Reviews (26)

Dreamflower · 8 January 2008 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2

*happy satisfied sigh* This reads just as well on a repeat as the first time around. Just thought you'd want to know that.

Estel_Mi_Olor · 20 January 2006 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Excellent story! This was very well done, especially Merry. I loved his conversation with Legolas. Imagine! An elf doing the dishes! : ) Also, great characterization with the rest of the Fellowship. Thanks!

Pearl Took · 7 October 2005 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Well Done!! "Merry snorted. “Yes, he’ll be very grateful to us when we defeat the Enemy by singing one of Pippin’s drinking songs at Him.”" I think the Dark Lord would find that very hard to bear; too much joy in it :)

Saoirse · 4 October 2005 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Oh! Lovely. Wonderful characterizations. 'Lose his sword and hope they laugh themselves to death?' LoL Lovely.

docmon · 1 October 2005 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2

What a terrific story, Lamiel! You really got to the heart of the wonderful and amazing things about hobbits. Merry was very well done, as were all the characters, very in-character. I truly enjoyed reading this. mon

Le Rouret · 29 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Your sister is fortunate. A charming story -- poignant and well-written, as I would have expected of you. Thank you for reminding us that it's the little things that make the biggest difference!

Budgielover · 27 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Bravo! Bravo! I am sorry to see this end - Merry still has so much to learn from each member of the Fellowship, as well as teach. The dialogue between hobbit and elf was wonderful - perfectly in character for each, and Legolas' explanation of his analysis of each member of the Company was brilliant. You show us the mettle that lies in Merry's heart, and makes his later bravery so understandable. Wonderful story!

Budgielover · 27 September 2005 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1

How delightful to have such a close, canon-based look inside Merry's head! Your Merry is so well developed and 'real' yet adheres perfectly to Professor Tolkien's. I loved reading about Merry's self-doubt and his worry over both his cousins, and most especially, his place in the Fellowship. This is a well-thought out and intelligent story.

shirebound · 27 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2

He looked at Merry. “The Shadow feeds on despair, do you understand? In my home there are warriors who bear no physical injury, yet are crippled beyond healing in Middle-earth. And now we proposed to send the Enemy’s greatest weapon in a company of battle-weary soldiers, who have little cause for hope. We may as well have given the Ring directly to the Witch-king and done away with the preliminaries!” Merry gaped at him. He had heard Gandalf say that the Ring was drawn to power, but he had never thought of it like that before. Legolas sighed. “I suspect that Lord Elrond chose me for this Company because I am young, and less weary than many of my elders. But there is little innocence left in Lasgalen – in Mirkwood.” He spat the name as if it were a curse. “No. I had little hope for our success, until you and Samwise and Peregrin joined the Fellowship.” What a marvelously insightful story! I enjoyed this very much.

thechevin · 27 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2

May I be particularly cheeky and review both chapters in one? I saw this story yesterday after a particularly trying day and it had the power to make me smile, laugh out loud at the dwarf and elf and then to cry as Merry came to understand the importance of being an ordinairy Hobbit You have such a wonderful way with words I almost feel as if I am eavesdropping like Legolas into someone elses conversations. Pippin in the stream catching crayfish well of course he would try it he is a Hobbit This was a delight and one of those tales I shall treasure I do hope we see more of this Fellowship on the road I am still waiting to find out what will happen if Gimli finds that circlet in Legolas' pack!

Grey Wonderer · 26 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2

I love this! I was sorry to see it end. Legolas was wonderful in this part and I laughed out loud at Pippin's antics with the dishes and the crawfish. I liked what Legolas told Merry about his part as a member of the Fellowship. A very entertaining story! Thank you.

French Pony · 26 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2

What a nice ending. I always like scenes of Legolas with the Hobbits, just because it seems that there's a lot of wisdom there from both sides that we ordinarily don't get to see. It's great how you manage to make Legolas so approachable and so alien all at the same time -- like he's friendly when he wants to be yet projects a kind of standoffish air unconsciously. And he's right -- laughter and friendship are vital survival needs, even if Merry doesn't see that immediately, coming from such a happy place as he does. That's the main thing I've learned from my thesis reading so far.

