I love those. Or at least, I think I would, if I were ever allowed to have one. Do you think it’s right, Sam, for a hobbit to reach my age and never have had a cinnamon roll?”
Loved Pippin's logic on this. He knew he'd love them even though he'd never had them. Also like it as a way to get sympathy.
The entire chapter was great and the bit with the bog was a bit chilling as they might well have walked into it or camped there. I do wonder about the hedge and who planted it. Can't wait for more.
Author's reply
Yes, poor unfortunate Pippin, he loves sweets but is never allowed to have them. You can tell sometimes just by looking at food if you'll like it or dislike it. And of course, Pippin has never met a sweet he didn't like. ;)
The bog was a bit touch and go, whether to leave that in or take it out. But I figured with all Sam's talk about them and how they're real and Frodo teasing him about it, that there had to be a pay off. And then Sam couldn't quite believe it himself! I'm wondering about that hedge too. Just another unsolved mystery.
Thanks for reading!
Anso the Hobbit
· 19 February 2005
· Chapter 11: Chapter 11
I must say, i`ve been reading this whole story so far in one go and that latest chapter was just brilliant! I also loved that the trip went well (well at least as what can be expected with adventorous hobbits joining) and that Frodo didn`t regret having Merry and Pippin along. I really like how Sam`s and Merry`s friendship is developing and it is very enjoyable to see a story exploring that in detail!
Author's reply
Frodo surprised himself by enjoying having his cousins and Sam along. Of course, the others found camping to be much different than they expected, especially Merry and Pippin. They're not used to roughing it. And angry horde of wasps aside, the trip did go quite smoothly.;)
It must have been hard for Merry when his Frodo left, especially at that young an age. Knowing that Sam is so close in age, Merry would have been jealous of him taking up that much of Frodo's time. It's good he was finally able to realize that and own up to those feelings. With that cleared up and out of the way, he and Sam can truly start to rebuild their friendship.
I'm glad you're enjoying the story. Thanks for reading!
Bodkin
· 18 February 2005
· Chapter 11: Chapter 11
How can Sam dispute it? They both have Frodo's health, happiness and general welfare as top priorities - ergo, they have a communal interest that the Gaffer cannot argue about. And Merry being jealous over Sam's closeness to Frodo is a reason he will understand better than any other he could have come up with.
It seems as if Sam is coping well with the idea of having to be friends with Merry again. And if Merry continues to be tactful, that will help the budding relationship.
And, although Frodo has cottoned onto Sam's Pippin-training technique, he is still soft-hearted enough to humour him. (I wish Merry had asked. I want to know.)
Author's reply
He can't dispute it and he wouldn't try to now. Whenever Frodo's involved, Sam quickly puts aside his own reservations, and yes, having a valid excuse to give his Gaffer always helps. Gaffer can't argue with Sam wanting to look after Frodo. Merry's confession really helped Sam to understand that what Merry did actually had very little to do with Sam himself, and that will indeed help him to start trusting Merry again. Merry will be training himself to be more patient and considerate after this, and that will start showing in his other relationships. His parents might not recognize him when he gets home, lol!
Merry's got a scheme up his sleeve to get Pippin to spill the beans. Pippin will do his best to hold out, but curiosity will eventually get the better of him.
Thanks for reading!
Hai Took
· 18 February 2005
· Chapter 11: Chapter 11
That was wonderful! You wrote Merry's anxiety about speaking to Sam very well! Sam is such a good fellow I'm glad he began to except Merry, even if it will take some time to actually trust him once again. In a was I guess this is the beginning of the Conspiracy, concern for Frodo and friendship with one another.
I must say I'm just as curious about why Sam can keep Pippin in control better than anyone else. Also Pippin being shocked that he thought Sam would have told and that Frodo would betray him.
Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
This is a little bit like the beginning of the Conspiracy. It will certainly make developing the Conspiracy much easier for Merry when the time comes, since Sam would have learned to trust Merry again by then.
LOL, the great food mystery sure has everyone scratching their heads. Pippin was shocked, becuase he knew Sam would never tell and that Frodo wouldn't hesitate to rat him out! But Frodo gave in to Pippin anyway - the very reason Sam's trick wouldn't work for Frodo or Merry. ;)
Thanks for reading!
