A Perfect Present by SlightlyTookish
A lovely and fluffy story that will cheer you up if you are feeling blue! It did me. Poor Merry has a bad cold, and young Pippin is inconsolable because his aunt and uncle won't let Pippin be with Merry for fear he will become sick himself. Left to his own devices Pippin comes up with the perfect gift to cheer Merry up and to keep him company. I loved how much Pippin clearly adores Merry here, the details in this are really enjoyable, like Pippin's wallet, and the candle in Merry's room. I also liked Farmer Burrows very much, and really hope that things improve for him. This sweet, cousinly story is a prequel to the author's story Better Than Tonic.

Slash Warning -- The author has rated this story NC 17, but I think that is is more of a hard R:
Winter Snow to Morning Tea by Dana
This story is a bit different than most of Dana's stories in that there is less left to the imagination; she gives more description in this story than she usually does. While I like both of these styles I found myself very glad that she had written this particular story in this way. It begins with Merry and Pippin pulling a prank, and Merry reacting to Pippin's nearness in a way that he does not, and never has, let himself act upon. Until later that night, when he cannot resist going to Pippin's room. I thought that this tale was written very realistically, and the characters were captured very well. It is not a PWP, there are real emotions and attraction here. I'd like to see Dana write more in this style!

Slash Themes -- rated PG for a kiss - A Vague And Secret Wish by Slightly Tookish
This is a very sweet story set in Lothlorien. The Lady's look into Pippin's soul has revealed to him the true depth of a certain secret wish concerning Merry, and he learns that Merry has the same heart's desire. But while Pippin wants to make the most of the time they have, Merry feels that if they have refused Galadriel's offer that they cannot act on their desires at all. Pippin does his best to convince Merry otherwise. I loved the sentiment here, and the way the characters were written. Merry is very much a Brandybuck, and Pippin very much a Took! I have been poking the author for a sequel, and hope that it will soon be forthcoming. Hear that Slightly Tookish? Poke, poke!

Roots of the Ivy by Aranel Took
This is still a work in progress, but nevertheless, there is plenty to get your teeth into as it is currently up to 107 chapters, including the prologue. In spite of the eponymous OC, there are plenty of canon characters here to enjoy, chiefly of course my very own not-knitted self, along with my cousin's alter-ego, not-knitted Pippin. The title is cleverly based on Merry's choice of name for his and Eowyn's illegitimate daughter, believably conceived in their comforting of each other on the night before battle. He claims that, Ivy flourishes wherever it puts down roots, an old Shire saying apparently. They both hoped it would prove true for their daughter as well. Merry agrees to raise Ivy, as she would have stuck out like a sore thumb in Gondor or Ithilien and does so with Pippin's help. Nevertheless, her story is fraught with problems caused by her mixed heritage, too small for a human, too large for a hobbit, to say nothing of a missing mother, or when she finally visits Eowyn, missing her father. There are happy moments too, so do not approach this story if what you require is undistilled angst, because, I am sorry but you just won't find it! There is very much joy to be found in Ivy's early days and the hobbits take her to their hearts from the beginning, for Ivy is certainly not without her charms. Visiting her Mother's people also has plenty of happy moments as friendships are formed. It is mostly in matters of the heart that Ivy would seem to be a problem, but an amicable solution is eventually reached. You will need to read up to almost 100 chapters to find it though, but it is well worth the trouble -- and no sneaky peeking ahead as I had to do in order to recommend this story for you!

Can You Hear Me? by White Gull
This particular poem was spotted by Llinos during the recent MEFAwards and won easily in its category. Llinos seems to think she knows something about poetry, but, as I (being KnittedMerry) have remarked before, she is an idiot. Nevertheless, on this occasion, I am forced to agree and suggest that you all learn by heart this wonderful and poignant verse, which although simple in its construction is monumental in its impact, clarity and angst. Excellent!

The Short Cut by Garnet Took
This is a fun Merry and Pippin story! Cock-sure Merryís plans don't go as they should for once, and it is up to Pippin to speak up and take the lead. I especially loved the descriptions of Pippin and what he thought about Merry's whole plan. I really liked their characterisations here! The setting, dialogue, and descriptions were nicely done. A really enjoyable story, and it brought a smile to my face.

Darkness And Stone by Mariposa
In this story Merry comforts Sam, when the long dark of Moria gets to be too much for him. It is written in Merry's voice, and done very well too. The way that the author is able to make the reader see the oppressive darkness is wonderful. Merry is very much in character; in his thoughts, in the way he takes it upon himself to help Sam, and in the way he thinks things through. I really enjoyed Merry's logic, and the details such as what happened at Merry's last birthday party, and how warm Pippin is. Little touches like those add so much to the enjoyment of a story! This is a really nice moment between Merry and Sam.

