Pippin gazed out the window at the streets and sighed. Today was the last day. Once he and his escort left the tavern they would have only a four-hour trip by buggy to his new life.
"And my new husband." Pippin sneered. He rose from his perch at the window and walked to the bed to pout.
Frodo sat at the desk across from the bed re-reading a frayed letter and scribbling little notes in the margin. He tried to ignore the sadness of his little cousin. However, when those slight shoulders began to shake with repressed sobs Frodo dropped his stylist and rushed to his cousin.
"Hey, hey there lad, what's wrong then? Don't cry Peregrin." Frodo sat down beside Pippin rubbing his back and cooing softly that things would get better. Frodo knew the hardships befalling his young cousin; knew that, too early, the unfairness of life was upon him.
Pippin soon calmed down and sat up on the bed. Frodo smiled reassuringly. "It won't be that bad Pip. I know Merry, known him longer then I've known you, and he's the greatest friend you could hope to ask for." Suddenly Pippin tensed. He stared up at his elder cousin anger flashing brightly in his spirited eyes.
"FRIEND??? I don't need another friend!! Especially a Brandybuck!!!" Pippin fumed crossing his arms over his chest as if to defend himself from some hidden demon. "AND you forget, dear Baggins, he will not be my friend, he is going to be--AUGHH!! I can't even say it!! This whole thing is stupid!!! WHY am I being made to DO this???" Pippin's screeched falling back on the bed pounding his fist into the mattress.
His cousin's tantrums were few and far between normally. However, since the beginning of this trip to Brandy Hall Frodo had experienced more then he'd ever thought his sweet little Pippin capable of. The innocent face hiding the demon as it were. Frodo waited patiently for Pippin's temper to ride down. When it did he took his now physically exhausted charge into his arms and hugged him rocking gently.
It was a technique the tweenager's mother had showed Frodo and one he'd have to, undoubtedly, show Merry once they arrived at their destination. Rocking and hugging soothed Pippin since he was still a bit of a child by all standards. When the slighter hobbit's body relaxed into his arms Frodo again explained why such a life altering feat must be undertaken by a male Brandybuck and a male Took.
TBC..............................................