It's Nothing Really by Dreamflower
I really enjoyed this story! There are lots of wonderful details, and I think that the relationships between Merry, Pippin, and Frodo are depicted very well. While walking to Bag End, Merry and Pippin run into a spot of trouble. Merry hurts his ankle and can't go on, and it is up to young Pippin to take care of him until their elder cousin comes to their rescue. Pippin is so competent here, while still clearly very young and not necessarily sure of himself. But he doesn't let on to Merry and manages to keep things under control. One of my favourite parts of the story is Frodo trying not to call Merry by his childhood nickname in his worry, and I also especially liked the empathy that Frodo and Pippin felt for Merry's pain. A very hobbity tale!
Chance Encounter by Dreamflower
Some of you may have read this story on LJ when Dreamflower first wrote it. Then it was posted as a serial, in short entries, and written quickly. This is a new and improved version, and has been gone over carefully for any errors, the plot has been fleshed out, and some alterations to the story have been made. It is a sequel to Dreamflower's wonderful story Life of A Bard. In this tale Menelcar the Minstrel is reunited with his friends, Pippin, Merry, Frodo, and Sam. The story is largely about the hobbits and how they are getting by the first few days that they are in Minas Tirith, but there are also some lovely bits with Éowyn and the rest of the Fellowship figures prominently as well. I particularly enjoyed Pippin's encounter with some unscrupulous characters that will be coming up in a soon-to-be-posted chapter!
All Is Well by Griffinjack
Believe it or not, this is the author's very first LoTR story. She has written for other fandoms in the past, but I am so glad that she was tempted into Middle-earth! I am pleased to say that she is writing for the Challenges now as well, so watch for her next story to appear there. This is another sweet story that will make you smile, but it also has a bit of foreshadowing. It is Bilbo's and Frodo's Birthday, and the closest relatives have gathered at Bag End a few days before the party. Gandalf has brought a new book for Bilbo from Lord Elrond, and Frodo reads from it to the lads. Little Pippin falls asleep as Frodo reads, and has a most disturbing dream. Gandalf and Pippin together was very nice, and I especially like the way that the cousins were portrayed in this story – there are so many little things that make their personalities really shine through. And I think that the author writes children amazingly well, capturing the nuances of childhood in a very realistic way. Welcome to our hobbity corner, Griffinjack!
An Honest Fool by Mariposa
This is a particularly well-written and plausible look at the few moments Merry and Pippin share together after the incident with the Palant’r. The actions and dialogue and motivations are spot on here. Unlike a lot of stories that are written about this moment, this story tells us why Merry turned away from Pippin, and I agree with his reaction. Usually I find that I do not. This is one of those vignettes written so well that it could conceivably be a bit that Tolkien left out of the story.
Always by Citrine
If you enjoy stories with little Merry and his Frodo then you will love this one! Both of the characters are so well written here. I especially loved little Merry -- he is written much as I see Merry as a seven year old, a bundle of energy, yet thoughtful, and devoted to his beloved Fro. And Frodo is mature, and loving, and takes such good care of his little one. In this tale, Frodo receives a letter from Bilbo that hints at Frodo coming to live at Bag End, and Frodo writes a letter of his own to be opened in the future by Merry, should this prove to be the case. Frodo's letter is so insightful about how Merry must be feeling if he has in fact have gone away and I felt that this was very much Tolkien's Frodo. The interaction that takes place between the two of them in this story is wonderful!
The Pact by Dreamflower
This story takes place about five years on from the author's story The Dare, but the references to that story are explained in this one, in case you aren't familiar with it. This new tale finds Merry, Frodo, and Sam, in an inn in Minas Tirith with their friends. Talk eventually comes around to why Merry isn't getting drunk, when Frodo and Sam and the others are well on the road to tipsy. There is a lovely flashback to the first time Pippin and Merry got pleasantly inebriated together, and I loved the references to proper hobbit birthday protocol! An entertaining read, with a last sentence that gives the reader a bit of a jolt.
In Lothlorien by KiltsandLollies
This is beautifully written. It's a bittersweet moment in Lothlorien, with Merry trying to console a grieving, apprehensive Pippin. I loved that Merry knows Pippin so well in this story, that he has so many memories of him. The author really makes these memories seem real, so that you can see their past together as a tangible thing. Merry's care of Pippin here is so natural and loving. Both hobbits felt very true to character. KiltsandLollies needs to write more stories like this!
