Merry began to pick some daisies out of the ground on the hill where he was sat with Pippin. The young hobbit watched inquisitively as his cousin tied the daisy stems together, creating a chain. Once he had completed it, Merry carefully placed it on Pippin's head, on top of his cinnamon curls.
"A crown for my little prince," said Merry, grinning.
He stood up and bowed. Pippin laughed, his green eyes gleaming with joy.
"All hail the Prince of the Hobbits," Merry continued, "Peregrin Took the first!"
Pippin stood up and smiled sweetly at Merry, and he wrapped his arms around his older cousin, hugging him tightly.
"You can be one of my knights," said Pippin.
He found a twig on the ground and put it in Merry's hand.
"This is your sword, so you can protect me from monsters!"
"It is an honour to defend you, your majesty," Merry told him, "Such a noble young prince as you deserves the highest quality protection. What is your first command to me, sire?"
Thinking hard, Pippin nibbled his bottom lip and furrowed his brow. He had an idea, and he let out a giggle.
"Mister Knight, take me back to the castle!" he ordered.
"As you wish, my lord."
Merry picked the young lad up with ease, holding him up in the air. Pippin squealed excitedly and Merry held him firmly; Pippin's head was resting on Merry's shoulder, and his small legs were wrapped securely around his waist.
The older hobbit carried his cousin down the hill and over to a large willow tree, where he placed him down and sat beside him. Pippin rested his head on Merry's lap, and Merry stroked his hair gently.
"My little prince…" he chuckled, when he noticed that Pippin had drifted off to sleep.