Disclaimer- See Chapter 1.
A/N- I apologize profusely about the delay in this final update. Real life has been quite demanding lately. And yes, this is the final chapter. I want to thank all of you that reviewed for your kind words and encouragement. I did not think this story would get so many reviews, in all honesty. Now time for a little shameless begging: if any of you enjoyed this story and like post-ROTK fics, I have one called 'Dandelion' that is in dire need of reviews. Also, I am thinking of starting another story, tentatively called 'A Hobbit's Fairy Tale', in which Bilbo tells our favorite hobbit foursome a mixed-up tale that will, hopefully, be more humorous than my past stories. That's all, hope you had happy holidays and have a great new year! Oh, yes- please review. Get in the holiday spirit of giving. ;)
Chapter 5- Folco, Fatty, and Foreshadowing
"What about Folco?"
"No." Merry waved his hand dismissively.
He and Pippin were systematically going through all of Frodo's drawers, closets, papers, maps, and anything else they could find in his study. Of course, Frodo was not present to gawk at the havoc they were creating; Sam had helpfully caused a diversion, forcing the older hobbit to go to the marketplace while his cousins searched for 'clues'. "Clues about what?" Pippin had asked.
"About anything that might tell us when and where Frodo's going," Merry had answered.
"Oh." Pippin had nodded wisely. "That should be easy."
Unfortunately for the duo, so far all they had found was an old list of invitations, a very crumpled and torn drawing of what might have been a dragon (for Bilbo's book, they supposed), a few handkerchiefs, and a very ancient oak leaf. Not at all substantial pieces of evidence. As the two searched, they discussed all the hobbits they knew to see if they could find one that could be trusted to help wheedle information from Frodo.
"What's wrong with Folco?" Pippin asked indignantly. "He's a fine fellow. Been a bit silly over the lasses this summer, but--"
"That's exactly it," Merry cut in. "If we tell Folco anything, he's sure to tell Angelica. Then, by tea the next day all of the Westfarthing will know about it."
"I think that rules out Pearl, Pimmie, and Vinca too," Pippin said, referring to his sisters. "And most, if not all, of the lasses in the Shire."
"Hmm," Merry replied. Thinking of lasses reminded him of Estella. She was a pretty young hobbit. Sometimes when he went over to the Bolgers' he went only to see her. He didn't tell Fatty that, though, but... Wait. "Fatty!" he exclaimed suddenly.
Pippin looked at him doubtfully. "Fatty Bolger?"
"Yes. If anyone can get anyone to talk, it's Fatty. He can always make you feel so relaxed, you're telling him anything before you realize it. And if Frodo tells him something, Fatty can just pretend he didn't notice what he was saying. He'd be perfect."
"But, Merry," said Pippin half-laughing, "we wouldn't actually take Fatty with us on an adventure, would we? I mean, can you just imagine--" And he was off, giggling so hard he couldn't talk.
Merry chuckled as well at the image of the stocky hobbit doggedly marching up a mountain, carrying a year's worth of supplies strapped to his back. "Why, no, that's not what I meant at all, Pip. If Fatty will even agree to help us, he can just stay at home while we have all the fun. I don't think we could ever convince him to leave the Shire." He looked around the room, nose twitching at the amount of dust they had stirred up. "Let's get this cleaned up and go talk to Fatty."
"Can't we have something to eat beforehand? It must nearly be tea-time."
Merry ruffled his cousin's curls. "Of course we can. But we'd better hurry and fix this room before Frodo comes back from the market, or he'll think we're up to something."
"He always thinks that anyway, Mer," Pippin grunted as he lifted a large pile of parchment and dropped it on the desk with a loud clump.
* * *
After securing Fatty's promise of assistance (as long as he didn't have to go on any sort of trip himself), Merry and Pippin reached Bag End to find their cousin looking bewildered. "What's wrong, Frodo?"
Frodo ran one hand distractedly through his curls. "Oh, I mean, that is to say, that I... nothing. Nothing at all." It was obvious to the other hobbits that there was something wrong. They hoped it wasn't his 'adventure', as they now termed it, but they needn't have worried. Frodo had lost something, something that he only now realized how important It was to him. He had not wanted to tell his cousins, oddly, what had happened, but now he felt he had to find It or he would surely go mad. "It's only, I've lost something. A ring that Bilbo gave me. It's mine, though. I can't find it anywhere. Have you seen a plain - a gold - a ring, just lying about somewhere?"
