Wizards Sleep With Their Eyes Open by magickalmolly
There are lots of great stories out there thanks to Christmas, and I haven't found them all yet, but I am so glad that I found this one! Pippin can't sleep at Minas Tirith, lonely and with so much danger and uncertainty before him, and this is a wonderful sharing of his thoughts, as he stands alone on the balcony, Gandalf sleeping just behind him. Or is Gandalf sleeping? This is also a wonderful glimpse of Gandalf's love for the littlest hobbit in the Fellowship. I couldn't help but think about the sweet drawing of Pippin from the ending credits of Return of The King when I read this.

The King's Commission by Larner
I admit that I hesitated before beginning this story as it has a number of original characters, and it is so hard for some authors to write an original character well that I tend to avoid those stories that feature them. But this one is just wonderful!

It is the story of Ruvemir, a master sculptor, whose work Aragorn happens upon. Aragorn has been searching for an artist talented enough to depict Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin, in stone, so that their true personalities come through, and until meeting Ruvemir had been disappointed. Ruvemir comes to Minas Tirith at his request, and meets with many people that knew the hobbits, and these meetings provide the reader with some wonderful and hobbity glimpses of the four heroes, so although they have not actually appeared in the story as yet, the story is largely about them. Along the way we meet some other really interesting and multi-dimensional original characters, and there is a lot of interaction with some familiar characters as well, among them Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Arwen.

The story is approaching the point where Ruvemir is beginning his journey to actually meet with the Fellowship hobbits that remain in Middle-earth; Sam, Merry, and Pippin, and I am really looking forward to their meeting! There is a wonderful amount of detail in this story, and the descriptions are very well done indeed.

Recaptured! by Llinos
I am thrilled to once again recommend this fabulous story for your reading pleasure! Llinos has posted a new chapter, the first in several months, and I am very excited by that fact, and want to tell everyone to go and read it immediately. For those of you worried that you might not remember what went on before, the author has included a comprehensive recap of Recap, so that you will be up to speed with the latest instalment. This newest chapter features among other things an event that I personally have been holding my breath to read for about a year! The link above is to Chapter 1, in case there is anyone out there not already following the story, but here is a link direct to the new chapter, which is called Listen and Learn.

This chapter features appearances by everyone's favourite characters, whether they are hobbits or otherwise, and advances the plot wonderfully. There is some great dialogue, and as usual the plot twists are just awesome! Gandalf has been temporarily overcome by Sauron, Legolas is recovering from his wound, Faramir is still jealous that Eowyn doesn't seem to like him best, Bloggin is in big trouble, and Frodo and Sam are chasing Gollum who is after Pippin who is with Smagnu who is after Merry! Sound exciting? Well it is! So go and give my favourite fanfiction a try! You won't be disappointed.

A Fireside Chat by Auntiemeesh
This is a fantastic look at the relationship between Merry and Frodo, and also Merry and Bilbo. It takes place the night of the big Birthday Party, beginning shortly after Bilbo's disappearance. I really liked Merry and Esmeralda's concern over Frodo, and the dialogue between Frodo and Merry is wonderful. Frodo treats Merry as an equal despite their difference in ages and is completely honest about what has happened, and Merry is quite mature, just as I imagine him to be at that age, while obviously still considered a young hobbit, for example in the amount of wine he may have and the distance he can travel on his own. The walk from Hobbiton to Tuckborough is all right, but from Tuckborough or Hobbiton to Brandy Hall would be too far, and I think that was a very nice touch. Bilbo's gift to Merry is perfect, a joke and yet something that will be appreciated, and it shows us a glimpse of Merry's intelligence and his ability and interest in strategy even at that age. It also shows that Bilbo was aware of these intellectual gifts of Merry's and I liked seeing that he knew Merry so well. Merry obviously was very fond of Bilbo too, and even though he feels Bilbo's loss keenly himself, still he thinks of Frodo first, and offers his assistance. Frodo's ready acceptance was a lovely indicator of his opinion of Merry's maturity and their closeness. A very nice character study that is full of interesting glimpses of these characters and their lives!

