**Hey all… I'm here with the usual disclaimer. I don't own Pip… Or the Shire. Or anything else in Tolkien's universe. If I had that kind of talent I'd be.. *pause* I don't know what I'd be doing… ;) One more note: I will most likely be revising this chapter due to the fact that I find something wrong with it every time I read it. :P I'd be most embarrassed if you folks were reading something that sucked IMO. I just wanted to get /something/ up besides the intro… Now, on with the show!
The Sweetest Thing?
Ch. 1: Cookies and Consequences
High in the trees of the Shire, a bluebird crooned its cheerful melody for all who might be inclined to listen. The sun shone bright on the rolling hills of the land, bathing everything in its pleasant glow. All in all, 'twas a beautiful summer day; the sort of morning that proved perfect for a game of tag, eating a picnic breakfast, or simply enjoying the company of one's best mates.
Indeed, this would be the perfect day for anything save staying indoors… which was *exactly* what Peregrin Took was doing on this lovely morn. Not by choice of course…
"But *whyyy*?" The lad whined, putting on his most pitiful face as he stared up at his mother. She, however, did not seem to be phased in the least. Meeting his gaze squarely, she pursed her lips and wagged a finger at her only son.
"You know very well why, my lad! You just do as you're told and get yourself downstairs to clean up that mess!"
With that, Eglantine stormed out of the small chamber that served as Pippin's bedroom in the Great Smials. Though he would deny it till his last breath, the Took had been caught red handed while trying to pilfer some of the local baker's latest creations. Early that morning, he had tiptoed into the kitchen, following the sweet scent of the pastries. Glancing quickly about to assure that he was, in fact alone, he opened the door of the oven ever so slightly to peek in at the rising cookies. At least that's what they had appeared to be..
Not satisfied with speculation, an idea dawned upon the young Took; without a second thought, he snaked a hand through the opening, grasping one of the baking lumps. Immediately, a white-hot spear of pain had shot straight up his arm, and the realization of his stupidity hit him full force in the same desperate moment. Needless to say, he let loose a yelp that would put even the most tortured creature to shame and withdrew his throbbing hand. However, when he jerked suddenly from the oven he managed to hit the end of the baking tray, catapulting the remaining cookies across the room. Hearing the commotion, various members of the Took smial burst into the room, eyes darting wildly about at first, in search of the unwelcome bird or beast that had doubtless caused the ruckus… and falling squarely on young Peregrin.
All the while the lad had stood stock still, not knowing what else to do. He was suddenly aware that his burnt hand was wrapped around something, clutching tightly. Stealing a glance, he saw that it was the cookie that he had been after; he had never released his grip! With a sly smirk, he hid it deep within the confines of his trouser pocket. Though he knew he would be punished, he found some comfort in the prospect of being able to try the treat after all…
Now he sat on the edge of his bed, turning the incident over in his mind. With a grin, he slipped his hand into his pocket, drawing out his smuggled sweet. He was rather surprised that no one had suspected his deed; the pastry issued a strong and sweet aroma, a scent quite obvious to the young Took. It was a wonder that no one else had recognized it.
But no matter… Here it was.
Parting his lips, Pippin was about to sink his teeth into the cookie when his mother's voice bellowed from the hallway.
"Peregrin Took! You get out here this instant!"
Immediately, the sweet was pocketed once more. He glared at the empty space that occupied the doorway as if the very air had conspired against him. "Yes! I'm *coming*!!"
With an indignant pout, he slid off his bed and stomped out of the room to face his fate…