Some Comfort Here by Strawberry
This is a wonderful moment in Fangorn. Pippin's perceptions here really struck me as being real and natural. His thoughts of Merry, as he is now, and then the comfort that he finds in seeing Merry again as he was before is just lovely. Very simply told and just right. I would love to read more by this author!

Of Sprained Ankles and Big Decisions by Auntiemeesh
This story is so very hobbity! Bilbo is having a visit at Brandy Hall and I really enjoyed his interactions with Frodo here, especially when Frodo came to his rescue in the dark hall. Bilbo, and the rest of the hobbits, are written very well and the situations were very believable. I especially loved Frodo's relationship with little Merry here. The way that he carried over Bilbo's story of that morning to the day's adventure with Merry was so nice! His relationship with Bilbo is well done too, and I liked that Frodo went along with Bilbo's tall tale about his ankle. They got along so well together here, I thought that Frodo's decision at the end perfectly natural. Very nice story!

Do It Again by SlightlyTookish
This is a fun bit of wee!hobbit fluff that will put a smile on your face! It is Merry and Pippin and a rocking chair, and is a sweet little glimpse of the cousins. SlightlyTookish wrote this so well that I felt that I was peeking around the door watching them.

Rainy Afternoon also by SlightlyTookish
This takes place when Merry and Pippin are a little older and exploring Brandy Hall during a rainy day. They come across an object that Merry and Frodo had used together often in their own play together and it makes Merry a bit melancholy but little Pippin knows just what to say. I especially loved the exuberance and imagination of their game.

Both of these little tales are from SlightlyTookish's Postcards From The Shire Series which is loaded with lovely stories like these.

Faerie Blood by Saoirse
My pick this week is a wonderful story by one of my favorite authors. I love everything that this author writes and I think you will all enjoy this story as much as I did. This one has a magical quality to it. The descriptions are vivid and some of the OCÌs will surprise you. The story focuses on a very young Pippin who has run away from home and become lost and frightened. There is a slight twist to this story that will leave you smiling.

The Making of Samwise by Bill the Pony
The final chapter has been written. I only became aware of this story last week. Special thanks to annwyn55 without whom I would never have known of its existence. For those others of you who are in the dark about this series, it is an amazingly beautiful, touching story. This is the story of Samwise Gamgee, starting at toddlerhood and working right up to the beginning of the quest. There is slash. And at 200,000+ words and 76 chapters, a small few of which are rated NC-17, it is no small undertaking, but well worth the effort. I'm especially happy to have the opportunity to recommend this story now, as it will disappear on October 9th, when Bill the Pony takes down the website. So get out there and download it now, while you still can!

Through Shadow by Citrine
I wanted to recommend this story of Merry and Pippin during Pippin's recovery in Cormallen, for certain, as it is one of my favourites by this author. But it seems a little self-serving to do so. (I forgot that I am mentioned in the credits until I refreshed my memory of this story just now). So I went in search of another story to recommend and ran across one I hadn't read before -

Hobbit Lessons by Citrine
Set during the Quest not long after leaving Rivendell, this story starts with Pippin and Sam going to find water to fill the water-bottles of the Fellowship. Not only do they find water, but they find trouble as well, starting out as a minor mishap but growing into life-threatening proportions. This is typical of Citrine's stories: The scenery is described in a way that puts the reader in the picture. The hobbit characterisations are spot-on, Boromir is carefully drawn, and there is a lovely moment with Gandalf near the end of the piece.

Aches and Pains by Mariposa
Mariposa wrote this fic from my bunny and I am so pleased at how it turned out!, On a rainy afternoon in Minas Tirith, Pippin explains to Merry why he would not trade away their scars or aches and pains. I love Pippin's wisdom here, for we are the sum of our experiences and he understands that. It is slightly slashy at the very end, but those of you that don't like slash can safely read to the mention of Treebeard and will enjoy the story. Both Merry and Pippin are in lovely character here, and the scene is beautifully set!

Western Dawn by Thundera Tiger
This is actually a vignette featuring Legolas, which is a not something that I would normally choose to recommend here, but I think that the imagery is lovely, and that there is some wonderful emotion. There is a mention of the hobbits (and the rest of the Fellowship) in the context of what they mean to Legolas, and that is of course the part that I like best! In Ithilien after the Quest, Legolas watches for the dawn and is caught up in his thoughts of the Sea Longing, and what -- or rather who -- he might find himself longing for once he finally passes over the Sea. Very nice glimpse into Legolas' thoughts and emotions!