Cold Be Hand by Nickey
Slash Warning. This is a tale not for the faint of heart, but it is brilliantly written and I strongly urge you to give it a read. It cuts back and forth between the present, in Bree, and Merry's memory of what took place in the Barrow. Merry awakens while the Wight is dressing and bejeweling them, and prevents the creatures violation of Pippin, and the possibility that the evil thing might move on to Frodo and find the Ring, by offering himself. But did anything actually happen, or was it just a bad dream, brought on by the Black Breath? Merry isn't sure, but I know what I think. The straightforward style of storytelling makes the story even more coldly terrifying. Really, do give this a try! The slash is minimal and pretty much toward the end, it is the build-up, imagery, and the circumstances that make this such a fascinating read.

The Trial of Frodo Baggins by Gentle Hobbit
This is my all time favorite story by this author; it was the title that first caught my attention. Devastated by the knowledge that the Quest would have failed if not for Gollum's intervention, Frodo begins a journey toward self-understanding and healing through familiar and unexpected sources.

Coming of Age by Mariposa
I had to check three times, as I couldn't believe that I hadn't already recommended this! This story is broken into four parts, each one written in the voice of a different hobbit -- Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin -- on the occasion of each of them coming of age. It is marvelous how perfect and true to the individual character each one is. The voices and circumstances and surroundings are written perfectly for each hobbit, and in such a way that I felt that I was actually there at the festivities. Mariposa has done a lovely job here, and this story is going on my list of favourites to reread often.

While We Dwelt in Fear by Pearl Took
Usually I like to try to recommend completed stories, but I just can't wait on this one anymore. I am enjoying it so much! This terrific story is set for the most part in the Shire, though we do get to see quite a bit of our favourite hobbits on the Quest, especially Merry and Pippin. The story largely focuses on Esmeralda, although many other of the Shire hobbits have juicy parts. Saradoc, Paladin, Eglantine, the Gaffer and Bell Gamgee, and Lobelia and Lotho are all in evidence.

The story follows the families in the Shire as Lotho gains more and more control, the Men start multiplying, and gradually things are so far gone that there is little to be done. But the hobbits do what they can, and Pearl writes them wonderfully here. Saradoc and Paladin fight back and try to protect their people as best as they are able, and Eglantine is a strong presence, but my favourite plotline in this story concerns Esmie. It is quite true in this tale that long ago a Took took a faery bride, and in certain Tooks the faery blood runs stronger. Esmie is one of those Tooks, and so is Pippin. Pearl uses this special Tookish quality to enhance canon, and not change it, and everything is believable, plausible, and well written, the characterisations are strong, and there are a lot of lovely moments, too many to name. I will never lose the image of Merry and Pippin exchanging Yule presents in Hollin! It made me cry, and I will always now imagine them on the Quest each bearing the other's gift.

Peace of Parchment by nijijin
This story takes place in Minas Tirith after the Quest. Faramir and Pippin have become very close, and have adopted a tradition of Boromir and Faramir in their younger days, of enjoying reading and discussing books together. Faramir though, has many duties, and it is up to Aragorn to help him understand that he is entitled to time to relax and enjoy himself. There is plenty of Pippin in this story and the rest of the Fellowship also makes an appearance and Frodo in particular has a very nice exchange with Faramir.

Not In Vain by Pipwise Brandygin
I felt like I was reading a scene that was missing from the book! In this story, Gandalf and Pippin talk on their way to Minas Tirith, after Pippin has looked into the palantir and been separated from Merry. They speak of many things, including Boromir, and Gandalf reveals to Pippin the Ring's influence on the man of Gondor. The conversation is spot on and so are the characterisations. This is one that I will be rereading often.

