The Dare by Dreamflower
trishette · 19 July 2004 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Hmm... is the feeling I have that this is affiliated with one of the three times Merry became angry at Pippin that you referred to in "A Comspiracy of Hobbits" on the mark?
Author's reply
Yes, it is that episode. It also features as part of the plot in "A New Reckoning".
Bodkin · 18 July 2004 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Nasty Bankses. Perhaps a bit of maternal intervention might have helped here! Except it would have spoiled the story line. Oh well - at least we have an advantage over Merry - we know the 'orrible Bankses are going to be SORRY. Although not remorseful.
Author's reply
Oh yes, nasty Bankses! I do have an explanation of why Eglantine was hesitant to interfere a bit later in the story. No, remorse does not seem to enter their little brains.
Grey Wonderer · 18 July 2004 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1
I was hoping that you would write this one at some point. I am looking forward to seeing how the Banks talk Pip into trouble, but I'm really looking forward to Merry's reaction.
Author's reply
Coming up soon. 8-)
TopazTook · 18 July 2004 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Thank you for posting this story we've all been waiting for! I love your Merry characterization -- his unpracticed, but always sincere, pleading look (in contrast to you-know-who's extremely practiced and sometimes sincere look), and all his thoughts and manipulations of the Bankses. I'm getting a little worried, though, that I'm feeling a twinge of sympathy for young Cado in this chapter as he's getting led along by his brother -- mostly because I know how much of a lout he is in your other story!
Author's reply
Well, I think Merry *would* have a pleading look for Pip,just as much as the other way round, and being Merry would only use it when he meant it. That of course increases its effectiveness immensely. Merry is a pretty good judge of character. He is much more cynical than Pip, however, and not much inclined to cut unpleasant people a break. As for Cado: my idea is that even though he is slightly more intelligent than his older brother, and has a tad more common sense, it doesn't matter in the long run, because he is so rarely inclined to use it to keep his brother from doing cruel and stupid things. Also, his disinclination doesn't come from feeling sorry for his brother's victims as much as from fear of the consequences if they get caught. So, yes, even though he is led along by Clovis, he is still very much a lout. He just tends to be a *worried* lout.
GamgeeFest · 18 July 2004 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1
You're finally writing this story! I was wondering when you would. So far, it's great. I unfortunately have known a few Bankses in my life and they are not pleasant people. I tend to avoid them but poor Pippin wants to be friends with everyone. I liked how you described Merry and Frodo through Pippin's eyes. And Merry's protection of Pippin and how he got rid of the Bankses was right on the mark. Can't wait to read the rest.
Author's reply
Yes, I've known a few like the Bankses as well. And I've known those, who like Pippin, always are willing to give the benefit of a doubt, sometimes to their own detriment. I'm glad you are enjoying my characterizations. I love the relationships between the three cousins. I will probably post Ch.2 sometime tomorrow.
FantasyFan · 18 July 2004 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Here's a story I've been waiting for: what exactly happened between the Banks brothers and Pippin that Merry holds a grudge about so many years later. From what you've written so far, it doesn't look like it's going to be pretty - the Bankses are as nasty and self-centered here as they are in the other story. Is it terrible to say it sounds excing and I'm looking forward to the rest?
Author's reply
No, I don't think it's terrible. After all, you do know that it turns out all right in the end.(One advantage to writing "pre-quels".) And you are right, it won't be the least bit pretty, which is why the PG.
RogerGamgee · 18 July 2004 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Dreamflower, Uh oh....I think I can see where this is going. The Bankses are up to no good. If they're going to get Pip drunk, I can only hope Merry gets to him in time.
Author's reply
Oh yes, you do see. 8-)