YAY! Good for Merry! I'm so happy that he and Sam are on the road to friendship again! *bounces* And it looks like Merry will be patient enough--it was nice of him to hold back his question about Pippin at the end. It's nice to know that he really does understand how patient he needs to be for this to work. And I'm so glad that Sam understands the common bond he shares with Merry: their love for Frodo. ^^ And hopefully the food story will come out soon enough. I've been trying to guess, so hopefully it's not something so obvious that I'll feel stupid when it's finally revealed. lol.
Thanks for another wonderful chapter!
Author's reply
Well, Merry will certainly try to be patient. He'll forget every now and then, but he'll eventually get the hang of it. He's tried too hard to get Sam to accept him as a friend to mess it up by being thoughtless again.
Sam and Merry have much in common actually, beyond just their love for Frodo. They're both fiercley protective, quick thinkers and strategic planners. As time goes by, they'll learn to see those things about each other and Merry will begin to mature into the hobbit we see in FOTR.
The food mystery probably will be obvious once you know what it is. Sam's solutions are always the simplest ones and are therefore easily overlooked by practically everyone else.
Thanks for reading!
Dreamflower
· 18 February 2005
· Chapter 11: Chapter 11
How lovely to find a chapter of this just before I have to leave for work this morning! Such a nice way to begin the day!
I enjoyed the bit of byplay with Frodo and Pippin. *chuckle* Poor Pip, he really *is* just a growing lad--he needs his six square meals a day.
And the conversation between Merry and Sam was very much as I thought it would be. I've always known how very difficult it had been for Merry's beloved Frodo to go so far away from him--a little bit of jealousy was bound to tinge that. And as it probably was obvious to all of us readers, their common love for Frodo is the thing that really binds them together. But actually, they do have more in common than that, once they begin to put that time of distance behind them: they are the closest in age of the four, they both are intelligent, long-thinkers, and fiercely protective of those they love.
Now, if you will just clear up the mystery of Sam's hold over Pippin's appetite...8-D
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad this put a good start to your morning. ^_^
Poor Pippin indeed. He's so hungry! It's amazing he has any strength left. ;) But it *will* be worth his while so don't feel too bad for him.
Merry was caught in that situation that so many of us find our selves in from time to time: knowing intellectually that Frodo needed to leave Buckland for his own good, but not being able to accept it in his heart. Plus, he was so young when Frodo left, and kids that age tend to blame themselves when things like this happen. He was very much aware of how close in age he and Sam were as well, which made the threat that he was being replaced all the more real. Had Sam been closer to Frodo's age, then Merry might have been able to accept that a little easier.
Now that they're back on the road to friendship, they will be finding that they do have quite a lot in common, but Frodo is what will hold them together through the years leading up to the Quest. After the Quest, they will have grown closer than brothers, which is of course a very good thing.
You have a couple more chapters before the food mystery is cleared up. Merry hasn't forgotten his vow to find out what it is, and he has been devising a plan in between everything else that has been happening to get Pippin to spill the beans.
Elenar
· 18 February 2005
· Chapter 11: Chapter 11
This is a very nice story! I really like how you write the relationships between the characters! I'm happy to see that Merry and Sam are friends again.
And I loved Pippin muttering that he should have pouted :)
I would love to read what happened to break Merry's and Sam's friendship. Have you already written that story?
Author's reply
Hello Elenar! Yes, I have written that story, it's called "Under the Harvest Moon" and can be found on my author's page.
Hindsight is always 20/20. Pippin was excited about the prospect of camping out, until he realized what all it entails. Now he's regretting the decision somewhat, though as soon as he's fed, he'll be more optimistic.
Thanks for reading and for the review!
That conversatin was well worth the wait! I liked Merry's honesty and Sam's humor. It all fits so well with what must have been a very hard thing for Merry, having Frodo leave Buckland. I also like the fact that Sam thinks of Frodo as the thing that he and Merry have in common. I have always thought that the two of them were very much alike in their need to look after others and their quick thinking, even if some of Merry's quick thinking results in pranks instead of solutions. LOL Looking forward to more just like always!
Author's reply
Thank you! Glad it was worth it. Merry didn't hold anything back and it helped not only Sam to understand where he was coming from, but to heal some of those old hurts that never really went away for himself. And Sam knows that the easiest way to get him to relax is to make light of it all. Now they can end the trip without any more tension between them.
Of course, they have more than just Frodo in common, and they'll learn that as time goes by and the Conspiracy and the Quest approaches. And maybe under Sam's influence Merry will learn to find the solutions more than the pranks. :)
Thanks for the review!
