Ficlets from the Shire

by onoff

A collection of short ficlets and drabbles centered around hobbits. NEW: Ends

1. Chapter 1

Character: Merry, Aragorn

Word Count: 100

Rating: G

"No, Aragorn, no!" Merry's voice hit a shrill, scratchy peak.

"Merry, I am sorry, I…" I tried to keep him safe, Aragorn wanted to say.

"You promised, Aragorn! You promised to protect him!"

Aragorn felt an overwhelming mix of despair and guilt tugging on his chest. "Merry… there is… he will not survive the night, Merry."

Merry crumbled into a fit of grief, sobs wracking his body. Aragorn tenderly gathered the Halfling into his arms and held him as his body shook in anguish. Then Aragorn, too, began to quietly cry, silent tears falling from his eyes for fleeting innocence.