The Green Knight by Le Rouret
This was a very interesting read. It had a sort of Middle-earth meets King Arthur feel to me. The story is set two years after the Quest, and is centred around a tournament intended to attract knights to Gondor, which is struggling a bit after its losses over so many years of war. The tournament attracts brave warriors from many lands, including the mysterious Green Knight, who is attended by his armourer, a dwarf, and his young esquire, a hobbit from the Shire. I admit that young Bandobras Took, Pippin's nephew, was my primary interest in the story at first. He is a main character, but one of many. He doesn't appear in every chapter, though there are few without him. But soon I found that I was caught up in this tale of chivalry, battle, treason, and intrigue, Bandy or no.

I am sure that I don't have to tell you the identity of the valiant Green Knight and his trusty armourer. King Elessar, Arwen, Faramir, Eowyn, Thranduil, Beregond, Bergil, Merry, Pippin, Pearl, and many others make appearances, including Legolas' mother, who I have never seen in a fic before.

The author writes Bandy so that you become fond of him at first sight. I do think that his age is wrong for the character; he is 15, which means that he is the equivalent of about 10 in human terms, which is much to young for the duties he performs in this story. But, if you realise that most esquires were in fact about the age of 15 when they started, and take the authorís age for him at face value without the hobbity conversion, it is believable. I did think that occasionally Bandy was being too mature, or too childlike, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the story. This is a tale that was painstakingly researched when it comes to tournaments and armour, and the storyline is interesting enough that I read the story in only two sittings.

My Dear Bandobras by Le Rouret
This is not exactly a story, yet it is. It begins about eight years after the end of The Green Knight and is a series of letters between Legolas, Bandobras, Gimli, Legolas' parents and others, and the storyline unfolds through their exchanged letters. I won't give too much away, but things start out with a reluctant Legolas being pressured to marry, and the story goes on from there. I found the letters from Bandy especially enjoyable of course, and there are many references to Merry and Pippin, but the other letters are also very witty and some are very insightful. It gets sad later on, but I was very glad that I read through to the end.

The Last Debate by Mariposa
There is some fantastic dialogue and the author has really captured the characters of Merry and Pippin in this story. It is set in and around the Houses of Healing, while Merry recuperates and the great leaders lay their plans. Pippin tends Merry, as well as performing duties for Gandalf, and the final discussion between the cousins is just wonderful. I enjoyed this very much.

Starlight, Starbright by Mariposa
As they march through Hollin, the Fellowship shares the different meanings each race has for a particular constellation. A very enjoyable tale about the beliefs and customs of elves, dwarves, men, and hobbits, and Pippin is as unquenchable as ever, despite Frodo's efforts to make him behave!

Namesake by Ruby Nye
Pippin and young Faramir Took journey to The Prancing Pony to meet Faramir of Gondor, and it's a merry meeting indeed! It was really nice to see Faramir and Pippin reunited, and to read little Faramirís thoughts and observations. A very nice story indeed!

Burden by Teasel
PG-13 for some past references to a slashy relationship, but nothing overt. This is a really compelling story of Merry's thoughts during the moments after the Rohirrim have attacked the orcs, on the edge of Fangorn. Everything that has happened is so frightening and alien to him that he has difficulty grasping Pippin's ability to take action, that it is Pippin caring for him this time, that Pippin has changed. A really interesting telling of these few moments.

A New Kind of Courage by Auntiemeesh
The story begins the morning Pippin leaves Merry behind and journeys to the Black Gate, and is up to Chapter 8 of what I hope will be a very long story. After the battle, Merry travels to be reunited with kin and friends, and finds Pippin's injuries and everything else almost more than he can cope with. As the title says, in this story he learns he must find a new kind of courage. I am really enjoying this tale.

As Close as Ever by Sirabella
This story begins with the moments after Pippin has looked into the palantir and Gandalf has returned him to Merry's side, and continues through Pippin with Merry in Minas Tirith. In between Pippin and Gandalf have a few adventures of their own, and Pippin grows up and comes to understand a great deal. It is very much a story that shows the bond between Gandalf and Pippin, and I liked the way that the author describes the motivations behind all of Gandalf's manipulations. It's seven chapters, and I enjoyed it very much.

