"Mr. Frodo, isn't there supposed to be a path somewhere around here?"
This chapter is purposefully reminiscent of the chapter of the same name in FOTR. But, you may notice, Tom Bombadil is NOWHERE in sight. Did I mention that since the age of 11, I have despised Tom Bombadil? This IS an AU, so things might no turn out exactly as Frodo plans!
____________________________________________________________________________ __
Chapter 21: The Old Forest
"I don't like the feel of this place a bit," grumbled Sam. "I don't trust it neither. It's as if these beastly trees are watching our every move, and in an unfriendly sort o' way, mind you."
"I feel it too, Sam," replied Frodo. "The air is so close in here. I hope we can clear this dreadful forest before nightfall."
The two hobbits had ridden across a wide hollow into the thick, dark canopy of trees. All around them, Frodo and Sam saw only an army of grey tree trunks of all sizes and shapes covered with shaggy uniforms of slimy green moss. The near complete absence of direct sunlight gave the forest an unmistakably sinister appearance. Their ponies plodded cautiously, avoiding the grotesque carpet of snakelike roots.
Not a bird or squirrel could be heard amongst the trees, only drips of moisture plunging on leaves, and an eerie cracking sound that seemed to close in around them. Crooked branches threatened the travelers from all sides, as well as the feeling that they were being glared at by unseen eyes.
"Mr. Frodo?" asked Sam, suddenly breathless, "Isn't there supposed to be a path somewheres around here?"
"So I thought," sighed Frodo, trying not to surrender to his growing panic. "I'm beginning to think some of the stories I heard as a lad are true."
Sam had heard the stories too - of trees that shifted and moved, that spoke to one another in hushed whispers, trees that surrounded and hemmed in strangers, trees that made sure intruders that came in never came out again. Sam shivered. He cast his glance around the wall of threatening tree trunks for the clearing that did not seem to exist. Both hobbits were keenly aware of the absence of any manner of a path, and the feeling that the trees themselves were barring their way.
The feeling of being watched, or, rather, glowered at, steadily grew as they progressed. The trees creaked and frowned and both hobbits found themselves glancing nervously to and fro as if in anticipation of a sudden attack. Sam suddenly gave in to his fear, and, without warning, let out a cry.
"Oi! Oi! We won't do anything! Just let us pass-will you!"
Frodo startled.
"I'd not shout if I were you," said Frodo. "It may do more harm than good."
Sam and Frodo plodded on for what seemed like hours, making undetectable progress or even, as Frodo began to suspect, none at all. He was terrified that they were moving in circles. Frodo wondered if they would ever find a way through and if he'd been right to make Sam come into this abominable wood. Frodo even caught himself wishing Merry, the old Merry, were there with them. Merry probably knew these woods better than any other hobbit in Buckland and would surely have found that path by now. Frodo noted with dismay that even the meager light that filtered into the forest was starting to dim. Dusk was upon them, and the Old Forest was no place to linger after nightfall.
* * *
Pippin was an emotional wreck by the time he and Merry reached the Hedge. The pony ride had been an unremitting agony to his injured body, but in fear of Merry's wrath, Pippin grimaced, teared up when the pain became too much, but did not complain. The pain in his backside, however, was dwarfed by the mental anguish Merry brought down on Pippin throughout their hour- long ride to the Hedge. Merry had bullied his young cousin to recount, in mind-numbing detail, the whole humiliating ordeal in Sam's room-dissecting each action in search for flaw in judgment and weakness of character. Upon the discovery of each one, Pippin was asked, or, rather forced to repeat back the error in his own words, explain the consequences of each wrong action, and then apologize to Merry again and again for letting him down.
Furthermore, Pippin was made to admit aloud that he deserved a punishment, though Merry was terrifyingly tight-lipped about what form this retribution might take. Each admission, each apology tore away another slice of Pippin's soul. By the time they reached the Hedge, Pippin prayed that a tree would open up and swallow him alive to release him from his crushing shame.
"This way, Pip," directed Merry as they reached the Hedge. "Into the tunnel."
Pippin shivered as the brick tunnel closed in around him and over his head, encasing him in darkness save the hazy light at the end of the tunnel. The Old Forest. At the tunnel gate, Merry dismounted and plucked up the key that Frodo had dutifully left behind in the mud. Merry turned the lock, but hesitated for a moment before forcing open the doors. Instead, Merry turned around and met Pippin's eyes with a steady glare.