Lord of the Rings Limericks by Llinos
Llinos has a real gift for writing humour! She has added to her first set of limericks, and this second set is just as hysterical. I really am impressed with these; I think that they are spot-on and exceptionally witty and clever. Goodness, they made me laugh! The subjects of these new limericks were requested by readers, and if there is a character or two that you would like to see further immortalized, just ask in your review! The link above is to Chapter One, or if you like, here is the direct link to the new limericks of Chapter Two!
Window To The East by Marion
This is a really compelling story that cuts back and forth between Merry in Minas Tirith and Pippin marching to battle. The grimness here is very realistic, and so are the thoughts of both hobbits. Their connection as they go onward, each facing his own despair while staying strong for the other, is just wonderful. The bit with Merry, in the Houses of Healing as the Last Battle rages, gave me shivers it is so good! I could see everything in this story playing out in my mind’s eye and I loved the mood and the characterisations throughout. The author has really captured the emotions of both hobbits so well.
There is one brief hint of slash in their past, in a single paragraph and a half and another sentence toward the end, but it is not overt or specific in any way. Otherwise their relationship as described here could be read completely as a non-slash love. I think that this story can be enjoyed by both non-slash and slash fans, and I really urge those of you that don’t care for slash to give this one a chance and just look beyond those few sentences. This story is well worth reading and I hate the thought of anyone missing it!
The Importance of Being A Hobbit by Lamiel
This is a really good story told from Merry's point of view. It takes place in Hollin, shortly before the Fellowship enters the foothills of the mountains. Merry doubts that he is of any use on the Quest because he is not a proper warrior. And neither is Pippin, and neither is Sam. A talk with Legolas really surprises him.
There are some really nice moments here, with all of the Fellowship and the characterisations are lovely. I am looking forward to many more hobbity stories by this author! Thanks to Grey Wonderer for steering me to this story!
A Convivial Evening by Dreamflower
One good thing that did come out of the hurricane was that Dreamflower was able to write several wonderful tales out in longhand which she is now posting as she can. This is one. This story is told from Boromir's pov, and she has captured his voice wonderfully. Bilbo has invited the members of the Fellowship to his rooms in Rivendell for a little party, and Boromir observes his fellow Walkers. I really enjoyed Boromir's perceptions of his companions, especially of the hobbits, and his sudden understanding of Bilbo's deeds was a favourite part, as was the interaction between the hobbits!
Sometimes It's Worth It by Dreamflower
This is a sequel to Dreamflower's story, The Wall Came Tumbling Down. This is a very hobbity little tale, in which Frodo, Merry, Pippin, and Sam leave Bag End very early one morning on a ramble to the Tookland. This story really touched me, as it is a wonderful glimpse of the characters before the burden of the Quest, light of heart and good friends and companions. It shows their hobbity delight in simple pleasures, untainted by the rigours and fears of the Quest, and the characters are pure and full of wonder. A very sweet story!
In The Service of The King by Grey Wonderer
This story began with a bunny from Pansy Chubb that she asked me to pass on to Grey Wonderer, one of her favourite authors. It is a nice, longish story that GW has posted in two chapters. It takes place in Minas Tirith, post-Quest, and is primarily about Pippin, though the other hobbits and members of the Fellowship also have major roles in the story. Pippin strays away with Bergil and some other lads, and spends the day in their company, meeting various citizens of Minas Tirith. The other hobbits don't approve of what they consider to be Pippin wasting time playing when he should be pursuing more serious matters, but Aragorn has reason to be very grateful.
The characters are so well written in this story and the detail is spot on. I could see the story playing out as I read, and it was very believable. I enjoyed it very much!
Chapter 1: Thinning by Larner
This story is written from Frodo's POV and it is post-Quest. It is wise and sad and hopeful and beautifully written by an author with a wonderful way with words. Frodo is making one of the most important decisions of his life and the author takes us with him as he struggles to come to terms with his choice. The story also features Bilbo, the Gaffer, and Sam. Thinning is part of a collection of stories by the author but it is complete with the one chapter. Of course, you can't go wrong if you decide to read the other chapters while you're there!
