Chapter One
"Are you quite sure you know what you're doing, Pip?" said Merry.
Pippin took no notice of his cousin's comment, and was seemingly oblivious to the cold drizzle and sharp winds that were turning both of the hobbits noses and ears pink. Dark grey skies threatened a winter storm, and Merry was sure he could feel the temperature of the already chilled air dropping.
"Pip?" Merry asked again, rubbing his numbed hands together just as Pippin threw down his and let out an exasperated sigh. The barn door latch fell with a muffled clang against the seeping wood.
"We've got to get her out, Merry, or they'll eat her!" Pippin said, frustrated, and seemingly on the verge of tears.
"Get who out? Who's going to be eaten? Pip, I thought your mother told you to stay out of Grandda's –"
"I haven't been in Grandda's ale!" Pippin yelped, and kicked the barn door. "They're going to eat Poppy for Yule dinner, and we've got to get her out!"
Merry could see Pippin's tears begin to fall even through the now freezing rain. He took his cousin into is arms. "Pip, we had chicken for Yule last year,"
"Yes, but that was a mean chicken, and Poppy's nice! I'm sure she wouldn't want to be eaten! You're nice, Mer, and nobody's ever tried to eat you!" Merry tried his best to wear a serious face, but he couldn't help laughing a little. Luckily, Pippin didn't notice, and went back to work on the latch. "Are you going to help or not?" he said, exasperated.
"Silly Took, calm down!" Merry took Pippin's shaking hands into his own. "You know your da locked the barn to keep the cats out," said Merry.
Pippin sobbed, "Then it's hopeless! Poor Poppy!"
"I didn't say that! Listen, there's a loose board 'round the side, if you'll give me half a moment, I'll go get the shovel to pull it up –"
"You're going to help?" Pippin cried enthusiastically and hugged Merry around the middle.
"Of course I am! And we can have you for supper instead."
Pippin's eyes grew wide in fear. "But I'm a nice hobbit too!"
"Are you?" Merry winked.
"Merry! Yes! Merry! You can't eat me either!"
Merry ruffled Pippin's dripping curls. "I was only joking, Pip!" he said, and turned to fetch the shovel.