"Pip," he said, voice cold and strong as stone, "You have been a naughty and undependable lad today. Mark me, you will be punished. But you may, just may, be able to earn my forgiveness this evening."
Pippin looked up through lowered eyelashes, his small face streaked with tears. He wasn't sure if he was happy or terrified at the prospect. Of course, he'd love to earn Merry's forgiveness. Would like nothing better, in fact. But it seemed as though every time Merry gave Pippin a chance to prove himself worthy, he ended up failing miserably, making more work for Merry and more trouble for Frodo. Another opportunity to make it up to Merry was also another opportunity for failure and Pippin didn't know how much longer Merry would keep giving him those chances for redemption.
The added threat of punishment was sitting nearly as well with Pippin as his backside sat on the pony. He had always admired Merry for his cleverness, but just lately it seemed as if that very quality might very well be Pippin's undoing. Merry was becoming more and more creative in dreaming up his punishments and Pippin shuddered to think what waited for him once Frodo was safely back at Crickhollow and this blasted day was finally over. Not that he didn't deserve it, of course - this mess was entirely his fault - but that didn't make his heart any easier when he thought of what he might be in for later.
"Pippin - I know you want to bring Frodo back home, do you not?"
Pippin nodded emphatically. Of course Pippin wanted Frodo home! Frodo home would make Merry happy again and Pippin oh, so desperately wanted Merry happy.
"You must follow my instructions then," said Merry. "Follow them //exactly//. This may get ugly. In fact, I can almost guarantee it."
Pippin nodded again, wondering exactly what his cousin might mean by 'ugly.'
Merry pushed the gate, which opened with a rebellious squeak. Merry made sure he, Pippin, and both ponies were through before locking the gate behind them and attaching the key back on his belt.
"Merry?" asked Pippin in a fragile voice that barely rose above a whisper. "How will we get both Frodo and Sam? I'm rather useless and Sam is very strong. It's well----"
Merry raised an eyebrow in impatience.
"It's two against two," Pippin finally sputtered out.
Merry let a rather sinister smile spread across his face, punctuated by a low chuckle.
"Oh Pip! Simple Pip!" Laughed Merry. "Can you not see? We only need to get one, and the other will follow!"
* * *
Sam and Frodo continued through the Old Forest at a snail's pace, finally finding a slim path, dark and unwelcoming, along a lazy brown-watered river. The ancient willows that arched over the path and over the banks of the river seemed to threaten and jeer them. Their ponies had long ago stopped cooperating -now feeling the same terror that had been steadily creeping up upon their riders. Sam and Frodo had been forced to dismount and lead the reluctant animals through the haunted mists and the labyrinth of cragged branches. The world around them darkened, stretching its malevolent claws around the hobbits and immersing them in suffocating blackness.
In all of his terror, Sam began to feel something wholly unexpected -sleepy. Not just sleepy, but bone-tired, exhausted, can't-keep-the-eyes- open kind of sleepy. He fell forward on his knees, yawning and blinking stupidly. "It's no good, Mr. Frodo," muttered Sam. "Must have nap."
Frodo turned around, with every intention of advising Sam against such an impossible course-only to find the same overwhelming drowsiness engulfing him. Frodo's chin went down and his head nodded. Frodo could barely focus his eyes on the object dominating his field of vision, a huge hoary willow tree with branches sprawling wide and leaves fluttering in a hushed lullaby. Frodo toppled over into the tall grass without a word. Sam, meanwhile, dragged himself forward and lay down with his back to the knotted and twisted willow's trunk.
Frodo pried his heavy eyelids open, thinking this sudden sleepiness uncanny.unnatural. "This won't do at all! Sam -I don't trust this great tree singing of sleep!"
Frodo turned his head towards the river, when he heard a soft but clear noise like the click of a lock on a closing door.
"Sam?" called Frodo, suddenly alert. "Sam?!"
Frodo ran round the tree, now understanding the click he had heard. Sam, who one minute had lain by a crack in the tree, had vanished. The crack had closed together, trapping Sam inside. Frodo began to panic in earnest. The tree had swallowed Sam! He struggled desperately to pull apart the jaws of the crack that held Sam, but it was useless.
"What a foul thing to happen!" Frodo cried wildly. "I almost wish we were back at Crickhollow and away from this dreadful place!"