The Errand Lad by Rabidsamfan (WIP)
I must admit to being addicted to this story, and eagerly awaiting updates. This is Bergil's story, set in the time after the Coronation, when everyone is looking forward with hope to the future - save perhaps Bergil, who cannot help worrying about his father, and the possible consequences of Beregond's deserting his post during the Siege of Gondor. But most of these worries are pushed aside by his current duties: serving the Halflings, making sure they have all they need and want for nothing. Though he is "all boy" (as my dad used to like to say), Bergil has been through a great deal in his young life, and throughout the story are hints that he has seen things no one his age ought to see, and yet he keeps his head straight on his shoulders and his eyes on his duty. The story is infused with brilliant details (that never get in the way of the storytelling) and wonderful characters, including of course, four hobbits of our acquaintance.
Left Behind by Elanor
This is a long one-chapter about Faramir and Merry in the Houses of Healing and tells of their struggle against Darkness. We learn a lot about both of them and also quite a bit about Faramir and Boromir's life growing up. It's beautifully written and it had me in tears more than once, yet hope for new life and a new Age shines through throughout it. It's not often we see stories about Faramir and Merry and the story indicates that they have more in common than one initially would think.
A Secret Gate (WIP -- eleven chapters so far) by Elanor
This story starts with an old Thain Peregrin musing over his life and the Shire before it turns to Buckland where a little lad is trusted with the extremely important matter of delivering a Royal package all the way from Rohan to Meriadoc the Magnificent himself. We get to see Merry and his family through the eyes of the little river-hobbit Jamy but also through Merry's children's eyes. I don't think I've read a story before that to such a great extent introduces a new generation's view of one of our dear hobbits and let us see them with such new eyes as we do through Jamy's eyes here.
Across The Plains by Mariposa
I almost have no words for this incredible story, which is told in succinct increments from Merry's pov as he and Pippin are forced across the plains of Rohan by the Uruk-Hai. This is one of those rare tales that grips you and twists your gut, and you can't tear your eyes from it. The thoughts and images are nothing less than perfection and I could see so clearly everything as it happened. The language and style are faultless, Merry's thoughts are exactly right, and the story is grim, sad, defiant, hopeless, and yet hopeful and uplifting because of the courage of the two captive hobbits. I can't say enough good things about this story.
Lord of the Rings Limericks by Llinos
This group of limericks features the Fellowship, and I think that they are hysterical! I think that my favourite is probably Pippin's although Frodo and Merry's are right up there too. And I do like the one for Legolas, and Gandalf's is pretty funny. And Sam's. And Aragorn's and Boromir's. And Gimli's too – all right, I like them all, lol!
Those of you familiar with this author know that she has a wicked sense of humour. Here is a previously posted example of what you can look forward to. This one has me in stitches whenever I read it:
Denethor
After losing both sons in a fight
One dead, but the other not quite
Denethor said of his loss,
I just don't give a toss,
Excuse me, do you have a light?
Llinos promises in her Authors Notes that she will write a limerick for the character of your choice, so I hope that everyone will leave a request in a review! I'd love to see her write one for all of the major characters. I'd really like to see what she might write for Haldir or Wormtongue, hint hint! Or even Marigold! Another of my favourite of Llinos' humorous poems is Galadriel's Lay and if you haven't read it you must!
Strike While the Iron is Hot by Grey Wonderer
This is another fun tale in the author's series of stories about a summer of mischief at Brandy Hall, which began in Inside Out and was continued in A Sticky Situation.
In this very funny episode, clever Fredegar has thus far escaped being the focus of any of the grand pranks thought up by the tweens in the Hall. He thinks that he has all of his bases covered and hopes to escape unscathed while enjoying watching the antics around him. But when Pippin comes up with the prank to end all pranks with Merry as his victim, Freddy becomes a bit more involved than he might have wished! I don't want to give anything away, but Freddy just might wind up being a bit too clever for his own good!
I love the situations that GW puts her hobbits in! They are always clever and unexpected and a delight to read! I know that I can always count on enjoying her stories!
