Trust a Brandybuck and a Took! by Grey Wonderer
harrowcat · 25 February 2008 · Chapter 60: The Adventure Continues
Laughing and crying at the same time is a messy business GW!
Author's reply
Sorry to have made you messy. LOL I'm glad it made you laugh and thanks so much for reading. This is not what I normally write so it was nice to see that folks would give me the benefit of the doubt and read anyway.
cathleen · 24 February 2008 · Chapter 60: The Adventure Continues
Absolutely one of the neatest stories covering this subject I have ever read, GW! I agree, you could *never* write a miserable death story! Loved it, and so *very* "Merry and Pippin"!!! Cathleen
Author's reply
Why, thank you! I wasn't sure how folks would take it since it really doesn't have that angst that a fiction involving death normally would. (As we both know, I can't write that sort of thing.) I leave the angst to others who do it so wonderfully. I'm pleased that you enjoyed it and thank you for the review!
PIppinfan1988 · 24 February 2008 · Chapter 60: The Adventure Continues
And now *I'm* nearly speechless. *sigh* This was just beautiful, lovely, brilliantly done. I'm a firm believer in that, with Merry and Pippin, one followed closely after the other, and you wrote about it wonderfully! And I love the idea that Merry waited for his Pippin. :-) Loved the story! Both hobbits were very much in character, and *very* hobbity. MEWD!
Author's reply
I'm very glad that you liked it. It's not my usual subject-matter. When the idea came to me I was surprised to even be thinking of writing about that time in their lives. I like to think that Merry and Pippin were just as always at no matter what age and so to me, this is how I would have liked them to go on. Thanks for your review and for reading!
Esquire_of_Rohan · 24 February 2008 · Chapter 60: The Adventure Continues
I enjoyed this! Very good!
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad you liked it and thank you for reviewing.
elanor winterflowers · 24 February 2008 · Chapter 60: The Adventure Continues
Lovely, lovely! I liked this very much. :) This is a bit of hobbit lore that is close to my heart--though I haven't actually got to it yet in my own story. I don't often get to see other versions of how it might play out, but I always enjoy the insights when I do. Merry and Pippin are wonderfully sweet and winsome here, just as if they were saying, 'You see? It's not so bad or boring to be old and dying--look how charming it is!' And indeed, in your hands, it is!
Author's reply
Thank you so much for that lovely review. I've always said that I would never write about the death of Merry or Pippin but this idea just came to me and I realized that I had to write this one. As you know by now I just can't write angst so I did think that this subject was out of my area completely. Then I just decided to write it as I would like to think it happened. I very pleased that you enjoyed it.
FantasyFan · 24 February 2008 · Chapter 60: The Adventure Continues
This story doesn't need a warning for sadness, even though the subject matter is death. The interaction between the cousins is precious, life-filled and hopeful, not angsty or gloomy. And of course Merry would wait for Pippin, and of course Pippin would go with Merry. Thanks for a lovely read.
Author's reply
Thank you for the lovely review! I hope the warning doesn't put folks off because there was a time when I wouldn't have read it knowing that there would be character death. On the other hand, I did feel it only fair to let folks know. Glad you found it hopeful because I did want that to come across.
Dreamflower · 24 February 2008 · Chapter 60: The Adventure Continues
Oh dear; I'm sniffling and grinning at the same time. There have been a lot of fics about Merry and Pippin leaving the world, but this one is absolutely beautiful. They are so *themselves*! Poor Pippin, finding Merry gone; but Merry wouldn't leave without him--he should have known that. *sniffle*grin*
Author's reply
I didn't plan on writing a fic about this stage of their lives but then it came to me to just write it like I see them in life and that's when I decided to do this. I'm so glad you liked it. If you'll notice, I couldn't bring myself to write Pippin finding Merry or Strider finding Pippin. Too much angst for me. Thanks for reviewing and I'm very glad they seemed 'themselves' in this because that is exactly what I was wanting.
Mum's the Word · 24 February 2008 · Chapter 60: The Adventure Continues
Beautiful! *hugs*
Author's reply
*Hugs back* Thank you for reading and I'm very glad you enjoyed it.
Golden · 24 February 2008 · Chapter 60: The Adventure Continues
*crys* *laughes* *sobs* *chuckles* Oh seriously GW, this is so very sad and also funny and sweet and everything together. I was in tears when reading it and to the same time smiling and chuckling. I love all of the stories I have read of you so far, but I think this one here is now my very very very favourite of all. Oh...*sniffs*...I need a handkershief. *sniff*
Author's reply
Thank you, Golden. I never expected to write about this subject because I just don't like to think about them dying but then I had this idea which I like to think makes it all hopeful and I decided to write it. I'm glad to know that you enjoyed it. Hope you did more laughing than crying while reading! : )
Llinos · 24 February 2008 · Chapter 60: The Adventure Continues
But it's really not sad though - is it! Nothing this joyful, witty and laughter making could be sad even if the subject is supposed to be. Honestly GW you might as well admit it, you couldn't write a miserable death story if your life depended on it. Brilliant stuff!
