Reviews (25)

Author's reply

Well, he's already eaten his cold revenge, and didn't much care for it. He will at least be more tactful next time. ;)

Author's reply

This is definetly the sort of day to be watched from a far and not experienced in any way. LOL Merry knows where to hit Frodo where he's most vulnerable. He paid back Frodo and then some. Frodo quickly showed him who still had the upper hand though. :D Pippin will, I'm afraid, always listen to his Merry, even when he knows it can only lead him to disaster. He may not be as blindly optimistic as Merry is, but he is just as rash and has the same taste for mischief. Oh, don't come to me for pranks! It took me forever just thinking of this one and I had no idea what Merry was planning with half of that stuff he was gathering up in Bag End. :)

Author's reply

hehe. I love it when Frodo gets to be a rascal and he shows his true colors here. Merry is quite the devious one also, but he'll never be able to steal Frodo's title as worst rascal in Buckland. Pippin was just along for the ride, no matter what might happen. :D Thanks for the review! I'm glad you got a laugh!

Author's reply

The hobbits will forget all about this as soon as something else comes along to grab their attention, though I can just imagine that barkeep many years from now bragging about his miraculous medicinal brew: "Why, this malt liquor even unclogged poor Mr. Baggins, who hadn't dropped a stone in four months." LOL! Frodo came up with the perfect punishment for that trick, one that neither Merry nor Pippin will forget anytime soon. That's a meal Sam, Tom and Jolly won't be forgetting anytime soon either! The poor guys really hadn't done anything to deserve that. Frodo is a rascal, what can I say? lol Thanks so much for reading! I'm glad you got a laugh out of this!

Author's reply

I used to get lost in book stores also. Someone like Frodo, who loves his reading and writing, would easily get lost in a novelty shop, tinkering with this and that. He should have kept Merry and Pippin there longer. ;) Merry's being a typical full-of-himself know-it-all tween, lol. Nothing can humble him for too long, I'm afraid. Pippin knows this is a bad idea and he knows they'll get in trouble, but he goes along anyway because it's his Merry. And Frodo, well, you already know what happens to him. :D

Author's reply

I never thought I'd see the day where Frodo would utter the words "I need a drink" lol. It only took Merry, Pippin and a morning and afternoon of pure misery. :) That was quite a drink he got too! I know absolutely nothing about alcohol, so that was all made up. It seems to be credible enough, no one's complained so far, at any rate. ~_^ Even Frodo isn't *that* cruel so as not to feed his cousins at all. Once his point got across, he was more than happy to let them out and let them eat. At least they've all learned that humiliation is off-limits and Merry won't be attempting payback any time soon, and when he does attempt it, he'll wait until *after* mealtime, lol. Pippin will always go along with Merry. Even when he knows he shouldn't, even against his better judgment, he'll do as Merry says because, let's face, most of the time they *do* get away with their pranks. Thanks so much for reading! I'm glad this gave you a laugh and I'll keep that in mind about a "laugh alert" for next time. ~_^

Author's reply

It might be some time before the Cottons can be talked into dining with the Master again. They'd rather risk insult after this! Even after everything gets cleared up, they'll still have the memory of how uncomfortable it was. As soon as Ilby and Dody suggested starting a rumor, Merry's eyes must have lit up. He probably even had several different rumors he could have started, depending on which vendors were there. Merry does need to be knocked down a peg or two, and Frodo's plan worked for a little while, but Merry's at that age where he can make up excuses for himself for not being able to do things, or can delude himself into believe he *could* have done them if not for certain holdbacks (in this case, Pippin). This is one day they'll be glad to see end. Merry's smart enough not to try anything right away. He might even forget about his vow to get even, but eventually, after enough years have passed, he'll get his revenge, lol. And Pippin will be there to help. ;) Thanks for reading! I'm glad you enjoyed this!