The Wall Came Tumbling Down by Dreamflower
When a bad storm causes damage and throws a wrench into the plans of Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin, friendship comes to the rescue! The four hobbits have planned to walk from Bag End to Tuckborough for Pippin’s birthday celebration, but the storm creates a problem that Sam has to take care of immediately, meaning that he won’t be able to make the trip. The gentlehobbits have other ideas though! The walls that come tumbling down in this story are both figurative and literal, and I love the friendship and love between the hobbits that we see here. I think that my favourite part of the story is the mention of the hard work that Merry is used to doing in Buckland, and Dreamflower, I would love to see some stories that explore that further, hint, hint!
The Stars Will Light Your Way by Slightly Tookish
This is a wonderful sequel to the author's story, Stars and Sniffles. In that story, Gandalf comforts a young Pippin, who has fallen ill while on a visit to Bag End, by literally giving him the stars. In this sequel, Gandalf uses Pippin's stars to try to call Pippin back from where his mind wanders after being crushed by the troll. Later Pippin wonders if his stars might help Merry as well, who is suffering from the Shadow. This is a really enjoyable story full of lots of love, and the Fellowship, and a little angst too!
Upon the Wings of an Eagle by Slightly Tookish
Slightly Tookish offered to write me any fic that I wanted for my birthday, and wrote this wonderful tale from my bunny! In this tale, partially set in Cormallen, Frodo is suffering from a bad infection in his wounded hand, and Aragorn is out of the herbs that he needs to heal him. Someone must go to Minas Tirith at once to fetch back the healing herbs, but there is very little time. I won't give away the solution, but I will say that Merry and Pippin save the day! This is such a wonderfully crafted story, and it has a very Tolkienesque flavour to it, in the descriptions, characters, and dialogue. I am so pleased with my pressie, it is just perfect! Thank you Slightly Tookish!
Muffled Conversation by Dreamflower
In this tale Frodo is sitting with an ill Pippin in Minas Tirith, and tells Pip the story of the making of his beloved scarf. There are some lovely descriptions here of Primula and little Frodo, and of various gifts that Primula made for her loved ones just before her untimely death. I especially love that Pippin values the scarf so much that he hid it in an ingenious place on his person when he went to the Battle at the Black Gate. Dreamflower is so good at writing the relationships of the hobbits just right.
In a Heartbeat by Piplover (aka Pipfan)
This story has been in the works for about a year I think! I am so glad that it is finally finished, as it's a really good story. It is shortly after the coronation, and not everyone is happy that Aragorn is King. While standing guard during a council session Pippin finds that life can change in a heartbeat. Like most of Piplover's stories, there is excitement, humour, h/c, friendship, and plenty of hobbityness! The story is all posted, complete in five chapters. The above link is to Chapter One, and to make it easy for you to find the other parts, here are the direct links to the others:
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Epilogue
It's No Mystery, Really by Grey Wonderer
This is such a wonderful Merry and Pippin story! It is post-Quest, and takes place in Crickhollow, where Pippin isn't feeling well and is a bit out of sorts. Their interaction here is just right. The lovely way that Merry shows how much he cares for Pippin is perfect for their relationship I think, as are Pippin's responses. The story isn't at all sappy, but sweet and funny and realistic, and reading this will leave you in no doubt that these two cousins love each other very much, and know one another as well as they know themselves. There are a couple of typos, but they didn't affect my enjoyment of the story in the least. I think that this story is now close to being my favourite written by Grey Wonderer!
Of Cake and Crumbs and Distant Dreams by Lindelea
This story is lovely too. It is set in Minas Tirith after the Quest, and Pippin is feeling overwhelmed by everything that has happened since leaving the Shire. Frodo finds him, hiding himself away, and what follows is a beautiful glimpse of what their relationship was like when Pippin was much younger. Frodo takes Pippin back to the days when their biggest care in the world was how long it was until teatime, and Lindelea has painted such a clear picture with her words that I could actually *see* the story unfolding. Frodo was, and still is, a wonderful older cousin, and Pippin, though he is a Knight of Gondor, is still a young lad that can use some comfort when everything gets to be too much. Merry makes an appearance as well.
The Minstrel's Quest by Gentle Hobbit
This has been on my list for a while, and when I heard that Gentle Hobbit would be visiting the Shire I decided that this would be the week that I recommended it.
After the Battle of the Black Gate, a young minstrel, Farohan, is given the honour of writing the Lay of Frodo of the Nine Fingers. The story follows the minstrel on his quest to learn about who Frodo is as a person, not just an account of his deeds. While it is primarily a story featuring Farohan, there are plenty of moments with the hobbits, and the rest of the surviving Fellowship as well. The language and dialogue is very carefully written, and the story is really enjoyable!
