A/N Ok, I decided to continue this, and also decided it isn't as bad as I
thought. So I changed the rating to PG-13. This chapter is much more light
than number 1 so the genre has changed too. =P I personally like this
chapter, it was fun to write and I am (for once) not depressed while
writing it. Oh yeah, I am really hungry right now so forgive the beginning
=P Thanks and please review! They're the only way my writing can get
better!
The next morning, Pippin sat up in bed and immediately wished he hadn't. His bottom was still very sore, and rubbing it against the wool blankets didn't help the pain. He could tell it was rather late in the morning, but it couldn't have been much later than second breakfast. He got out of bed as carefully as possible, and put a clean shirt on. He pulled his braces back over his shoulders before opening the bedroom door and heading towards the kitchen.
He was met with the smell of bacon, eggs, sausages, tomatoes, and tea amongst other things, and his stomach immediately gave a rumble. He hadn't had anything to eat since the mushrooms the day before, and they hadn't settled well within his stomach. Following the scent of food, he found himself in the crowded kitchen. His mother was up rushing about since she was trying to make sure nothing burned and everything turned out all right. Two of his sisters, Pearl and Pimpernel, were helping their mother, while the other, Pervanca, was setting the table and serving their father.
The Thain was contented with the Tookland Teller, a cup of tea, and some toast while waiting for everything else to finish cooking. Pippin wasn't even noticed as he first walked into the room, which didn't upset him much. When he went over to see what was cooking on the skillet, and tried to nick one of the strips of bacon that was frying, but his mother slapped his wrist before he could touch it. Yelping, he took the point and went to sit at the table with his father.
"Morning, Da," Pippin commented before carefully sitting on one of the benches that lined the longer sides of the table. His father nodded to him before continuing to read. Pippin sighed loudly at the lack of attention he was receiving. His father noticed and sighed himself.
"Must you always be the centre of attention, Pippin?" Paladin asked, already knowing the answer.
"Of course! You know that, Da!" the boy smiled. His father rolled his eyes. Pippin thought he could hear a "How could I ever forget?" mumbled to him but wasn't sure. He smiled anyway.
"Pippin! Move your grubby little fingers so I can put the plate down!" Pervinca yelled while she tried to set the plate of steaming pancakes on the table. Pippin paid her no mind as he dived in to grab as many pancakes as he could.
After a few minutes the entire family was sitting together enjoying a delicious second breakfast. After Pippin had had his fill he jumped up and raced out the door before his father could give him any chores as an extra punishment. He heard his name being called after him by one of his meddling sisters, but ignored her.
Some time later Pippin finally came to his destination, Buckland. Brandyhall, in particular. He knew that he was welcome as long as he didn't cause too much trouble, so he let himself into the hall. Deciding it would be best to avoid adults (Since word had gotten around of Merry's and his punishment the night before…) Pippin took the back corridors to Merry's room. He knocked on the door, but was met with no answer. Vainly, he tried again.
This time he was answered, but not by Merry. His Uncle, Saradoc, had heard him and came to find out what the noise was. When Saradoc had discovered his nephew searching for his son he knew exactly what to do.
Pippin groaned as Saradoc took the lad's ear and led him into the washroom. There he found Merry working hard scrubbing the linens used in the whole of Brandyhall. Saradoc looked at his nephew sternly.
"I don't know how you snuck out of chores at your house, but now that you are here you may help Meriadoc with his. Don't argue with me, Peregrin, or I shall send you back home," the boy's uncle scolded. Pippin knew that Uncle Saradoc must still be angry since he was using their full names. Cued by the look on Merry's face, Pippin nodded solemnly at his uncle. Satisfied, Saradoc left the two boys to tackle the monstrous load of laundry.
"A fine mess you have gotten me into, Merry! I thought I had been spared chores, but because of your father I have to do ten times the work I would have been given at home!" Pippin accused. Merry rolled his eyes at Pippin. They both knew the Took was lying through his teeth, as Pippin probably would have been given just about the same amount, except he would have had to do it alone. At least the boys had each other to keep company while they worked.
"How do you do this anyway?" Pippin continued, pretending to be irate and incompetent. Merry smiled and sighed dramatically.
"Pippin, just go fill the kettle with water, you stupid devil!" And Merry gave Pippin a playful shove out the door towards the well. Pippin giggled and replied, "Yes, Master Merry!" before trotting down to fill the buckets.