Both cousins shook their heads and promised to help him look for It. Frodo went into his study. Maybe he had left It there when he was looking at the maps before. Merry wandered into the kitchen. Pippin looked in the drawing room. He felt strangely drawn to the mantelpiece and he looked at it carefully, standing on his furry tiptoes. A painting of Bilbo's parents. Frodo's pipe. An old envelope. A candle. Behind the candle he caught a glimmer of gold and his hand reached out and grabbed it quickly.
Pippin rocked back onto his heels and opened his hand. There was a gold ring in it. He smiled proudly. He must have found what Frodo was looking for. He wondered if it was the same Ring Merry had said could make you invisible. It was a very pretty Ring, anyway, bright gold and perfectly round... His fingers itched to put It on and see if he would be invisible, but at that moment Frodo came in the room. Pippin's hand closed around the Ring again.
"What's that?" Frodo asked sharply, having seen the Took close his fist.
Pippin hesitated for a moment, but it was clear that this Ring was something very valuable, very precious to his cousin, and so he held out the Ring. "Is this what you lost, Frodo? It was on the mantelpiece..." He faltered as Frodo grabbed the Ring quickly from his hand.
"Yes, that's It." Frodo suddenly grabbed his cousin's wrist and Pippin nearly cried out. Frodo's grip felt as strong as iron. "Never touch It again! It's mine. Mine!" And he let go of Pippin's arm, whirled, and left the room. Pippin stood shocked, rubbing his arm where Frodo had seized it, tears welling in his eyes.
Merry entered the room. "Have you seen anything, Pip? I can't--" He broke off as Pippin flung himself into his cousin's arms, bawling loudly.
"I'm sorry Merry I didn't do anything honest I found it on the mantel over there but I didn't put it on I didn't do anything Merry!" he said quickly, ending in a high-pitched wail. "I'm sorry!!"
"Shh, it's all right, Pippin. What didn't you do?" Merry soothed the young hobbit. He was completely perplexed at this strange behavior. "Did you find Frodo's Ring?" Pippin only sobbed louder in answer. Merry carefully picked him up and carried him to his room. "It'll be all right, Pip." He placed his younger cousin on the bed and rubbed his back in a calming circle, back and forth, forth and back. "There, now. Is that better?"
Pippin sniffled largely for a last measure. "Yes. Does Frodo hate me now, Mer?" he asked, turning sorrowful green eyes to his wiser cousin. "I didn't really mean to do anything. Honest."
Merry handed him a handkerchief. "Of course he doesn't hate you. I'm sure it was just a misunderstanding. I'll go talk to him about it and get you something to eat. I think you just need a good, long rest. It's nearly your bedtime, anyway."
For once, Pippin didn't argue. It had been an eventful day, and he was only twelve you must remember. "Yes, Merry." He snuggled into his covers and was asleep before Merry brought him supper.
* * *
Pippin sat straight up in bed, gasping, "No!" He looked around his room wildly before remembering where he was. He jumped out of bed and padded quickly down the hall until he reached Merry's room. He hopped on his cousin's bed and shook him. "Merry? Merry!"
"'s matter?" Merry asked sleepily. For the second time in a short while his cousin threw himself at him and cried unhappily. "Pippin! What's wrong now? Frodo's not mad, he said he'd apologize when you woke up--"
"No, Merry!" Pippin gasped, sounding as he had when he first woke. "No! It was much worse than that. There was a black ball and you were there and Gandalf and an Elf and a Dwarf and lots of Men and you were all disappointed in me and," he shivered, "there was something bad, Mer, and it was coming to get me." He burst into tears again.
Merry shook his head. "There, there, Pip. It was just a nightmare. It wasn't real. I won't ever be disappointed at you for something in a dream. Don't cry. Everything's going to be just fine. I promise. Nothing's going to get you while I'm here." He kissed the top of his cousin's head while Pippin cried himself out.
Finally the younger hobbit calmed down. "C-can I sleep with you tonight, please Merry?" he looked at Merry sadly, curls sticking every which way from his head and green eyes red rimmed from weeping.
"Of course. Don't cry. I'll be here to protect you."
"Thanks, Mer." Pippin climbed into the bed and curled into a ball. "G'night," he whispered, already half-asleep.
"Good-night, Pip." Merry was back to sleep soon. When he woke the next morning by Pippin splashing water in his face and Frodo's light-hearted laughter he did not remember his own dreams, strange dreams filled with the sounds of Men and horses marching to war and loud horns blowing in the crisp dawn air.
