Dreamflower's Mathoms I by Dreamflower
Lindelea · 28 November 2005 · Chapter 79: Pippin's Charge to Éowyn
Blessing his extra inches from the Ent-draught, Pippin reached up to open the door and enter. Lovely detail. Why does this make me think that perhaps Eomer might have gone to Merry, to ask him to look after Eowyn?
Author's reply
Now that's a thought!
Gryffinjack · 18 November 2005 · Chapter 25: Third Thoughts
Faramir. One of my favourite characters in the books. As you show, he is a man of honour who holds his oaths sacred. There are not many who could watch the Ringbearer sleep, knowing what is in his possession, and not try to take it from him, but Faramir cares naught about power and would prefer the Dark Lord to be destroyed. Moreover, Faramir would not hinder another from a quest, no matter how hopeless he might think it. A very nice look at Faramir and his dignity.
Author's reply
Thank you. I've always thought that it was his words uttered in a moment of careless ignorance, that gave him the extra boost of motivation needed to throw off the Ring's blandishments. I think of Faramir as very dignified indeed, and inwardly dignified, where it truly counts.
Gryffinjack · 18 November 2005 · Chapter 71: A Small Incident on the Great River...
Poor Sam! I guess he didn't watch the extended version of the DVD's or else he would have learnt about Sean's accident. More than a passing similarity, I would say. lol! Sam deserves some cosseting every now and then. It's good to see him being pampered by everyone else for a change. Unseemly for him to be carried by an elf - typical Sam. "Merry huffed, and said “You’ve nothing to be sorry for, Sam!” “Oh, I don’t know,” said Pippin, “I’m sure the silly ass thrust a tree in his foot on purpose so he could eat our cooking.”" That's Pippin for you - a cheeky comment that hits home and makes his point. Sam should just rest and enjoy being appreciated.
Author's reply
LOL! You certainly caught my inspiration--well, that and RSF's request for some Sam h/c. And yes, Sam deserves to get the TLC himself from time to time. I could see Pippin being impressed by that splinter. The male adolescent fascination with all things gross, you know! Yes, he should; but he's just not accustomed to it.
Gryffinjack · 18 November 2005 · Chapter 23: The Lady's Gift
*sigh* You tell such beautiful stories! Galadriel's gift to Sam *was* rather special, wasn't it? While the other gifts to the Fellowship members were helpful for what they would go through on the Quest, only Gimli's and Sam's were not. And Gimli's gift was at *his* request, not thought of by Galadriel. But Sam's ... Sam's was the gift of life and hope. Sam is like an elf in his special affinity for nature and all things that grow. Since all of Lothlorien will fade away, including the mallorn trees, in a way, Galadriel entrusted the future of Lothlorien to Sam.
Author's reply
Sam is like an elf in his special affinity for nature and all things that grow. Since all of Lothlorien will fade away, including the mallorn trees, in a way, Galadriel entrusted the future of Lothlorien to Sam. You caught what I was aiming for *exactly*! Thank you!
Gryffinjack · 18 November 2005 · Chapter 8: Making Time for Music
What a lovely story! Someone as musical as Pippin, no doubt he *would* miss playing a musical instrument. He loves his music so. This is a beautiful moment that helps show the bond between Legolas and Pippin. For all of his otherworldliness, Legolas was quite upset when Merry and Pippin were taken. The idea of what the Uruk-hai might have done to them was very distressing. Music is something that they both share. That and a love of climbing trees. What a special gift for Legolas to give Pippin music.
Author's reply
I thought that yes, he would miss his fiddle and his other instruments. And Legolas might know of an instrument--I've always thought panpipes had a sort of eerie Elven sound to them. They are an ancient instrument--so I thought that Legolas might play them, and perhaps know how to make them. Legolas had indeed grown to love the hobbits. I can remember so clearly his thoughts at what the Uruk-hai might do; "the thought of those merry young folk driven like cattle burns my heart". You know, it may well be that the Uruk-hai were fortunate in being wiped out by the Rohirrim. An Elf with a grudge and heartburn would be a fearsome thing indeed. I'm glad you thought this special; thank you.