Hai Took
· 17 February 2005
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
I loved this little conversation between Frodo and Merr. Merry's respect for Frodo leading him to be a little more sure of the advice he was given and being hurt a little more by his faults being pointed out was very well done. I feel for Merry, wanting to change things but not sure how to go about it.
Frodo setting Merry and Sam up was well done! I hope that it all works out all right! I hope that is the next chapter! Looking forward to it!
Author's reply
Getting lectured by Frodo is much different than being lectured by his parents. Frodo rarely has cause to lecture Merry and having all those things pointed out to him was a bit hard for Merry to digest all at once. He took it well though, because he does respect Frodo and he knows that it was something he needed to hear. It was the only opportunity he would have of truly understanding his own part in what happened, as well as Sam's reservations, as Sam would never voice them to Merry himself.
LOL, Merry and Pippin may pride themselves as tricksters and Sam may have shown potential when he maneuvered them all into going on the trip, but they really should remember that Frodo has them all beat. Frodo knew exactly what he was doing waking up early and burning the last of the wood. He did it so effortlessly and subtly too. :)
Thanks for reading!
Bodkin
· 16 February 2005
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Oh well done, Frodo. Make sure you let Merry know that you appreciate all his good qualities before you point out his flaws. He forgot 'honest' though - which is what makes him willing to hear the rest.
I hope you are going to reveal the secret of Sam's power, because, unlike Frodo, I am too thick to work it out!
I'm looking forward to Merry's discussion with Sam.
Author's reply
LOL, well, if you want someone to listen to you critize them, you have to start by complimenting them. Merry needed to hear what Frodo had to say, and he knew it. As hard as it was to hear, he'll benefit from it in the end.
The secret will be revealed before long, don't worry. :)
Thanks for reading!
This was a beautiful chapter! Merry sure did get his kick in the pants, although not physically. I loved Frodo in this chapter; his words reflect his deep friendship with Sam and his wisdom for dealing with such things. I loved the metaphor with the flower--it's the perfect way to describe what Merry has to do and what he'll ultimately receive in return. Hopefully Merry will find what he needs to mend the breach between him and Sam. And speaking of Sam, I loved the detail in Frodo's description! It sure sounded just like Sam to me! ^^ And I can't wait to find out how Sam can control Pippin's incessant complaining or pleading for food. Hopefully that will be revealed in the next chapter? Okay, this review is too long, but this lovely chapter was just what I needed--real life is overwhelming lately. :P Thank you!
Author's reply
Merry did get more out of that conversation than he was planning for, but it was exactly what he needed to hear. Even if it amounts to nothing with Sam, Merry will benefit from this.
Frodo is just as protective of Sam as Sam is of Frodo. While he wants Merry and Sam to be friends, he doesn't want Merry to treat Sam the same way he does everyone else. He knows that Sam would take it the wrong way, and he also feels it's about time for Merry to start growing up a little bit.
Merry does have a lot of work in front of him. This is just a first step. He has 13 years to make up for and it won't be easy, especially with someone as set in his ways as Sam is. Trust needs to be rebuilt, but just as Frodo promised, it will be worth it in the end.
Sam's always had a way with Pippin, and he found a way of using his advantage with the food. Frodo's figured it out. If only Merry had been paying attention too, he might have figured it out as well. ;)
Thanks for reading!
Andrea
· 15 February 2005
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Wow! Thank you for this great conversation between my two favourite hobbits!
I see Frodo and Merry not only as cousins, but as brothers. They know each other very well. And maybe, Frodo knows exactly what Merry is feeling from his own experiences, when he was younger. For he himself was no better, if I remember right Farmer Maggot's words ;-)
Still, I'm wondering what makes it so easy for Sam to control Pippin's appetite!
Please continue soon!
Author's reply
I too see Frodo, Merry and Pippin more as brothers than cousins. In fact, they're closer to each other than even most brothers are. Frodo was a bit of a scoundrel in his day, and he knows only too well what jealousy can compel someone to do. He's using that knowledge now to help Merry.
The hint was right there in the conversation between Sam and Pippin. ;)
Thanks for reading!
Dreamflower
· 15 February 2005
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Another lovely chapter. I like Frodo's early rising, his enjoyment of the moment, his plans for another little trip, and his ruminations about Sam and Merry.
A good thing Merry woke up before the other two. He really did need Frodo's wisdom here. I loved Frodo's description of his cousin:
“I love you Merry. You are my dearest of friends,” Frodo started. “You’re funny, smart, enthusiastic, incorrigible, caring, imaginative and protective. You’re also incredibly inconsiderate.”
