Same disclaimers as before. Thank you for the feedback, I greatly appreciate it!
Chapter 3: Fighting Despair
It had been a long time since Pippin woke in the caves. And his stomach was growling, telling him he needed to eat. But he knew he wouldn't be finding any food in the caves. He kept walking, slowly, making sure he peeked into new hallways or openings before stepping out. After some exploring, he found the golden locket that enticed him to begin with. He couldn't open it, but he realized the chain was much smaller.
"I don't suppose anyone would miss this if I took it. Merry would like to see what caused all this fuss. Maybe it has some importance as well," Pippin wondered as he admired the locket.
After stuffing the locket into his coat pocket, Pippin continued making way through the cave. It wasn't until he found a small brook that he stopped. Carefully kneeling next to it, he cupped his hands under the water. He took a small sip, and tasting the fresh water made him realize how glad he was to find the brook. He was about to continue walking when he suddenly felt guilty. He took the locket out of his pocket, turning it over in his hands a few times.
This means something to someone, he thought. It's so very pretty, someone must be looking for it. I'll leave it here, maybe they will find it.
Pippin dropped the locket on the bank of the brook and continued walking. He had only gotten a few steps away from the locket when he heard a loud screech behind him. He turned to find a giant creature behind him.
"I want what is mine," it hissed, it's giant six legs bringing it closer to Pippin.
"It's on…the ground," Pippin stammered, pointing to the shore.
"Bring it to me."
Pippin was too scared to think, so he just ran. He ran away from the monster until he could run no more. He didn't hear anything but the pounding of his own heart. He found a small place, something he could hide in. Bringing his knees to his chest and wrapping his arms around them, he began to cry.
"Oh Merry," he whispered. "How I need you now!"
*** *** *** ***
"He is gone," Legolas said.
The rest of the Company had spent the entire morning searching for Pippin. Merry, Gandalf and Boromir searched the east bank while Frodo, Aragorn and Gimli searched the west bank. Sam remained at the camp with Bill in case Pippin should return there. Legolas was searching the river itself, paying careful attention to the area where Pippin initially disappeared.
"He can't be gone!" Merry cried. "He must be here somewhere."
Boromir sank to his knees in front of Merry. The hobbit's eyes were wide with emotion and Boromir clearly saw disbelief in them. Gandalf came up behind Merry, placing a gentle hand on the hobbit's shoulder.
"We will eat a midday meal. Then we will come back and search for Pippin," Gandalf said.
"I'm staying here," Merry said, sitting on the ground. "I will go nowhere without my Pippin."
Boromir exchanged looks with the wizard, who offered no argument.
"Then I shall stay here with you," Boromir announced, sitting next to Merry.
"And so shall I," Frodo added.
"I do suspect Sam will be upset with his master's missing a meal," Aragorn rused, but Merry didn't move.
"Then I shall help Sam bring the food down here," Gimli offered, heading back to camp.
Merry leaned over, placing his head on Boromir's upper arm. The Man looked over at Frodo, slightly puzzled as to what he should do next. Frodo took the Man's hand and placed it on Merry's shoulder.
"Do you think I'll ever see Pippin again?" Merry asked softly.
"I don't think there's anything that could keep Pippin away," Frodo answered. "Especially when he is hungry. We'll see him again, Merry. We'll see him again."