Moonlight on Summer Leaves by SilverMoonLady
This is a lovely tale that takes place in Paladin's last year. Pippin makes a bargain with his father, that if Paladin will share all of the ancient lore of the Tooks, Pippin will ensure that one of his father's most fervent wishes comes true; to meet an elf. Though we don't hear many, Paladin's tales are beautiful and reach as far back as before the time the hobbits crossed the Misty Mountains, and speak of the role of the Tooks among their people.

Gandalf and the Seahobbit by Pippinfan1988
I really enjoyed this! It is 12 chapters long, enough to really involve the reader and pull you into the story. The tale is told from Gandalfís point of view as he recalls certain of his favourite hobbits. Each chapter has a memory of Gandalf's involving his friendship with Gerontius or his adventures with the hobbit's youngest lad, Isengar, and a memory of his adventures with Pippin, with mentions of other hobbits as well. The story proves that Tooks are very special hobbits and always have been!

The East Gate by the Eastgaters
The Eastgaters are a group of writers that got together about a year ago at the command of Baylor to play an RPG with the intention of later turning it into a story. The basic premise of the storyline is that the surviving eight members of the Fellowship run into a lot more resistance as they try to leave Moria than happened in the book. In the ensuing drama, some make it out, some are injured and yet others remain trapped in the Mines! It is an exciting tale, with many more chapters to look forward to! We had a fantastic time creating this tale, and hope that all of you have a fantastic time reading it!

The authors are:

Frodo -- Baylor
Sam -- Budgielover
Merry -- Llinos
Pippin -- Marigold
Aragorn -- Nilramiel
Legolas -- Mainframe
Boromir -- Rachel Stonebreaker
Gimli -- Q

Llinos has put the posts together in story format, and done a brilliant job! Chapter One is up already, and Chapter Two will be up either tonight or Saturday, depending on your time zone!

You're getting a three-for this week -- I couldn't choose just one so:
Looking For Fun In All The Wrong Places by Shirebound
Let Them Wait by Shirebound
Heís Gotten To The Good Part by Shirebound

Fourteen ficlets, ranging from pre-Quest to post-Quest and featuring such favorite characters as Bilbo, Gandalf, Aragorn, Faramir, Legolas, Elrond and of course all four of our favorite hobbits. These three collections of tiny ficlets are all companion pieces to the original "Maybe It's The Accent," which was a Marigold Pick of the Week last fall.

Heartsong by Piplover
The author wrote this lovely piece from my bunnies, and I am thrilled with how it came out! The entire surviving Fellowship appears in the tale, which takes place in Minas Tirith. In the first part, Pippin is devastated to find that he has lost the ability to make music. For someone of his talent it is too much to bear, to lose something so much a part of him. Merry and Aragorn help him to overcome this stumbling block to his happiness.

The second part is told from Merry's pov. Though he tries to be calm for Pippin he is deeply saddened at Pippin's loss, for he more than anyone understands just how important making music is for Pippin. Piplover has done a great job capturing each character's voice.

Big Enough to Be Thain by Llinos
According to the family trees in the appendices, PippinÌs father, Paladin, was already in his 80s when Thain Ferumbras III died. Might Paladin have become the Thain some years before Ferumbras actually died? Personally, I think so, and this story explores one theory as to how that might have come about. The tale itself though, is actually about young Pippin. Paladin has become Thain and has sent his son and heir to the local school, where he runs foul of a bully and his followers, and an unsympathetic and cruel teacher. Merry and Sam come to his aid and teach Pippin some valuable lessons, and I love the way that Pippin learns from them and benefits from their guidance, and that little Pippin is so loved and cared for. Young Merry and little Pippin have a lovely relationship here!

Two of A Kind By Gaslight
This story is a bit different than I am used to reading, but I am very glad that I did! It is well worth checking out. It is written from Wormtongue's perspective, as he serves Saruman in the Shire. The author does a great job of capturing his impression of this little land and its inhabitants, and also delves into the character of Saruman and his motivations and evilness. WormtongueÌs relationship with Lotho is particularly interesting, and through their interaction we are given a glimpse of poor Lotho that I have never seen done quite this way before. We see how terribly miserable this author's Lotho is before his end, and the actual part Saruman and Wormtongue played in his murder. Even if you think this story may not be your cup of tea, I think you should give it a try.