Gryffinjack · 18 November 2005 · Chapter 41: Test Results
Brilliant! I don't know how you always manage to voice the characters so well. This sounds just like Tolkien's Galadriel. And of course, is embued with all of her wisdom. While hobbits as a whole are resistant to the Ring, it is precisely that bond of love for each other that makes it impossible for the Ring to claim any of them.
Author's reply
Thank you. I hadn't written Galadriel before; but I just wondered what her thoughts would have been after testing the hobbits--they would have been far more new and strange to her than even Elves were to the hobbits. I'm sure they amazed her. And that bond of love, so very strong, making the Ring's work on them ultimately in vain.
Gryffinjack · 18 November 2005 · Chapter 16: A Gift for Frodo
Okay... We interrupt this Quest for a very important broadcast. I wasn't aware that hobbits had televisions! lol! Lassie to the rescue - how perfect! My favourite shot of Lassie was always the one of her at the very end of the credits when she raised one of her front paws. What does Merry mean, "What I can’t imagine, Frodo, was that you of all people had a *dog*!” Why not Frodo? Hobbits had dogs. I'd love to see our hobbits owning, playing, and hanging around dogs more often, especially Pippin. I'd imagine collies like Lassie and border collies for the most part. Leave it to Lassie to be the only one who knew the truth - dogs are so bright and have that sixth sense, you know. What a nice gift for Frodo to get a reprieve from the Ring for a while, if only in his mind.
Author's reply
You know, I really have no idea where the bunny for this came from. I had not thought of Lassie in years, LOL! That's a canon-based fanon meme: In canon, Frodo is afraid of Farmer Maggot's dogs. The fanon corollary is that Frodo has a fear of big dogs, or sometimes a fear of all dogs. I think that because of their size, hobbits would own small to medium sized dogs, and I don't think they would be as common among town or village hobbits as among farm-hobbits. That's just a guess. I like to give Frodo a bit of a break on the Quest when I can. If anyone deserves it, he does.
Gryffinjack · 17 November 2005 · Chapter 63: Memory and Sorrow
This was so sad! We usually don't really give it much thought, but Sam has indeed lost his mother. So have Boromir and Aragorn for that matter. But for the hobbits, to whom family means everything, it must have really been a hard blow for Sam. "Frodo felt his world reel. Bell Gamgee, who had been so kind to him, Sam’s *mother*--snatched away all unexpected, as his own mother and father had been. He caught at the edge of the door, and feeling his knees give way, he slid down to sit upon the floor, as he felt the blood leave his face. ... ...Sam sat on the floor against the wall, his face white and pinched, a mask of misery. He stared blankly, seeing nothing." The similarity in reactions you strike is so astounding and so poignant. It may have been Sam's mother that had just died, but it must have brought Frodo back to Buckland standing on by the banks of the Brandywine River watching his parents' bodies being brought out of its cold, heartless depths. Even with all those relatives around and ever after, it seems that at least some part of Frodo was always alone. Really, Frodo is the perfect one to comfort him, just as you said. He knows first hand what it is like to lose a parent, or in Frodo's case, two. This understanding between them would definitely help cement their strong friendship. Sure, Sam is his gardener and employee, but he is much more than that. This was a very special story.
Author's reply
JRRT never gives a DOB or DOD for Bell Gamgee. We do know that the Gaffer is a widower by the end of the Quest. I have seen any number of takes on it: that she died when Marigold is born or shortly thereafter; that she dies not long before or after Frodo comes to Bag End; that she died of the mistreatment from the Ruffians during the Occupation of the Shire. I chose to think that she lived until just before Bilbo left the Shire--that she had been a warm and guiding presence throughout Sam's formative years, and had been there for Frodo as well, when he came to Bag End a lonely and confused orphan. I have also and often seen her suffering from a long wasting illness. I just couldn't do that to her, and so had her die very suddenly and unexpectedly. I think you are the only one who caught the similarity in the two grief-stricken reactions. I wanted to clearly show, that, yes, Frodo *does* indeed know *exactly* how Sam feels. And yes, he can and will comfort him, and he will ever and always be more than Sam's employer. He'll be his dearest friend and brother at heart. Thank you.