French Pony · 26 September 2005 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Happy birthday! This is a fun story. I like the look at Merry struggling with his pride. It seems that he's never really had to think about whether or not he's a brave warrior. But he's responsive to his surroundings, and he sees that at this point in time, being a warrior is something useful. It must be hard for him to not only have to readjust his priorities like that, but then to come out on the not-good-enough end of things as well. By the way, I know I've kind of gotten off of This Present Darkness. I was having some problems with ffn this summer, and then I just got out of the habit of reading things there. I try to remind myself to pick it up again, because I do want to find out what happens, but I may not get to it instantly, as I'm working on a thesis. But I haven't forgotten it, and one day, I will pick it up again. Promise.

Grey Wonderer · 26 September 2005 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1

This shows Merry frustration so well. He wants to be treated like an equal but he is worried that he doesn't merrit that. This is a wonderful story so far and I am enjoying it very much. I loved Sam's insistance that Merry eat while they had plenty and Merry's thoughts and worries about what might happen to Pippin in a real battle.

Periantari · 26 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2

This is an exquisite story~ I love so many parts and really think that you have Merry well described~ i love his feelings of doubt about his own abilities and your multi-layered character story really gave me a feeling that you know the books and the movies well and also the typical stereotypes that go with each race of Middle Earth This part made me laugh: Merry snorted. “Yes, he’ll be very grateful to us when we defeat the Enemy by singing one of Pippin’s drinking songs at Him.” lol i love Merry's doubt there and it's so funny too... I love how you had Merry converse with Sam, Aragorn and Legolas-- there is much skill in your writing conversations between Merry and 3 different characters. Much versatility also in writing about hobbits for the first time. :) I also love your part about how Frodo is different and not just chosen because he's a hobbit. Frodo was not chosen as Ring-bearer because of his strength at arms, and Gildor did not name him Elf-friend because he thought him amusing to look upon. He has a spirit that is unique, in my experience, unlike any I have encountered in Elf, Man, or Hobbit.” So true. Written so very well and is so true to canon. By being ordinary Hobbits, and reminding him of home. Indeed, you remind us all that the Shadow does not encompass all, and that there is yet hope. You can make us laugh, Master Meriadoc, and that is the greatest weapon that we have.” Lovely~ so true and so right and just wonderfully written and wonderful observation. Also your Legolas and Gimli "battles" are a riot to read about as well. This is an awesome story~ thanks so much for writing and sharing this. and indeed, you write hobbits very well!

Larner · 26 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Yes, to see Merry realizing the need he and Pippin and Sam can fill--that's what I was thinking of.

Larner · 26 September 2005 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Ah, but soon Merry will find there is need, and need. Frodo needs to have his family near, to sustain his hope when he can't carry it himself any more. He needs to have them as the reminder of what will be saved if he is successful. Well written.

