Reviews (52)

PSW · 6 September 2016 · Chapter 16

Hobbits *are* delightful! As was this story. :-) Good one, thanks for writing!

PSW · 6 September 2016 · Chapter 10

Poor Frodo. I think that once you have seen the evils of the world there's always a bit of melancholy underlying the joy -- it's the way of things, and maybe even part of the maturing process on some level. Joy has a special poignancy when you understand what might have taken its place. But it's definitely harder for some than others, and after all that Frodo's gone through its no surprise that he was ever able to recover, even as he was helping the Shire to recover around him. Sad, but no surprise. Glad Beri was warned to be polite to Sam -- there's just no sense getting everyone all riled up if it can be avoided... :-P

PSW · 6 September 2016 · Chapter 4

Ah, Merry. :-) That's the way to a lass's heart -- tell her about the romances. The rest can come later, if need be.... As for seeing the problems twelve years later (from your last response) -- well, that just means you've gotten better, right? :-) When I look at some of the stuff I wrote years ago (thankfully tucked away where no one will eve see) I want to go hide my head under a pillow somewhere! :-P But no matter -- it was an enjoyable story regardless, and I'm enjoying this one so far as well. Thanks for writing!

PSW · 3 March 2016 · Chapter 16

This was a good story! I enjoyed how you wove all of it together, and gave some background for what had been going on w the Tooks and Brandybucks as well. Thanks for writing! :-)

Eirinn Leigh · 31 July 2015 · Chapter 16

A lovely story and quite enjoyable to read.

Cap Red · 2 July 2010 · Chapter 6

Hi, I read one of your stories a while ago and recently rediscovered you, and have to say that your writing is inspired! I don't normally stop in the middle of a story to review, but I find that if I don't say something now, then I might forget entirely amidst all my happiness. Your characterisations are brilliant and the little details that you include just fills me with glee. I particularly liked the image of the dwarf haggling backwards. It gives such a depth to the story which so many other stories lack. The thing that I enjoy most however, is how true you are to Tolkien and to hobbits in general. Well done, and keep up the excellent work! Cap ;)

Larner · 15 December 2007 · Chapter 16

Ah, now I have to leave it for a time. Dear Strider and his love for his friends, and their love for him. Bless them all!

Larner · 15 December 2007 · Chapter 11

Great minds do tend to think alike, don't they? Yes, they'll most likely always know some nightmares--when the weather changes, when they're under stress, when things seem to be going too well, near and on anniversaries.... PTSD is such an insidious condition! And of course Pippin realizes when his Merry is in distress.

Larner · 15 December 2007 · Chapter 5

Ah, I see you and I both saw things like this happening to our beloved Hobbits in MT. It must have infuriated Frodo especially!

Larner · 15 December 2007 · Chapter 3

Am reading through this for the MEFAs, and I apologize for not leaving a review every chapter. However, this chapter caught at me especially. All are telling what happened to a selected audience; now, to convince them. Pippin's tossed-away explanation--no, that would never have gone over well with his dad! Poor lad--ruled DEAD! And now it's not orcs but true Men he's had to fight....

EstellaB · 15 April 2006 · Chapter 16

I love it! I seem to remember having read this sometime before-is it posted elsewhere? At any rate, I really like it :)

vinca_b · 17 February 2006 · Chapter 16

I think I might actually like this one better than the other one, but it's hard to say. I'll just try to pick out my favorite bits, again. Merry's protectiveness (is that even a word?) about Frodo to that Chubb who was mouthing off about the Bagginses (and, slightly off-topic, I felt so very sorry for Frodo here, realizing with Merry that there will be no more Bagginses, and the hardships Frodo had to deal with *after* the Quest were just made that much more present to me). The fact that the Travellers *need* each other, and only each other, after what they've experienced. Pippin sensing that Merry needed him. The comment from Paladin that "no Brandybuck would step foot in Tookland until the king comes back" really stopped me dead in my tracks, just imagining the repercussions such a statement might have had, when coming from the Thain to the Master of Buckland. My goodness. Although Saradoc's remark about it was hilarious! Berilac is such a sweetie, and I kind of feel bad that he's left out of the loop, as it were. And then the very end, with Aragorn and Faramir, just made me feel warm and fuzzy. :-) I've probably left out a good deal, but I loved it a lot! Thank you! Vinca