~finis~
A/N- I apologize profusely about the delay in this final update. Real life has been quite demanding lately. And yes, this is the final chapter. I want to thank all of you that reviewed for your kind words and encouragement. I did not think this story would get so many reviews, in all honesty. Now time for a little shameless begging: if any of you enjoyed this story and like post-ROTK fics, I have one called 'Dandelion' that is in dire need of reviews. Also, I am thinking of starting another story, tentatively called 'A Hobbit's Fairy Tale', in which Bilbo tells our favorite hobbit foursome a mixed-up tale that will, hopefully, be more humorous than my past stories. That's all, hope you had happy holidays and have a great new year! Oh, yes- please review. Get in the holiday spirit of giving. ;)
Chapter 5- Folco, Fatty, and Foreshadowing
"What about Folco?"
"No." Merry waved his hand dismissively.
He and Pippin were systematically going through all of Frodo's drawers, closets, papers, maps, and anything else they could find in his study. Of course, Frodo was not present to gawk at the havoc they were creating; Sam had helpfully caused a diversion, forcing the older hobbit to go to the marketplace while his cousins searched for 'clues'. "Clues about what?" Pippin had asked.
"About anything that might tell us when and where Frodo's going," Merry had answered.
"Oh." Pippin had nodded wisely. "That should be easy."
Unfortunately for the duo, so far all they had found was an old list of invitations, a very crumpled and torn drawing of what might have been a dragon (for Bilbo's book, they supposed), a few handkerchiefs, and a very ancient oak leaf. Not at all substantial pieces of evidence. As the two searched, they discussed all the hobbits they knew to see if they could find one that could be trusted to help wheedle information from Frodo.
"What's wrong with Folco?" Pippin asked indignantly. "He's a fine fellow. Been a bit silly over the lasses this summer, but--"
"That's exactly it," Merry cut in. "If we tell Folco anything, he's sure to tell Angelica. Then, by tea the next day all of the Westfarthing will know about it."
"I think that rules out Pearl, Pimmie, and Vinca too," Pippin said, referring to his sisters. "And most, if not all, of the lasses in the Shire."
"Hmm," Merry replied. Thinking of lasses reminded him of Estella. She was a pretty young hobbit. Sometimes when he went over to the Bolgers' he went only to see her. He didn't tell Fatty that, though, but... Wait. "Fatty!" he exclaimed suddenly.
Pippin looked at him doubtfully. "Fatty Bolger?"
"Yes. If anyone can get anyone to talk, it's Fatty. He can always make you feel so relaxed, you're telling him anything before you realize it. And if Frodo tells him something, Fatty can just pretend he didn't notice what he was saying. He'd be perfect."
"But, Merry," said Pippin half-laughing, "we wouldn't actually take Fatty with us on an adventure, would we? I mean, can you just imagine--" And he was off, giggling so hard he couldn't talk.
Merry chuckled as well at the image of the stocky hobbit doggedly marching up a mountain, carrying a year's worth of supplies strapped to his back. "Why, no, that's not what I meant at all, Pip. If Fatty will even agree to help us, he can just stay at home while we have all the fun. I don't think we could ever convince him to leave the Shire." He looked around the room, nose twitching at the amount of dust they had stirred up. "Let's get this cleaned up and go talk to Fatty."
"Can't we have something to eat beforehand? It must nearly be tea-time."
Merry ruffled his cousin's curls. "Of course we can. But we'd better hurry and fix this room before Frodo comes back from the market, or he'll think we're up to something."
"He always thinks that anyway, Mer," Pippin grunted as he lifted a large pile of parchment and dropped it on the desk with a loud clump.
* * *
After securing Fatty's promise of assistance (as long as he didn't have to go on any sort of trip himself), Merry and Pippin reached Bag End to find their cousin looking bewildered. "What's wrong, Frodo?"
Frodo ran one hand distractedly through his curls. "Oh, I mean, that is to say, that I... nothing. Nothing at all." It was obvious to the other hobbits that there was something wrong. They hoped it wasn't his 'adventure', as they now termed it, but they needn't have worried. Frodo had lost something, something that he only now realized how important It was to him. He had not wanted to tell his cousins, oddly, what had happened, but now he felt he had to find It or he would surely go mad. "It's only, I've lost something. A ring that Bilbo gave me. It's mine, though. I can't find it anywhere. Have you seen a plain - a gold - a ring, just lying about somewhere?"
