The Dare by Dreamflower
longcleeve · 9 January 2005 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
oh i adore this story as well. i love that i had read some of your other stories mentioning this incedent and now i finally got to know just what exactly happened! fantastic story :D
Author's reply
Thank you! Now you know the "rest of the story", LOL! I'm glad you liked it!
good_one_pip · 24 September 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Whew! I'm so glad it ended happily! If you couldn't tell, I was getting way to into the story. lol. Oh, well, I love hobbit, especially Pippin-Merry stories. You certainly capture their feeling very well. Keep writing, and long live the hobbits!
Author's reply
I couldn't let it end any other way, could I? I'm so glad you were really getting into the story; that's such a great compliment! I'll keep writing as long as the stories keep coming! Thanks for all the neat reviews!
good_one_pip · 24 September 2004 · Chapter 3: Chapter 3
I love how comforting Frodo is to Merry! And I love how concerned Merry is about Pippin. He's so scared, he doesn't know whether to feel panic, sadness, or pure rage. Tweenage years are so hard!
Author's reply
Frodo is always a comfort to Merry, just as Merry has always been a comfort to him. Don't you know having Pippin in such danger will have him all tied up in knots. It is hard to be an adolescent, and Pippin and Merry *both* are having that problem right now. Thank goodness for good old Frodo.
good_one_pip · 24 September 2004 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Oh my gosh! Poor Pippin!!!! good thing Merry got there in time! Merry's right, sometimes pip's gotta stick up for himself, even if it means being kind of mean to someone!
Author's reply
It's hard for Pippin to be mean. He truly doesn't *have* a mean bone in his body, so he really has to work at not liking someone. And the few he doesn't like are not the ones who give *him* a hard time, but are those who give a hard time to his loved ones.
good_one_pip · 24 September 2004 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1
hi, thanks for giving me the story title. But oh, no! Pippin's in trouble. I can see where this is going. Those nasty Bankses. I hope this doesn't turn out to horribly. I love Merry standing up for his poor younger cousin, though
Pipwise · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
This is such a wonderful story, I love the way you write, and the way you bring in the perspectives of every character. The love the cousins have for each other shines through so clearly, and it's lovely to see what they all mean to each other in their different ways. I'm so glad that Pippin learning his lesson didn't cost Merry, or anyone else, too much in the end (except for the Banks lads, lol) I enjoyed every bit of it, thank you!
Author's reply
I'm so glad that the love the cousins have comes through. It is one of my favorite themes to explore their relationships. I am happy that you enjoyed the story; thank you for the lovely review.
Hai Took · 9 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Wow! very good! I'm glad to have finally seen where Merry's anger at the Banks' brothers came from! Wicked creatures! I like how you described Frodo standing up to Paladin! Paladin not being angry that Frodo had taken it up with him. Frod certainly is a good cousin and friend to his younger relations! Thank you for another story!
Author's reply
Yes, now you know why Merry stayed mad for so long. They were indeed wicked creatures, and deserved every bad thing that came to them. Naturally Frodo would take up for Merry. He thinks of himself in many ways as Merry's big brother, and takes responsibility for him. I think under other circumstances, Paladin might very well have be angered, but he already felt bad about Merry, so Frodo was able to easily convince him. Frodo is definitely a good cousin! I am glad you enjoyed the story!
Pearl Took · 8 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Good story, good ending. I like that you had Paladin willing to think things over and let the lads say goodbye to each other. Good Job!
Author's reply
Thank you so much. I am glad that you enjoyed the story.
Bodkin · 8 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Good for Frodo. Merry needed to see Pippin - as an innocent party his needs should come first. Sensible Paladin. Shame the beastly Banks boys didn't suffer a bit more, but Merry can go for delayed gratification. Good promise that they will never get drunk without each other - and never that drunk. More likely to be able to do it. It would appear that it would be almost impossible to live in hobbit society without regular doses of ale.
Author's reply
It wasn't too hard for Frodo to make Paladin see that he was being unfair, especially since he already felt a bit guilty about it. I don't much imagine that Clodio will be too happy with them when he gets them home. Punishment will probably not be as much as they deserve, though. And we know Merry gets his satisfaction in the end. I kept that in mind. And I think that the promise to one another not to get drunk except together will keep them from getting dangerously drunk, as they will be watching out for one another. But you are right, hobbits seem to drink ale much as modern folk seem to drink colas--it just seems to be the logical beverage of choice. But I think that Pip will probably avoid most of the stronger forms of liquor after this unpleasantness.