Gryffinjack · 26 December 2005 · Chapter 16

*applauds* This was a real treat to read again. You are truly a master at exploring the relationships between the four hobbits as well as their relationships with the rest of the Tooks and Brandybucks and the rest of the Shire. How sad that the Party Tree was no longer. You know, in a way, that Party Tree is like the White Tree of Minas Tirith. One tree standing alone, symbolising the hopes and happiness of its peoples. The difference is that in Minas Tirith, those hopes have suffered far longer than they did in the Shire, thanks in no small measure to Aragorn and the other Rangers. And now that the king has come back to both places, there is a new tree which bloomed quickly in Minas Tirith and there soon will be a similar tree in the Shire, thanks to Sam and Galadriel. The official letter from the Thain, Master, and acting-Mayor was wonderful. It really sets up "A New Reckoning" very nicely. "It is to be hoped that trade may take place between the Shire, and the rest of the restored Kingdoms, to the mutual benefit of all parties. In particular, we are anxious to re-establish the trade in pipeweed, which was disrupted by the troubles in the south." Did the Hobbits used to trade with the South, particularly pipeweed? If so, then why was everyone so surprised to see two barrels of Longbottom Leaf in Isengard? My impression is that the Shirefolk pretty much had cut themselves off from the rest of Middle Earth, with the rare visit to Bree and Bilbo being the only exceptions. "We suggest that any Men who would come to the Shire must have the approval of the Thain, the Master and the Mayor, before being given permission to enter. Elves and Dwarves, are of course, another matter altogether, and may continue their passage through our land as always." Now here is something I have not seen explored before, Elves and Dwarves passing through the lands of the Shire. Canon though it may be, you get the feeling that the only Dwarves to visit the Shire were those the dozen that accompanied Bilbo on his adventure. If Dwarves and Elves visited the Shire, then why would the Hobbits always be in such awe of the Elves and act as though they had never seen one before? Unless the Elves remained hidden from the Hobbits, which is a distinct possibility given their predilection to remain hidden from others. But then how would the Hobbits know that the Elves were amongst their lands? And would not the Elves or at least the Dwarves bring with them some news of the goings on outside of the Shire? There you go, making me think again while reading your stories! But that is nothing at all unusual and is one of the things that makes your stories such a delight to read. I enjoyed reading this story as much the second time as the first, if not more so. Here's one: “You have traveled a long and weary way. Go find yourself some food and some rest, you are dismissed for today.” Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story with us! And thanks again for replying to most of my reviews! I do so enjoy your feedback on my comments about your stories. Happy writing!

Gryffinjack · 26 December 2005 · Chapter 15

What a lovely, light little exchange: "Merry had to help him into his armor. “For goodness’ sake, Pip, you’ve been in front of kings and princes and Elven lords and wizards and Ents. You’ve slain Orcs and a troll. What is there to be frightened of from a bunch of Tooks?” “Because they *are* Tooks.” “You have a point there. Ah, see, I made you smile.” Pippin made an effort to put the corners of his mouth down. “Did not.” “Did so.” “Did not.” Frodo stood at the door with his arms folded. “Well, I must have come to the wrong place. I was looking for a couple of warriors from the South, and see I found the nursery instead.” He was glad to see them in good spirits. No dreams for Merry the night before." I so enjoy seeing the three of them play together! All three of them share that same wonderful sense of humour. "Necessity made him a warrior, destiny made him a King, and his heart made him a healer. When the healer is needed, he puts warrior and king behind him in an instant." What a powerful statement you have written, Dreamflower! and how perfect for it to come from Frodo - so elegant and insightful. A masterful piece of writing that had the desired effect on the Thain and the Master, as they are now ready to discuss ideas with Frodo about Aragorn's letter. Although Frodo is divesting himself of some of his property by offerring it to Merry and Pippin, this time it is out of love for them rather than out of preparing for leaving the Shire, as he does later on. Can you imagine how difficult that must have been for Paladine and Eglantine to allow their underage son to move so far from home after they have just got him back from a year's absence during which Paladin thought him dead? At least for Saradoc and Esmeralda, Merry will not be far away at all. But for Paladin and Eglantine - the burdens and sacrifices demanded of many by the Ring still continue. The way Pippin takes right to the idea, I do wonder if he had any regret at all about leaving his parents and sisters so soon after just having come home. Now that he and his father had worked out their differences, and still being a tweenager who does love his family, I should think that some part of him would want to remain at the Great Smails with his family, even though he knew that he and Merry both *needed* to do this. "“It’s Merry. Ever since before I can remember, Merry has always taken care of me, protected me, watched out for me. While we were gone, Frodo had all three of us watching out for him, and then he had Sam; I had Frodo and Merry the first part of the trip, and then I had just Merry. But Merry--well, I didn’t take very good care of him.” Pippin hung his head. One of the things of which he was most heartily ashamed was that it had been his foolishness in the matter of the palantir that had allowed him to become separated from Merry. “I know that it all worked out for the best, but I should have thought more of him." Oh, Pippin! (((((hugs))))) I never thought of it that way! How right you are that Pippin would have felt awfully guilty and horribly miserable about having to leave Merry. He would have felt as though he had abandoned Merry when Merry needed him most and would have hated himself for it and beaten himself up over it. Oh, Pippin! As sensitive as he is and as much as he loves Merry, Pippin's heart must have broken over what he had done to his Merry in his foolishness - and he would have been right. His pain must have been unbearable. That three day ride to Minas Tirith must have been worse than I had imagined. Thank you so much for bringing this forward - your writing is so insightful!

