The Brightest Star Ch. 7 Fred and Ginger Syndrome

The Featherdowns had reserved the Jolly Hare's best private party room for the entire evening, and a seemingly endless slew of rich foods and wines were flying off the oversized table as soon as they were brought out. Avido grimaced at the sight of the bartenders and waitresses hardly keeping up with the demand of an entire extended family in one enclosed space, and he hated to think of the bill he would receive when the night was over.

Luckily we didn't have to pay for entertainment, he whispered to his wife, Peregrin seems to be amusing enough!

Featherdowns of every age were gathered around Pippin's chair to hear his dramatically reenacted tales about the Fellowship and the War and rescuing the Shire. Azaelia watched with wonder and pride as his side of the room grew ever more crowded. It became so much the center of attention that Pippin jumped up on the table to use it as an orator's stand, assuring his voice would carry out to all of his listeners as they munched on breads and vegetables and meats, inadvertently inventing the dinner theatre in the process. Pippin just finished describing the celebrations at Gondor for a second time when he was suddenly bombarded with questions and comments.

How many Orcs did you slay?

How can one bite of lembas fill the stomach of a grown man?

Why didn't Frodo just give the ring to Gandalf?

But kingsfoil is just a weed!

Where can I get some Ent-draughts?

I hear you're quite the crooner, Mr. Took! someone exclaimed over the joyous laughter and endless conversation, Let's hear some singing!

That being one request Pippin was ready to fulfill, he bent down and grabbed Azaelia by the hand, beckoning her to join him.

Azaelia deftly leapt onto the table and met him in a passionate embrace. Let's give them the best duet anybody's ever heard, she said, following her gleeful smile with a deeply fiery kiss... the kind that last three days without interruption. The entire room erupted in cheers and whistles, encouraging this display of wild affection.

They finally pulled back with the brightest smiles on their faces no one had ever seen in them before. Pippin took a gulp of beer and cleared his throat while Azaelia whispered her suggestion in his ear. Everyone raised their hands, preparing to clap the rhythm of whatever they sang.

Chocolate mousse cake! Who ordered the chocolate mousse cake!? a waitress called out.

Pippin stopped midway through a deep breath and all thoughts of singing fell from his mind. That's mine! he yelled as he twisted around and jumped onto the floor, leaving his audience behind for a moment while he ran up to the waitress. He looked down at the giant slice of cake on her tray and gave her a questioning look. This is not ready! he said, quickly hustling the confused girl back through the kitchen doors. Popping back out for a second, he added, Be back in a pinch, love, just sing without me for a second, will you hon?

Azaelia barely opened her mouth to protest. But Pip-

I won't be a minute Lia! Pippin quipped before pulling his head back into the kitchen, abandoning dozens of excited onlookers for some unknown errand.

Berno! Berno Dodgers! Come out right now Berno, before they all get suspicious! Pippin called out as he clumsily led the poor lass through the busy kitchen, knocking jars and plates off the counters in his haste. There were twice as many cooks and waiters and waitresses than usual and Pippin got lost among the shuffle of Hobbits inside the maze of ovens and stoves and pots of food.

Upon hearing Pippin's urgent voice, Berno followed him as best he could, trying to reach him, but the young Hobbit was too fast. When Pippin stooped to help pick up fallen plates and utensils, Berno tripped right over him, very nearly falling into the waitress with the cake. She held her tray high and watched with stunned eyes at the crazy lads squirming on the floor.

I'm so sorry Mr. Took! Berno said, picking Pippin up off the floor. But what was it that brought you tramping all through my kitchen? Is everything alright? he asked, out of breath.

Pippin pointed at the cake on the waitress' tray and whispered loudly, You forgot to put the ring on the cherry on top! That's my love's ring! I'm sure even she is wonderin' right now why I haven't actually proposed yet!

Berno pulled Pippin down the aisle of counters toward the other end of the kitchen so they were out of the way of the employees. My dear Mr. Took, I surely would have done so without a question, but you never gave me the ring!

Pippin slapped his head. Oh! Bless me! he said in disgust at himself, checking all his pockets. Ah, there tis! he said, finally producing a significant sparkly round diamond set on a shiny gold band. The two other Hobbits smiled at its beauty, but Pippin took the waitress' hand and said, Now hurry up and take this to-

The door beside them swung wide open and a light-haired Hobbit fell at their feet, reeling from a drunken stupor.

Pippin gaped at the sight of his face. he gasped, What on Middle earth are you doing here?

The Hobbit was dazed as he sat up on the floor, holding his head in his hands as he searched for the source of his friend's voice. Oh hullo, Pippin! Thought you'd never make it! he said with more sarcastic surprise than Pippin could stomach.

Merry, what's wrong? You're talking oddly-

His friend picked himself up and got right in his face, waving his finger and slurring, Well, now you've done it mister Peregrin Too-

PIPPIN YOU CAME! some familiar voices exclaimed. Pippin peeked around Merry and saw Frodo and Sam smiling stupidly at him, along with all of Daisy's relatives standing in the large party room just past the kitchen doors. They all had food and mugs of ale in their hands, and the walls were decorated with streamers and bows. The tables boasted gorgeous decorative bowls of punch and plates piled high with fancy snacks and beautiful flower arrangements.

Pippin's jaw dropped at the overwhelming sight before him as he found himself in the middle of a very lavish celebration he was never meant to attend.

Merry! Merry! he heard a girlish voice yell over the myriad voices, soon silencing them with a booming,

Pippin averted his gaze to the screaming lass who picked her way through the crowd, and it was Daisy who stumbled into the clearing surrounding the door Merry had just crashed through. She only had eyes for Merry for the moment.

Merry, you really must calm down! she said, regaining her composure, Just because Pippin jilted me gives you no reason to walk around like a drunk- OH PIPPIN!! Stopped dead in her tracks, utterly terrified by Pippin's presence. She covered her mouth, glaring at the lovely engagement ring Pippin held up. Tears of pity filled her eyes as she ran up to hug him.

he said breathlessly,

She wiped her face on Pippin's shoulder and kissed him hard on the lips, so annoyed with his adorable loyalty she did not know how to express herself. Her gaze fell on Merry for a second, who stared blankly at her actions. Daisy was wise about how Merry's mind worked, and she purposely left Pippin out of the loop when it came to the party so that Merry could attempt a chivalrous proposal in his best friend's absence, but fate would have it otherwise.

Despite the hurt in Merry's boozy expression, Daisy grabbed Pippin's face and kissed him again, quickly whispering, You poor thing, you've ruined everything, and she turned back to the large group that stood in awe behind her. Pippin's finally here! she announced, plucking the ring from Pippin's hand and putting it on. And he brought me the most wonderful ring!

Shaking his head, Pippin said, No, no, Daisy that's not for y-

she said, clapping her hand over his mouth, Don't try to hide it, Pippin! I know you still love me.

But, but- he pleaded as Daisy happily dragged him into the fray of Hobbits gawking at the ring she wore. But she ignored his words and pinched his arm every time he opened his mouth. He finally gave up on the mass of Hobbits surrounding them, knowing Daisy had them eating out of her hand. She even had Frodo and Sam wrapped around her finger. Merry watched the couple with contempt, his jealous heart drowned with sorrow, and Pippin was more nervous with every second he was away from Azaelia's party, which continued on so near and yet so far...

...TO BE CONTINUED...

A/N: I dedicate this chapter to my bestest friend Connie, who loves a little Hobbit humor in her day like any of us. :) Hope you like it Connie!