The Cornfield by Tanaqui
This well-written story answers the filmverse question, how in Middle-earth did a field of corn appear in the Shire? I think that every British fan has wondered the same thing, lol! As the author explains in the story notes, corn, or maize as we call it over here, is not generally grown in the Shire -- I myself have seen one small field of it in four years. Its appearance here at all is very recent, and it produces only stubby, stunted little ears used for animal feed. 'Corn' in Britain, actually primarily means wheat, and has for centuries.
I really enjoyed Sam's thoughts in this story, as he discovers this new and exotic plant, and the author's explanation as to why it is growing in Farmer Maggot's field is very clever and makes perfect sense. This is not the bookverse Farmer Maggot, but a more subservient filmverse version. The story also explains Sam becoming separated from Frodo. The descriptions were really good, and I could picture Sam reacting just this way. I liked this very much!
Kali's Rory by GTA Otaku
This story brings tears to my eyes every time. The author says that it is AU, but as Tolkien himself says that the Family Trees are not complete, it could have happened. It's a very short tale in which Frodo goes with little Merry to say farewell to the newest member of the Brandybuck family. The story is heart wrenching in its simplicity, and ties the post-Quest *present* with the past.
And now, a funny story to ease the angst of the first two stories!
Inside Out by Grey Wonderer
This pre-Quest had me laughing out loud! It's a rainy day and Merry, Pippin, and Freddy are bored. Pippin decides that he can fit himself into a small box, and Merry thinks that if it is possible then perhaps they can make a bit of coin by wagering with those who doubt that Pip can manage it. Fredegar is not sure of the whole proceeding, but it turns out there is a whole side plot going on that we don't find out about until the end! I loved all three of the characters here, especially the way that Merry and Pippin know each other so intimately, down to Merry knowing what Pippin usually carries in his pockets, to Pippin knowing just how Merry will react faced with a particular predicament. Really entertaining!
A Walking Song by Pipwise Brandygin
Two days into their journey, Boromir is convinced that he has heard every Shire song ever written, and is heartily tired of the hobbits' latest effort, which they are repeating much too often to suit him. The author uses the singing of the hobbits as a lovely way to bring the Fellowship closer together, and there are some nice moments here, especially when Boromir reveals just how much that particular song has become lodged in his head, and his disbelief at a comment that Gandalf makes about Shirefolk and music.
Boromir, Merry, and Pippin are the primary characters, but this is very much a Fellowship story!
The Stories of Our People by Pearl Took
This tale is a bit different! The story investigates just where Tolkien came up with his story ideas, and you are going to love his sources. I really enjoyed where he got his information about hobbits! And I am particularly pleased about just who was responsible for chronicling many hobbity legends and stories hoping that they would be passed on to future generations! The conclusion of the story is almost exactly my own personal wishes for my own end!
There are a couple of original hobbit characters in this tale that I would love to read about in a fic of their very own!
Merry's Present by Mariole
This is a very lovely young Merry and Frodo story with lots of wonderful detail and description. Merry discovers a visiting Frodo alone on the banks of the Brandywine, and they have a heart to heart talk about Frodo and his feelings about having lost his parents. Merry grows up a lot that day, and it is so nice that Frodo shares these thoughts with Merry. The relationship between the two of them is written very well, and both of them are beautifully in character.
Under The Lilac Bushes by Dreamflower
This is a wonderful bit of little hobbit fluffiness, and I'm not just saying that because my alter ego Marigold is under the lilac bushes with Merry. Little Merry is visiting Frodo at Bag End, and while his cousin is busy at a task for Bilbo and Gandalf, Merry goes out to play with Sam. He finds Sam looking after Marigold, both of them playing under the aforesaid lilac bushes. Merry joins them, and unbeknownst to them their conversation is overheard, and apparent magic ensues. I love the way that Dreamflower writes young hobbits; they are natural, and not sappy, and they are most definitely hobbit children.