Dreamflower · 26 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Well, I'm home and finally had time to come and finish this and review. I have to say: I hope that you do some more hobbit stories, because you have a very *good* grasp of their characters. Your Merry is just as I would think in those circumstances: proud, protective, practical, yet he is still young and this is his first time in the wide world as well. (We tend to forget that when it comes to *experience* of Men and the outside world, Merry and Pippin are on even footing in spite of the age difference.) He wants so very much to take care of Frodo and see him through this ordeal, and to protect Pippin as well. There were so many lovely bits to love in this. “He won’t hurt them, Sam,” Frodo said. “And no good will come of spoiling him.” Merry shot him a sidelong look, but said nothing. Of them all, Frodo was if anything the most guilty of spoiling his youngest cousin. Very much a "cousin" moment, and just how I see it as well. Legolas returned their stares with an expression of utmost innocence. Merry might even have fallen for it, had he not known Pippin for so long. Something I do love about your Legolas, he brings in that whole merry, light-hearted aspect of Elvishness that JRRT had, yet so many fanfic authors either ignore or go overboard with. You have a deft touch with this. He likes a joke, but it's not slapstick. And I love the way Merry recognizes that "look" of mischief because of his experience with Pip. “We can’t go on like this,” Frodo said, scandalized. “We’re filthy! I can’t imagine anyone –” he broke off, blushing as Aragorn looked at him. “That is, I’m sure that for some folks it would be perfectly fine,” he said hastily. “But, you see, we’re just not used to living in the Wild yet. We need to take it in small steps.” This made me hoot. And it's the kind of movie reference I like, subtle, and going to visuals, not messing with the book canon plot. Is that a bad thing?” Legolas asked. “To be ordinary?” An excellent question, and one that many people might ask themselves in this day and age when so many people want to make themselves something they are not in a vain quest for notoriety. Then he bent down close to Merry, and lightly touched his shoulder. “Be a warrior, Merry, if that seems best to you. But do not be a proper one. There are enough of those in the Fellowship.” Such a nice bit of advice, and one that I think Merry will take to heart. Thank you for this very nice story! I plan to rec it all over the place.

TithenFeredir · 26 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Oh, that was great! Legolas often gets to be brave or angst-ridden or "merry", but it's not often he gets to be wise. I loved this one statement because it seemed to sum up the point so well: “The Shadow feeds on despair, do you understand?" I know this was Merry's fic, but (confessions of an eldarophile) I really enjoyed the way you wrote Legolas as a peripheral character up until his little lecture to the hobbit. The whittling trick was priceless. The way he flashed overhead and was gone before anyone else even moved when Pip cried out, his bright, penetrating stare at Merry, the way he moved without a sound--it was all so wonderfully elvish. Your hobbits were properly hobbity, but you just can't help writing a spot-on elf. (unseemly, elf-obsessed rant complete) I thought you were going to have Merry save the day, but this was unexpected and much, much better. ~TF

TithenFeredir · 26 September 2005 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1

This is written with such a nice, light touch. I sympathize Merry, feeling like a fifth wheel and wanting so much to be a contributor in the quest. You do a good job of implying the practiced competemce of the bigger members of the fellowship as well as the dangers that the group faces. It emphasizes Merry's inadequacy in this situation, but that is counterbalanced by his determination to be useful. I suspect he will get a chance to prove his worth. ~TF

Bodkin · 26 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Legolas's words of wisdom show his age and intelligence. And give a great background to the elf/dwarf conflict. Although I'm not sure that Gimli has been given any choice as to his participation in mood-lightening. And he's right. The hobbits are needed to give Frodo a reason to go on. (Even at Parth Galen.) And Sam's memories of the Shire remind Frodo of his purpose right up to the last. This is such a lovely story. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Bodkin · 26 September 2005 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1

I don't feel capable of reviewing intelligently - but this is just great. I love Merry - his doubts are so reasonable, and just so much the kind of doubt that that intelligent, organised, self-sufficient hobbit would display. As are his frustrations. (Love the detail. Aragorn is just so seriously grubby. I'm sure Arwen insisted that he be steam-cleaned before she would consent to retire to a bedchamber with him.)

daw the minstrel · 26 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Lovely explanation! The Shadow is more than strength of arms.

daw the minstrel · 26 September 2005 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1

You do such a nice job of embodying this story, Lamiel. Merry's thought, feelings, and words are central, of course, but you use great details to make the whole thing feel like it's happening in a real place with real people rather than to talking heads. I like the questions you're raising too. I think fanfic writers sometimes underestimate the hobbits, even when they obviously love them.

Dreamflower · 26 September 2005 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1

I really need to go run some errands, but I could not *possibly* sign off without telling you how lovely this is. You may not write hobbits much, but you certainly have good insight into them. I remember noting when I read "In the Deep Places" that you had some wonderful insight into their interaction with one another and with the rest of the Fellowship. Can't wait to get home and discover Chapter 2. Your Merry is *perfect*.