Gryffinjack · 17 November 2005 · Chapter 10: Yule in Hollin
Awww - how thoughtful of the rest of Big Folk! After all his experiences with hobbits, it is only natural that it would be Gandalf who would know what was bothering the hobbits. The hobbits must have been awfully homesick for their families. Now that would be interesting, to see this first Yule without their sons from the perspective of their families. " He opened the package, and startled a laugh out of both Frodo and Gandalf when it revealed a stack of pristine white handkerchiefs, nine of them." How like Bilbo! Your incorporation of the handkerchiefs in stories is something that always makes me smile. After running out of his smial without a handkerchief in The Hobbit, I doubt he ever forgot a handkerchief again. "Merry placed Pippin’s in his hand as he did not make a move to take it. The tweenager looked at it, and burst into tears. “I didn’t even think of bringing something!” he wailed. Merry moved to hug him, and Frodo used his new handkerchief to wipe the lad’s tears. But Sam just stared at his toes, looking every bit as miserable as Pippin, though there were no tears. The rest of the Fellowship looked on, a bit uncomfortable, and then moved on about the business of settling in for a day’s rest, leaving the hobbits to comfort their own. The four finally arranged themselves for rest, but Pippin cried himself to sleep." Awww! It makes me want to hug all four of them! Well, okay, I want to hug them all anyway, but they are just so sweet! I don't think Pippin ever outgrew being so sensitive, crying himself to sleep because he didn't bring anything for the others. A fine hot meal, some watered down spirits, a bit of sweets, a warm fire, clean handkerchiefs, some coloured smoke rings, a few stories, and fine friends and family... that's all a hobbit would ever need to make him happy. "Sam sat forward eagerly, and Pippin relaxed into Frodo’s embrace. And the stars looked down from a clear sky." Your words just sing! Absolutely beautiful, Dreamflower! You take such great care with all of your stories, no matter how large or small. Your stories are always of the highest value.
Author's reply
Yes, the first Yule away from home, away from the Shire and their loved ones--it *had* to be so hard for them all. I think Bilbo may have realized this; after all, he had to spend a good many Yules away from other hobbits, and I am certain that the first few at least, had been very lonely. And handkerchiefs are just so Bilbo-y, LOL! Not to mention useful and easy to carry. Well, Pippin was crying because he didn't bring a gift, but also because he's young, he misses his home and family right now, and he's dreadfully worried about the loved ones who *did* come with him. I think it all piled up on him at once, and the handkerchiefs were just the trigger. It does take only a few simple things to cheer hobbits up: just the knowledge that their new friends cared enough to try had to make them feel all warm and fuzzy. I am so happy when you say things like that. It just makes my toes curl. Thank you. *blushes*
Gryffinjack · 17 November 2005 · Chapter 36: A Thorny Problem
A thorny problem, indeed! I can see Pippin having the nimble fingers required for just such a "talent." He's smaller than the rest of the hobbits, plays various instruments where he has to use his fingers, resilient, and with the amount of trouble he and Merry get into, this would be a most useful ability. The hobbity chatter while Pippin worked was most enjoyable - very hobbity. I can imagine the hobbits using bramble bushes to avoid the hated S.B.'s as well as Farmer Maggot's dogs a la Brer Rabbit. The lesser of two evils, as it were. But ... they painted the Boffins lads' faces? I hope one of them was not Folco! "There was a brief silence, and then the oaths began again. They were remarkably inventive. The hobbits and Gandalf had turned to listen. “Boromir,” said Frodo primly, “do, please, watch your language.” Sam was blushing furiously, and Pippin was taking careful note. Merry rolled his eyes. “Don’t be such a Baggins, Frodo!” Pippin sniggered." lol! I like how you put it about Boromir's language being so inventive and everyone listening, especially Pippin. But Frodo can be such the serious, protective older cousin at times! Naturally, Merry would chalk it up to a Baggins characteristic, though we've not seen that from Bilbo. "Frodo blushed. “No, I am sorry for saying anything, Boromir. I tend to forget that I am not in the Shire, and that some young people are not so young as they were.” “Thank you for that observation, Frodo,” said Pippin, moving away a long section of vine. “I do think you could remember that more often." Now that is just like the Pippin in the books - a confident, cheeky remark. "“Did you hear that Merry? Gimli was impressed!”" Also very much in keeping with Pippin's character. That little hobbit just soaks up praise. It means almost as much to him as food. I really enjoyed this one!