Author's reply

Merry knew he would never be able to pull anything close to what Frodo did to him, so he had to be a little more tricky about it. It was the perfect scheme, for what hobbit could ignore such a rumor about the Master of the Hill lol. And, if you think about it, Merry technically wasn't the one who embarrassed Frodo - it was everyone else! Oh, Frodo will be telling Sam all about what happened come morning, and Sam will doubtless tell the Cottons because he wouldn't want them to think that his master has lost it. It'll be some time before any of them agree to dine with him again though! Pippin's best revenge is, and always has been, refusing to talk to Merry. Besides, he knew he would get into trouble for this if he went along with the plan, but he did anyway because he would do anything for his Merry. He'll forgive Merry pretty quickly. Merry will just have to slip him some of that chocolate first. ~_^ I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading!

Author's reply

hehehe And so Frodo defends and retains his title as "Worst Rascal in Buckland" even though he's no longer *in* Buckland. Frodo has years of trouble-making experience over his cousins, and he's wise enough to realize that sometimes the simplest approach is the best one. He got Merry and Pippin where it counts the most - their stomachs. Very fiendish and diabolical of him, but it could have been worse, trust me. There's a reason I had Frodo leave the laxating herbs behind. ~_^ Thanks for reading and reviewing! I'm so glad you enjoyed this and got a laugh out of it. :)

Author's reply

Thank you! It's been quite a while since I've written something this silly and it was a nice reprieve from all the angst. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the review!

Author's reply

A favorite! Woot! I love to hear that! *hugs* Tom and Jolly certainly saw a side of Frodo they never want to see again. For Sam's sake, they'll keep quiet about it. I can only imagine the whisperings that would be going around if anyone found out about what Frodo did to his cousins. Hm, the next time they all take supper together might just be when Frodo and Sam move into the Cottons' after the Quest, lol. Pippin did get a pretty shabby deal out of this, but he *knew* he was going to get busted for helping Merry and he went along with it anyway. And we all know that he'll always go along with what Merry says, no matter what the consequences. ;) Once Sam gets over the shock of it all, he'll realize that Frodo would never starve his cousins overlong. It was good advice and now he'll be left in peace to work as the cousins enjoy the rest of their visit with Frodo. Merry was secretly glad his first plan was a bust. He would have gone along with it and been happy enough had Frodo not caught him out, but this one in the marketplace was the one he *really* wanted to do. They did learn to not publicly humiliate each other anymore, so it wasn't all for nothing, and I'm sure Merry will still be silently snickering over this for a long time to come, as Frodo still silently snickers over the frock. In time, they'll both learn to laugh at their own humiliation.

Author's reply

Sam would have been dancing for joy if he didn't have so much work to catch up on! And now he's got thoughts of Rosie distracting him. Tom isn't helping much, with all his hints about Marigold. They're in the "pet crush" stage right now, where they like the lasses a little more than they know they should (for them being girls and all) but not really yet to the point where they're going to be professing their love anytime soon. It's still all about hanging out and having fun, and if the girls just happen to give them a little extra attention, well, there's no harm in that. ^_^ Frodo's rather subtle in his approaches for keeping Merry distracted and away from causing trouble. He might not have intended for the gift to be part of that plan but it did rather work to his advantage, as well as his annoyance. In hindsight, he would have left the gift for another day, and just spent more time in the novelty shop, lol. Matchmaking father and homely daughter or not, that still would have been better than being peppered with endless, nagging questions all afternoon. Merry's not having such a good time himself. In between all his looking about for the opportune moment, he's having to deal with lectures and feeling sorry for himself that Frodo isn't siding with him on the Sam issue. He just doesn't get what he did wrong, even while knowing that he *did* mistreat Sam and just not being able to admit to it. At least he has Pippin. :) Thanks for the review!

