A New Kind of Courage by Auntiemeesh
GamgeeFest · 30 June 2004 · Chapter 3: The Summons
The image of the eagle giving news of the end of the war was inspired. The people of Gondor must have celebrated that message. What a horrible message for Merry to receive. It's natural he would automatically assume the worst. To think that he's the lone survivor of the hobbits must be terrible for him to have to endure.
GamgeeFest · 30 June 2004 · Chapter 2: Truths
It's good of Merry to help his comrades by talking to them and easing their pain as much as he can, even if it's not much. Enjoyed the conversation between Faramir and Merry. I often wondered if Faramir ever spoke to Merry to try to get information on Eowyn. You handled it wonderfully.
GamgeeFest · 30 June 2004 · Chapter 1: The Mustering
A lovely "final" breakfast for our two friends. Pippin has matured a lot since arriving in Minas Tirith, and in some ways is more mature than Merry. But Merry will always be the one looking out for him. It must pain him terribly to be getting left behind again.
Bluegrass Elf · 23 June 2004 · Chapter 5: A Friend in Need
Oh, I'm worried about Pippin and Merry but at the same time this chapter realy cheered me up. How very like Pippin.
Author's reply
Poor Pippin's had a rough time (almost as bad as Merry) but now that his cousin is by his side, I think he'll recover quickly. I'm glad this chapter cheered you up. :)
pipspebble · 22 June 2004 · Chapter 5: A Friend in Need
Poor, poor Merry! Poor, poor Pippin! I'm glad you didn't have him forgetting Merry, too; forgetting dear friends Leggy, Gimli, and Boromir is bad enough. Can't wait to see where you go with this one. Love the head injury angle; never seen it before. Looking forward to more chapters, and soon! Pretty please with a hobbit on top? Best, Pips
Author's reply
Love the head injury angle; never seen it before. Grey Wonderer has done an excellent Pippin Amnesia!fic ('Thinking of You' I believe is the title) but it is set pre-Quest when Pippin is quite young. I don't know if I've seen any other amnesia fics either. I'm working as fast as I can on this but as I'm not really capable of sustained bouts of creativity, it takes a while to get anything decent nailed down.
melilot hill · 22 June 2004 · Chapter 5: A Friend in Need
Oh no, memory loss! Poor Pippin. And poor Merry. I hope he's not too ill. To make a long story short; I really love this one. I like Pippin-recovering-after-being-crushed-by-a-troll stories.
Author's reply
I like Pippin recovery stories too. I'm glad you're enjoying this one. :)
TopazTook · 21 June 2004 · Chapter 5: A Friend in Need
Ooh, I am such a sucker for a good troll recovery story, like this one. And I had been hoping someone would do something with the head injury aspect of it some time. But...what are you doing to poor Merry!? It's not enough he has to worry about every single other hobbit, now you're making him seem physically ill, too? I hope he gets to feeling better soon.
Author's reply
Poor Merry, he's really going through the wringer, but there is a reason for it, which will come clear in the next few chapters.
Elenar · 21 June 2004 · Chapter 5: A Friend in Need
I am really enjoying this story. Can't wait for more.
Author's reply
Thanks for reading and enjoying the story!
Hai Took · 21 June 2004 · Chapter 5: A Friend in Need
At least nothing life threatening happened to Pippin! But oh dear, memeory loss? I don't think I have ever read about that in this situation, a great idea! I hope his memory returns soon, although I guess some of that would be painful! Gracious waking up and not remembering any of the people around you or how you got there! Maybe now Merry can get some rest and start looking a bit better! Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
I've had one brief brush with amnesia (not as severe as Pippin's) and it was very frustrating. I think this is a perfect place to explore that sort of injury/trauma inspired memory loss.
Anso the Hobbit · 18 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Nightmares
This is such a great story! Poor, poor Merry. He´s having some tough days, all alone without his friends and cousins.
Author's reply
I'm glad it's not me, having those nightmares...lol. I'm happy you're enjoying the story.
Hai Took · 17 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Nightmares
Poor Merry! I would be angry with Aragorn for that note as well! What terrible nightmares he is having! It was good of the cook to look after Merry and give him some food even if he wasn't hungry. Faramir acquiring a pony for Merry was very thoughtful! Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
It's good to know that Merry has friends in Minas Tirith, even though he feels all alone. Glad you're enjoying it.
Bluegrass Elf · 17 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Nightmares
Oh, poor Merry. Great story though.
Author's reply
Thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying it.
pipspebble · 17 June 2004 · Chapter 4: Nightmares
Oh, you are KILLING me with the waiting! This is such a wonderful angsty story and you are so good at capturing Merry's sense of helplessness and worry over what has happened to his loved ones. That nightmare! Oh, horrors! Can hardly wait to see that ship dock so Merry can get some answers to the questions tormenting him. Bravo! Well done! Pips
Author's reply
Sorry, Pips, I truly don't mean to be killing you with suspense. I'm glad you're enjoying the story. That nightmare was not in the original plan, but poor Merry is just feeling so stressed out right now. It will get better...eventually...maybe.
Hai Took · 8 June 2004 · Chapter 3: The Summons
You described the feeling of the City right before and after the Quest was accomplished really well! I liked how you wrote what Merry was feeling on the tower! Poor Merry! It seemed cruel to not tell Merry anything else but that he was needed! I guess though he did have a lot that needed to be done but still, now Merry does not know what to think! Looking forward to findingout about Merry's trip to Cormallen and reuniting with the Fellowship! Even if it isn't the most pleasant!