Frodo dashed to his pony, gutting his pack in search of any object that might be useful in freeing Sam. In a flurry, he ran back to Sam's wooden prison, a small hatchet in one hand, a tinder box in the other. Frodo gathered dry grass and leaves* and ran back to pile them by the hateful tree in a flurry, using the hatchet to chop some sticks. With shaking hands, Frodo used the flint shards to spark the tinder. As the small pile bust into a small flame, the tree itself hissed in fury. A loud scream came from Sam.
"Put it out, Master!" Sam cried. "He'll squeeze me in two if you don't! He says so!"
Frodo stomped on the small fire, his breathing ragged now. Without any clear idea of what he hoped for-or even who might help him, Frodo set himself running along the dark path, flailing his arms, and crying shrilly -- help! help! help!
The path was far too dark to be tearing down at Frodo's speed, but Frodo was desperate and witless, an unreasonable dread having completely overtaken him, setting his head awhirl. All Frodo could see was a very faint outline of the path below, and the black silhouettes of the threatening trees. But still Frodo ran and ran-out of options, out of his mind. help! help! help!
Frodo was oblivious to his surroundings, caught up in a swell of mindless panic. help! help! he---
Frodo slammed headlong into a heretofore unseen obstruction that had loomed up unexpectedly on the dim path. He bounced of and fell backwards onto scratched and bloodied palms. The thing he'd crashed into fell back with an echoing thud.
Frodo caught his breath with difficulty and peered up to discover the nature of this barrier. Outlined in the sickly moonlight were two ponies, one with a rider. The object he bumped into began to slowly pull itself to its feet, breathing hard.
"Fancy bumping into to you out here, Frodo Baggins!"
Frodo jumped to his feet and shrank back, his breath hitching in shock and horror.
"Merry!"
TBC
________________________________________________________________________ Author's query-
There is a chapter coming up (25) that has three different versions! It involves Pippin BTW-and how Merry deals with his failure. There is a slashless version (which I will post here) a version in which slash is strongly implied (not graphically though) which I might post as an alternate chapter here And a graphic NC-17 chapt which will be on display on the Merry-Pip lovers board and Adult fanfiction board (co-written with Anemone Frost)
What should I do? Would those who hate slash be utterly offended if I included the slash chapter as an alternate one here-(clearly marked, of course!) (eg-chapter 25-slashless version/chapter 26 with slash)
Do those that don't mind slash want it within easy reach? And how many of you would be interested in the link to the NC-17 version? (leave that in your review or write me, and I will hook you up!)
The reason I ask is because this would again be plot-driven slash in which, quite frankly, the slashless version is not nearly as powerful as the one with implied slash. It doesn't mean that the story wont work for you if you don't read the one with slash, it just means that if you don't mind/like slash, I'd much rather have you read the second one. (the one with slash is structured differently, so if you read the slash free one first, the impact of the other version will be lessened)
So please write and tell me! I know it won't be posted for awhile, but I do want to know your thought! (That means you too-precious lurkers! ;)
________________________________________________________________________ Author's recommendations!!
Here are some stories from some of my reviewers that I have stumbled upon or otherwise know about that I really think you should check out!! If you pop in-please review and tell them I sent you!!!
First-Iorhael's Nasty Hobbitsess-the original Evil Merry and tortured Frodo live here! If I never became her beta, I never would have written any of this-Like Frodo angst-this is your tale! And I love it so much, I've made a big bunch of pics for it! Email me, and I'll send links! A great WIP!!!
My own beta-Aratlitiel, my goodness-what a poetic writer who specializes in angst and poetic descriptions. She has a new tale up-co-written by MBradford. It's called nigh on September and involves Frodo and a barfight! Irresistible!!
Llinos, of course, has Recaptured. I absolutely guarantee that you will be charmed by here very long AU tale-and, yes, many pictures can be found -ask me for the link!
Krista had a new tale-"The failure" about Saruman capturing Frodo. Only 3 chapters so far, but, heck, I'm hooked!
Cailen Braern has a WIP called "Consequencial Decisions" which I think you will really enjoy! Check it out!
Tesekian does wonderful things with Hobbits, especially Merry and Pippin. She is prolific, and usually has 2 fics going at once. Check out anything she does for some really cleaver plots! ____________________________________________________________________________ _
Notes to my reviewers! (want to see your name here! REVIEW!!)
Iorhael-I hope you enjoy this chapter, having just read the Old Forest Chapter! I purposely used that chapter as my model-though this one ends with VERY different results! And, yes, pippin will be "getting it" -though he has no idea what will happen to him yet. But I know! MWHAAAAAAAAA!!!