Author's reply

You are wise to fear for Frodo. Things are not going as well as he thinks they are. Merry's getting his plan in order and Frodo's running out of things to distract them with. LOL, it seems that *someone* is always trying to play matchmaker for Frodo. If it's not Esmeralda, it's an old stationer with dreams of grandchildren. But that's the danger of being a bachelor amongst hobbits. :D Poor Lilah isn't any happier about her father's efforts than Frodo is. She'd rather just be ignored than be humored (even if it's meant politely) by a dashing gentlehobbit who has no interest in her. Pippin always goes along with Merry's crazy schemes, and he's at the age where bypassing mischief is just unthinkable, even if he does know it will result in nothing but grief for him later. Thanks for the review!

Author's reply

I've been sworn to secrecy regarding the toad, lol! Let's just say, I can fully imagine Pippin doing something like that. :) The tinder box just wasn't well-thought out. Frodo would have done better to wait until his cousins left to retrieve it. He wasn't planning on them badgering him - silly hobbit. Frodo is going to have to be on his guard though if he wants to get back home in one piece. Whatever Merry has in store for him, he's had weeks to plan it and plenty of motivation driving him toward this very moment. Thanks for the review!

Author's reply

Pippin always goes along with Merry, no matter what, and it is often his downfall. But he can't help it. He loves his Merry and wants to do everything his older cousin does. He wants to prove that he's as grown up, though he can't help playing with his food! Merry's bound and determined - a dangerous combination for that Brandybuck! Frodo better be on his guard, even more than he was before. Merry can be rather one-track minded when it comes to things of this nature, protecting his dignity and all that. ~_^ That does, unfortunately mean that Frodo's lecture went in one ear and right out the other, but we know that Frodo gets through to him eventually. Poor Frodo! As if having Merry wasn't enough to contend with, he then has to deal with the stationer. Let's hope the stationer and Esmeralda never join forces or Frodo won't stand a chance! And then there's that dratted tinder box. It's such a kid thing to do and it's something every adult has to put up with at one point or another. Sam must have breathed a huge sigh of relief to see his master leave and he doesn't waste time getting caught up. Good thing too, because he wasn't counting on Rosie showing up. That's plenty of distraction right there! He and Tom won't get much accomplished if they get chin-wagging like that, though Jolly will have plenty to tease them about. Whatever Sam's advice to Frodo was, you can bet it was something sensible. Thanks for reading! I'm so glad you're enjoying this!

Author's reply

Poor Frodo indeed. He's not having a very good day so far, is he, and Merry's bound and determined to make it worse. Merry doesn't hold very many grudges, but when he does, look out! Babysit, lol. Though I imagine Frodo does rather feel like he *is* watching a couple of faunts just about now. Thanks for the review!

Author's reply

I'd be interested to hear if your guess comes close to the mark once the last part is posted. It took me *forever* to think up something he could do to get back at Frodo, and I'm a bit worried it won't live up to expectations. No one's going to be enjoying the day they thought they were going to have. :) LOL, or at least, shopping with Frodo when he's going for stationery! Poor Merry and Pippin. They're putting up with quite a lot to get this prank played out. Thanks for reading and I'm glad you're enjoying it!

Author's reply

Pippin is enjoying this far more than he's letting on. He's always in the position of being the youngest, and now he gets to see his two older, sophisticated cousins acting like children. Merry has many tricks up his sleeve and he's not about to give up any time soon. He has a score to settle and once Merry gets his mind set on something, nothing can deter him. Frodo's going to have to step fast to keep ahead of this Brandybuck, but he's more than prepared for the job. I'm glad this gave you a laugh. ^_^ Thanks for reading!

Author's reply

This may turn out to be the longest day in Shire history, lol! Sam will have help soon in staying out of the way. Thankfully, Pippin wants to go into town. Sam will breathe a sigh of relief to see them go. It may be the first time he's actually *glad* to see his master leave. Not that it will help with his distractions though. ~_^ Frodo and Merry are in a battle of the minds and wits as much as anything else. Merry's trying desperately to outsmart Frodo and Frodo is doing everything he can to keep ahead of the game. I think we'll all be glad to sit this one out! Glad this gave you a chuckle. Thanks for reading!

