thought until I read the review SlightlyTookish wrote.
Masterfully done!
Author's reply
Merry is trying very hard to ignore the dream and not let it affect him as anything more than an unpleasant memory, but it is bothering him more than he will let on, even to himself. I'm glad you liked the contrast in the chapter. :)
Lindelea
· 15 September 2004
· Chapter 13: Near Drownings
Go ahead and delete this "review", for it is really just a grammar nitpick. "who's" in the last paragraph ought to be "whose"
When in doubt, remember that "who's" stands for "who is" or "who has"; sometimes it's a help to substitute "who is" for "who's" or "whose" in the sentence and see if it makes sense that way.
Author's reply
Thanks for the catch. I usually don't have much trouble with who's and whose but this chapter was just chock full of mistakes. Pips caught me several times, but I guess that one slipped through.
Lindelea
· 15 September 2004
· Chapter 9: Seeing is believing
"And ‘hello’ to you, too, Meriadoc Brandybuck," he replied, setting the mug down as he approached Merry’s cot.
(I can just hear Gandalf saying this, and see the twinkle in his eye)
He asked politely but had no intention of taking ‘no’ for an answer.
(Ah, yes, stick to your guns, Merry. No, wait, there are no guns in M-e. Thankfully.)
holding an apple in one hand and a large chunk of cheese in the other, taking small, neat bites of each, allowing the flavors and textures to blend in his mouth
(So hobbity!)
...and the visit to Sam and Frodo, tender and heart-wrenching together. Gandalf's regret. The difficulty telling Sam and Frodo apart, with all their bandages and injuries. The comfort of hearing the snore. Merry taking Frodo's hand and talking to him. Telling Pippin about Sam and Frodo, and receiving a squeeze from Pippin's hand.
Thanks! No more time for reading, regretfully, but at least it gives me something to look forward to.
Lindelea
· 15 September 2004
· Chapter 8: Echoes of the Past
How like Merry to notice Aragorn's weariness, even as Aragorn is expressing his concern for the hobbit!
I have perfect confidence in you, that you will not allow Merry to slip into Shadow from which he will not awaken... but not so much confidence in Merry. I fear he's going to be quite stubborn, isn't he, and put himself in danger from which the love of his cousin and friends must extricate him?
Lindelea
· 15 September 2004
· Chapter 13: Near Drownings
*satisfied sigh*
I do love your writing. You paint vivid pictures and pull me into them. This was a lovely, comforting chapter for the most part. (The bath was certainly relaxing! ...and the anecdote amusing, pulling us back into a gentler time.)
Your beginning was a wonderful interpretation of the original, seen from Merry's perspective. His annoyance at people taking care of him, even as he is concerned with taking care of Pippin, sounds very much in character.
I hope Aragorn can sort out Merry's troubles. The nice thing about this part of the story (I mean LOTR as a whole) is that we know we're in a calm space and nothing truly dreadful can happen at this point... (at least we can hope that!)
Thanks!
Author's reply
Poor Merry. He is a caretaker, in this story, and caretakers can be very difficult patients. He wants the focus to be on Pippin, or Frodo and Sam, and doesn't want any worry over him to distract from his friends. It's a good thing his friends are willing to ignore his objections and make sure he is taken care of.
pipinheart
· 15 September 2004
· Chapter 13: Near Drownings
Love this story! Merry is taking very good care of pippin, with aragorn's help... I wonder what this dream means,or is it just a dream of the trama they went through.... Well, done chapter, can't wait to hear more....
Author's reply
I wonder what this dream means,or is it just a dream of the trama they went through
Well, we'll learn more about his dream in the next chapter, when Merry sits down with Aragorn for their little chat. Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment. :)
Hai Took
· 14 September 2004
· Chapter 13: Near Drownings
Poor Merry, haunted by the nightmares as well! I'm glad that Legolas was there, glad he reported Merry's night to Aragorn otherwise it might not have come up! I'm glad that Pip got a bath, he should be a lot more comfortable now! I liked the story about Merry almost "drowning" Pippin before! looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Thanks, I'm glad you liked this chapter.
Sadly, those nightmares aren't going to disappear overnight. All of the hobbits will most likely be having nightmares for a while. But for Merry, it's important that he accept the fact that those nightmares can be a symptom of something much more serious.
:)
RogerGamgee
· 14 September 2004
· Chapter 13: Near Drownings
This was a great chapter...I've read in other stories here on SoA about Pippin's love of splashing water in the bathtub. It's so hilarious, and at the same time so like Pippin.
"Merry nodded, biting back a rather snide comment about elves poking their finely shaped noses into other peoples’ business. He knew Legolas was merely concerned for him, as was Pippin, and he appreciated it, even when it seemed a bit unnecessary."
I loved this...and I can understand why Merry would feel this way. On the one hand, Legolas seems to be delving into something that isn't really his affair. On the other hand, Legolas IS just trying to be helpful by suggesting that Merry talk to Aragorn about his nightmare.
An excellent chapter...keep up the good work!
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked this chapter. It was a lot of fun to write. And Merry knows Legolas has only his best interests at heart, he just doesn't want to deal with this latest dream. He'd rather ignore it and hope it goes away, lol. Even smart hobbits can be dumb sometimes. :)
SlightlyTookish
· 14 September 2004
· Chapter 13: Near Drownings
Merry's nightmare was so powerful and frightening, but Pippin's bath was so calm and gentle. A very nice contrast. And I really love how Legolas and Aragorn are looking out for them. I'm eagerly awaiting the next chapter - I have to see what happens when Merry tells Aragorn!