Slash Warning -- NC17 - In Service by Tiriel
This had me laughing out loud! When Lobelia swallows her pride one day and comes to Bag End to seek Sam's advice about her petunias, she is most put out to find that he is, according to Frodo, not at home. And Frodo's behaviour, as he speaks to her through the window of his bedroom is decidedly odd. Probably something to do with the fact that Sam is out of sight, on his knees, doing some very distracting things, which become more and more devilish the longer that Lobelia lingers. It was really nice to read such a fun story, with no angst or dark forebodings, and with Sam not being servile to Frodo in any way, but just enjoying Frodo's predicament.
Stars and Sniffles by Slightly Tookish
This is such a nice story, and leaves me with a very happy feeling whenever I read it! A few years after the Party, Frodo is caring for a slightly ill Pippin at Bag End, when Gandalf arrives unexpectedly for the night. When Frodo can't manage to stay awake any longer, Gandalf sends him off to bed and keeps an eye on Pippin himself. I love the dialogue between the two of them, it sounds so very true to their characters! Pippin is just right in this, still Tookish and Pipish but subdued just enough by his illness, and Gandalf is properly gruff yet caring. For me, the best part of this story is when Gandalf gives Pippin something he has always longed for, and it is a truly magical moment in more ways than one. I really love when Gandalf shows the deep affection he has for his hobbits, and this is just perfect!
Slightly Tookish has a real way with writing hobbits, and captures their personalities very well! I really enjoy her characterisations and dialogue, and the situations and circumstances that she creates!
The Strongwilled and Bravehearted by redoleander
This great story is told from Boromir's pov, and takes place on the trek up Caradhras. Pippin is having a hard time of it, but is determined to struggle on, despite pain and exhaustion. When Gandalf calls a rest, Boromir goes to Pippin's aid, under Merry's wary gaze. This is a very nice glimpse of Pippin's indomitable spirit, and the care that various other members of the Fellowship have for him. Though this story is just the right length, I'd love to see a sequel to this!
Putting Memories Away by Mariposa
I enjoyed this story so much that I am a bit at a loss as to what to say about it, as nothing seems sufficient. In Minas Tirith after the Quest, Frodo sits down with Merry and Pippin to take notes on what happened after they were parted at Parth Galen. Pippin knows that Merry is being less than truthful with Frodo about what he can remember of their capture and captivity, and later that night insists that Merry tell him his true memories. What Merry finally reveals, and Pippin's responses to his revelations, rings so true to how I see their characters! I won't give away more than that, but I will say that the characterisations are spot on, and so is the dialogue.
Be Careful What You Wish For by Daffodil Bolger
Slash -- NC 17 This is a wonderful story that has me laughing every time I read it, at least the beginning bit. After it moves on to the steamy bits I am not quite so inclined to snort tea through my nose as the slash is very well done, though the humour is maintained throughout the story. For those of you that aren't fond of slash, you can safely read this to nearly the middle before any explicit activities occur, and you can still enjoy the fun.
The story begins with Merry noticing some similarities in Frodo and Pippin's behaviour and personalities, when it comes to the day-to-day management of their partners, which are Sam and Merry respectively. After witnessing a couple of examples of these similarities, Merry starts to wonder if perhaps the two act in the same way in the bedroom as well, and decides to do Sam a favour that will allow him to have some say in a romantic evening with Frodo. Frodo is not pleased with Merry's present for Sam at first, but eventually changes his mind. I like Daffodil's writing style very much, particularly in this story. She writes the characters very well, and I enjoy her interpretation of their personalities.
They Speak My Language by Illyria Novia
This is a short work by one of the most lyrical authors in the fandom. Can Frodo be happy among the Elves of Tol Eressea, alone in a land where the language and every custom must be strange? The writer thinks so, and illustrates her point compellingly.
Fourteen Days by Rabidsamfan
What was going through Sam's mind those fourteen days in Cormallen? You cannot read this story without being fundamentally moved to the depths of your heart.
Always Dancing by Mariposa
This is an amazing story! A year after the Quest, Pippin and Merry teach a class of young hobbits the rudiments of fighting with a sword. The dialogue and descriptions are spot on, and the story abounds with beautiful visualizations. Merry and Pippin's fierce joy in the intricate dance of battle that they demonstrate to the others is superb. I have read this story over again and again and it still touches me. Boromir is very present if only as a memory, as Pippin recalls to himself his own and Merry's sword training. The characters of the cousins are very well written, and this is one of those stories that you can actually see playing out in front of you. There is one sentence containing an adult reference.