Author's reply
This story rose out of a little throwaway anecdote in "A New Reckoning"; when Marigold Challenged us to do a Fellowship story, I couldn't resist expanding on it. I actually was thinking of Brer Rabbit when I wrote the parts about the dogs and about the S.-B.s. As hobbits are small burrowing creatures much like rabbits, I'm sure the adults would have taught the children to hide in places like bramble bushes, in order to escape predators. It's funny that this comes up, after I posted my "cussing" essay, LOL! But I don't think it harms Boromir's reputation to admit that he did cuss, as long as I don't reveal what he said. My Frodo tends to be an eensy bit priggish, which I attribute to his Baggins side--not Bilbo assuredly, who was anything but, but I think Drogo might have been, especially with his one chick. And I am quite sure Dora and Dudo were. They just strike me that way. I like a confident cheeky Pippin! And you are right, it's very canon. He does love to be praised and noticed. And *that* comes from being the baby of the family, and the only boy, LOL!
Gryffinjack · 17 November 2005 · Chapter 13: One of the Lads
I forgot to mention about true it is that the hobbits, especially Merry and Pippin, treat the other members of the Company just like any other hobbit - like family. One of the great characteristics of hobbits is how open they are and how they look for the good in everyone. The way they laugh and joke around with the Big Folk really does help turn the Company into a family. We can see that in canon in comments made by the various members of the fellowship, including Legolas and Gimli. Oh, and I really liked the image of Merry trying to bait Pippin by telling inappropriate stories to Gimli. No doubt Merry also enjoyed the windfall of embarassing the dwarf. Merry really is an instigator of trouble! lol! Once again, great little story!
Author's reply
It's true that treating the others like family is part of their hobbit-nature, but it is particularly true of Merry and Pippin, that they really don't know of another way of doing it. Frodo is well-read, and well-taught by Bilbo. He may not have met Men or Elves before the Quest, but he has learned *about* them most of his life, and he knows, most assuredly that they are not hobbits. Sam is focused on his Master; he'll grow fond of, and friendly with the others as they travel, but he's not really considering it as important as what he does for Frodo. Merry and Pippin are young; they've *heard* a lot of Bilbo's tales, but they've never studied them. They've never been out of the Shire before, and they are both quite young. They don't *know* any other way to treat the others than as hobbits. This is not to say they are so naive as to believe there are no differences, but they simply ignore the differences because, well what else do they know? Yes, mischievous Merry would love the idea of aggravating two people at the same time, with the same material, but for different reasons, LOL!
Gryffinjack · 17 November 2005 · Chapter 55: Gandalf Observes Boromir
You know, Gandalf could have said this about any one of the Big Folk in the Company. It's true for all of them. These stories about Boromir always make me feel a bit sad, even when are showing his good side. *sigh* He really was very hobbity at heart.
Author's reply
Yes, it's true for them all; but I think Gandalf had begun to realize that the Ring was *concentrating* Its efforts on Boromir. Anything with Boromir does tend to make one a bit melancholy--knowing his fate lends a certain amount of bittersweetness to any story with him in it, even if the Ring is never mentioned. Have you ever read Pipkin Sweetgrass' "The Bee Charmer"? It's a delightful "Boromir lives" AU, in which we learn just how hobbity at heart the Son of Gondor was. I love it.