Krista-HI! I've missed you! And I think I've answered your question-as for when Merry will Hit bottom? Oh-goodness-he's just getting started! I will say that 23 is really very intense, as are the chapters that follow it. I hope you like it! BTW-everyone check out Krista's new fic and leave her a nice review!
Llinos-A big thank you for you comments on my plot. Always good to run something by people! And, of course, I am accepting bunnies!
Calla-yep-you had Pippin pegged! I think you will be surprised t what happens with poor poor Pippin. I hope you like it-and I can't wait until another update of your wonderful Realized!
QTPie-Oh my Goodness, chapter 22 and 23 will give you more forod angst than you can handle-I am very sure those chapters will stick with you. So, really, I can't wait for you to see them!!
Endymion-oh-I saw from your reviews that you have read some of my beta's fabulous works! I'm glad you noticed the quote! I re-read the Old Forest chapter three times before I started writing -so I gave some of the lines to different characters here. And revengeful God is right-as PIppin will see in a few chapters! But Frod and Sam have the most to worry about now, so you have guessed the plot very well so far! Do you want to make another guess? No prizes here-just self-satisfaction of guessing right!!!
Sue-you sure are right about Pip. Boy-do I have some trouble worked up for him. In fact, that chapter will have 3 different versions, a pg (slash free) and R (suggested slash) and an NC -17 (on the Merry-Pip lovers site) which has some details included by the incomparable Anemone Frost!
MBradfordRight on all 3 accounts! And since you are so good at guessing, I'm wondering if you want to take a pre-look at a future chap since you've let me pre-look at your chaps! Or do you want to be surprised?
Aratlithiel- My lovely beta who contributions to this story cannot be underestimated! Run, don't walk to read her fics! I keep saying this, but after you read them, you won't believe she's "just" a beta! I also think you can fnd some of her sentences if you look REALLY hard, as they are the ultra-angsty, uber-poetic ones in sentences longer than I'm capable of writing! Hee hee!
Pointy-eared Archer- Make your reviews as long as you want! I love long reviews-I think all authors do!! And poor Pippin is right! Well, you'll see. But right now Frodo and Sam are in the most dire trouble!
This chapter is purposefully reminiscent of the chapter of the same name in FOTR. But, you may notice, Tom Bombadil is NOWHERE in sight. Did I mention that since the age of 11, I have despised Tom Bombadil? This IS an AU, so things might no turn out exactly as Frodo plans!
____________________________________________________________________________ __
Chapter 21: The Old Forest
"I don't like the feel of this place a bit," grumbled Sam. "I don't trust it neither. It's as if these beastly trees are watching our every move, and in an unfriendly sort o' way, mind you."
"I feel it too, Sam," replied Frodo. "The air is so close in here. I hope we can clear this dreadful forest before nightfall."
The two hobbits had ridden across a wide hollow into the thick, dark canopy of trees. All around them, Frodo and Sam saw only an army of grey tree trunks of all sizes and shapes covered with shaggy uniforms of slimy green moss. The near complete absence of direct sunlight gave the forest an unmistakably sinister appearance. Their ponies plodded cautiously, avoiding the grotesque carpet of snakelike roots.
Not a bird or squirrel could be heard amongst the trees, only drips of moisture plunging on leaves, and an eerie cracking sound that seemed to close in around them. Crooked branches threatened the travelers from all sides, as well as the feeling that they were being glared at by unseen eyes.
"Mr. Frodo?" asked Sam, suddenly breathless, "Isn't there supposed to be a path somewheres around here?"
"So I thought," sighed Frodo, trying not to surrender to his growing panic. "I'm beginning to think some of the stories I heard as a lad are true."
Sam had heard the stories too - of trees that shifted and moved, that spoke to one another in hushed whispers, trees that surrounded and hemmed in strangers, trees that made sure intruders that came in never came out again. Sam shivered. He cast his glance around the wall of threatening tree trunks for the clearing that did not seem to exist. Both hobbits were keenly aware of the absence of any manner of a path, and the feeling that the trees themselves were barring their way.
The feeling of being watched, or, rather, glowered at, steadily grew as they progressed. The trees creaked and frowned and both hobbits found themselves glancing nervously to and fro as if in anticipation of a sudden attack. Sam suddenly gave in to his fear, and, without warning, let out a cry.
