That was the most unusual way of finding water that I have ever heard of. LOL I am glad that they found it so that they will get to stay for the rest of their trip. I think Merry needs the time to settle things with Sam. He is driving himself and Pippin nuts trying to solve his problem. Also, I think Frodo may have trouble getting Sam to agree to another trip. Seems like Sam is very worried about his place in all of this. I wonder if Frodo really knows how difficult all of this is for Sam? Great story and I look forward to more, as always.
Author's reply
Yes, but at least they found it, LOL! Merry's going to be a little preoccupied the rest of this day, but he will get another chance to talk to Sam before they head home. After things settle down a bit of course. ;) Merry may soon regret driving Pippin nuts with his problem.
I don't think Frodo will convince Sam to go another trip, at least not one so far away or for so long. Maybe he should give Sam some time to forget out this trip before inviting him on another small one, lol.
Frodo is aware of what Sam is going through, but he's doing some thinking of his own about Merry's problem. That's part of the reason he keeps dropping hints here and there about Harvest. He can tell just as much from Sam's reactions as he can from asking him direclty. He's also trying to get Sam to understand that it's ok if he isn't the one who's always working. The only way to do that is to "force" Sam to sit back and relax, and not make a big deal of it. But Sam is very much on edge about what his position in the group is. He'll find his place eventually.
Thanks for reading!
Dreamflower
· 5 February 2005
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
I had to leave for work this morning and didn't get to leave a review.
I loved this chapter. I loved seeing how Merry and Pippin complemented one another's abilities--Pippin's quick mind thinking of how to tell the direction, Merry's more methodical and retentive mind remembering the map, and how best to find a way around the hedge.
And I could *so* see Pippin getting distracted by baby squirrels. (Distractibility must be a Tookish thing: remember how Bilbo got distracted by the butterflies when the Dwarves sent him up a tree in Mirkwood?)
I'm enjoying Sam's confession to Frodo. And his acknowledgement that friendship needs something in common. I hope he soon comes to see that what he and Merry have in common is their love for Frodo.
And I'm worrying about Pippin's scratch. If it's worsening, perhaps he's having an allergic reaction...
Author's reply
Merry and Pippin would be lost without each other - even though they were technically lost together here, lol. But together they found their way much more quickly than they would have alone. We all know Pippin has no mind for maps, and Merry's afraid to climb trees. They need each other and they know it.
Pippin is very easily distracted, and baby squirels would be too irresistible for him. At least he didn't get himself bit, lol, then he really would have something to worry about. And no, I don't remember the butterflies. I've been needing to read The Hobbit again, but I just keep getting distracted.
There are many reasons why Sam's hesitating to be Merry's friend again, and that is just one of them. He needs to have a practical reason for being friends with someone above his station. He has one for Frodo, but at the moment he's missing one for Merry. But Merry will soon be providing that piece of the puzzle.
Thanks for reading!
Bodkin
· 4 February 2005
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
I'm glad Pippin made it back, but I hope Merry hasn't got lost.
The thick hedge reminds me of Sleeping Beauty. Merry and Pippin were very sensible about finding their way back - the squirrel babies were cute.
I hope Merry manages to overcome Sam's scruples and get back on an easy footing with him - but I can see Sam's point. Merry can choose to be friends with Sam - when he wants to - but Sam only gets to accept or reject what Merry offers.
Author's reply
No, Merry's sound and whole and will be back shortly. Not that that's necessarily a good thing. ;)
Sleeping Beauty? I haven't seen that movie in years and years. Pippin is so distractable as times, I imagine baby squirrels would be irrestible to him.
Merry has to overcome more than just Sam's reservations. There are things Merry has been denying and repressing for years and he's going to have to let it out before he can hope to get anywhere with Sam. It won't be easy for him either and he's likely to back out of it if he can. Fortunately, his friends won't let him do that. :)
Thanks for reading!
Yay! Pippin made it back, and automatically asked for food. So like him. ^^ I was half afraid the smoke they saw would be from another campfire or something and they'd get into even more trouble. Someone else in the woods!!! AAAAHH!! Wow, okay, I think I should go to school now before I'm late. And hopefully Merry gets back to camp okay too. He needs to run faster!! Okay, I'm really going now. ^^ Can't wait for the next chapter!!
