Pretty much all I can say is wow. This story left me speechless. The angst is flawless because it flows so freely, and your declared lack of premeditation would definitely be one of the reasons for this.

I especially liked this line in particular- "The youngsters, who clung to their mothers and fathers, who breathed their last without knowing why." You captured the very essence of war here.

I also very much loved the ending- I take this to be Legolas preventing Aragorn from committing suicide. In this, you did an excellent job of showing their friendship rather than telling about it.

A beautiful piece of work, in all!

-Traveller

Author's Response: Wow, such kind words. Thank yo so much. I had been a young, free soul back then, it seems. ;) I shall strive to regain that freedom and continue to work hard to improve - thank you!

Oh, no, you killed Pippin!!!! (Of course, life's not going so great for him in my story, either, so I guess I'm not really one to talk). This is good. I like the part where Faramir talks to the tree as a symbol of his brother. Keep it up, and I look forward to your said more emotional chapters!

-Traveller

Author's Response: Thank-you, Traveller! I am glad you like it. I shall be posting more chapters soon. (I am currently working on chapter 5).

Ok, it's time for me to give this amazing story the review it deserves.

Wow- this was your first story? Absolutely amazing... and I thought my stuff was angsty! I think I've read this story about four or five times now, and it never fails to move me to tears. I discover something new each time I read it- a sign of a truly well-written story.

Not to mention who it's about! I'm really sad that they both died in the end, but at least you had to heart to kill them both at once! I always imagine them dying together- I don't think they would be able to live if one was no longer there. To be honest (and this is just my opinion), I think that if Pippin died, Merry very well might take his own life, driven mad with grief. I tried not to hint at this too much in "Of Magic and Friendship", because that was not the picture of Merry that I wanted to paint. I really don't think I'd ever write that in a story- it's just the way I think it would happen. On the other hand, if Merry were to die, I think that Pippin would simply die of grief. It's possible to just become so depressed that one neglect's one's body to the point of death.
Anyway, that's my take.

Back to the story!

"Yes, Pippin. Everyone thinks you will die, but they love you... They do not want you to die, but I'm terribly scared that the arrow that pierced you was poisoned... Most of the orc-weapons that exist today are dipped in poison to assure death, and I'm scared, Pippin, I'm scared... I love you, and you don't deserve to die. I love you, Pip. I can't live knowing you're not breathing the same air as me. Don't leave me..." Perfect. Exactly what Merry would do, no deviation whatsoever from his character. He's completely lost in his grief and his love for Pippin, inconsolable but for the love his friend, whose ability to do so in life is quickly fleeting.

"Know this, Merry..." Pippin whispered. "I have always loved you as a friend, a cousin... And a brother... You have been my brother for years now, but my time had come... Sooner than you would like, I think, but it is time... Now, what would be the ultimate price to pay for some of Farmer Maggot's mushrooms right now?" Also perfectly Pippin. He's resigned to his fate (as he is to his fate in my story, much different but yet so alike in your story), but it pains him so incredibly to leave Merry. But then he changes the subject, in an effort to make his last moments as happy as possible for both him and his dear Merry.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, an amazing job and a story brilliant beyond words ! (I can only try!) You should write more like this (maybe you could let them live this time?-of course, you're the author, it's your choice, but I'm still crying). I am commanding my personal army of plot bunnies to go and invade your house at night and attack you while you sleep, lol!

Many hugs from your friend,

-Traveller

Author's Response: Aw, thank you so so so mch for this review! I have long awaited it and am left utterly speechless by the sheer niceness of it. I was really uncertain about posting it as you know that the first story is the hardest one to post, because you don't know what other authors will think. I was very nervous, too, that I was killing off two of the main and most cutest characters. I didn't know how people would take it. But yes, it is rather drastic, although, I thought, that if dear Pip was to die, then Merry couldn't bear to see that. I'm glad it moved you to tears and even more glad that you've read it several times through. Thnks again for the most beautiful review, and you know that I'll always be your friend! :) Thanks for the plot bunnies! - meerkatalex P.S. "It's possible to just become so depressed that one neglect's one's body to the point of death." - That is so true. You should put this in a story somewhere one day.