Before First Breakfast by Citrine
This is a really sweet story in which a very little Pippin interrupts little Merry's pleasant dreams in the early morning on a personal Quest for a story. Frodo is also represented indirectly as he is featured in the story that Merry tells Pippin. The description of tiny Pippin staggering up to the head of the bed and making himself comfortable, and the way he repeats the beginning of the story in his baby voice just made me melt! Merry is lovely too! This is a very nice glimpse of the cousins when they are very small.

If I Had It All Again To Do by Pearl Took
This is a sad little tale set in the waning years of the Shire, long after the time of our familiar hobbits. It is narrated by Robin Hillock, a hobbit who finds that sometimes choices that seem right at the time they are made, don't always seem right at the end. Robin's voice is captured wonderfully, apathetic and resigned, just exactly right. I don't want to say more about the story here and give anything away, It is well worth the read and I do hope that you will give it a go!

Untitled by Dreamflower
This is a morning after the night before story featuring Frodo, Merry, Pippin, Sam, Freddy, and Folco, and even Marigold makes a brief appearance. While Sam has the sense to head home from The Green Dragon at a fairly decent time, the gentlehobbits just don't seem to know when to quit! The next day they are quite naturally not at their best, and eventually Sam succumbs as well. This is an entertaining glimpse of our carefree hobbits before the Quest.

There and Back Again by Azalais
A lovely drabble about Bilbo's homecoming after his Adventure. I like writing drabbles myself, so I know how much effort goes into getting them spot on, and this one *is* spot on. Bilbo arrives right in the middle of the auction and isn't pleased at all, yet there is still a hint of humour in his reaction to the proceedings. Bilbo's voice is wonderful, and I really enjoyed the glimpse of young Hamfast.

The Fever by Rach the Storyteller
This story is dark and angsty. Frodo is isolated in Bag End caring for an ailing Bilbo who has warned him not to expose others to his illness, which usually only attacks the young. Frodo lives in fear that Bilbo will die, and that little Sam, sequestered at No 3, might catch the illness and succumb, and that he will be left alone again. There is a good reason that Bilbo has the illness instead of Frodo, and why Frodo doesn't catch it - this story has some very nice twists to it! The details are really enjoyable too, and so are the speech patterns of the characters.

Eowyn Wonders by Andtauriel Longwood
This is very short, and rather sad, and a bit AU. After the end of the War of the Ring, Eowyn wonders how she will be remembered, and for what deeds, and what Merry might be remembered for. Merry, though, desires to be remembered for only one, special thing.

I especially liked that Eowyn, as is usually true of the race of Men, had many thoughts, and was concerned with things such as being remembered for her bravery and her skills, and Merry hoped for just one thing, that to him was more important than anything else. I found that he did so to be very hobbity.

Sweet Memories by Erruannath Luin
This is a lovely story set in Rivendell, shortly after Bilbo returns there from his last visit to the Lonely Mountain. He finds his years are catching up to him at last, and feels homesick, especially for his favourite Shire foods. His friend Lindir enlists the aid of Gildor and some others, and together they make it possible for Bilbo to enjoy his favourite second breakfast treat! I especially enjoyed learning what caraway seeds are called in the Shire, and why they are called so. This story originally appeared in the first Shire Kitchen Recipe Fic Challenge, and the recipe for Bilbo's treat is included.

Omissions by Ancalime8301
This is a very short and sweet fic in which Sam questions Frodo's decisions about what he chose to include in the Red Book. It seems that Sam remembers things happening just a little differently, and doesn't quite understand that Frodo can't possibly include every little detail. It's a good thing he didn't, because then there'd be no need for all of the wonderful fanfic writers out there to fill in the gaps!

Promises, Promises by Llinos
This is a type of story that I particularly like, which has an event in the past relating to an event during the Quest. I really love the author's childhood relationship between Merry and Pippin, and they are in their full gleeful glory in the first part of the tale.

The story starts out with the two lads having a game of armies that comes to a disastrous end, which results in little Pippin making a promise to the powers that be if they will just please spare his Merry. Years later, during the Quest after they have been taken prisoner by the Uruk-hai, Pippin makes another solemn promise on injured Merry's behalf. Both of my favourite hobbits are very much in character here, and I love their bright spirits, both as children and as adults.

Flying Dreams and Coffee by Pipkin Sweetgrass
This is a lovely story in which Pippin and Boromir share a watch in Hollin, and discover their similarities. You can really see the beginning of the bond between them here, one that will grow into a strong friendship as the Quest continues. I enjoyed the way that the author told this story, beginning with Aragorn listening to their talk as he drops off to sleep, and ending with him awakening to find how much their bond has grown just in the few hours that he slept.

Pipkin has a real affinity for stories featuring Boromir, Pippin and Merry! I mentioned above the C2 Community that she maintains, and you can find many stories there in which these three friends are prominent, including those written by Pipkin herself. I must also say that I really appreciate Pipkin's enthusiasm about our fandom. Her love and positive attitude is evident on every website that she maintains!

