Disclaimer: I do not own any of the amazing characters created by J.R.R. Tolkien. I am not making money off of them in any way, shape, or form; I am just borrowing three (Merry, Frodo, and Pippin) in order to write a short story.
Author's Notes: The idea for this story came to me as part of something I imagined recently. I decided to see if I could turn my thoughts into a story, and this is the result. I hope you will enjoy my story, and add it to your list of favorite stories. Moreover, if you are going to comment on it, please make sure it is along the lines of constructive criticism. Thank you, and happy reading!
Simple Pleasures
A LotR Short Story by Sarah
2~23~09
Pippin sat under his favorite tree, reading a book that his eldest cousin Frodo had given him. A few paces away, his cousin Merry was plotting the best way to frighten him. Merry smiled to himself and began to put his plan into action. Quietly sneaking over to where his favorite cousin sat absorbed in his book, he hid behind the tree and waited.
Sensing an unknown presence from behind the tree, Pippin looked up and tried to peer behind it. However, Pippin could see nothing from his current position, so he returned to his book with a sigh. Merry knew this would be the time to strike; therefore, he silently moved forward until he was almost in plain sight. Then, he gently tapped his cousin on the shoulder. Unfortunately for Merry, Pippin was deeply engrossed in his book, and did not even look up. He tapped Pippin's shoulder a bit harder.
"Hello, Merry," Pippin said without glancing up.
Merry sighed. "Pippin, we have a mushroom thief in our midst!"
That got Pippin's attention. He tore his eyes away from the page he had been reading – and when he saw Merry, his eyes nearly bulged out of his sockets. Merry had covered himself in a large amount of foliage! Furthermore, he looked rather silly, but Pippin was not about to admit that to Merry.
"I am the Malicious Plant-Monster," Merry growled. "I have come for you!"
"Wh-where is Merry?" Pippin stammered.
"There is no Merry; there is only me," Merry growled.
"Something has happened to Merry!" Pippin exclaimed, tears springing to his green eyes.
Realizing that his joke had gone too far, Merry removed his disguise and sat down next to his still sobbing cousin. He wrapped comforting arms around Pippin, and began moving his hand in soothing circles on his back. Eventually, Pippin's tears started to fade and Merry was able to release his hold on him a little.
"I thought you were lost forever," Pippin murmured into Merry's chest.
"Dear heart, you should know that I will never leave you," Merry soothed.
"Promise?" asked Pippin seriously.
"Yes, little one," answered Merry.
Pippin looked up into Merry's eyes and smiled. Merry smiled back and readjusted Pippin against him.
"Now, about the mushroom thief?" Pippin inquired.
"Forget it, Pip, that was only something I said in order to get your attention," Merry responded.
Pippin nodded silently against Merry's shoulder. Soon, Merry and Pippin were both laughing about all that had transpired. This day had been full of life's simple pleasures.