Splashing and Sputtering by Baylor
Two years ago yesterday, Baylor woke up with this story in her head, she proceeded to write it down, and got up enough nerve to post it. It was the first fanfic that she had ever completed, and she intended it to be the only one. Then, two years ago tomorrow, I discovered this lovely story on ff.net and left a review. Baylor wrote back to me, and thus was born a treasured friendship, and a working relationship that has resulted in nearly two dozen awesome stories, and I hope will result in dozens more.

Splashing and Sputtering is told from AragornÌs point of view, and chronicles an incident taking place early in the Quest, in Hollin. Pippin and Gimli take a tumble into a very cold pool, and Aragorn, with the help of the other hobbits, tries to prevent Pippin catching a chill. I love the way Aragorn observes our hobbits in this story. The entire Fellowship is featured, and even in this, her first story, Baylor captures every characterÌs voice perfectly. Their personalities, dialogue, and actions are wonderful!

Baylor's other stories can be found listed chronologically on her website A Shortcut to Mushrooms.

Upon the Tide of Ruin by Lady of Ithilien
In this movieverse tale, Merry rides from Dunharrow with Eowyn, and they each learn some things about the other when they find it hard to sleep. Merry becomes determined to keep her from death, and finds strength and courage in thoughts of home and family. Merry's thoughts in this fic are spot on, from his worry and fear over Pippin, how he feels he is perceived by the men, his thoughts of Eowyn, and his determination when it comes to doing his best and being as brave as he can be. Excellent characterisations of both Merry and Eowyn, and the end was just thrilling!

A Path With No Returning by Citrine
This is something very different. An amazing, not to be missed tale of the hobbits sent to the last battle at Fornost. Hearing about how these brave hobbits fought against the Witch King of Angmar is chillingly wonderful, and sad, and I can't say enough good things about this story! I felt as though I really came to know these valiant hobbits though I had never met them before. Don't skip this because these are not our hobbits or you will be missing something special!

Gentle Strength by Gayalondiel
The four hobbits atop a tower on their last day in Minas Tirith. Some wonderful truths are spoken, and there are glimpses into the pain and trials of the past and hopes for the future. A truly beautiful tale, and the characterisations and dialogue are spot-on. You can really see some of the ways they have each been changed by the Quest, and some of the ways they have remained the same. I felt as if I was right there with them, watching the whole, intimate exchange. Just lovely!

One and Only by Baylor
Rated PG for themes of homosexuality. A bittersweet story about how Frodo comes to lose his one true love, and how he explains that that love is a lad, and not a lass, to young Merry. Very thoughtfully written, and Frodo's talk with Merry is perfectly worded to suit Merry's age.

Senses by PipLover
Told first from Pippin's, and then Merry's pov, a few quiet reflections between two lifelong friends who are closer than brothers. Just lovely!

The Contest by Aratlithiel
This story takes place in the early days of the Quest. There is a friendly rivalry in all things when it comes to Frodo, Merry and Pippin, from who is the best rock thrower to who can spit seeds the furthest. The others in the Fellowship finally can't resist taking part in the ongoing competition! I really liked Frodo in this, and the rest of the Fellowship!

The Green Book by Linnet Oldknowe  
This lovely story is the author's first LoTR fanfic, as hard as that is to believe. The author tries hard to match her writing style to Tolkien, which really allows you to become immersed in the story, and the subject matter is varied, so no matter what you like you will find it here. The framework of the story is that Merry, about to leave with Pippin for Rohan and Gondor for the last time, is writing a book. The story so far includes some great references to Merry's childhood with Frodo, Frodo's first meeting with Gandalf, scenes with the older Merry and Pippin, and references to their families. There are already seven chapters posted, enough to really get you hooked, and you can all help me bother Linnet to update!  