Author's reply
Pippin doesn't waste time when it comes to food. It's the first thing he asks for after arriving at Minas Tirith and meeting Beregond. Good to see some things never change. ;)
They'll be getting into plenty of trouble without adding any other characters or twists. But there just might be someone else in the woods. ;)
Merry will be running plenty fast in the next chapter, lol. Thanks for reading!
Hai Took
· 4 February 2005
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Merry is right behind him right? I hope that he isn't about to get lost, stuck, or captured or some such thing.
I liked Pippin climbing the tree and getting distracted by the baby squirrel! They didn't pretty good finding their way back to the path. For getting lost they made pretty good time of getting back!
Maybe Frodo will be able to help Sam think differently. Of course maybe Merry's apology will help as well but I am looking forward to seeing their frindship developed. I am curious as well as to why Pippin doesn't sneak food when Sam tells him not to.
Looking forward to more, hope it's soon!
Author's reply
LOL, don't worry. Merry will be coming along shortly. Whether that's a good thing or not is yet to be seen. ;)
They fortunately didn't get too horribly lost, thank goodness. But it was good fortune that they found the path again. With hobbit devouring bogs lurking out there, and them without their walking sticks, it could have been messy. :P
Sam's thinking is just fine. He already offered part of the solution to Frodo, but Frodo didn't have an answer for him. He just doesn't see what Sam and Merry have in common that would transcend the social barriers between them. There's also the trust issue, which will be up to Merry alone to mend, when he figures out how.
The great food mystery will be revealed, to you gentle readers at least, before the story's over. ;) Thanks for reading!
Larner
· 3 February 2005
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Well written as always, and good characterization.
One day Merry will breach Sam's reserve, and that will be a good one.
Author's reply
That day will be coming very soon, to the relief of both. Neither of them are much enjoying the strain and distance between them. But Merry's stuck on how to make amends and Sam's stuck on finding a pratical reason to be friends again. Right now, there doesn't seem to be a solution, but with a little help from their friends, they'll find one. Thanks for reading!
Looks like the end of Frodo's peaceful walking trip is at hand if his cousins are lost in the woods. Seems Merry isn't having any success at all with Sam at this point. I often wonder what it would have been like between them if their places had been reversed and Merry had been the gardener. I just know Sam wouldn't have let that matter to him. Well, on to read more.
Author's reply
This day will be quite eventful for our hobbits. ;)
Merry's certainly having his share of trouble trying to get Sam out of his shell. And if Merry had been the gardener, I would be very afraid for the garden, lol. :P But then Merry wouldn't be Merry and Sam wouldn't be Sam. Actually, I think Merry would be more like Jolly and Sam more like Fatty. Interesting thought. Glad to see you back. :)
Where's the food? LOL So very Pippin. Seems Frodo is having a very hard time arguing against Sam's reasoning for not being able to become friends with Merry. That Sam is so practical that I should imagine that he would have made an excellent debator. Looks like Merry has a great deal to over-come on this trip if he hopes to restore his friendship with Sam. I am beginning to wonder if he will be able to pull it off. Smart of Pippin to figure out how to find the directions using the sun, but I do wonder about that itch. Seems to be hanging on a bit. Looking forward to more as always.
Author's reply
Yep, Pippin's all about the food, just as any good hobbit, lol.
As for Sam, it's not really Frodo's agrument to make. He can only do so much, but this little chat with Sam will help him to advise Merry later on. Merry just needs to change his approach. He's trying to make up with Sam the same way he would with Pippin and Frodo, which is clearly the wrong way to go. He'll figure it out. We know they make up eventually, what with the Conspiracy and all. This is just a first step. And certainly, Sam's practicality was part of what made him such an excellent mayor. :)
That Pippin's a smart one, sometimes. If only he would use that intelligence to figure out why scratching an itch only aggravates it more. ;)
Thanks for reading!
Hai Took
· 30 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Oh dear. Now Merry and Pippin have gone and gotten themselves lost! Well...maybe they will find some water this way. Merry trying to talk to Sam was very well done. It must be frustrating for both of them. Pippin had some very good advice though, about just asking Sam to forgive him. I'm looking forward to more!
Author's reply
If only all they did was get themselves lost, lol! But alas, the day is still young. :P
Asking forgiveness will be a good step in the right direction, but after so many years of avoiding the real issues, Merry's going to have some gut spilling to do.
