Hmm, I'm reading these chapters backwards, so it is very effective for me after reading Pippin at the Black Gates to realize how Merry felt after he left and how Pippin was putting on cheerfulness for Merry, just as Merry would uphold Pippin. Those wonderful hobbits.

I would like to see you write Merry's response after the hobbits are returned to the city. Merry's fear of being left alone must have seemed to be coming terribly true, as the three battered bodies are brought back to be (hopefully) healed. His sadness here is so palpable that it hurts.