Author's reply
There was a lot of stuff going on in this chapter. I'm glad you liked the contrast between the fluff of the bath and the effect of Merry's dream. Thanks for reading it. :)
songspinner
· 13 September 2004
· Chapter 13: Near Drownings
I've just begun reading this one today, and finished the latest chapter this evening. Relaxed me quite thoroughly there for a moment, right along with Pippin. :) I loved all the moments of trust in this bit...between Merry and Legolas, between Merry and Pippin, between Aragorn and his two hobbit friends. The dialogue flowed smoothly and with gentle humor, and the imagery was very clear. Can't wait for the next part...
Author's reply
I loved all the moments of trust in this bit
The members of the Fellowship have been through so much on this Quest and one thing they've learned is that they can trust each other, no matter what. I like showing that trust, here.
I'm glad you are enjoying this! :)
shirebound
· 13 September 2004
· Chapter 13: Near Drownings
"He recognized the touch. It was gentle and soothing, and with it came the barest glimpse of time stretching ahead and behind, bending and flexing in ways totally unfathomable to a hobbit."
Oh my goodness, how marvelous. Each chapter is better than the one before, and this is my favoritest so far, I think. And what a wonderful bath! Every detail was just perfect.
"Honestly, Aragorn," Merry added with a touch of exasperation, "you saw what he’s like, when we were in Rivendell. You put him in water and he splashes. I don’t think he has any control over it."
Love it, love it. Wonderful chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you! I had fun with this chapter, making it a little lighter and humorous in places. These poor hobbits have been through so much, they need to be able to just be hobbits on occasion, lol.
Grey Wonderer
· 13 September 2004
· Chapter 13: Near Drownings
Not fair! Pippin's bath relaxed me too because it was so well written. I got a bit drowsy as I read it. I may have to take a long soak in a bit. A wonderful chapter and I look forward to Merry's talk with Aragorn. I thought it was very nice the way you referred to your earlier story with the line about not sleeping in the tub. I also liked it when Pippin said he knew that Merry wouldn't let him drown.
Author's reply
I thought it was very nice the way you referred to your earlier story with the line about not sleeping in the tub.
I don't know why, but I really like tying all my stories together in some way, so I shamelessly reference them all over the place, lol. I'm glad you liked this chapter. :)
pipinheart
· 7 September 2004
· Chapter 12: Putting the Pieces Together
Love this story... Merry is taking such good care of pippin..... Can't wait till the next chapter....
Author's reply
Thanks! Merry's a good guy, isn't he? Pippin is doing much better with him on the job. The next chapter is off for betaing so with a little luck it will be up in a few days. :)
SlightlyTookish
· 4 September 2004
· Chapter 12: Putting the Pieces Together
Oh, Merry. *hugs him* I love how he's taking care of Pippin in so many ways, from tending to him when he has a nightmare to even mending his clothes! And I'm glad Pippin's memories are coming back, and that he has Merry there to help him with the especially painful ones. I'm waiting for more! :)
Author's reply
*Merry hugs Slightly Tookish*
Merry is a good friend, isn't he? Now if only he's learned to take good care of himself as well as Pippin! I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. :)
Hai Took
· 25 August 2004
· Chapter 11: Interlude
I like that you let us know how Sam got involved in the conspiracy! That he was hesitant about it not thinking it proper was very much Sam! I'm glad that Merry has learned more about Pippin, now perhaps he will be able to help him. I'm looking forward to more! thank you!
Author's reply
Thanks. It seemed like a good place for Merry to do a little reminiscing about the start of everything. He's feeling a bit guilty for dragging Sam into it, although he also realizes how important Sam was to the success of the mission.
Next chapter should see more Merry and Pippin interaction, so maybe some of that new knowledge will become useful. :)
pebbles66
· 24 August 2004
· Chapter 11: Interlude
I am enjoying this story very much. I love LOTR, but I have always wished that Prof. Tolkien had described more about the others' thoughts while Frodo and Sam were recovering. It's good to read your "take" on this.
Author's reply
Thanks, I feel the same way. There are so many places in the books where he just glosses things over. 'and then fourteen days pass and this is what happens next.' What? Pippin was crushed by a troll and he doesn't even pause to let us know he's still alive!
I'm glad you're enjoying my 'take' on those fourteen days. :)
Hai Took
· 15 August 2004
· Chapter 10: Promises
Merry saying that he had a "nightmare" about Pippin stealing his pipe was classic! I guess that might be considered a nightmare ;) It is good of Aragorn to make sure that Merry is taking care of himself, especially when it means making him leave when he doesnt' want to! Perhaps Legolas will be able to provide an adequate distraction! Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Aragorn seems to have a full time job on his hands, keeping track of the hobbits and making sure they are all taking care of themselves or being properly taken care of. He's doing a better job than Merry gives him credit for. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter :)
pipspebble
· 15 August 2004
· Chapter 10: Promises
This story just gets better and better. Am so glad you roped me in with it! It is a joy to read, no matter how many times I come back to it. Which is often, 'cause it's become one of my favorites. Can't wait for more!
Author's reply
You are very good for the ego, my dear! I laughed and laughed when I got this. I'm glad you like it well enough to come back for seconds (and thirds) :D
SlightlyTookish
· 15 August 2004
· Chapter 10: Promises
I just wanted to say that I've enjoyed this story for a long while (even though this is my first review). I can't wait to see what happens :)
Author's reply
I'm glad you've been enjoying this story :) I'm working on Chapter eleven now but it may be several days before I get it posted.
Lotrgirl1415
· 14 August 2004
· Chapter 10: Promises