Many Happy Returns by Slightly Tookish
In this delightful story, Gandalf plays a bit of a trick on Pippin (and the rest of the surviving Fellowship) at the lad's birthday celebration in Cormallen. There are all sorts of nice moments in this story; Pippin seeing what Gandalf did to the candles at the Birthday Party long ago, Merry's care over Pippin's hair, Sam's worry about Frodo, Legolas' comment -- well, instead of my telling you all of the bits I liked best, do read it for yourself!

Pippin The Troll Slayer by Auntiemeesh
This is the companion piece to Auntiemeesh's A New Kind of Courage, and is told largely from Pippin's point of view. It starts out before Pippin is found on the battlefield, and is currently up to Chapter 4. I hope that this will be another long story, like Courage! In that story, if you remember, one of the injuries that Pippin sustained in the battle had caused him to have amnesia, and this story describes the confusion that Pippin suffers waking up in a camp full of strangers far from home very well! I look forward to every new update of this story, and really enjoy the details she puts into the story, and seeing now the other side of the coin.

Fire by Nivina
This is a movieverse story in a way, although actually it could be bookverse as well. I prefer to think of it as movieverse though, as the knowledge that Pippin lit the beacons adds to my enjoyment of the tale, knowing that he helped bring some comfort to Frodo. In Ithilien, before the Ring is destroyed, Frodo has been having dark and depressing dreams, the Ring weighing him down. Then he has a dream in which he sees the beacons of Minas Tirith flaring into life, and they inspire him to feel hope and lighten his burden. This is a lovely story, with beautiful imagery and wonderful characterisations.

Crush, by Cimorene
Anyone who knows me knows I can't resist a good Merry/Pippin story, and this one is very sweet and satisfying. It is slash, and I would say rated a low R--it is not at all explicit, but it does deal with a first encounter in an adult way.

Barrels out of Bond Revisited by Baylor
Never take Faramir Took and Merry, Pippin and Hamfast Gamgee anywhere. If there's trouble to be found, they'll find it. My favorite Baylor story after the celebrated "Care and Feeding of Hobbits."

Hobbit Leaper, Doctor, Spy by Samus
A crossover with LOTR and Quantum Leap, in which Sam Beckett leaps into Samwise Gamgee, Gollum, and -- well, you'll see. An awesome piece of work that is still in progress, but is a joyous romp.

Twist of Fate by lovethosehobbits
Anyone who knows me, knows I can't resist a good old-fashioned Frodo-healer's story. I stumbled across this gem while looking for something new at Stories of Arda. The opening chapter was written by Elwen and the remaining chapters were subsequently penned by lovethosehobbits. The story takes place two winters after Bilbo left the Shire. A lonely Frodo becomes injured during a walk in the woods. Will the help of friends, old and new, be able to save our beloved hobbit from an agonizing demise? At fourteen chapters, including epilogue, this gripping story will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The author gave this story a PG rating, but I have upped that to PG-13 with a warning for graphic medical scenes.

Proper Place by songspinner
These two touching vignettes give us a brief glimpse into the friendships forged between hobbit and human. The first is a moment between Merry and Eowyn while both are recovering in the Houses of Healing. The second, a scene between Pippin and Faramir in the Citadel. In just a few short words, songspinner manages to capture the personalities of each character quite well while the theme of hope and uncertainty about the future ties both vignettes together.

What's Right Before You by Tom Fairbairn
This is a movieverse story about Pippin's climb to light the beacons and his later search on the battlefield for Merry. The story is told with a lovely sense of imperativeness; Pippin goes from the hazardous climb, to save Faramir and his men with Gandalf, to the battlefield where he searches for Merry for many hours. So much has happened that he only remembers about the lighting of the beacons when Aragorn mentions them later in the Houses of Healing. I really liked Aragorn's reaction upon hearing that Pippin was responsible for the kindling of hope! Pippin is very hobbity in this story, in his thoughts and dialogue, and I enjoyed finding out who it was that taught Pippin to climb in the first place!

Guard of the Citadel by Saoirse
This first story is set in Minas Tirith, in the Courtyard of the White Tree. Pippin ponders the meaning of the dead tree, wonders where his brave cousins are, and comes to some realizations and a decision. His thoughts are written in a very hobbity and Pippinish way and I found this a really enjoyable fic.

Why Must This Be? by Beruthiel
This little story takes place at Rivendell, as the Company prepares to depart on the Quest. It is from Bilbo's perspective, what passes through his mind in those last minutes when he must say farewell. It's very in character and these thoughts are just what I would imagine Bilbo thinking just then. Very nice!