Thanks so much for reading! I'm so pleased you're enjoying it.
Periantari
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
I love this line by PIppin:
“I’ve always been smart,” Pippin said, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “In fact, I’m smarter than you really, I just don’t like to flaunt it in front of you. I know how sensitive you can be about such things, seeing as you’re so competitive and all.”
LOL haha so funny~!! i love your Pippin and your Merry... in fact i think you have all hobbits described very very well.
I love the Merry and Sam conversation... very interesting indeed and i like the tension you build there. It will be very interesting on how they become close to how they were when they planned the Conspiracy in 3018, following Frodo on to the QUest. (maybe you can write stories building up to the Conspiracy ;)
And wow... what a cliff-hanger you left us all with--
where are Merry and Pippin? 0_o Is trouble starting? (i know you hinted at some h/c... i can't wait to see who trouble lands on... :P)
I can't wait for more.
Great job~!
Author's reply
That Pippin sure does think highly of himself doesn't he, lol. ;) But he certainly knows how to cheer up his cousin. I'm glad you like my hobbits. They're a mixture of the books, movies and various other fics I've read.
Merry still has a couple of things to figure out before he approaches Sam again and he'll need help to do that. They'll be talking things out before they head home, but this is very much a first step. I'm sure there will be follow up fics of some sort. :)
And trouble starting? Why, whatever do you mean? ~_^
Periantari
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
hilarious chapter~ :D i love all the stories and pranks and memories the cousins have about tricking each other and funny instances. :D my you're very very creative :D
I especially love the Merry with pony dung lol~!!
::goes on to next chaper:: =)
Author's reply
I honestly don't know where these stories come from sometimes. Though the Merry with pony dung story was partly inspired by real events. ;) And I always crack up when I see those kids walking around on leashes. :D
Thanks for reading!
Bodkin
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Oh no! Surely Merry and Pippin haven't managed to get lost! . . . What am I talking about, of course they have - or fallen in a bog or something. Sam to the rescue.
This whole social class thing is very difficult. Sam is right - in the situation he lives with, he cannot choose to be friends or not, and a friendship that only operates at the level chosen by one partner is no friendship. Of course, if Merry can get Sam to forgive him, then maybe they will be able to work something out. But trust has to be won. Hopefully, it will.
Author's reply
I hope they haven't fallen into a bog. They'll never be seen again. ;)
Social class is a hard thing to get around sometimes, especially with Sam, who's been raised so strictly in that regard. At this point, it would be a rather one-sided friendship, which Sam is very much aware of. Merry just doesn't understand that yet.
Of course, we know they eventually make amends, what with the Conspiracy and all. They'll have plenty of time to build up the trust, and this will be the first, giant step in that direction.
Yay! A new chapter! I jumped for joy when I got the notification. ^^ I hope Merry and Pippin are found safely. And hopefully Merry will ask Sam for forgiveness. I don't like the distance between them. *hugs Sam..and Merry too* lol. I can't wait for the next chapter! ^^
Author's reply
Well, the day's still young. Even if Merry and Pippin are found, they still have plenty of time to cause mayhem. ;)
Merry and Sam will eventually have a heart to heart. Merry just needs to figure a few things out before that happens. He's already learned part of it from dear Pippin.
And I got your email and I'll take a look at your story as soon as I can. Maybe on Sunday since there's no game on. :)
Dreamflower
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Poor Merry! His timing really was unfortunate, coming up to Sam right after Sam had made a resolution to be "proper" again! Though I don't think it would be easy even then. Pippin's not only smart, but wise in his own way. And he knows Merry very thoroughly indeed.
I find myself intrigued about the food thing as well...hope you are eventually going to let us gentle readers in on it, even if you don't let Merry and Frodo know.
And the two younger cousins *were* on their way back to the camp. I hope they haven't gotten themselves into trouble...but then they probably have, or there wouldn't be a story...
Author's reply
Merry's timing really couldn't have been worse. It seems the harder he tries, the more Sam resists. Pippin touched on part of the problem, but not all of it. Merry will be getting further help before he approaches Sam again. Pippin's very good at not "flaunting his intelligence" as he said, lol. I suppose that keeps him from getting into *too* much trouble, if no one expects too much of him. :)
The great food mystery will be revealed, and Merry's not about to give up on *that* either, lol.