Gryffinjack · 26 December 2005 · Chapter 14

I'm so glad that Paladin and Saradoc have made up. Those two families really should not have any ill feelings between them. "As they approached, they saw a tall figure sitting on the gate. Much as he had done when he was a small lad, Pippin jumped down and ran to meet them, putting on an imitation of his childhood self by leaping up and down and shouting “Merry! Merry! Merry! Frodo! Frodo! Frodo!” “Pip, you goose, you’re the largest seven year old I’ve ever seen!” laughed Merry, as he slid down from Stybba to enfold his cousin in a hug." How very Pippin to try to cheer Merry up and make him laugh, knowing inside himself how much Merry needs it right now. This is one instance where Pippin did not make a fool of himself because he is a Took, but did it for his love of his cousin. It's so strange to read of a "tall figure sitting on a gate" when referring to a Hobbit! Yet, that is precisely what Merry and Pippin are to the rest of the Hobbits. "“Frodo, I need to talk to you.” His face was quite serious. “What is it, Pippin?” “Let’s get away from prying ears.” He tugged at Frodo’s sleeve and drew him over toward one of the Smials side entrances, where the door formed a small alcove. “All right, we’re alone now, Pip. What is it?” “Frodo, is Merry having nightmares again?” “Yes, he is. Are you?” “No. I was having the one about Denethor, but it stopped when I got things settled with Father. But two nights in a row, I woke up thinking Merry needed me. I couldn’t think what else it could be. Which one is it? Is it the one about--me?” “Yes.” Frodo did not question Pippin’s knowledge. Merry and Pippin knew these things about one another, as anyone close to them was aware. “Pip, his parents saw, and Berilac.” “Oh, no! poor Merry. He’ll hate that.” Pippin shook his head sadly." Yep, Pippin's all grown up now. Not at all the silly goose he pretended to be on the gate. When there's something serious about, he gets right to the point but now has enough sense to be careful as to who might be around to hear. I have a feeling that Pippin knew very well that Merry's nightmare had been the one about him. The bond between them is that strong. And, of course, once Frodo told him that they knew, Pippin would understand how upsetting it would be for Merry for his parents to know of the night terrors. Thank goodness they have arrived at the Great Smials - maybe now that Merry has seen Pippin, he will not have any nightmares. Merry and Pippin really do need each other. Here's one: "The travelers were eager to get on their way to Tookland, and prepared to leave right after first breakfast." And another: "Saradoc’s grin and gesture included all three of the returned travelers."