Luckily all the chore-punishments made Pippin rather strong, because carrying two buckets full of water was hard work for an adult, let alone a boy. As he lugged the water back, he tried not to spill any. After doing this four or five times the giant copper kettle was full of water. Merry had been starting a fire around the kettle while Pippin was lugging water, and after only a little while the water inside the kettle was boiling. They added the starch and lye to the water to make it soapy, and put the sheets in. Then, one boy would stir with the big wooden stick while the other kept the fire going. They kept switching until Merry decided that the sheets were ready to be brought out. They used the stick to fish out the sheets and put them into a bucket with holes in the bottom. After they had cooled a bit, Pippin would step into the bucket and use his feet to press out the excess water.
A rope had been tied between trees before, and Pippin took the bucket of dampish sheets out to it. He flung one side of the sheet over the rope, and stretched the whole thing out to dry. He did the same with the other three sheets that were washed, and went back to help Merry with the clothes. Clothes weren't nearly as hard or time consuming as sheets, but they still required work.
The young hobbits couldn't contain themselves from giggling when they came to washing female underskirts and such items. When Pippin took them out to dry he made a big deal of putting all the frilly things way out in the open for everyone to see. Luckily none of the females were around when he was doing this, or else they would have boxed the hobbit-lad's ears! After those were done, they were both feeling rather giggly, and started to slack off. They were done with the wash, and had emptied the kettle, but they were supposed to tell Saradoc when they had finished so they could do their next task. Instead they stayed in the washroom until suppertime giggling and messing about.
"You know, Pip, we really should go tell father we finished…" Merry said seriously. Pippin looked at him and giggled.
"You're starting to sound like my sisters talking about what we "should do" and what we "shouldn't do"! If I hadn't seen your lips moving I would have sworn Pearl stood next to me just now!" Pippin teased. Merry looked at him agape!
"I am nothing like her, and you know it, Pip! Why, if you were my brother I would punch you for saying that!" Merry threatened. Pippin grinned. "Try me!" He taunted.
"Alright, then, I will!" And Merry threw a punch at the other hobbit. Pippin ducked at the last moment and tackled Merry's legs, sending them both to the floor. Merry rolled over and pinned Pippin to the floor, using his knees to hold the younger hobbit's arms. He then started tickling Pippin mercilessly!
Pippin was laughing so hard that he was crying! "Merry! Hehehehehehehehe Stop it! Hehehehe I'm hehehe warning hehehehe you! Hehehehehe!" Merry paid his cousin no attention and continued to tickle the poor hobbit-lad. Pippin started to kick and struggle, anything to get Merry to stop tickling him before he wet himself!
"Merry!! Hehehehehe I Need hehehehe to hehehehe GO!!!!" he shouted. Merry finally took the hint and let Pippin up. Pippin immediately ran outside and relieved himself behind a tree. Merry had a good laugh at his cousin doing so, that Pippin came back and tackled him again, this time taking the upper hand and pinning the older hobbit. Using his own arms to hold down Merry's, Pippin tried to decide what to do. He couldn't tickle Merry, because he'd need his hands for that.
Pippin didn't have long to decide, though, because at that point Saradoc had decided to check on the boys' progress. When he opened the door and found his son pinned to the floor, giggling, by his nephew who looked as if he had been crying, Saradoc didn't know what to think. Instead he put his hands on his hips and tapped his foot. "What's going on here?" He asked setting his stern gaze on his nephew who had turned and looked in shock.
"Nothing, sir/father!" Came the answer at the same time from both parties who then looked at each other and laughed. Saradoc couldn't help but smile at how similar the two boys were. He relented his stern gaze allowed a half smile to show on his face.
"Tell me one thing, is the laundry done?" Saradoc asked before he completely lost his composure. Both hobbits nodded.
"Oh yes, Uncle, everything is completed and hanging out to dry. You can see it all." Pippin said stressing the last word and causing Merry to explode in a new wave of giggles. Saradoc wondered what could possibly be so funny when the realization hit him.
"Oh no, you didn't! Oh my Esmerelda is going to have my head… that isn't funny to the opposite gender, boys!" He said trying to be stern, but not succeeding. He should have known better than to let the boys clean the undergarments, he should have seen this coming… after all, hadn't he done the exact same thing when he had been their age? Sighing, he dismissed the two troublemakers to wash up for supper. How was he going to explain why his wife's under things were on display to the whole of the Shire?