Gryffinjack · 17 November 2005 · Chapter 13: One of the Lads
The Big Folk observing the hobbits always makes for such interesting stories! I think you're right - Merry and Pippin would have gone about trying to find a job that they could do to help the Fellowship. Especially at the beginning, they both are worried that they will be sent back and want to prove their worth. It's very important to both of them that they show that they are valued members of the Company and not mere tag-alongs. Finding things to round out their meals, gathering firewood, and serving everyone is one way they can contribute. Other than lending their support to Frodo, Merry and Pippin do not see their best ways of contributing at this early stage - keeping everyone's spirits up and helping everyone to become a group that knew and cared about each other. The best way to do that is to laugh and grow close, as Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli are finding out. Can you imagine what the hobbits must have thought about the "small" portions taken by the Big Folk? "Must be feeling rather poorly to have such little appetite." lol! These stories really show the differences between the different races as well as how they come together as a group. You're so good at filling in the corners!
Author's reply
It's something I love--seeing others observing and marveling at the wonder that is hobbits! LOL! Yes, they very much want to prove themselves worthy and useful. Although they both know their primary job is to help keep up Frodo's morale, they want to do all they can to not be a burden to the others. And the skills they show are hobbity strengths. And they have not realized that Frodo is not the only one who needs to be cheered up. And getting everyone to care about one another is a part of their hobbit nature--it comes to them easily. It does seem strange to the hobbits: obviously these folk are bigger--they should by all rights eat lots more than hobbits, right? *grin* "Filling in the corners". Why thank you for putting that in such a hobbity way!
Baggins Babe · 15 November 2005 · Chapter 78: Something To Be Thankful For
A lovely look at our favourite hobbits, and how nice that on this occasion it is Merry who is asleep rather than Frodo. What a sweetie Eomer is, to carry his esquire back. *sigh* Glad you did not have Merry at the Black Gate - I know why it was done in the film but I like to stick to canon there. Yes, definitely reasons to be grateful.
Author's reply
Merry had *his* chance to be grateful, that all three of his loved ones survived, already. Now it is their turn to be grateful that *he* survived. And really, for the longest time, I've had an image of Eomer carrying a sleeping Merry; I just needed a story to put it in. No, no Merry at the Black Gate. I do not write movie-verse. I use the movie as "flavoring" for canon stories. It helps me with visuals and with characterizations and with props, but it is never allowed to dominate the story. If Merry *had* been at the Black Gate, what are the odds that *both* he and Pip would have survived? *shudder*
Andrea · 15 November 2005 · Chapter 78: Something To Be Thankful For
A lovely story, indeed! That's exaxtly what first came into my mind: only death would (or could) have stopped Merry from worrying. I also loved this statement from Pippin: "Merry wouldn’t get drunk without me--not on purpose anyway." That's just great :)
Author's reply
Yes, indeed, only death or injury as severe as that which had all the others unconscious. That last statement goes back to another story of mine, "The Dare" in which as tweens, Merry and Pippin promise one another to only get drunk together. I've referenced it in some of my other stories as well, "Pippin's Promise" and "The Pact".
harrowcat · 15 November 2005 · Chapter 78: Something To Be Thankful For
Oh wow Dreamflower this is great. I actually thought that you had Sam being a bit too thick and that there was no need for Pippin to explain but then I read his reason. You can call ME the ninnyhammer. The reason I had thought of was if the three of them had been killed Merry would have been mad with grief but not 'worried'. I suspect that I have been over-influenced by the movie version.
Author's reply
Thank you. You are not the only reader of the story to whom that occurred. Actually, Merry himself thought of that in another story. But Pippin here is more focussed on Merry himself, and *his* worry is for what could have happeened to Merry. It's easy to allow some of the movie-verse ideas to be an influence. But the idea of Merry at the Black Gate is not one that ever appealed to me, though I understood PJ's reasons for doing so. I think that if Merry had gone, the likelihood ob *both* of them surviving the battle is quite small.
