A/N: WOW. Absolutely wow! I got seven reviews for this story in it's first chapter? Thank you guys so much who are reading this, I was getting really depressed because I wasn't getting any other reviews on my other Diamond and Pippin story. Thank you sweethearts for reviewing!
Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings, unfortunately.
Thanks to my beta-reader: LotR-FaNAtiC
Thanks to these awesome reviewers!
LotR-FaNAtiC- I am glad you like this idea, I don't know if I will continue UF.
Seremela Lossehelin- Thanks, I am glad you liked this!
Darkcherry- Thank you so much!
HobbitGirlForever- This is not absolutely wonderful. Aw, shucks.
Hai- Thanks, your review was really heartfelt.
Clarebear- Thank you SO much.
Lizmybit- Thanks, you were my first reviewer too!
Chapter 2:
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January 6th, 1425 S.R.
Merry and Pippin woke early the next morning and dressed appropriately for the day that was ahead of them.
They shuffled sleepily into the dining room where first breakfast awaited them.
"I trust you slept well, Master Took and Master Brandybuck." Ruby greeted them as they sat across from her. She and the twins were the only sisters there at the moment.
"Very well, thank you." Merry smiled.
"Breakfast smells delicious." Pippin said.
Belle stuck her head through the doorway separating the kitchen from the dining room. "Why thank you dear."
"If I might ask," Pippin picked up a fork. "Will your father Farlin be joining us to make plans for the banquet?"
Topaz opened her mouth to answer, but her mother beat her to it.
"He has gone into town early as he does everyday for work." Belle sighed. "Running a pub and an inn takes up so much time."
Pippin nodded and turned to Topaz when her mother returned to the kitchen. He whispered, "Has Diamond gone as well?"
Topaz frowned and shook her head vigorously. "Mother would not have it."
Emerald continued for her, "Besides, Diamond was ordered by mother to stay home today."
Pippin raised his eyebrows in question.
"Mother wants to take her off to market to show her off to all of the eligible suitors." Topaz giggled.
Merry leaned back into his chair and took a bite of toast.
Just then, Diamond came in looking a bit disheveled and disordered. She plopped down next to the guests and blinked a few times.
"I see you do not enjoy mornings." Merry chuckled.
Diamond turned her head towards him slowly and shook her head.
Pippin smiled and drank some juice.
Later on, when Diamond offered to show Pippin and Merry around the shops and market, her mother insisted on going along.
"My, my, just look at all of the gorgeous brooches you have this week!" Her mother cooed inside the jewelry shop to the owner. "Which do you like, Diamond?"
Diamond gave an agitated wince and picked one at random.
"The green one it is!" Her mother rattled, even though the one Diamond picked was an ugly bronze color. She picked up the green brooch with Diamonds embedded in it and held it up to Diamond.
Diamond curtseyed towards the shop owner and walked out into the streets.
Merry and Pippin stood for a few minutes uncomfortably and decided to follow her in case Belle forced them into buying a brooch as well.
They found Diamond standing a few feet away from the shop near a cart full of linens talking to a lass.
As they neared her, they affirmed her as Estella Bolger. Her big blue eyes and light brown hair could be recognized anywhere.
"Estella Bolger!" Pippin greeted her enthusiastically.
Diamond saw Merry blink several times and become a bit rigid.
"Pippin? Is that you?" Estella asked. "How have you been dear?"
"Very well, and you?" Pippin grinned.
"Wonderful." Estella smiled and turned to Merry. "Hello Merry."
"Estella." Merry nodded. "What are you doing in this part of the Shire?"
"Same reason as most, I'm afraid." Estella said, feeling shameful.
"I take it Fatty pestered you into it?" Pippin asked with a twinkle in his eye. Boy, did his eyes twinkle. (A/N: Lame, I know, I know.)
Estella nodded, hiding a smile.
"I am still unsure of what is to go on at the banquet." Merry scratched his chin thoughtfully.
"That is because you two are supposed to plan the whole thing." Diamond said, as if it were no big deal.
Merry and Pippin blinked at each other.
"You did know that…didn't you?" Diamond asked, distressed.
Pippin bit his lip and looked at her with a shy smile.
"I assume you want me to help?" Diamond sighed.
Merry and Pippin brightened up. "If you insist." Merry shrugged.
Pippin smiled and turned towards Estella. "Would you like to help as well? We start today."
"We do?" Diamond asked with a raised eyebrow.
"If we want everything done by March 25th." Pippin said.
Diamond clasped her hands behind her back and nodded politely.
Pippin watched as Estella and Merry both looked like they were trying to say something, but couldn't get it out quite right.
"Estella, would you like to come for Afternoon tea?" Diamond asked, sensing Merry's immediate joy.
Estella smiled sheepishly. "I do not know if Fred will give me his consent."
"I wish you would come." Merry said eagerly. "We would very much like your company."
Estella smiled at him and picked up the basket that was lying at her feet. "I will try my best to come."
"Good day." Merry and Pippin bowed and Diamond curtseyed before Estella walked away.
Merry turned around with a dreamy look on his face.
"So you know the magnificent Estella?" Pippin held his arm out to Diamond.
She gladly took it and nodded with a smile.
A faint glowy red tint appeared at Merry's cheeks as he walked alongside Pippin.
Diamond felt herself relax a bit, while holding onto Pippin's arm. She rarely went out to market or to town unless her father needed help. This was probably the first time she had ever walked down a street accompanied by anyone other than her sisters or Estella.
She liked the feel of it. Very much.
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A/N: Hope you enjoyed that chapter, it's kind of an introduction to the way Merry and Estella are around each other. You know, and the beginning of Pippin's relationship with Diamond. Thanks so much for the reviews you give, they are really special to me. Honestly! Thanks for reading.
-bertiebottsgeorge