The next morning, Pippin sat up in bed and immediately wished he hadn't. His bottom was still very sore, and rubbing it against the wool blankets didn't help the pain. He could tell it was rather late in the morning, but it couldn't have been much later than second breakfast. He got out of bed as carefully as possible, and put a clean shirt on. He pulled his braces back over his shoulders before opening the bedroom door and heading towards the kitchen.
He was met with the smell of bacon, eggs, sausages, tomatoes, and tea amongst other things, and his stomach immediately gave a rumble. He hadn't had anything to eat since the mushrooms the day before, and they hadn't settled well within his stomach. Following the scent of food, he found himself in the crowded kitchen. His mother was up rushing about since she was trying to make sure nothing burned and everything turned out all right. Two of his sisters, Pearl and Pimpernel, were helping their mother, while the other, Pervanca, was setting the table and serving their father.
The Thain was contented with the Tookland Teller, a cup of tea, and some toast while waiting for everything else to finish cooking. Pippin wasn't even noticed as he first walked into the room, which didn't upset him much. When he went over to see what was cooking on the skillet, and tried to nick one of the strips of bacon that was frying, but his mother slapped his wrist before he could touch it. Yelping, he took the point and went to sit at the table with his father.
"Morning, Da," Pippin commented before carefully sitting on one of the benches that lined the longer sides of the table. His father nodded to him before continuing to read. Pippin sighed loudly at the lack of attention he was receiving. His father noticed and sighed himself.
"Must you always be the centre of attention, Pippin?" Paladin asked, already knowing the answer.
"Of course! You know that, Da!" the boy smiled. His father rolled his eyes. Pippin thought he could hear a "How could I ever forget?" mumbled to him but wasn't sure. He smiled anyway.
"Pippin! Move your grubby little fingers so I can put the plate down!" Pervinca yelled while she tried to set the plate of steaming pancakes on the table. Pippin paid her no mind as he dived in to grab as many pancakes as he could.
After a few minutes the entire family was sitting together enjoying a delicious second breakfast. After Pippin had had his fill he jumped up and raced out the door before his father could give him any chores as an extra punishment. He heard his name being called after him by one of his meddling sisters, but ignored her.
Some time later Pippin finally came to his destination, Buckland. Brandyhall, in particular. He knew that he was welcome as long as he didn't cause too much trouble, so he let himself into the hall. Deciding it would be best to avoid adults (Since word had gotten around of Merry's and his punishment the night before…) Pippin took the back corridors to Merry's room. He knocked on the door, but was met with no answer. Vainly, he tried again.
This time he was answered, but not by Merry. His Uncle, Saradoc, had heard him and came to find out what the noise was. When Saradoc had discovered his nephew searching for his son he knew exactly what to do.
Pippin groaned as Saradoc took the lad's ear and led him into the washroom. There he found Merry working hard scrubbing the linens used in the whole of Brandyhall. Saradoc looked at his nephew sternly.
"I don't know how you snuck out of chores at your house, but now that you are here you may help Meriadoc with his. Don't argue with me, Peregrin, or I shall send you back home," the boy's uncle scolded. Pippin knew that Uncle Saradoc must still be angry since he was using their full names. Cued by the look on Merry's face, Pippin nodded solemnly at his uncle. Satisfied, Saradoc left the two boys to tackle the monstrous load of laundry.
"A fine mess you have gotten me into, Merry! I thought I had been spared chores, but because of your father I have to do ten times the work I would have been given at home!" Pippin accused. Merry rolled his eyes at Pippin. They both knew the Took was lying through his teeth, as Pippin probably would have been given just about the same amount, except he would have had to do it alone. At least the boys had each other to keep company while they worked.
"How do you do this anyway?" Pippin continued, pretending to be irate and incompetent. Merry smiled and sighed dramatically.
"Pippin, just go fill the kettle with water, you stupid devil!" And Merry gave Pippin a playful shove out the door towards the well. Pippin giggled and replied, "Yes, Master Merry!" before trotting down to fill the buckets.