"Oi! Oi! We won't do anything! Just let us pass-will you!"
Frodo startled.
"I'd not shout if I were you," said Frodo. "It may do more harm than good."
Sam and Frodo plodded on for what seemed like hours, making undetectable progress or even, as Frodo began to suspect, none at all. He was terrified that they were moving in circles. Frodo wondered if they would ever find a way through and if he'd been right to make Sam come into this abominable wood. Frodo even caught himself wishing Merry, the old Merry, were there with them. Merry probably knew these woods better than any other hobbit in Buckland and would surely have found that path by now. Frodo noted with dismay that even the meager light that filtered into the forest was starting to dim. Dusk was upon them, and the Old Forest was no place to linger after nightfall.
* * *
Pippin was an emotional wreck by the time he and Merry reached the Hedge. The pony ride had been an unremitting agony to his injured body, but in fear of Merry's wrath, Pippin grimaced, teared up when the pain became too much, but did not complain. The pain in his backside, however, was dwarfed by the mental anguish Merry brought down on Pippin throughout their hour- long ride to the Hedge. Merry had bullied his young cousin to recount, in mind-numbing detail, the whole humiliating ordeal in Sam's room-dissecting each action in search for flaw in judgment and weakness of character. Upon the discovery of each one, Pippin was asked, or, rather forced to repeat back the error in his own words, explain the consequences of each wrong action, and then apologize to Merry again and again for letting him down.
Furthermore, Pippin was made to admit aloud that he deserved a punishment, though Merry was terrifyingly tight-lipped about what form this retribution might take. Each admission, each apology tore away another slice of Pippin's soul. By the time they reached the Hedge, Pippin prayed that a tree would open up and swallow him alive to release him from his crushing shame.
"This way, Pip," directed Merry as they reached the Hedge. "Into the tunnel."
Pippin shivered as the brick tunnel closed in around him and over his head, encasing him in darkness save the hazy light at the end of the tunnel. The Old Forest. At the tunnel gate, Merry dismounted and plucked up the key that Frodo had dutifully left behind in the mud. Merry turned the lock, but hesitated for a moment before forcing open the doors. Instead, Merry turned around and met Pippin's eyes with a steady glare.
"Pip," he said, voice cold and strong as stone, "You have been a naughty and undependable lad today. Mark me, you will be punished. But you may, just may, be able to earn my forgiveness this evening."
Pippin looked up through lowered eyelashes, his small face streaked with tears. He wasn't sure if he was happy or terrified at the prospect. Of course, he'd love to earn Merry's forgiveness. Would like nothing better, in fact. But it seemed as though every time Merry gave Pippin a chance to prove himself worthy, he ended up failing miserably, making more work for Merry and more trouble for Frodo. Another opportunity to make it up to Merry was also another opportunity for failure and Pippin didn't know how much longer Merry would keep giving him those chances for redemption.
The added threat of punishment was sitting nearly as well with Pippin as his backside sat on the pony. He had always admired Merry for his cleverness, but just lately it seemed as if that very quality might very well be Pippin's undoing. Merry was becoming more and more creative in dreaming up his punishments and Pippin shuddered to think what waited for him once Frodo was safely back at Crickhollow and this blasted day was finally over. Not that he didn't deserve it, of course - this mess was entirely his fault - but that didn't make his heart any easier when he thought of what he might be in for later.
"Pippin - I know you want to bring Frodo back home, do you not?"
Pippin nodded emphatically. Of course Pippin wanted Frodo home! Frodo home would make Merry happy again and Pippin oh, so desperately wanted Merry happy.
"You must follow my instructions then," said Merry. "Follow them //exactly//. This may get ugly. In fact, I can almost guarantee it."
Pippin nodded again, wondering exactly what his cousin might mean by 'ugly.'
Merry pushed the gate, which opened with a rebellious squeak. Merry made sure he, Pippin, and both ponies were through before locking the gate behind them and attaching the key back on his belt.
"Merry?" asked Pippin in a fragile voice that barely rose above a whisper. "How will we get both Frodo and Sam? I'm rather useless and Sam is very strong. It's well----"
Merry raised an eyebrow in impatience.
"It's two against two," Pippin finally sputtered out.
Merry let a rather sinister smile spread across his face, punctuated by a low chuckle.
"Oh Pip! Simple Pip!" Laughed Merry. "Can you not see? We only need to get one, and the other will follow!"