Gryffinjack · 26 December 2005 · Chapter 13

Frodo has such a wonderful relationship with Esmeralda and Saradoc, it's always a pleasure to see them interact. Poor Paladin really did have cause for being so upset and thinking Pippin had died. Given his son's tender age, I can see where he would lash out and blame Merry, Frodo, Saradoc, and Bilbo. Thankfully, he is honourable and will admit when he is mistaken. Poor Merry! To go through these night terrors the rest of their lives! Yet, Frodo is right that it is a small price to pay. But now not only do Merry's parents and Berilac know, but so does Rosie. I'd wager that poor Rosie's thoughts turned to her Sam and the terrors he must have gone through and still be enduring. Of course, as well as Rosie knows her Sam, I'm sure she cottoned (aha! Tolkien's reason for her last name!) on to how horrible it must have been and continues to be for him, but seeing Merry like this must have made it all the more clearer and immediate. Even though Pippin does, as Sam said, bounce along easier than Merry does, I do wonder if Pippin did not have some of his own troubles sleeping without Merry these few nights they were separated, and not just because he felt Merry's distress. This is one of the real purposes of fanfic, to give us a greater appreciation for canon and what our hobbits went through. And you do that very well, indeed. Here's an "Esmerelda" in this chapter: "Frodo led Saradoc and Esmerelda from the room." And another: "It was only by a miracle that Pippin did not die in Merry’s arms. I think he clung to life only because he would not leave Merry alone.” Esmerelda gasped in horror, and Saradoc went pale."

Gryffinjack · 26 December 2005 · Chapter 12

"Sam shook his head. “Mr. Frodo’s not happy with me right now; he’s that kind-hearted, I think sometimes he’d even feel sorry for Sauron himself.” “He probably does,” replied Merry. “But isn’t that one of the reasons we love him?”" Spot on brilliant summation. Frodo really is a special hobbit with an unusal amount of love and compassion. Although Gandalf may have helped him along in this by pointing out how Bilbo had taken pity on Gollum and spared him, I think that Frodo would have found his own compassion for Gollum when he had actually met and seen the creature himself. For Frodo to have this same compassion for Grima Wormtongue, Saruman, and now Ted Sandyman... the people of Minas Tirith had the right of it to bow to him, and not just because he saved Middle Earth. Poor Ted Sandyman... thinking of him turns my thoughts once more to On the Road to Edoras... *sigh*. Frodo was right in his compassion.

Gryffinjack · 26 December 2005 · Chapter 11

What a deliciously angsty chapter! You worked the sleeping arrangements out very nicely. But four grown hobbits in one hobbit-sized bed? Small hobbits may be, but that small? I am glad for the talk between Frodo and Esmeralda. She really does fit the mother role for him and he needs that sometimes, especially now after his journey. Poor Frodo, still missing his parents so - his injuries and the Ring must have made him think of their loss all the more. Beautifully executed dream sequence! Nice and concise, yet full of emotion and import. "Screaming his cousin's name in anguish, Merry suddenly awoke to an unfamiliar darkness, as around him voices began a familiar litany. “It’s all right, Merry,” Frodo’s voice, gentle and calm, his arms finding Merry in the dark to hold him. “It was a dream. Come back to the light.” “We’re here, Mr. Merry, don’t you fret,” Sam’s voice, confident and kind. “Merry?” That *wasn’t* Pippin’s voice! It was supposed to be *Pippin’s* voice. Where was Pippin’s voice? “Pip?” Merry whimpered, as Frodo rocked him, making soothing sounds. “Pippin?” “Strike a candle, Sam,” said Frodo. “What’s wrong with Merry?” said not-Pippin." This was a brilliant sequence! It shows how normal it had become for one of the four travellers to have a nightmare and the other three to comfort him. And what a comfort those other three were. It is not just the comfort of anyone they seek, but the comfort of the other three travellers. "Merry opened his eyes to see Berilac peering at him in confused concern, while Frodo and Sam still held him close. “Merry, are you all right? What were you dreaming?" Suddenly Berilac found himself the object of three reproachful gazes. He felt alien, an outsider, who had stepped where he didn’t belong. “What?” he said defensively, “My mother says you should always speak an evil dream to keep it from returning.” Merry gave a bitter laugh. “I’m sorry, Beri, but this dream has been spoken before,” said Frodo softly. “And it’s not the only dream’s been spoken,” added Sam, “nor Mr. Merry the only one to have them.” Berilac sat down abruptly, stunned at the implication. “Oh.” Frodo looked at him, blue eyes full of pain. “It’s just part of a price that had to be paid.” *Part* of a price? thought Berilac. His eyes strayed to Frodo’s right hand as it patted Merry’s head soothingly, and not for the first time that day, he wondered." Poor Berilac, he had no hope but to feel like an outsider desperately wanting to be let in. That connection between Merry and Pippin is so powerful! For Pippin to feel Merry's troubles through such great distance, they really do share a soul. I love the relationships you have created between all four of the hobbits. And the rest of the Fellowship as well. This was a really brilliant chapter that was a pleasure to read again!