Larner · 15 November 2005 · Chapter 78: Something To Be Thankful For
A good reason to be grateful together.
Author's reply
Yes, I do think that it is.
PIppinfan1988 · 14 November 2005 · Chapter 78: Something To Be Thankful For
A very lovely, sweet moment between our four lads...even though one of them is out for the count. ;-) I thought this was wonderful! Thank you for sharing! Pippinfan
Author's reply
Thanks. You *know* how I feel about the four of them. *grin* Glad you liked it.
Lindelea · 14 November 2005 · Chapter 78: Something To Be Thankful For
“He has had many days of weary waiting, and much lost sleep to make up for.” (yes, I'm sure he has.) You know, I can think of another dark reason he wouldn't be worried about them, and that would be if all three of the others had perished. He'd be grieving, certainly, and likely to the death, but the one thing he wouldn't be (about them, anyhow) would be worried. A sombre thought.
Author's reply
A *very* sombre thought, and one that *did* occur to Merry himself, in another story--but fortunately it has not yet occured to his dear ones, though I imagine that sooner or later it will. But Pippin, of course, is focused more on Merry.
Pearl Took · 14 November 2005 · Chapter 78: Something To Be Thankful For
A lovely, lovely tale, told from thankful hobbit hearts. I'll add here, I'm thankful for your stories. Thank you for writing them and sharing them with us.
Author's reply
Oh, Pearl! What a nice thing to say! And I find myself thankful for readers like you, who enjoy the stories and let me know, and for your own stories as well!
Gryffinjack · 11 November 2005 · Chapter 2: A Matter of Perspective
Amazing! Such important ideas conveyed in such a brief story. I love seeing Bilbo act as Frodo's guardian once again, teaching him and being stern with him. Frodo is so used to being the one protecting Merry and Pippin, but Bilbo is also their cousin and the senior member of their families present. It's only natural that Elrond would go to Bilbo in this situation, especially since Bilbo has been living in Rivendell for so many years now. Bilbo really brought it home to Frodo just how important it was to Merry and Pippin to go with him, not because it was an adventure, but because he was in so much danger. There's nothing like changing someone's perspective to make them understand the other side. There's no way Frodo would have allowed Bilbo to go on such a Quest without him. Bilbo was brilliant and knew just how to make Frodo understand. I love seeing the interaction between the two of them. Can you imagine the first time that Bilbo saw Merry and Pippin at Rivendell after all these years? "Goodness, how you've grown, my lads!"
Author's reply
That was my *exact* reasoning about Bilbo's role during that time. I believed it could not be just "chance" that placed him there and then. Bilbo immediately and naturally resumed his role as senior cousin as soon as they had come into his pervue. And I think you are absolutely right about Elrond. Frodo, of course, was not reacting logically at all, but out of fear for Merry and Pippin. Bilbo enabled him to see just how illogical he was being with one little question. Oh my yes! I can also imagine just how utterly *relieved* they would have been to fall into his familiar arms after all the terror and worry on the road.
Gryffinjack · 11 November 2005 · Chapter 20: Three Nights Out of Bree...
You are quite adept at mirroring Tolkien in the voice you give to Sam, and to all of the hobbits for that matter. Reading your Sam, it's just like the way he speaks and thinks in the book. So here we have the first instance where Strider learns the value of the hobbits. I should think that after having watched and studied them for so long with his fellow rangers that he would have gained some appreciation for them over time. It's interesting that through most of the story, he thinks of them not by name, but as "the hobbits" or "the youngest" or "his older cousins," showing how little he has bonded with them up until that point in time. The same could be true of Sam, who has not yet learnt to trust Strider despite the assurances in Gandalf's letter. But here we see one instance where they have found a common bond - their knowledge of plants. And another bond is formed when Strider keeps Sam's secret about getting lost. Merry and Frodo are also in character, both fretting over why Sam is taking so long and over Pippin's health. For in your stories, Strider is quite right that Pippin at this point does have weak lungs and has been very sickly as a child, which not only makes it all the more amazing that he has been included on the Quest, but makes the situation all the more dangerous now with Pippin being sick out in the wilderness with days of long, hard walking ahead of him before they reach Rivendell and with those Black Riders still after them. Precisely how many ulcers does Merry have now?