Well, just because they were on their way back to camp doesn't mean they were necessarily going in the right direction. ;) And the Terrible Twosome, cause trouble? No, surely not!
Hai Took
· 24 January 2005
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
*snort* That was great. I loved hearing different embarrassing stories about the hobbits! To bad we didn't get to hear any about Frodo or Sam (though I doubt Sam has very many). They were certainly having a great time! Thank you for the laughs!
Author's reply
Embarassing stories are always fun - when they're not about you, lol. But Merry and Pippin are good sports. If Sam has any embarassing stories, they're more likely to be something due to his innocent and unassuming nature, not the antics and pranks that the other three have gotten into in their youth. And of course, Frodo's not talking (about himself at any rate). This chapter was a lot of fun to write. Glad you enjoyed. :)
So they mentioned every prank but Merry's unfortunate prank on Sam? Interesting that the conversation never made its way there. I was hoping for a discussion that resolved the issue, though I imagine that even Merry doesn't want things that far out in the open. It is a shame that there were no stories told on Sam. I am sure that Frodo knew some since he had been living at Bag End when Sam was small, but maybe he simply didn't want to embarrass his friend that way in front of Merry and Pippin.
Author's reply
Well, they're trying to keep the mood light, and that prank was anything but funny. There will however be plenty of discussion about it in coming chapters. That's the root of the problem between Merry and Sam and until that's resolved, then nothing will ever change between them.
Frodo was more concerned about teasing his cousins, in part to get them back for their scheming, and in part just to tease them mercilessly. They of course fed right into it. And if they overlooked Sam, that's only because of Sam's uncanny ability to become "invisible" when he wants to be. Another asset Merry will come to utilize in the coming years. ;)
Just as Sam has stories about his master, Frodo would have a story or two about Sam as well, but you're right. He wouldn't want to embarass Sam like that. Sam's too shy about such things, especially if they were to be told to his betters.
Dreamflower
· 23 January 2005
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Oh these are wonderful stories. You know, Frodo always gets off lightly in these sessions, doesn't he, no matter who's writing them? An unfair advantage in being so much older.
I don't know which of them were funniest, I was sniggering all the way through.
Author's reply
Naw, it's because Frodo's perfect and has never done anything embarassing in his life. ... Not buying it are you? LOL, he does have an advantage over his younger cousins, though I'm sure if Merry put his mind to it he could remember a few stories of his own. After all, he was Frodo's little Meadow, he had to have seen his cousing doing *some* embarassing things.
These stories were fun to come up with, especially the Merry/Menegilda story, which was partially inspired by something my nephew did when he was just a baby, and oh, doesn't he just love it when we tell that story, lol.
Glad you enjoyed!
Those embarrassing stories were very funny! This chapter was enjoyable and I can't wait for the next update!! :)
Author's reply
There's nothing like embarrasing stories to make you feel loved and appreciated, lol.
Next chapter is Mid Year's Day, the pinnacle of the story. What could possibly happen? It should get interesting. ;)
Thanks for reading!
Yay, Sam's coming too! And poor Frodo--I hope this trip turns out well for his sake. Sam will definitely be an asset, I'm so glad he was invited. :)
Author's reply
Well, Sam *is* the reason Merry and Pippin were invited, so it's only fair that he come too. And Frodo really does want him along. He needs someone to help keep an eye on his cousings, not like it will help... :)
That was so brilliant of Sam--poor Frodo can't stand hurting his gardener. :) I loved it when Sam answered the door when Merry and Pippin arrived: "Frodo!" "You're not Frodo." LOL!! This is off to a great start, I'm off to read the next chapter! ^^
Author's reply
Sam's showing his potential for being a future spy, and Merry's taking notes. Frodo will abuse his cousins to no end (but kindly and politely of course!) but he can't hurt Sam's feelings. And Sam's got that infectious smile which makes it nearly impossible to crush his spirits. Frodo doesn't stand a chance against those three! Thanks for reading.
Bodkin
· 23 January 2005
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Well, it could all go smoothly.
What am I talking about. Disaster must be imminent. I am itching to hear more on the Pippin control story, although I don't think either Sam or Pippin will let it out easily. And I want Merry and Sam to make their peace - maybe a bit of life-saving of some description will be necessary here.