Author's reply
It seemed cruel to not tell Merry anything else but that he was needed! I guess though he did have a lot that needed to be done but still, now Merry does not know what to think! Lol...there wouldn't be much of a story if I made it too easy on Merry. There are reasons for everything. Maybe not sound, rational reasons, but still, there are reasons.
white_rider · 8 June 2004 · Chapter 3: The Summons
Hi There, This is excellent.... I really am enjoying this.... Poor Merry!!.... It must be awful for him not knowing what has happened to Frodo and Sam, and even more so about Pippin.... and then him feeling so worried that he is the only one left.... I've always found that the not knowing and the waiting are always the hardest parts to bear.... Your mind always tends to run away with you, and you end up imagining all kinds of horrors.... I think that Merry has got a lot of heartache (as well as a lot of joy and happiness) yet to come.... Please write more as soon as you can....I am very anxious for the next chapter!!!
Author's reply
I think that Merry has got a lot of heartache (as well as a lot of joy and happiness) yet to come How prophetic of you. That's all I'm saying for now. *evil laugh* I'm writing as quickly as I can...I'm trying for a chapter a week and so far that has worked well, so keep your fingers crossed that my muse doesn't desert me.
Mysterious Jedi · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 3: The Summons
Hmmm...if I offer to proofread future chapters, will I get more chapters faster? *Ponders evil plan and decides it's worth a try*
Author's reply
Thanks for the offer to proofread :) I've been trying to get a chapter a week posted here. I don't know if I can go any faster than that. I also post each chapter at my lj, http://www.livejournal.com/users/erpjirl/ a day or two before putting it up here for just that purpose, hoping that someone will catch any grammar, cannon, or sensical errors. Feel free to stop by there.
Hai Took · 2 June 2004 · Chapter 2: Truths
I guess Farair got more then he really wanted when he asked Merry about smoking! I'm glad that Merry has been helping in all that he can, of course it doesn't seem like Merry would be one to sit about and to nothing. Are we going to get into a little Eowyn/Faramir romance? I always have found their relationship intriguing although I haven't read many fanfics on it. Looking forward to reading more!
Author's reply
At the moment, I don't think this fic will touch on Eowyn/Faramir much if at all, but who knows. I didn't originally plan for Faramir to be in it at all, so anything is possible.
pipspebble · 2 June 2004 · Chapter 2: Truths
I do so adore this story. Your characterizations are spot on, and easily evoke the pain these dear people are in. I look forward to more of the tale. Best, Pips
Author's reply
Thanks Pips. I'm glad you're enjoying this.
RogerGamgee · 2 June 2004 · Chapter 2: Truths
Auntiemeesh, This is a fantastic chapter. I've read very few fics with Faramir in them, and I like the way you've incorporated him into this story. His encounter with Merry can teach us all a lesson, I believe - that there is no shame whatsoever in accepting our limitations. Well done!
Author's reply
Thanks, RogerGamgee, I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. I've never written Faramir before so I'm glad he came over well.
Elenar · 31 May 2004 · Chapter 1: The Mustering
I am really enjoying this story. Can't wait for more. I feel so bad for Merry at the end.
RogerGamgee · 27 May 2004 · Chapter 1: The Mustering
Auntiemeesh, I truly enjoyed reading this chapter. Merry and Pippin carry on so about their 'height difference', even to this day. I doubt they'll ever resolve that issue...LOL. It was saddening to see Merry watching Pippin go, then feeling so useless. He must think no one cares much about him, since he's always being left behind. Keep up the excellent work!
Author's reply
I usually stick pretty tight to book 'verse but the height difference thing is one movie element that seems to have stuck with me somehow, maybe because my sister and I have a running conversation that is very similar...lol.
Hai Took · 27 May 2004 · Chapter 1: The Mustering
Stories with Merry and Pippin separating, at any point in the story, are some of my favorites and I find them to be the most touching. This separation, Pippin going off into sure battle always is more sad for me. You captured Merry jperfectly, feeling left behing again, and not knowing what to say. You expressed it wonderfully! Are you writing about Merry waiting in Minas Tirith or are you alternating between Merry and Pippin? I guess I will find out!Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
I think this has to be one of the hardest separations of the entire quest for Merry because he knows Pippin is going into certain peril. I'm having fun exploring Merry's response to this :)
melilot hill · 27 May 2004 · Chapter 1: The Mustering
This is great! Please write more soon.
Author's reply
Thanks, I've got lots written. I just need to get it in shape for posting. That's what takes the longest ;)
Bluegrass Elf · 27 May 2004 · Chapter 1: The Mustering
Please write more!
Author's reply
Don't worry, there's plenty more written. It just needs a little fine-tuning before posting can happen.
Pervinca · 27 May 2004 · Chapter 1: The Mustering
This looks like it's going to be very interesting. We get glimpses into how Merry spent his time while Pippin was off killing a troll, but so much is left for wonderful writers like you to bring to life! I'mn really looking forward to the rest of this, especially if Begil, Faramir and Eowyn will be making cameos! Did you reccommend it on the Quill and Inklings Yahoo group? If you did, I had been meaning to read it, so I'm glad you posted it here to remind me (gracious, I have the *worst* memory!). - Pervinca
Author's reply
I posted an announcement a few days ago, begging for beta-reading...LOL. Being one's own beta-reader is NOT fun. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm hoping it doesn't take too long to make the next few chapters postable. :)