Author's reply

Merry did learn everything he knows from Frodo, but that isn't to say that Frodo taught Merry everything *he* knows. ;) Frodo didn't earn his title as "worst rascal in Buckland" for nothing, but his approach tends to be more subtle than Merry's. Pippin is such a dear. So sweet and charming. How could Sam possibly tell him no? I can just picture him chattering away non-stop when he's excited about something. Wonder how many questions he had to bombard Sam with to learn all that. :) Thanks for reading! I'm glad this gave you a laugh.

Author's reply

Merry does tend to revert back to childishness from time to time, doesn't he? But he still manages to charm us, lol. Pippin is so adorable at this age, and also quite the handful. Poor Sam, having to contend with all these cousins. Thanks for reading! :)

Author's reply

Thank you for reading! I'm glad this gave you a laugh. The fun has only just begun. Things should get a bit more hectic before the end of this day.

Author's reply

Thanks so much, and it's wonderful to hear from you! I'm glad you're enjoying this and my other stories. :)

Author's reply

hehe I love these four together too, especially when they're all being such rascals, in their own ways, and any time Frodo can be a bit silly and mischevious is a special treat. Uncle Dino pulled the tutor card, lol. Laziness on my part, but I didn't think you'd mind. :) "The Princess Bride" is one of my favorites and that scene with the poison always cracks me up. If only I could have worked in an "Inconceivable!" in here somewhere, and believe me, I was looking for a spot to put it! But I think that would have been too over-the-top even for this fic, which is also borrowing inspiration from "Xena", The Beatles and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". The Gaffer is wasting his breath: Sam is *already* quite stuck in the middle of his betters' affairs. He can't say he wasn't warned though. He knew Merry was going to be up to no good, and he knew Frodo was going to be on his guard. He wasn't quite expecting to get so caught up in it as he is, but he has the advantage of not being related to them, lol. He can go home at the end of the day. ;) Ah, Pippin. He does seem to be getting the short end of the stick, but I wouldn't count him out just yet. At least he learned all those interesting things about gardening, which he of course couldn't help sharing with his cousins. I love it when Pippin is so Pippish. :) Merry's being a bit of prick toward Sam. He can't be his friend anymore, so banter would only offend Sam more. Knowing that Sam never forgave him does put him a bit on guard, and he's starting to settle into the belief that servants can be *told* what to do rather than *requested* to do things. Not a good combination. On top of that, Frodo won't put up with Sam being mistreated, so Merry is finding himself walking a very tight line with nothing really to balance himself. It doesn't help that he's still so jealous of Sam either. At this point, he doesn't really know what he wants in his relationship with Sam, just that he wishes there was some way he could communicate with him. Frodo's showing his old rascally ways. Sam's getting his first taste of just what his master used to get up to when he lived in Buckland. That "Brandybuckishness" (I like that word!) is making both cousins behave in ways they wouldn't normally act. Throw in Merry's head-strong tendencies and Frodo's good old Baggins stubborness, and Sam will be wishing for a place to hide soon enough, lol. I'm so glad you're enjoying this and that you got a laugh or two from it. :)

Author's reply

It should be interesting, to say the least. Merry is quite determined and a determined Brandybuck is rather dangerous, lol. Frodo has experience with these things though, having been a rascal himself in his younger days (and still being a bit of one now). Frodo's going to have to keep two steps ahead of Merry if he wants to get through this day unscathed. ;) Sam had some warning of what was to come and he certainly knows what Merry is capable of. He's always willing to help Frodo in any way he can, but this is putting a bit of strain on him. Wouldn't be so bad if Merry wasn't acting like a prick though, lol. Merry is full of ideas and he'll be happy to get any of them to work. Thanks for reading and for the rec! I'm glad this gave you a laugh.