Such an accurate character assessment! And I love the way Merry was really willing to listen, aware that however painful, it was something he needed to hear. Frodo could have added "determined and persistent" to Merry's description, for once he's made his mind up, he'll not even let his own shortcomings stand in the way of his goal.
I also loved Frodo's description of Sam, and the beautiful flower analogy you came up with. It would, indeed, take a good deal of patience to overcome Sam's ingrained reserve. But as we all know, it would definitely be worth it.
And then Pippin and Sam wake up.
I had laughed at Merry's earlier "Pippin, you're drooling on me".
But I loved this part:
"Pippin nodded meekly and sat close to Merry. He leaned on his older cousin slightly, resting his head on Merry’s shoulder. Merry turned and placed a kiss in Pippin’s curls, and that was the only apology needed between them."
I'm more curious than ever about Sam and Pippin, though it appears Frodo may have figured it out.
Looking forward to more, although I'm sorry to see that the story may be winding down...
Author's reply
I'm sure Frodo would have found a way of getting Merry alone if someone else had woken first, but it was quite fortunate that Sam picked today to sleep in. ;)
Merry's getting more out of this trip than he expected! The mystery of Pippin and the food, wasps, and a lecture from Frodo. He doesn't often get lectured by his Frodo, so he tends to pay more attention to him than his parents. This really sunk in with Merry and he'll be maturing a bit after this experience.
What better way to describe Sam than the garden he so lovingly tends all year long. Frodo's only too familiar with the patience it takes to get past Sam's sense of propriety. Merry's going to have to practice on being patient, which is not easy for someone like him to do.
LOL, Pippin really got comfy snuggled up to Merry for protection! If only apologizing to Sam were as easy as apologizing to Pippin. But now that Merry has a clearer understanding of his own part in everything, he'll have a much better chance of getting Sam to understand also.
Of course Frodo figured it out - he's a Baggins. :) He knows Pippin and Sam very well, well enough to know from that small exchange and Sam's expression what the secret is.
There are only a few more chapters to go. This was always going to be a short story, and I was very careful about not letting it get away from me like the last one did. Thanks for reading!
Wow, Frodo was really honest with Merry now wasn't he? I do think that will help Merry to realize that he has been jealous of Sam's friendship with Frodo from the very beginning. It makes his tricks all the more believable.
Did I guess wrong or did Frodo manage to figure out Sam's method for keeping Pippin from eating the entire camp? It seemed he had a minute of understanding there at the last, but maybe he was just admiring Sam talent.
Can't wait to see how Merry's time alone with Sam goes.
Author's reply
Yep, there's nothing like good old brutal (though coming from Frodo, it can hardly be considered brutal) honesty to wake up someone as thick headed as Merry can be. :) Frodo didn't hold back, and he once again has the advantage of being so much older than all of them. He can remember everything that's happened much more clearly than they can.
Well, knowing Pippin and Sam as well as he does, and being a Baggins besides, it didn't take Frodo long to figure it out. Sam is always solving problems in pratical and simple ways, that are therefore easily overlooked by everyone else. Plus, Sam has an advantage his cousins don't. ;)
Thanks for reading!
Awww! I love that ending--Merry and Pippin are so cute together. I was so sad when they were fighting. :( I wonder who else is in the woods? You hinted at this earlier and I've been wondering about it ever since, lol. The thing I loved the most about this chapter was the laughter shared between Frodo and Sam and also the joking comments exchanged between Merry and Sam. The friendship between the hobbits is so well written--great job! I eagerly await the next chapter! :)
Author's reply
Merry and Pippin will never stay mad at each other for long. Especially when there's spooky whistling somethings in the woods. ;)
How can you not laugh after something like that happens - and you're fortunate enough to come away without any painful sting bites? This is just another embarrassing story for Frodo to bring up at family reunions. "And then there was the time Merry got us chased by wasps..." hehe
Merry still has work to do to win over Sam, but this at least gave him the motivation he needed to decide he would try. However, he still needs to muster up the courage to follow through on that decision.
Thanks for reading!
Larner
· 11 February 2005
· Chapter 9: Chapter 9
You've had me giggling several times, and I love how Pippin, after the fight, still runs to Merry for comfort.
Lovely!
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter so much. This is why Pippin and Merry are doomed to spend their lives attached at the hip. Even when they can't stand each other, there is no one else they'd rather be around. ;) Thanks for reading!