Author's reply
I'm glad you like my Sam voice. I try very hard to mimic the speech patterns of the books for him. Strider's watched the Shire for years, from the outside. He knows some hobbits from Bree, and he knows Bilbo. But he's never really had any call to do more with them than observe from the outside, so at this point in time he does not have the same perspective. This is the first time he's had call to get to *know* hobbits, and it's early days yet. He's not bonded with them much so far, but he is beginning to like them. He is still underestimating them however, never having had occasion yet to see hobbits "in a pinch", which is when they are at their best. But that time is coming. And Sam, in spite of Gandalf's letter, is still seeing a scruffy stranger, who has been pushing them hard. So this is the beginning of his learning more about them. I am glad you also like the way Merry and Frodo are reacting. Poor Merry; you are right--it is amazing he didn't develop ulcers. Perhaps that's a bunny for Anso...
Gryffinjack · 10 November 2005 · Chapter 9: At the Inn in Bree
The great thing about alternate POV stories is the incite they give into the thoughts and emotions of another character during an event. Sometimes, those thoughts and feelings can be equally or even more important than the ones expressed by the character whose eyes we originally see an event through. That is the case here. The first one to be well and truly touched by the Black Breath is not Frodo, but Merry. I did not pick up on that the first time I read the books. This is one of those instances where reading your stories helped in my understanding of the books. For it was only after I read in one of your stories that Merry had been touched by the Black Breath twice that I understood that fact. Before then, I only recalled him being touched by the Black Breath when he helped slay the witch king. This is because Merry's being touched by the Black Breath is glossed over pretty quickly in FotR. And why not? Nobody understood what it was at that point other than Aragorn, and Merry certainly wasn't going to go into detail with this stranger, Strider, about how it made him feel. It is not until later Weathertop when Frodo is pierced by that blade that we really understand the severity and importance of the Black Breath. And by then, all concern is rightly on Frodo, the Ringbearer, rather than on one of his tag-along cousins. It's fairly obvious that this first brush with the Black Breath hurt Merry as much as the later one did. We do not learn of any ill-effects such as his arm going cold or him blacking out as he does in Minas Tirith. But it still had a lasting impact upon him. Right then and there in Bree, he learnt, if he hadn't before, just how grave the danger was, not only to Frodo, but to all of them. And if this is what happened to him, who was not the Ringbearer, than the danger could only be greater and unfathomable for his dear older cousin. At the time this happened in Bree, Frodo was too absorbed in the danger of the mission, the Black Riders, and Gandalf not showing up to really focus on what had happened to Merry. And really, who could blame him? But Pippin was not. Even when Merry denies it, Pippin can tell that he is not all right. Pippin, like Frodo, is excellent at reading people, but especially his Merry. Sensing the tension in Merry's back and feeling him trembling - that had to have been most disconcerting to Pippin. He'd always relied upon Merry, and Frodo. To be frightened himself and have both Merry and Frodo also shaken so badly - *shudder*. Thus we see one of the first real instances of Pippin really growing up and taking responsibility. When Merry and Frodo are unable to speak, Pippin steps forth and answers Strider that they will carry as much as they must. This is also one of those instances when we get to see the worth of Pippin, in that he is the only one to whom Merry confides how he really is feeling and what it felt like. It must have been some relief for Merry to try to express this. "“At least we’re all together. As long as that is so, nothing can really be *that* bad.”" And of course, there is Pippin with his eternal optimism helping to cheer up one of his dearest cousins. This story is relatively short, but extremely poignant.