Author's reply
Thank you so much for the review and for the beta as well. (Fixed up those extra bits just now by the way.) And I suspect that you are right. I can't do a miserable death story. To me, Merry and Pippin are life and joy and adventure and humor and so it is impossible for me to imagine them sad even when they should be. But then again, if they are together why would they be sad? Thank you again and the use of the word, 'Brilliant' is very much appreciated.
Larner · 18 October 2007 · Chapter 24: Through the Eyes of Another
Never too old to need to feel protected.
Author's reply
Very true indeed!
harrowcat · 20 August 2007 · Chapter 58: Facing The Storm
I love storms - as long as I am safe indoors and not in a tent. I loved this, especially the easy companionship and honest love between these two.
Author's reply
I love storms too. I especially love them at night. I am one of those strange people who likes it when it rains on my day off! I'm glad you enjoyed this story and thank you for the lovely review! I think companionship and friendship is really what LOTR was all about.
PIppinfan1988 · 18 August 2007 · Chapter 58: Facing The Storm
Now that I am able to log in...I just wanted to reiterate how much I loved this most beautiful story. Everything was just right, nothing over the top or out of place. Just a perfect Merry and Pippin story; what makes Pippin so special to Merry. Thank you for sharing it!
Author's reply
Thank you! I am very glad you liked it. Now, I do hope you are messing about with that idea that you had and mentioned to me in your emails. Also the story about a certain book? LOL
Hai Took · 15 August 2007 · Chapter 58: Facing The Storm
That was so sweet. Poor Pippin, to still be afraid of stroms, but personally I think he might have more of a reason to be afraid of them now. I have a friend who is like that and can't stand storms, but is embarrassed that she is so worried by them. Thanks for reminding me of her :) You always mix just the right bits of humor "Most of his bruises from his unfortunate adventure in troll-slaying had faded but now he was to have a new one from a fall out of bed." I always enjoy your conversation between Merry and Pippin as well, you write their relationship perfectly! Also “If I have an ego problem then you are largely to blame. No one else considers me to be that important or that powerful.” That is too gute. Thank you for the laughs and the "awwwing" I managed to do during this story :)
Author's reply
Thank you! What a lovely review! I am so glad you enjoyed it and you always say such nice things that it makes me blush! Thank you for reading and for thinking enough of it to review it! I do look forward to your reviews as you have been reading my little stories almost since I began writing them!
Agape4Gondor · 15 August 2007 · Chapter 4: Bucket!
Great tale. I loved Pip trying so hard to do the trick and show his sister how grown he was. I loved the bucket... and, though Merry and Vince were useless, I'm glad Pearl was there.... but I see that Pip didn't learn anthing much - 'cept that Merry and Vince were useless! The dog wondered about me as I was laughing out loud as I read this. Thank you for the laugh!
Author's reply
Thank you! I hope you were able to explain to the dog what was going on. LOL I do have fun putting Pippin in troubling situations as long as I have someone around to get him out again!
Agape4Gondor · 15 August 2007 · Chapter 3: Merry's Doorway
I love Errol - what a good friend for Pip - and what a delight to see Merry grow up in one little moment... the last line was delightful!
Author's reply
This was Errol's first appearance in one of my tales and I never dreamed that he'd turn up again in any of them, but he seems to have been a very insistant bunny because he has shown up quite a bit! I'm glad you like him.
Agape4Gondor · 15 August 2007 · Chapter 2: A Nasty Turn of Events
Oh my goodness - I knew, almost from the beginning that something had gone horribly wrong and that Merry was in a bit of a fix - but I started to giggle when I realized that Pip was caught along with him... I just howled!
Author's reply
Thank you! I hate to say so but I do like it when a prank back-fires! hehehe
Agape4Gondor · 15 August 2007 · Chapter 1: First Impressions
Delightful beginning. I loved the teeth thing - that Merry had to check it out for himself... but mostly, I was surprised at the hairy little feet. Now why it didn't occur to me that baby Hobbits would have hair on their feet, I don't know - but that's why I love reading other people's tales... something new always pops up - either a thought or a fact or a character I'd forgotten. Thanks for sharing this - looking forward to reading more.
