[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

ElenorG, we've been tossing a rewrite of Pippin and Merry's meeting back and forth, and if anyone has more ideas how to do this - bring 'em on. I don't think we've solved it yet. There isn't much time to give background on Merry and Pippin, but this chance meeting in the middle of nowhere is absurd. And there was a previous request to show the conspiracy unmasked as well.<P>I think the hurried departure did build dramatic tension, so maybe it was necessary. However, I like the idea of a clever departure from the Shire "I said depart soon, not Instantly!" Could we have shortened the months long departure to a week? "Oh yes, I'm going to visit my cousin Merry in Bucklebury." Then the conspiracy could have been just Merry leaking the info to Pippin and the two deciding to join them. "We thought you'd come this way Frodo!" Hmm... this just isn't coming together. Ideas?<P>Nav, that is a very good observation, I'd forgotten about Gandalf letting go. I like your rewrite, very believable and you take into account that he needed enough time for the close-up and to say "Run you fools!"