Hai Took
· 10 February 2005
· Chapter 9: Chapter 9
I wasn't going to read this tonight but couldn't resist I though I would give myself a teaser and before I knew I had already finshed the chapter!
I was laughing so hard with Merry and Pippin getting into a fight and then Frodo coming out their immediately stopping, but still avoiding each other. Sometimes it helps to be mad a someone for a while and eventually forgive them rather than forgive them right away ;)
Ah, so Sam was teasing with Merry a bit, that sounds like a good sign to me. I do hope no one gets infected or is alergic to the stings!
I must say, you have me curious as to who/what is whisteling at night and singing! I was thinking perhaps elves but the song you started didn't quite seem elvish, but that was just a sample so I wouldn't know! But Pippin jumping in with Merry was great! Despite their earlier fight. It always helps to be near someone when you're afraid! Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Merry and Pippin needed to vent some steam. Now that they have, and have gotten some rest, they'll be right back to their normal selves come morning.
As hard as Sam tries to be proper and respectful all the time, he sometimes slips and forgets himself. Merry knows this is most likely just one of those many times when he and Sam seem to almost be friends again - only to have everything go right back to the way it was the next day.
Pippin did let his imagination run away from him a bit. If you go back to chapter 3, you'll see the snippet comes from the song he was singing on the way to Bindbale. But the whistling is real enough. Or is it? Either way, there's no one other Merry that Pippin would consider for protection, lol.
Thanks for reading!
Dreamflower
· 10 February 2005
· Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Very nice chapter--I love the way they are so practical about the stings, and seem to know just what to do and not to do.
And Merry and Pippin fighting with each other? Well, only to be expected, I suppose after something like that they'd need to let off steam, and verbal quarreling probably just would not do the trick.
I'm glad to see Sam loosening up a bit with Merry. I do love a Sam with a sense of humor, especially the kind of dry humor your Sam has.
I'm still worried about Pippin's cut.
I'm very curious about the whistling and singing that only Pippin seems to hear.
And I could *so* see him shooting straight to Merry for protection--quarrel or no quarrel
This story is a lot of fun.
Author's reply
Frodo has prior knowledge with stings, and Merry seems to have reason to know something about them as well. Sam, being a gardener, must at least have been told the warning signs of an allergic reaction to stings and bites and such.
Merry and Pippin don't fight often, but when they do, they make up for lost time, lol! Let's see, they had been lost, chased by wasps and stung, dunked into a creek, and we can't forget that Merry was driving both himself and Pippin crazy about what to do about Sam. A fight was inevitable. But it wouldn't have lasted very long. As soon as they realized that neither of them were going to be able to trip the other, they would have called a truce, to the physical fighting anyway.
Sam got caught up in the moment again. As Merry suspects, he'll be properly disatanced and respectful again come morning. But I do love it with Sam quips with his betters. And because it is dry, unless they knew him well, they wouldn't even realize he was teasing, lol. ;)
Pippin will always go to Merry first in a crisis or for protection. And quarrel or no quarrel, Merry would never turn him away.
Thanks for reading!
A good old fashioned fight and a singing stranger. Lovely chapter! I enjoyed Frodo getting so amused by Merry and Pippin's most recent adventure and I loved how Sam did a bit of teasing with Merry. Now, I wonder what is whistling in the woods and if they will manage to make it home safe.
Author's reply
Nothing I ever write will come close to the fight in "Trust a Brandybuck and a Took!" That was brilliant! Plus I don't really like fights, so I pretty much glossed over this one as much as possible.
At least Frodo's enjoying himself, lol! He was so worried he wouldn't be able to with his cousins in tow, and he's the only one really having a good time of it. ;) Sam just couldn't resist teasing Merry about the vest. Merry had set himself up pretty good for that one. But I suspect Sam will be properly subdued again come morning.
cher
· 10 February 2005
· Chapter 9: Chapter 9
I just love the picture of Merry and Pippin carping at each other--until Pippin needed a safer place to sleep!
It sounds like Sam and Merry are going to "make up". Glad to hear it, as they'll need each other in a few years to "tag-team" Frodo prior to the Quest.
Author's reply
Merry and Pippin may have their moments of bickering and quarreling, but they just can't live without each other for very long. And no one provides a safer place for Pippin than his "Mer-bear" ;)
Merry's being cautious about Sam's bantering, and rightfully so. He knows from prior experience that everything will most likely go back to normal by morning, and he would be right. Sam's just getting caught up in the moment again. :)
It's wonderful hearing from you again. Thanks for reading!
