(UPDATED April 11, 2006)

Ring around the Merry by Aelfgifu

Ring around the Merry is an AU bookverse Lord of the Rings fanfiction in which Merry holds the Ringbearer captive at Crickhollow "for the salvation of the Shire," with baleful results for all. Merry will be corrupted, Pippin will be conflicted, Frodo will start to break, Sam will try to save him, and each of the hobbits will be challenged and changed in unexpected ways. Warning: violence, plot-driven slash, and Ring-induced hobbit abuse.  Rated R

The Unfolding Tale

Prologues - The Corruption of Meriadoc Whereas Merry becomes fascinated and ultimately obsessed with the Ring of Power in his cousin's keeping.  Takes place from Frodo's wardship at the Hall to the hobbits' arrival at Crickhollow.

Part One - The Breaking of Frodo Whereas Merry, spurred on by the malevolent influence of the Ring, holds Frodo and Sam captive at Crickhollow, with the aid of a very conflicted Pippin.  Over a number of weeks Merry will use various torments to break a very rebellious Frodo.  All the while he must deal with a crafty Sam, whose relentless loyalty to his master is a constant threat.  Pippin, meanwhile, must choose between his devotion to Merry and what he knows to be right.  Will Sam and Frodo escape before the coming darkness overwhelms them all?

Part Two - The Redemption of Meriadoc (UPDATED April 11, 2006)

Links

RATM alternative NC-17  SLASH chapters

illustrations

poetry and ficlets

Awards

Best "Vacation from Canon"

Best "Lost in Rivendell"