And then there's the disappearing Nodi.
I think Sam is the super-hero. Really, none of the others would get anywhere without him, because they would die for lack of salt or oil or cooking pans.
Author's reply
Well, as long as no one *says* how well things are going... ;)
Pippin's keeping his mouth shut for once and Merry can't ask Sam. He could get Frodo to ask Sam for him, but in a way that would be worse than asking Sam directly. Merry and Sam will have a bit of help making amends. Both of them want to be friends again, but they keep getting in their own way without even knowing it.
They would all be sunk without Sam there to keep them afloat wouldn't they? Sam's simply the best hobbit ever.
Thanks for reading! Next chapter has been posted. :)
Dreamflower
· 22 January 2005
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Poor Merry, he just wants to do what's right, but he's got several years of sweeping under the rug to overcome.
I love Pippin's reaction to the forest, and I love that we are seeing Sam's preparedness coming out. The scene is really being set now for the soon to come conspiracy and quest.
Well done. Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Old habits are hard to break, especially when they were formed to ignore the real issue. Merry's going to have to take the first step here and he's trying, but he's not quite headed in the right direction just yet.
Pippin may have got a wee bit caught up in the story the previous night. You know him and ghost stories, lol. And Sam could probably pack up the entire pantry and take it with them if you gave him the time to figure out how!
Thanks for reading!
Hai Took
· 22 January 2005
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Well I have just started this story, and it is becuase I read the Under the Harvest Moon one. I am glad to be seeing more of Merry and Sam's relationship, looking forward to seeing how that goes on.
Merry and Pippin rather sneaking their way into the trip and Sam helping them out. I liked that Frodo was feeling that now there could be disaster around every corner and wanted Sam to come along as well.
You really captured Pippin inquistive nature when they were first setting out and all the questions on the stars and all. That goes well with Pippin's comment to Gandalf in the Return of the King about wanting to know the names of all the stars.
I also noticed that you have another one you mentioned. I will have to check in on that one as well. Looking forward to more of this one, and I may have to check out your others!
Author's reply
Merry and Sam have a lot of history to overcome and it won't be easy for either of them to break their habits.
Frodo knows his cousins too well. While he might have wanted to "punish" Sam for tricking him, he did sincerely want someone "level-headed" as he said to help combat whatever his cousins might try to get up to.
Well, Frodo did say that Gandalf was the one to ask about such things. Pippin must have been carrying those questions around - and adding to them - for years!
Thanks for reading. So glad you're enjoying it!
Sam is always prepared. I love this about him. If you need something, he probably has it with him. I am wondering about Merry's plan to get Sam to be friends again. It would be nice if Sam could relax and enjoy things more, but I do wonder if Merry will be able to get him to do so. I am also curious about Pippin's secret about the food. Whatever it is, it is bound to be interesting. Poor Merry can't get Pippin to tell the secret and get manage to get Sam to be friends again. He is striking out all over. I do love how Frodo evaluates how well things are going from time to time and hopes that it will continue. LOL
Author's reply
Sam must have been a boy scout in another life. ;) Frodo et al would be lost without him.
Merry's not doing so well so far is he? He expected Sam to be tough to crack, but Pippin's unusual refusal to talk was a surprise. Pippin always tells him *everything* and the fact that he now isn't will be driving Merry mad to no end.
Merry and Sam will get some help making amends. After all, both Pippin and Frodo want them to be friends again also.
Things are going quite well though aren't they? What a lovely little trip this is turning out to be. *bats eyes innocently*
This should be interesting with all of them sleeping outside of the tent. I wonder if the weather will hold out or if the food will be the only item to stay dry. I thought it was funny when Sam decided that keeping the food in the tent was not a proper use for a tent. He may just prove to be right on this one.
Author's reply
Well, if the heat waves in the Shire are anything like the heat waves in California, then the weather should be holding out just fine. They might still get wet though, hm...
LOL, you know Sam and "proper." He likes things the way they're supposed to be, for the most part anyway. My Sam has a teensy bit of a rebellious streak - hidden very deep down of course - and keeping to what's proper isn't always easy for him.
And thanks for the compliments on how I write Sam! I do identify with him most of all, so if you ever want any advice on how to write him, just give me a holler. I'll be glad to help in any way. :)
Thanks for reading!