Hai Took
· 9 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Chapter 8
lol, they certainly know how to fnd trouble, don't they? I loved Sam's excitement over the new plants. I hope that they do work out well in his garden. Frodo trying to plan out next years trip, and wanting to include Sam but Sam not so sure about being included.
Merry is going to work himself into a frenzy over Sam! I hope he gets up the courage to do it. The whole things with the wasps was great! I am glad they found water at any rate!
Author's reply
LOL, even when they're not looking for it, they find trouble. They must do it subconsciously. ;) Can't really blame Sam about not wanting to be included on another trip after this! Poor guy will need time to recuperate.
Merry will have a not-so-welcome distration the rest of the day, but he'll be back to fretting come morning, when he'll be getting some unexpected help. Nothing like stirring up a hornet's nest to, well, stir up a hornet's nest, lol!
Bodkin
· 8 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Well, that's one way to find water. It's a good thing it's hot weather.
It seems that Merry and Pippin are unable to avoid getting in trouble, no matter what they do!
Frodo had better work on Sam - there's practically no time of year when the garden can spare him. Frodo needs to work on convincing Sam that he can spare him even less than Bag End can. I loved watching Sam being forced to sit back while the gentry fixed lunch for him. I can just picture the awkward embarrassment of him.
Merry had better grit his teeth and get down to the grovelling. (It'll do him good.)
Look forward to more.
Author's reply
Trouble does have a way of finding those two doesn't it? Even when on their best behavior, they cause trouble!
Frodo's going to have to give Sam time to forget this little trip before trying to talk him into another one, lol. At this point, Sam will just keep coming up with excuses until he finds one Frodo can't argue with.
Merry needs a good smack up side the head to get him grovelling, and it's about to be delivered. ;) He's going to have to swallow his pride and cough up some confessions if he hopes to get anywhere with Sam.
Thanks for reading!
LOL!! That ending was priceless! This was a great chapter. I love the playful banter between Merry and Pippin and the challenge of getting Sam to fit in with everyone else. No one was going to let him do all the work--so they did it all! ^^ I think Sam really is enjoying this trip, although he says that he's uncomfortable. Or did he just think that? Oh, I don't know what I'm talking about now. Okay, I'm off to add some more to my English essay. *twirls finger* I eagerly await your next update! Farewell! Er...Namarie. ^^
Author's reply
Merry and Pippin could tease each other till doom's day and still not be finished, lol. Trying to get Sam to relax and enjoy himself is a difficult task and they're all doing their best to show him that as far as they're concerned, they're all equals. Sam quite obviously sees it differently. He is enjoying parts of the trip, but he won't be so easily convinced into going on another one anytime soon, lol! Good luck with your essay and I'll take a look at those drabbles soon. :)
Dreamflower
· 8 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Chapter 8
ROTFL! What an ending!
I *knew* Merry and Pippin *had* to find water, since the story doesn't nearly show signs of being over, but I never expected it to be in such a dramatic fashion.
Underground wasps? Interesting.
I loved the talks between Frodo and Sam and between Merry and Pippin.
Poor Sam, just trying to find an excuse *not* to go again, and Frodo cheerily and obliviously demolishing all his excuses.
Poor Merry, overthinking as usual, and Pippin with customary directness and not at all oblivious demolishing all his excuses.
Very nice chapter, and a treat to find tonight when I can't sleep.
Author's reply
Yep, wasps can be found underground. Just ask my brother, lol. Thank goodness he had pretty much grown out of his allegery when that little incident happened.
This trip isn't quite over yet, though everyone may soon be wishing it were. ;)
Frodo may not be so completely oblivious as he's pretending to be, at least not by the end of that conversation. Sam has some excuses still up his sleeves. Frodo won't get him on another trip quite so easily as this one.
Exactly. Merry's biggest problem is thinking too much. He overanalyzes until it seems impossible and then he doubts himself. If he could just turn off his brain and go with his heart, he may not have so much difficulty with Sam. And of course, who better to knock Merry over the head than his cousins?
Hope you got some sleep last night. Thanks for reading. :)
Larner
· 8 February 2005
· Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Living in yellow jacket and ground hornet country, I find this chapter all to believable! And, at least they did find water! Heh!
Author's reply
LOL, not exactly the way Frodo was hoping to find the water. Those wasps can be nasty things. Good thing there was water, though I'm sure the wasps would have stopped chasing them eventually. Thanks for reading. :)