Both cousins shook their heads and promised to help him look for It. Frodo went into his study. Maybe he had left It there when he was looking at the maps before. Merry wandered into the kitchen. Pippin looked in the drawing room. He felt strangely drawn to the mantelpiece and he looked at it carefully, standing on his furry tiptoes. A painting of Bilbo's parents. Frodo's pipe. An old envelope. A candle. Behind the candle he caught a glimmer of gold and his hand reached out and grabbed it quickly.
Pippin rocked back onto his heels and opened his hand. There was a gold ring in it. He smiled proudly. He must have found what Frodo was looking for. He wondered if it was the same Ring Merry had said could make you invisible. It was a very pretty Ring, anyway, bright gold and perfectly round... His fingers itched to put It on and see if he would be invisible, but at that moment Frodo came in the room. Pippin's hand closed around the Ring again.
"What's that?" Frodo asked sharply, having seen the Took close his fist.
Pippin hesitated for a moment, but it was clear that this Ring was something very valuable, very precious to his cousin, and so he held out the Ring. "Is this what you lost, Frodo? It was on the mantelpiece..." He faltered as Frodo grabbed the Ring quickly from his hand.
"Yes, that's It." Frodo suddenly grabbed his cousin's wrist and Pippin nearly cried out. Frodo's grip felt as strong as iron. "Never touch It again! It's mine. Mine!" And he let go of Pippin's arm, whirled, and left the room. Pippin stood shocked, rubbing his arm where Frodo had seized it, tears welling in his eyes.
Merry entered the room. "Have you seen anything, Pip? I can't--" He broke off as Pippin flung himself into his cousin's arms, bawling loudly.
"I'm sorry Merry I didn't do anything honest I found it on the mantel over there but I didn't put it on I didn't do anything Merry!" he said quickly, ending in a high-pitched wail. "I'm sorry!!"
"Shh, it's all right, Pippin. What didn't you do?" Merry soothed the young hobbit. He was completely perplexed at this strange behavior. "Did you find Frodo's Ring?" Pippin only sobbed louder in answer. Merry carefully picked him up and carried him to his room. "It'll be all right, Pip." He placed his younger cousin on the bed and rubbed his back in a calming circle, back and forth, forth and back. "There, now. Is that better?"
Pippin sniffled largely for a last measure. "Yes. Does Frodo hate me now, Mer?" he asked, turning sorrowful green eyes to his wiser cousin. "I didn't really mean to do anything. Honest."
Merry handed him a handkerchief. "Of course he doesn't hate you. I'm sure it was just a misunderstanding. I'll go talk to him about it and get you something to eat. I think you just need a good, long rest. It's nearly your bedtime, anyway."
For once, Pippin didn't argue. It had been an eventful day, and he was only twelve you must remember. "Yes, Merry." He snuggled into his covers and was asleep before Merry brought him supper.
* * *
Pippin sat straight up in bed, gasping, "No!" He looked around his room wildly before remembering where he was. He jumped out of bed and padded quickly down the hall until he reached Merry's room. He hopped on his cousin's bed and shook him. "Merry? Merry!"
"'s matter?" Merry asked sleepily. For the second time in a short while his cousin threw himself at him and cried unhappily. "Pippin! What's wrong now? Frodo's not mad, he said he'd apologize when you woke up--"
"No, Merry!" Pippin gasped, sounding as he had when he first woke. "No! It was much worse than that. There was a black ball and you were there and Gandalf and an Elf and a Dwarf and lots of Men and you were all disappointed in me and," he shivered, "there was something bad, Mer, and it was coming to get me." He burst into tears again.
Merry shook his head. "There, there, Pip. It was just a nightmare. It wasn't real. I won't ever be disappointed at you for something in a dream. Don't cry. Everything's going to be just fine. I promise. Nothing's going to get you while I'm here." He kissed the top of his cousin's head while Pippin cried himself out.
Finally the younger hobbit calmed down. "C-can I sleep with you tonight, please Merry?" he looked at Merry sadly, curls sticking every which way from his head and green eyes red rimmed from weeping.
"Of course. Don't cry. I'll be here to protect you."
"Thanks, Mer." Pippin climbed into the bed and curled into a ball. "G'night," he whispered, already half-asleep.
"Good-night, Pip." Merry was back to sleep soon. When he woke the next morning by Pippin splashing water in his face and Frodo's light-hearted laughter he did not remember his own dreams, strange dreams filled with the sounds of Men and horses marching to war and loud horns blowing in the crisp dawn air.
~finis~