* * *
Sam and Frodo continued through the Old Forest at a snail's pace, finally finding a slim path, dark and unwelcoming, along a lazy brown-watered river. The ancient willows that arched over the path and over the banks of the river seemed to threaten and jeer them. Their ponies had long ago stopped cooperating -now feeling the same terror that had been steadily creeping up upon their riders. Sam and Frodo had been forced to dismount and lead the reluctant animals through the haunted mists and the labyrinth of cragged branches. The world around them darkened, stretching its malevolent claws around the hobbits and immersing them in suffocating blackness.
In all of his terror, Sam began to feel something wholly unexpected -sleepy. Not just sleepy, but bone-tired, exhausted, can't-keep-the-eyes- open kind of sleepy. He fell forward on his knees, yawning and blinking stupidly. "It's no good, Mr. Frodo," muttered Sam. "Must have nap."
Frodo turned around, with every intention of advising Sam against such an impossible course-only to find the same overwhelming drowsiness engulfing him. Frodo's chin went down and his head nodded. Frodo could barely focus his eyes on the object dominating his field of vision, a huge hoary willow tree with branches sprawling wide and leaves fluttering in a hushed lullaby. Frodo toppled over into the tall grass without a word. Sam, meanwhile, dragged himself forward and lay down with his back to the knotted and twisted willow's trunk.
Frodo pried his heavy eyelids open, thinking this sudden sleepiness uncanny.unnatural. "This won't do at all! Sam -I don't trust this great tree singing of sleep!"
Frodo turned his head towards the river, when he heard a soft but clear noise like the click of a lock on a closing door.
"Sam?" called Frodo, suddenly alert. "Sam?!"
Frodo ran round the tree, now understanding the click he had heard. Sam, who one minute had lain by a crack in the tree, had vanished. The crack had closed together, trapping Sam inside. Frodo began to panic in earnest. The tree had swallowed Sam! He struggled desperately to pull apart the jaws of the crack that held Sam, but it was useless.
"What a foul thing to happen!" Frodo cried wildly. "I almost wish we were back at Crickhollow and away from this dreadful place!"
Frodo dashed to his pony, gutting his pack in search of any object that might be useful in freeing Sam. In a flurry, he ran back to Sam's wooden prison, a small hatchet in one hand, a tinder box in the other. Frodo gathered dry grass and leaves* and ran back to pile them by the hateful tree in a flurry, using the hatchet to chop some sticks. With shaking hands, Frodo used the flint shards to spark the tinder. As the small pile bust into a small flame, the tree itself hissed in fury. A loud scream came from Sam.
"Put it out, Master!" Sam cried. "He'll squeeze me in two if you don't! He says so!"
Frodo stomped on the small fire, his breathing ragged now. Without any clear idea of what he hoped for-or even who might help him, Frodo set himself running along the dark path, flailing his arms, and crying shrilly -- help! help! help!
The path was far too dark to be tearing down at Frodo's speed, but Frodo was desperate and witless, an unreasonable dread having completely overtaken him, setting his head awhirl. All Frodo could see was a very faint outline of the path below, and the black silhouettes of the threatening trees. But still Frodo ran and ran-out of options, out of his mind. help! help! help!
Frodo was oblivious to his surroundings, caught up in a swell of mindless panic. help! help! he---
Frodo slammed headlong into a heretofore unseen obstruction that had loomed up unexpectedly on the dim path. He bounced of and fell backwards onto scratched and bloodied palms. The thing he'd crashed into fell back with an echoing thud.
Frodo caught his breath with difficulty and peered up to discover the nature of this barrier. Outlined in the sickly moonlight were two ponies, one with a rider. The object he bumped into began to slowly pull itself to its feet, breathing hard.
"Fancy bumping into to you out here, Frodo Baggins!"
Frodo jumped to his feet and shrank back, his breath hitching in shock and horror.
"Merry!"
TBC
________________________________________________________________________ Author's query-
There is a chapter coming up (25) that has three different versions! It involves Pippin BTW-and how Merry deals with his failure. There is a slashless version (which I will post here) a version in which slash is strongly implied (not graphically though) which I might post as an alternate chapter here And a graphic NC-17 chapt which will be on display on the Merry-Pip lovers board and Adult fanfiction board (co-written with Anemone Frost)
What should I do? Would those who hate slash be utterly offended if I included the slash chapter as an alternate one here-(clearly marked, of course!) (eg-chapter 25-slashless version/chapter 26 with slash)
Do those that don't mind slash want it within easy reach? And how many of you would be interested in the link to the NC-17 version? (leave that in your review or write me, and I will hook you up!)
