~*~*~ A/N: This is an idea I think I should've had long ago. Please enjoy, and, as always, I urge you to reveiw.. just 'cause they make me feel warm and fuzzy inside. By the way, I know that some of the dates and ages are a little messed up, because Pippin is 29 when they *leave* from the Shire, and not at the time of Bilbo's birthday.. that's ok, though.*~*~*~


The Banks sisters were known throughout Buckland; one for her beauty, and one for her mischievous nature. Violet Banks, named for the color of her eyes, was amongst the prettiest Hobbit maidens in all the land, whereas her sister Marigold, though pretty herself, was better known for the tricks she enjoyed playing on others. The only children of Tolman and Estella Banks, Violet was the eldest and, in the year of Bilbo Baggins' eleventy-first birthday, she was 33; just coming into age herself. Her younger sister, though, was still in her 'tweens, being just 25 years of age. They were barely ever seen without the other, many would call them inseparable. Not only were they sisters, but they were also the best of friends.

Violet and Marigold's best friend, besides one another, was Pervinca, the youngest of the Took sisters. Often they journeyed to the Took home; to play, frolic, and, of course, discuss the important matter of boys. As Violet and Pervinca were now both "of age", they would be expected to marry soon enough, and they had to be certain to find the right boy. Violet enjoyed speaking of this matter as well, even though she was still a "child" in many eyes.

"Samwise Gamgee," suggested Pervinca, and Violet shook her head.

"Nae.. he is in love with Rosie Cotton, remember?"

"Ah, yes," said Pervinca, and then, shaking her head, laughed. "If you get very desperate, you can always marry my brother.

Marigold went silent for a moment; Peregrin Took, to her, was the epitome of the perfect boy; curly hair, big green eyes, and a wonderful sense of humor. The one time she told Violet of these feelings, however, she simply laughed, thinking that Marigold was joking.

Violet giggled, and shook her head. The three sat beneath a large Oak tree, laughing and talking. "And perchance you can marry Lotho Sacksville-Baggins!"

The three girls laughed uproariously at this, the mere thought of one of them stooping to the Sacksville-Baggins level was laughable, at best.

Pervinca, Violet, and Marigold turned as they saw a form run up the road.

"Violet, Marigold," said Meriadoc Brandybuck as he neared them, bowing slightly at the presence of the girls, "your father bid me retreive you."

"Oi," said Marigold softly. "I clear forgot about afternoon tea!"

The Banks sisters ran home, still giggling about their earlier conversation with Pervinca. They reached their home, and Violet opened the round green door, pushing it open.

"Here we are, father," she called, stepping into the hole. "Sorry we are late."

"That is all right, my dears," replied their father from the dining room. They quickly joined their mother and father, taking their seats. Their mother poured tea and they had bread and cheese.

"Tell me, Violet," said their mother Estella between bites. "Are there any boys courting you now?" Violet shook her head, looking down.

"Nae, mother, not this moment."

"Have you your eyes upon anyone?"

"Perhaps one boy," she said, looking down. Marigold raised her eyebrows - she had not heard of any boy her sister favored yet. She would have to be sure to ask it of her, after their tea, of course.


After the tea, the two girls returned to their tree, finding Pervinca to be gone.

"She must have gone inside herself," said Marigold, and the two sat.

"Aye," responded Violet, looking down in thought.

"Who is the boy you favor?" asked Marigold abruptly, and Violet laughed.

"That is quite eager of you, Marigold. Nevertheless, I shall tell you." Violet glanced to and fro, assuring herself that they were, in fact, alone, and then whispered a name.

"Merry!" Marigold cried, and Violet's eyes widened.

"Quiet, you, or I'll give you a thrashing."

"Sorry, Violet, but Merry? Merry *Brandybuck*?" Violet nodded meekly, and Marigold let out a hearty laugh.

"Did you not laugh at me over my feelings for Pippin?"

"I thought you were sporting!" exclaimed Violet, her eyes once again growing wide. "You were serious about him?"

Marigold nodded, and sighed. "Oh, yes, Violet. Peregrin is just wonderful."

"Well, they are cousins," said Violet with a laugh. "You know what we must do, now, don't you, Marigold?"

Her sister's eyes widened. "Well.. no. What must we do now?"

"Why, we must ensnare them, that is what we must do!"

"Ensnare them with what?" asked her little sister, innocently.

Violet laughed, shaking her head. "Marigold, my dear, you have much to learn."



~*~*~ A/N: I hope you enjoyed! *~*~