Very well written! I love the comfort between Legolas and Arwen in the first chapter, and Elrond's reflections at the beginning of the second chapter. It's easy to assume from watching the movies that Elrond felt a little coldly toward Aragorn, but in reality he was like a father to him. Very good job conveying his true feelings. Keep up the good work!

-Traveller

I laughing so hard right now (probably not a good idea, as I'm about to write sobby angsty scenes for my own story, but I just couldn't resist!) I especially loved singing Frodo and Pippin (Ice, ice, baby!) lol!!!!!!
-Traveller

Ohmygosh, I love "They're Taking the Hobbits to Isengard!" It makes me laugh! Lol, keep this up!

-Traveller

Author's Response: Yeah, the first time I heard They're Taking the Hobbits to Isengard, I was in the library trying not to crack up. Ah, I plan on keeping this up. Fei's craziness is rubbing off on me. BEWARE!! I will be posting some serious stories, I just need this humor right now in my life. Everything feels like a maelstrom and I need a way to relieve it. Thanks for reviewing!

This is awesome! I like reading angst and drama almost as much as I love writing it! Poor Merry. And Legolas- those dreams sound really scary. I look forward to reading more! By the way, Sam's parents are Hamfast Gamgee and Bell Goodchild, and Pippin's parents are Paladin Took and Eglantine Banks. I hope this helps, and keep the chapters coming!

Author's Response: Thank you for reviewing - I am so happy that I'm one of the first authors that you've reviewed on this site! I love angst and drama stories too - I have a lot of them on my account that I've written already and they are mainly about Merry and Pippin's brotherly friendship. Thank you for telling me their parents, and good luck with your own writing! The chapters are comin' up, don't worry! meerkatalex Oh yeah - Pippin is my favourite character too! He is so CUTE!

Yay for Merry-Pippin angst! I almost feel as though I am reading something I have written when I read the angsty parts. You said in a review of my story that our writing styles were very similar, and now I see exactly what you mean! I don't think the angst was overdone at all, but then again I have the same concerns about my own story. I look forward to reading more!

-Traveller

Author's Response: Merry-Pippin angst really gets to me as it's really emotional and beautiful to read about. I hope you add another chapter to your story soon, and am glad that you like most of the reading and writing styles that I like. In addition, you should not be concerned about the amount of angst in your story. Some people will love it, some people won't, but it's up to you what you write! I'm glad you love this story, and I'm happy that you leave so many long reviews! The next chapter will be up soooon! meerkatalex

Quite a cliffhanger! I want to know what Legolas was dreaming about! Awww... really sweet Frodo-Sam scence, definitely reflects Sam's character well. Cute Merry-Pippin scene, too, but I miss the angst! Write more angst please! :) The "where's the fire" part was funny, though. Totally in Merry's character to freak out like that when startled awake! Just a note: Pervinca is Pippin's youngest sister- Pearl is his eldest (and Pimpernel is in the middle!) Oh, by the way, have you read my response to your review of "Every Day"? Now that's an essay! Keep up the good work and please update frequently- I look forward to it!

-Traveller

Author's Response: Angst will be coming up, don't worry! Merry's confrontation with his father is pretty near too, but don't worry about that, I won't put them through too much trauma! Or maybe I will... *Insert Evil Cackle here* Anyway, yes, I will update as soon as possible. Sorry about the mix-up with Pip's sisters I will try to amend that mistake, it's just that Pervinca sounds like a very strict name! Yes, I've read your response - it was very interesting and I was reading for ages! Now that is an essay, and I love authors who respond enthusiastically to their reviews! Thank you for reviewing, meerkatalex

Oh, by the way... Legolast is a Wood Elf (of Mirkwood), and he is the Prince of Mirkwood. His father is King Thraundil (I think I spelled that right...)

Author's Response: YAY! Thanks for telling me! meerkatalex