The reason I ask is because this would again be plot-driven slash in which, quite frankly, the slashless version is not nearly as powerful as the one with implied slash. It doesn't mean that the story wont work for you if you don't read the one with slash, it just means that if you don't mind/like slash, I'd much rather have you read the second one. (the one with slash is structured differently, so if you read the slash free one first, the impact of the other version will be lessened)
So please write and tell me! I know it won't be posted for awhile, but I do want to know your thought! (That means you too-precious lurkers! ;)
________________________________________________________________________ Author's recommendations!!
Here are some stories from some of my reviewers that I have stumbled upon or otherwise know about that I really think you should check out!! If you pop in-please review and tell them I sent you!!!
First-Iorhael's Nasty Hobbitsess-the original Evil Merry and tortured Frodo live here! If I never became her beta, I never would have written any of this-Like Frodo angst-this is your tale! And I love it so much, I've made a big bunch of pics for it! Email me, and I'll send links! A great WIP!!!
My own beta-Aratlitiel, my goodness-what a poetic writer who specializes in angst and poetic descriptions. She has a new tale up-co-written by MBradford. It's called nigh on September and involves Frodo and a barfight! Irresistible!!
Llinos, of course, has Recaptured. I absolutely guarantee that you will be charmed by here very long AU tale-and, yes, many pictures can be found -ask me for the link!
Krista had a new tale-"The failure" about Saruman capturing Frodo. Only 3 chapters so far, but, heck, I'm hooked!
Cailen Braern has a WIP called "Consequencial Decisions" which I think you will really enjoy! Check it out!
Tesekian does wonderful things with Hobbits, especially Merry and Pippin. She is prolific, and usually has 2 fics going at once. Check out anything she does for some really cleaver plots! ____________________________________________________________________________ _
Notes to my reviewers! (want to see your name here! REVIEW!!)
Iorhael-I hope you enjoy this chapter, having just read the Old Forest Chapter! I purposely used that chapter as my model-though this one ends with VERY different results! And, yes, pippin will be "getting it" -though he has no idea what will happen to him yet. But I know! MWHAAAAAAAAA!!!
Krista-HI! I've missed you! And I think I've answered your question-as for when Merry will Hit bottom? Oh-goodness-he's just getting started! I will say that 23 is really very intense, as are the chapters that follow it. I hope you like it! BTW-everyone check out Krista's new fic and leave her a nice review!
Llinos-A big thank you for you comments on my plot. Always good to run something by people! And, of course, I am accepting bunnies!
Calla-yep-you had Pippin pegged! I think you will be surprised t what happens with poor poor Pippin. I hope you like it-and I can't wait until another update of your wonderful Realized!
QTPie-Oh my Goodness, chapter 22 and 23 will give you more forod angst than you can handle-I am very sure those chapters will stick with you. So, really, I can't wait for you to see them!!
Endymion-oh-I saw from your reviews that you have read some of my beta's fabulous works! I'm glad you noticed the quote! I re-read the Old Forest chapter three times before I started writing -so I gave some of the lines to different characters here. And revengeful God is right-as PIppin will see in a few chapters! But Frod and Sam have the most to worry about now, so you have guessed the plot very well so far! Do you want to make another guess? No prizes here-just self-satisfaction of guessing right!!!
Sue-you sure are right about Pip. Boy-do I have some trouble worked up for him. In fact, that chapter will have 3 different versions, a pg (slash free) and R (suggested slash) and an NC -17 (on the Merry-Pip lovers site) which has some details included by the incomparable Anemone Frost!
MBradfordRight on all 3 accounts! And since you are so good at guessing, I'm wondering if you want to take a pre-look at a future chap since you've let me pre-look at your chaps! Or do you want to be surprised?
Aratlithiel- My lovely beta who contributions to this story cannot be underestimated! Run, don't walk to read her fics! I keep saying this, but after you read them, you won't believe she's "just" a beta! I also think you can fnd some of her sentences if you look REALLY hard, as they are the ultra-angsty, uber-poetic ones in sentences longer than I'm capable of writing! Hee hee!
Pointy-eared Archer- Make your reviews as long as you want! I love long reviews-I think all authors do!! And poor Pippin is right! Well, you'll see. But right now Frodo and Sam are in the most dire trouble!