Gryffinjack · 26 December 2005 · Chapter 10

I love looking at things from Berilac's POV! It is refreshing to see things from one outside the Fellowship, one who did not go through the travails and wants to understand and appreciate it and be a part of that special bond. It really is becoming much clearer as to why Berilac went on the journey On the Road to Edoras. I am so glad I read all your stories through once and am now reading them again in chronological order! I'm really picking up a lot more of your details, set ups for future stories, and characterisations this way and getting a better appreciation for them. The contrast between Merry's and Berilac's reactions to camping out by the cart are striking. For Merry, it is nothing new and he takes right to it and staying up guarding the camp as easily as Strider had when the four travellers yet were novices inn defending their camp from any interlopers. But for Berilac, it is an entirely new and uncomfortable experience and one he does not care to repeat any time soon. This was a wonderful bit of writing, as was the way Merry was fresh and ready to cheerfully help Frodo and Sam the next day when Berilac was not. It is a measure of Berilac's quality that despite this, he willingly helped Frodo and Sam nonetheless without complaint. Again, your voices are so spot on! I especially appreciated Sam's voice in this chapter. I could just picture Sean Astin delivering those lines and hear his voice in my head. I like how you have Frodo helping. So very like Frodo to not shirk work where a spare pair of hands was needed, particularly to clean up and rebuild Bagshot Row. Oh, and the way Saruman had been hardest on the part in Hobbiton near Bag End to punish Frodo further! How right you are! That is precisely what this fallen wizard would have done. This was a brilliant idea of yours. "“Oh, aye, Mr. Merry. I know what you mean. Cleaning out wickedness, it is, one way or the other.”" Wonderful line! So full of meaning. Well done, my dear!

Gryffinjack · 26 December 2005 · Chapter 9

Will Merry's and Pippin's rope burns ever go away? They must have been quite fierce to still be so noticeable after all these many months. It is a pity that the natural inclination is to make light or even hide such wounds rather than to show them as the badges of honour that they are that might help other hobbits understand how dangerous it was. I do so adore your Berilac! I know, I mentioned him just a few short chapters ago, but he is such a great character! We really can see here the beginnings of his contemplations about what went on and his longing to have also helped and been a part of it, not for any accolades, but because he is a fine gentlehobbit. It is a measure of his worth that outside of his immediate family, Berilac is the first hobbit that Merry chose to honestly tell of his journeys, warts and all. Berilac is someone who would appreciate them and not pity Merry or scoff that he was making things up or embellishing. These two hobbits grew up being close and I think still are, although they lack the special bond that Merry feels with Frodo, Pippin, and Sam. And actually, Berilac is the same age as Sam, no? Yet, when speaking with Merry now, it is as you have indicated and Berilac seems the younger of the two. This was a splendid chapter!

Gryffinjack · 26 December 2005 · Chapter 8

You have such a lovely style and way of distinguishing the letters from these different races of Men! Eomer's letter sounds much like poetry or a verbal history that would have been handed down from generation to generation, as was the custom of his people. OT - how do you get the accent mark to print when writing Eomer's name? Aragorn's letter is completely different in tone and style. It is that of a man writing about a friend. I do wonder that he has so many more accolades to say about Merry than he does about Pippin. For not only was Pippin in service to Aragorn as his knight, but he also saved Faramir's life and slew a troll. And while the slaying of a troll is not nearly as important as helping to slay the Witch King, it is still quite a feat for one so young and small. I also wonder at Aragorn's saying that he found Merry to be the most observant of all of the Hobbits. In what way? For while Merry and Aragorn travelled together, Merry felt quite useless and did not really do much other than support Frodo, as they all did. True, he went out for a walk in Bree on his own and encountered the Black Breath, but that I do not see as a good thing. Merry also questioned what the Elvish word for "friend" was while they were at Moria, which was one of his more observant times. Still, I find Frodo to have been much more observant than Merry during their travels together with Aragorn. It was Frodo who realised that Boromir's behaviour was disturbing at times. It was Frodo who trusted Aragorn from the start and who recognised that he was the one who needed to take the Ring to Mordor. Frodo it is who also recognised that his path on the journey could not continue to be the same as the rest of the members of the Company. So how did Merry show himself to be more observant than Frodo? I also wonder as to why Aragorn did not include something similar to what he wrote in "Great Smials" in his letter to Paladin regarding Pippin: "I know that you will at some point come to hear of the horrors and hardships so bravely faced by your son and his companions. Believe me when I say that such things cannot but scar the spirit, and weigh upon the heart from time to time. I hope that at such times, he can rely upon the love and support of his family." It seems to me that writing as a friend, it would be important to Aragorn that Saradoc know of the troubles his son was likely to incur, albeit that his son had come of age and was not a child as Pippin was still considered to be. Perhaps he thought that Eomer would have included such a thing in his letter to Saradoc. Aside from these issues, both letters were beautifully worded and sounded as if they were written by the king who penned them, particularly Aragorn's. His letter was indeed written with the voice of Aragorn and with all of the love, understanding, and heart that characterises Aragorn and makes him a great king. You write letters so well! Every single one I have read that you have written has sounded precisely like the character who wrote it. I also like how you have set up future stories with this chapter, particularly the events in "A New Reckoning." Merry is indeed a very rich Hobbit!