Author's reply
I do think that their tiny feet must have been absolutely darling at that age. Since he was eight when Pippin was born I doubt that Merry was completely thrilled with his baby cousin. After all, how many eight-year-old lads do you know who would be thrilled with a baby? LOL Thank you so much for the lovely review and for stopping by to read.
Andrea · 15 August 2007 · Chapter 58: Facing The Storm
“At least my hair will grow back,” Pippin replied with another yawn. “But when it does and I am handsome again you will still be self-important.” LOL!!! I love the teasing! Pippin lost part of his youth on the quest, but not all! And that he's still afraid of thunderstorms is nothing to be ashamed of. It only makes him more lovable! I enjoyed this story a great deal! Thank you, G.W. !
Author's reply
Thank you! I have to let them tease one another. It is part of what I enjoy about the hobbits and about the Fellowship. So glad you enjoyed this!
Golden · 15 August 2007 · Chapter 58: Facing The Storm
:D I always jump high with joy when I see a new story in "Trust a Brandybuck and a Took!". And also this time I am not dissapointed! Love the story. This teasing brotherly relationship is so strong to feel in every word. Read it already 3 times, cause I like it so much and inbetween read some of the other stories, that I also have read multiple times anyway, again too..like "Merry says" ... cause looooooooooooooooooooooooooooove those stories so much! And while typing this I think I feel like reading Merry says again now! *g* This stories always bring me in a good mood!
Author's reply
Wow! Thank you so much for reading and reading and reading! It is much appreciated. I am glad you enjoyed it that much. Thank you for your review and it is always nice to hear that someone enjoys a story enough to read it over again!
Dreamflower · 15 August 2007 · Chapter 58: Facing The Storm
Oh, oh GW, I'm so torn between laughter and tears, that like Gimli, I might burst! You have outdone yourself here in showing the combination of maturity and youth of Pippin, and his trauma from the siege and the battle at the Black Gate, and underlying it, his hobbity good sense vying with his instinctive reactions. The scene with Merry was perfect. Merry's gentle when he needs to be, and understanding, but he also knows the value of good-natured teasing in making Pippin feel normal again. “Merry, don’t spoil this,” Pippin warned firmly. “This quest that we’ve been on and the dangers that we’ve faced have taken more than a few of my childhood notions but I’m keeping the one in which you protect me from storms for a bit longer. I think I’m going to need it. Storms sound like too many other terrible things now. You will have to keep on holding them at bay for a while longer.” Such a rueful and sad admission, and yet a brave one as well. The storms now are just a trigger for things a lot worse than rain and noise. And there will be, undoubtedly, times in the future when Pippin will need to look after Merry as well. But not during a storm. This was beautiful, and I am sure that Dana will love it!!
Author's reply
Thank you so very much for this lovely review! I'm so glad you enjoyed this. I could see Merry trying hard not to make Pippin feel too silly about his fears and at the same time to allow Pippin to know that it was all right to be frightened. Sometimes Merry is a bit of a tight-rope walker! I will have to write one in which Pippin helps Merry through a memory or a dream. I do hope Dana likes it and it is good to know that you enjoyed it!
Iorhael · 15 August 2007 · Chapter 58: Facing The Storm
I'm loving it so much, Grey. Merry is so understanding and of course Pippin is still a lad. You are never too old to be frightened. Everyone is frightened of something. Yes, even the brave.
Author's reply
Even the brave, exactly! We are all afraid sometimes and after all they had been through I am certain that the noises of the storm sounded too much like battle for Pippin. Thank you for reviewing!
harrowcat · 15 August 2007 · Chapter 58: Facing The Storm
Oh how lovlely GW. Loved the last part especially.
Author's reply
Thank you! You are so sweet and thank you for the lovely review!
Pearl Took · 15 August 2007 · Chapter 58: Facing The Storm
Another wonderful birthday present story! This was marvelous, GW. Yes, the storm would sound like war I'm sure, and be every bit as frightening as they ever had been! Most Excellently Well Done!!
Author's reply
In my earlier tales of Pippin's childhood I have him being frightened of storms and it made me think that after the experiences with the battles and the noise that the fear of storms might just be something more for him. I'm glad you agree! Thanks for the lovely review!
Larner · 14 August 2007 · Chapter 58: Facing The Storm
Ah, lovely moment here! Thank you! I'd think that storms would probably spark bad memories for all of them for at least a time.
Author's reply
I think so too. The noise and flashes of light must have seemed like the battle all over again. Also, being in a strange place far from home in surroundings that were too large would have just increased the fear. Thank you for reading and for all of your lovely reviews!