Luckily all the chore-punishments made Pippin rather strong, because carrying two buckets full of water was hard work for an adult, let alone a boy. As he lugged the water back, he tried not to spill any. After doing this four or five times the giant copper kettle was full of water. Merry had been starting a fire around the kettle while Pippin was lugging water, and after only a little while the water inside the kettle was boiling. They added the starch and lye to the water to make it soapy, and put the sheets in. Then, one boy would stir with the big wooden stick while the other kept the fire going. They kept switching until Merry decided that the sheets were ready to be brought out. They used the stick to fish out the sheets and put them into a bucket with holes in the bottom. After they had cooled a bit, Pippin would step into the bucket and use his feet to press out the excess water.
A rope had been tied between trees before, and Pippin took the bucket of dampish sheets out to it. He flung one side of the sheet over the rope, and stretched the whole thing out to dry. He did the same with the other three sheets that were washed, and went back to help Merry with the clothes. Clothes weren't nearly as hard or time consuming as sheets, but they still required work.
The young hobbits couldn't contain themselves from giggling when they came to washing female underskirts and such items. When Pippin took them out to dry he made a big deal of putting all the frilly things way out in the open for everyone to see. Luckily none of the females were around when he was doing this, or else they would have boxed the hobbit-lad's ears! After those were done, they were both feeling rather giggly, and started to slack off. They were done with the wash, and had emptied the kettle, but they were supposed to tell Saradoc when they had finished so they could do their next task. Instead they stayed in the washroom until suppertime giggling and messing about.
"You know, Pip, we really should go tell father we finished…" Merry said seriously. Pippin looked at him and giggled.
"You're starting to sound like my sisters talking about what we "should do" and what we "shouldn't do"! If I hadn't seen your lips moving I would have sworn Pearl stood next to me just now!" Pippin teased. Merry looked at him agape!
"I am nothing like her, and you know it, Pip! Why, if you were my brother I would punch you for saying that!" Merry threatened. Pippin grinned. "Try me!" He taunted.
"Alright, then, I will!" And Merry threw a punch at the other hobbit. Pippin ducked at the last moment and tackled Merry's legs, sending them both to the floor. Merry rolled over and pinned Pippin to the floor, using his knees to hold the younger hobbit's arms. He then started tickling Pippin mercilessly!
Pippin was laughing so hard that he was crying! "Merry! Hehehehehehehehe Stop it! Hehehehe I'm hehehe warning hehehehe you! Hehehehehe!" Merry paid his cousin no attention and continued to tickle the poor hobbit-lad. Pippin started to kick and struggle, anything to get Merry to stop tickling him before he wet himself!
"Merry!! Hehehehehe I Need hehehehe to hehehehe GO!!!!" he shouted. Merry finally took the hint and let Pippin up. Pippin immediately ran outside and relieved himself behind a tree. Merry had a good laugh at his cousin doing so, that Pippin came back and tackled him again, this time taking the upper hand and pinning the older hobbit. Using his own arms to hold down Merry's, Pippin tried to decide what to do. He couldn't tickle Merry, because he'd need his hands for that.
Pippin didn't have long to decide, though, because at that point Saradoc had decided to check on the boys' progress. When he opened the door and found his son pinned to the floor, giggling, by his nephew who looked as if he had been crying, Saradoc didn't know what to think. Instead he put his hands on his hips and tapped his foot. "What's going on here?" He asked setting his stern gaze on his nephew who had turned and looked in shock.
"Nothing, sir/father!" Came the answer at the same time from both parties who then looked at each other and laughed. Saradoc couldn't help but smile at how similar the two boys were. He relented his stern gaze allowed a half smile to show on his face.
"Tell me one thing, is the laundry done?" Saradoc asked before he completely lost his composure. Both hobbits nodded.
"Oh yes, Uncle, everything is completed and hanging out to dry. You can see it all." Pippin said stressing the last word and causing Merry to explode in a new wave of giggles. Saradoc wondered what could possibly be so funny when the realization hit him.
"Oh no, you didn't! Oh my Esmerelda is going to have my head… that isn't funny to the opposite gender, boys!" He said trying to be stern, but not succeeding. He should have known better than to let the boys clean the undergarments, he should have seen this coming… after all, hadn't he done the exact same thing when he had been their age? Sighing, he dismissed the two troublemakers to wash up for supper. How was he going to explain why his wife's under things were on display to the whole of the Shire?