The End of All Things by Elwen
A fantastic movieverse story that begins by revealing Frodo's thoughts at the Cracks of Doom, when he is dangling above the molten lava. Should he choose death, or listen to Sam's demands that he choose life? What goes through his mind that makes him decide as he does? The story continues through Frodo and Sam being reunited in the Houses of Healing and is very angsty, but it is well-written angst with thought and meaning behind it, not contrived circumstances written simply to ratchet up the angst level. Elwen makes some nice parallels to other events, and the story has painstakingly been reasoned out, and thoughtfully constructed. Really nice writing!

A Far Green Country by Citrine
In this first one Merry and Pippin have a picnic with some misappropriated goodies, and Pippin gives Merry and half of Minas Tirith a scare. The thoughts of the hobbits are very well written, and through it all, Pippin manages to keep his sense of humour. The author really understands Merry and Pippin's friendship and their personalities. Legolas, Aragorn and Arwen also appear.

A Day's Wait by Citrine
This is the sad one, but well worth reading. The thoughts of one of our hobbits as he says farewell to his lifelong friend, made bearable by the knowledge that he will join him very soon. It will bring tears to your eyes but they are good tears.

A New Conspiracy by Princess of Geekland
NC-17 Warning In Minas Tirith, Merry, Pippin and Sam conspire to help Frodo learn to feel again after the Quest. Definitely not a PWP, this story is well written, just the right length, and has excellent characterisations.  

A Simple Touch by Gentle Hobbit
This is a nice fic with Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin and Aragorn on the run between Weathertop and Rivendell. The love and nearness and touch of his companions help to keep wounded Frodo from succumbing and falling completely into Shadow. Really nice characterisations and dialogue, and a good scenario. This is Gentle Hobbit's first attempt at h/c and she has done a fine job.

Pippin's Crucible by Pearl Took
This is amazing! A first-person account of Pippin's thoughts and experiences as he tries to make his way to Gandalf at the Gates of Minas Tirith so that they can attempt to save Faramir, through to Merry's falling back asleep with Pippin at his bedside in the Houses of Healing, much later the same day. I have always wondered about Pippin's thoughts this day, as that which he saw was far outside the realms of his experience and had to have changed him, and Tolkien just didn't tell us enough. Pippin grows up this day, and we are witness to the process. I am so glad that Pearl has shared Pippin's story of bravery with us!

Of Dwarvish Ale and The Fairer Sex by Ariel
This is a sequel to Of Dwarvish Ale and Battle Scars by Aratlithiel and can be read alone or after that story. In Aratlithiel's story, Frodo has made off with a cask of Dwarvish Ale meant as a gift for Pippin, a beverage which Frodo feels that the young hobbit does not handle very well. Frodo is determined to save Pippin from the evil brew, and spends an entertaining afternoon sharing Pip's ale with Faramir and Aragorn.

In this sequel by Ariel, Pippin is gifted with two casks of Dwarvish Ale by a repentant Faramir, and Pippin, Frodo, Merry, Sam, and Gandalf, have a drinking contest of their own, during which many things are discussed, among them the four young hobbits' various conquests among the fair lasses of the Shire. There is nothing graphic however, and it is all meant in good fun. And the winner of the drinking contest? You'll have to read to find out!

Good Morning Story by MagickalMolly
NC-17 Warning. MagickalMolly has written an awesome sequel to Daisy Gamgee's A Bedtime Story. This beautiful story takes place the morning after Merry told Pippin a love story culminating in a very romantic interlude, and is Pippin's attempt at telling Merry a love story of his own, without words. It is incredibly well written and matches Daisy's style so much that is seems a new chapter in The History of Us universe. I have read it several times and am blown away by the perfection of this story. Just amazing, magickalmolly! Awesomely crafted, and brilliant characterisations.

Beyond All Thought by Danachan
A brilliantly written little ficlet in which …owyn sits with a brooding Meriadoc after Peregrin has marched to the Black Gate. Very short, but not a word wasted, and I can see the scene being played out before me as I read. Dark and compelling.