Gryffinjack · 26 December 2005 · Chapter 4

One thing I forgot to mention - should it not be "Eomer King" instead of "King Eomer"? As I recall, it was always "Theoden King" in canon. Am I wrong? You've certainly read the books and studied them way more than I have. Nitpicking, I know, but that's because it's such a great story and I know you care so much, that I want it to reach its full potential.

Gryffinjack · 26 December 2005 · Chapter 7

That's our Merry! Always protecting Pippin and in this case, Frodo, and defending their good names when need be. Foolish of that Chubb to make such a comment, especially in Brandy Hall under the roof where Frodo grew up. And all the more so with Merry there to protect one of his dearest cousins. "Those who knew Merry were shocked to see him lose his temper; those who knew him *well* were not." Excellent line! Merry would do anything to protect his dear cousin or his name. But more than that, he loathes that Frodo is not appreciated for himself and for all that he did for the Shire and all of Middle Earth. It must be so frustrating for him to know what Frodo endured and gave up for others and how the world outside the Shire appreciates that, but how Frodo's own people, those he grew up with and who should know and appreciate him best of all, do not. Yet, that is part of the thing with Hobbits - they have been so protected by Gandalf and the Rangers all these many years that they know little of the dangers that existed in the world around them. Chubb is an ignorant, judgmental Hobbit in the first place for making such comments about Frodo or any other person, but he cannot be blamed for not knowing the importance that Frodo had in saving his world. Even so, it would be a huge sore spot with any of those that accompanied Frodo on his journey and Merry would not be timid about correcting the uninformed Hobbit's impressions. I expect that the reason that Frodo's being the last of the Baggins line hit Merry so hard is because he realised another of the sacrifices that Frodo had made in order to save Middle Earth. True, it seemed that Frodo was unlikely to marry and have children before the journey, but now, Merry knows that it will never happen. Frodo has already given up on a part of his life and has already started to live vicariously. Of all of the Hobbits who accompanied Frodo, including Sam, Merry would be the first to recognise this. As you said, Merry had made a study of Frodo during his first seven years. However, I doubt that such a study ever ended; I think Merry continued that study from the time he was born until the day Frodo set sail for the Undying Lands.

Gryffinjack · 25 December 2005 · Chapter 6

My first comment to this chapter is not toward the story itself, but to your opening comment. You mean there really is such a thing as "healing touch" and it works? Do they use amulets that hang from their necks such as Poppy used on Pippin? How accurate is it? "“Now, Pippin, get out of that gear. I want you down to your smallclothes.” “Poppy!” the wail of protest sounded much the same as it had when he was seven and had just about the same effect. She turned a stern eye upon him, and grumbling, he began to undress." I do so adore your Healers! Poppy is fantastic, the way she brooks no nonsense from her Took patients or their family members. Poor Pimmie! Even though she had heard Pippin's tale of what had happened, he had left the worst parts out. Added to this was his recent injuries at the hands of the ruffians. It must have come as quite a shock to her to see any hobbit, especially her dear younger brother in such a state. I am afraid that there is another slight inconsistency between this story and one of your others, this time "When the King Comes Back (Great Smials)." In the Great Smial version, Poppy tells Paladin, "It’s a wonder he didn’t die. He must have had an excellent healer, for I doubt that I could have kept him alive with such grievous wounds." Yet, here in the Brandy Hall version, Poppy tells Pippin, "Young fellow, in a little more than seven months, you have healed well from injuries that most would take a year or more to recover from." Now, unless Poppy was just making light of Pippin's past injuries so as not to worry him (which I doubt, given Poppy's directness), or was making more of them to Paladin in the Great Smials version to get him to understand all that Pippin had gone through (which I also doubt, since Poppy is honest and forthright), this is an inconsistency caused by dealing with such wonderfully complex stories. "I was checking a detail in one of these the other day, and noticed a "gotten" and an "Esmerelda" I had missed. *sigh* Should have fixed it right away, not sure I can find them again." I'm sorry. I noticed those slips and meant to tell you about them. The "Esmerelda" misspelling is in chapter 4 of this story, where Estella says, "“That sounds lovely.” She hesitated. “Merry, Esmerelda said not to press you about all the horrid things that happened to you, but -- well, weren’t there some *pleasant* things you could talk about?”" I'll let you now if I come across the "gotten" one again. You know, your errors really are minor when you consider what wonderful stories you give us to read!

