Chapter 1: For Pippin
Merry returned, waddling with Pippin in his arms. Bruises ran up and down his back, whip welts, burn marks and the deep wounds Legolas had stitched in were reopening again. The river was turning red from the colour.
Aragorn and Sam were waiting on the other side, the King looked like he was going to murder someone, and Sam looked strangely pale. When he saw his friends coming their way, he shouted the injured hobbit's name and Aragorn turned.
Merry, panting and out of breath, gently laid his young cousin on the ground and immediately fell on his bottom, also very tired. That's when Sam noticed his condition. He was white, his eyes were red and puffy and small cuts littered his legs and arms. He quietly ushered Merry towards him and the Brandybuck heir gladly put his head on his shoulder, passing out.
"Sam, I'll need your help with this please. Cover Merry with a blanket and help Legolas hold Pippin down. This might hurt, but this is what we can do to save him. Gimli, get ready with the knife. Three, two, one."
Sam and Legolas grabbed the unconscious hobbit's limp arms securely to prevent any movements and Gimli raised the scalpel over his head, anxiety clearly showing on his face. He wouldn't dare disobey the King, but if this was to save Pippin, he would not argue.
"NOW!"
There was the sound of the blade entering flesh. Gimli paled, Merry awoke and shouted, but was held back by the elf prince. It pained them both to see Pippin in this condition. Soon, the blankets covering Pippin's fragile body began turning red steadily. Sam grabbed his cloak and tossed it around him in a haste.
"He's stable, but that doesn't mean, he's not out of danger." Aragorn sighed as they all gathered around to take a moment's rest. Everyone's hearts lightened a bit at his words. Sam held Merry close as he sobbed on his shoulder, then he stiffened.
"Aragorn? We've got a problem."
"What are you talking about, Sam?"
"Have you noticed that when we set off to rescue Pippin, there were two hobbits but only one returned?" Sam said, flushing brightly. He couldn't believe he had forgotten about him so quickly.
Merry jumped up, cursing, and yelled Frodo's name. The forest grew silent, except for the crackling of the fire and the rustling of the trees.
Wendy: So there we are! As you can see, Pippin was rescued from some evil, and Frodo had sacrificed himself for him. Keep on reviewing!
Frodo: Why's it always me?
Wendy: Um...I kind of like my characters vulnerable, so...
Frodo: You are SO mean.
Wendy: Sorry? Um...keep yourself updated guys! I'll try to make a new chappy! On Frodo's view, of course!
Frodo: I'm suddenly feeling very scared.