GamgeeFest · 8 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Oh, nice, long chapter! And what a lovely ending. Good ole Frodo to the rescue as usual. And of course we all know Merry makes good on his promise. I unfortunately know too many parents who let their kids get away with all sorts of things. Too bad they can't realize that it does no one any good, especially their kids. But then Clodio isn't much of a model citizen himself. Till next time.
Author's reply
Absolutely Frodo to the rescue. He was not about to let his Merry suffer. (And yes, we know Merry gets to keep his promise, even if it is ten years later and he needs an excuse--unfortunately for the Bankses, they are stupid enough to provide him with one.) No, Clodio is not a model citizen by any means. He is the type of parent that will let his child get away with anything at all until said child gets caught. And then the punishment is not so much for the actual misbehavior as it is for the inconvenience to the parent.
Kitty · 8 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Good old Frodo, I was glad he was able to convince Paladin to let Merry say sorry and goodbye to Pippin! And I have enjoyed the goodbye of the Bankses as Pippin saw them :-) During this story I sometimes couldn't help a knowing smile and the thought "Wait only ten years, then you will get what you deserves!" It is so comforting to know how the Banks brothers will get their belated but well deserved punishment! Sometimes I feel a bit revengeful ;-) Thank you for this story!
Author's reply
Well, there was no way Frodo was going to let the injustice to Merry stand if he could help it. Yes, it is kind of fun to be able to think to the bad guys "nonny-nonny boo-boo, you're going to land in...trouble". And I thank you for all your kind reviews.
pipinheart · 8 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Real good.... I am glad pip's father let merry say goodbye to him... And at least they can write to each other... I hope those boys get into trouble for what they did to pippin,and I hope merry can fullfill his promise to get even with him...
Author's reply
LOL! I wrote of Merry's getting even before I wrote of The Dare. That's what gave me the plot bunny. I first mention this incident in my story of the Conspiracy, and then wrote of Merry's revenge in A New Reckoning. Believe me, they are definitely sorry when it happens. 8-)
Grey Wonderer · 8 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
I loved it. The end was perfect. Merry's promise hooks everything together with your your other sotry and I am glad that Frodo was able to explain things to Paladin so that Merry and Pip could say good-bye. Great story!
Author's reply
I am so glad you liked the ending. I was afraid it was a bit abrupt, but my betas did not think that was a problem, so I went with it. Thank you for all your nice reviews; they have helped to keep me going. Now that The Dare is finished, I think I can probably get back to Reckoning.
pipspebble · 7 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Oh, I was hoping to find this up today! This was a great little story, so full of so many strong emotions, yet ending on a high note. And I love your foreshadowing for Merry's later dealing with the Banks boys in A New Reckoning. Wonderful job! I enjoyed it very much, and thank you for writing it.
Author's reply
I do try to end my stories as upbeat as I can, even when there is angst involved. Since I knew what was in store, I could easily do the foreshadowing. Another advantage to writing "pre-quels". 8-) Thank you for your kind review!
auntiemeesh · 7 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Good for Frodo, stepping in and making Paladin see why Merry needed to be allowed to say good-bye to Pippin. It would have been a very long and unhappy summer for Merry, thinking that Pip didn't know he was sorry. I really enjoyed this story :)
Author's reply
Of course Frodo had to take up for Merry. He thinks of him as his responsibility, much as Merry thinks of Pip as *his*. And naturally Frodo was able to stand up to Paladin. At the time of the story, he's been of age for almost nine years, Master of Bag End and head of the Baggins family, so h has the standing to talk to Paladin as an equal. I'm glad you liked the story. I had a lot of fun writing it.
Hai Took · 4 August 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Oh,dear, after an argument with Merry the two are now seperated which means they will actually both be stewing in distress and wondering if the other is angry with them! Perhpas th punishment is going to be more then Paladin thought! I hope they are able to do what is right and get everything resolved! Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Yes, the separation is harder right now, since Pip thinks Merry is angry with him, and Merry has not had a chance to apologize. Ch. 6 will be up as soon as my betas finish with it.
GamgeeFest · 2 August 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Aw, poor Merry and poor Pippin! Paladin may as well have just cut off their right hand or something. Those two are nearly inseperable. Though he is right about it being the only punishment that will have any effect on Pippin. And I wouldn't be surprised if that messenger got a whole barrel of ale bought for him for his gossip!
Author's reply
Yes, being apart is going to be rough on them. It's harder for Merry, since he didn't do anything to deserve it. That messenger! I was very careful *not* to give him a name. If I had named him, he would have taken over the whole chapter, I know. He was just lurking there in the corner of my mind, telling me all the interesting things he could say in Underhill, if I would just give him a name! Darn pushy characters, think they'll tell me what to write.