Gryffinjack · 25 December 2005 · Chapter 5

It is so strange - this was written before "A Different Kind of Quest," yes? Yet, in chronological order, I have already read about the gifts Merry gave his parents and the stories behind them from having read "A Different Kind of Quest." lol! Although it is amazing how seamlessly you weave earlier and later written stories together, I think you do have a slight problem in this one. In this chapter, Merry says: "But the funny part was when we went to get them, and tried to pay for them. It was the opposite of haggling. The merchants tried to *give* them to us. We explained that they were gifts and we really *wanted* to pay for them. So Gimli suggested a price--what he thought that they were worth, and the merchant came back with a token price. It was so funny! After we finally got what seemed like a real price, and paid for everything, Gimli grumbled for days." However, in chapter 2 of "A Different Kind of Quest," you have written: “Oh, Sir Meriadoc! I would not dream of charging you! You are one of the Heroes of the War! Please, I would wish that you and Sir Peregrin accept these from me without charge!” After all, thought Girion, once word got out that they had patronized him, it would more than pay the cost of the items. Merry and Pippin looked at one another in dismay. Aragorn had told them to allow the people of the City to show their gratitude for all the hobbits had done, and so they had taken their share of free ale, and of food, and the occasional trinket from a grateful wife or mother, glad that her loved one had come home in one piece. But this was another matter altogether. “But these are to be gifts!” cried Pippin, distressed. “Please, Master Girion, we really should pay for these!” added Merry. Girion was taken aback. Truly these pheriannath were strange ones! One would think they would be glad to get such wonderful items for free! He did not understand. But he could charge them a token price. “Perhaps two silver pence apiece?” Unfortunately, this resulted in both his potential customers looking offended. Now he was dismayed, unsure what he had done wrong, and fearful of their leaving without their purchases. A hint of panic showed on his kindly face. Gimli sighed. “Meriadoc, Peregrin, perhaps you would allow me to help you negotiate a fair price?” The two hobbits nodded in relief. While they wanted to pay a fair price for the gifts they were buying, they were unsure of the value of things in this strange land. Gimli knew what Girion had in mind, and didn’t blame him as a merchant, but he knew his hobbit friends would not understand, and they truly wished to pay for the gifts they were giving to their loved ones. He also understood that the value of these things would be high, but not nearly as high as they would have been before the War, when they would have been in more demand. In the end, he negotiated a price of twelve silver pennies for Merry’s spyglass, and thirty for Pippin’s choices, for both the toy and the pocketwatch. Master Girion took out his handkerchief and mopped his brow in relief as they gave him a partial payment, agreeing to the rest when they picked up their purchases in three days. So in other words, they had been offerred the gifts for free and Gimli had negotiated a price the *first time* they went to the shops (the same thing occurred when they went to the jewelers) rather than when they picked their gifts up, as Merry states in this chapter. I think it would be easier to change this story to reflect the chronology of events as indicated in "A Different Kind of Quest." I'm sorry, dear. You handle so many different details over such a vast number of stories, that it is remarkable you don't have even more inconsistencies than you do. I really did enjoy seeing Saradoc's reaction to getting the spyglass. I still love the inscription Merry had Gimli write on it for Saradoc. It's the ultimate compliment a son could give a father, and one that describes Merry's and Saradoc's relationship perfectly.