Author's reply
It's quite true for me, that the first time I read the books I did not realize what Merry experienced in Bree. It wasn't until his encounter with the Nazgul on the Pelennor, that I realized Bree was a precursor. And there are some who feel that he also encountered it at Weathertop, and recently, even when the Nazgul flew over while they were on the Anduin. I think, though, that's a bit of overkill, and depends on your opinion of the question "Could the Ringwraiths *control* the terror they emanated or was it simply intrinsic to them. My opinion is that they could control its intensity at least. Otherwise, both the Gaffer and Farmer Maggot would have come down with the Black Breath. As it was, they experienced a bit of unpleasant and inexplicable fear, but nothing like Merry experienced, or Faramir, or Eowyn, or others at the siege who were exposed. Merry, of course, is trying to make light of this. In Bree, they are still all too close to the Shire. He can't risk the possiblity that Frodo will still try to send them back. And he doesn't--really--quite realize himself how serious it is. But as you say, Pippin does--maybe not the extent of it yet; they are all still rather innocent of just how serious the danger is until Weathertop, in spite of their encounters with Old Man Willow and the Barrow-wights. Those dangers were something overt and obvious. In comparison, the Black Breath, though actually worse, was seemingly trivial. And yes, Pippin is ready to prove he'll not be a hindrance, but a help, both in being willing to shoulder his share of the burden, and in taking on the job of keeping spirits up. And yes, poignant, thank you, is what I was aiming for. I am glad you liked it.
Gryffinjack · 10 November 2005 · Chapter 73: The Heart of the Conspiracy
Great little vignette. Naturally, when Frodo had a chance to think about it, he would wonder why Sam had taken part in the conspiracy. He's right, it just doesn't seem like Sam to spy on his master. I can see where Frodo would feel a bit disappointed and hurt that Sam would do that to him. But still, Frodo understood once Sam explained the reason. There's no way Sam could not agree to help Merry, knowing that Merry was mortally afraid that Frodo would leave to go try and find Bilbo. They all understand the depth of the love and caring between the three cousins, and now Sam, too. It just goes to show how well Merry knew big-brother-almost Frodo.
Author's reply
Yes, he would wonder. But as we know, loyalty sometimes means *not* keeping a secret, when to do so would put someone in danger. And of course, both Sam and Merry thought Frodo would be in danger if he left the Shire alone--and that *before* there was ever any question of the Ring. It does. And it shows how well Frodo knew Merry as well. I think the only reason that the three of them did *not* pick up on all the clues they normally would have was because of the abnormality of keeping secrets from one another. The whole idea of not telling each other everything--and here I'm referring to all three cousins--was so alien to them, that for a period of several months, it threw their whole relationship out of whack. As soon as the secrets were gone, they were able, once more to "read" each other.
Bodkin · 10 November 2005 · Chapter 77: A Night to Remember
They've got back from Edoras! This is a lovely look at a group of people who are very close, reminiscing over terrifying events - in just the right place: together and sitting by the fire. But some events cast long shadows - and nothing will ever be as it was before. They've lost their innocence, and some have lost more than that. And so much is left unsaid - I enjoyed the sections in italics, as Freddy and Esmeralda remembered how they had felt at the time. The art of understatement is alive and well and living in the Shire. But it doesn't need to be said to be understood by those who have been exposed to so much. Poor Frodo. He hope to save the Shire - and couldn't. Good story!
Author's reply
Yes, I suppose this is a mild spoiler for the longer story, but really, I don't think there's much doubt that they'll return, LOL! And I tried to be careful not to say much about any of the others who accompanied them. I thought the scene of sitting around together cosily would be a kind of contrast to the dark things they were remembering; also it gave a reason for Odovocar to be listening, and learning more about what his own son had done. Well, I needed to show their thoughts in order to answer Marigold's prompts, but I did not necessarily think they would be speaking those thoughts aloud to others. And you are quite right--Frodo, Merry and Pippin do understand what is unspoken here, all too well. Poor Frodo is right. Yet, he did save the Shire from a darker and more dire fate, had Sauron not been cast down. But unfortunately, he couldn't see it that way, thanks to Saruman. Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!