Pearl Took · 2 August 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5
This is very good!! I'm putting it on my reminder list :)
Author's reply
Thank you. What a lovely compliment!
Kitty · 2 August 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5
I see, the others have already said what I would - this is a punishment for Merry as well as Pippin. Really, Paladin should let Merry in at least one time to set things right! It would be too hard for both of them to depart after Merry had yelled at Pippin. Maybe Frodo can talk with Paladin? Oh, and I look forward to the next (and if I understand correct, last *sniff*) chapter! Surely you will tell us what Paladin has to say to the Banks father? This will be interesting.
Author's reply
Of course, Merry was too distraught to tell Paladin why he was so upset. Yes, you will get to see what Paladin has to say to Clodio. The famous temper of the Thain.
Bodkin · 2 August 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5
I agree with torturing Pippin, who needs a lesson - but for Merry's peace of mind he should have been allowed to make his peace with his little cousin. The beastly Bankses seem to have got off rather lightly actually - although I suppose a lifetime's fear of Merry + gelding iron might have made some impression. I don't suppose Merry thought of actually explaining his final cryptic utterance, did he?
Author's reply
Yes, unfortunately Paladin's punishment is falling equally on the innocent as well as the guilty. The Bankses did get off a bit lightly for now. Just remember ten years down the road. 8-D Merry was a bit stunned at the moment. And I don't think the explanation at the time would have been a lot of help. But there's another Chapter yet to go.
Grey Wonderer · 2 August 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5
What a mess! Paladin is right about his choice of punishment, but the note on which Merry and Pippin parted will make things almost impossible. Loved Paladin's speach to the Banks brothers and I look forward to their father's arrival. Should be quite an interesting exchange. Now, I do hope that you are also planning on writing the tunnel story. LOL When you mentioned it here, I realized that I want that one too. Sorry, but I'm greedy when it comes to good hobbit fiction!
Author's reply
It's true: Paladin did chose the one punishment guaranteed to make Pip sit up an take notice. Unfortunately, it is just as hard on the innocent Merry. Yes, Clodio is not going to be thrilled with his offspring. People keep asking for the tunnel story. I'm letting it percolate. I'm sure I'll do it sooner or later.
pipinheart · 2 August 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5
really good... poor pippin,but I feel so bad for merry...pippin's father punishment was sever,but maybe the only way he will understand. merry is right he dosen't understand,he won't see pippin for a while and the last words were angery ones. I hope those cousins of his fathernever lets them visit again.... Update soon,can't wait to hear more....
Author's reply
Yes, Paladin did not think it through, that he would be punishing Merry as well as Pippin. One more chapter to go. It's with my betas now.
Auntiemeesh · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Wow! This is fantastic. I love the strength you show in Frodo. He may be scholarly but he isn't weak and you really let him shine here. I also love Merry's feelings about having to share Pippin with the Bankses. He's cute when he's jealous! I can't wait to read more of this. :)
Author's reply
To me, Frodo is never weak, except physically right at the end of things, but even then he has a core of strength of another kind. And of course, this is pre-quest, and the ring is still mostly sleeping, so he has all of his strength and endurance. Merry probably is a tad jealous, but it is more a matter of knowing that the Bankses are unworthy of his Pippin. If they had been the type of cousins to share and were kind to Pip, I don't think Merry would have reacted nearly so strongly. As soon a Ch.5 is beta-ed, I'll have it up.
pipinheart · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Really liked this chapter... All of his family surrounded him,all worried if he will live or die. I was curious what the bone disk around her neck really did.Good medical information from poppy... Regi as a guard for the banks,good idea... Finially the younger brother fighting back.... Keep up the great job...
Author's reply
That's how it would have been, I think. Alcohol poisoning can be a serious business. The bone disk is a diagnostic tool, it's used in much the same way as a stick used for dowsing water: it swings about in a certain way and reveals the patient's energy patterns, positive and negative. I had Poppy first use it in WTKCB (Brandy Hall). It seemed to me the type of task Reggie might take on for himself, especially if he didn't want to go home and listen to Hyacinth gloating and speculating. Cado is really scared; he's smart enough to figure out they are in deep trouble. It's a shame, really, that he doesn't fight back when it will do some good.
pipwise brandygin · 29 July 2004 · Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Oh, poor Pippin, he's really put everyone through it this time! I'm so glad the worst is over. I felt so sorry for everyone, especially as it was such a senseless way to get sick, and I hope Merry will get some Pippin hugs soon, I think they both need that :)
Author's reply
Well, the worst of his being sick is over, but not the angst quite yet.