Ginger Brandybuck was sitting in the back of her brother Meriadoc's wagon when the pulled up to her distant cousin Molly's. "Is this where Peregrin lives?" She asked. "Yes,Ginger. Now remember what I told you. Pippin hasn't told Molly anything about the Second Ring Age,and I think it would be wise if you didn't either. Pippin spent a ot of time,molding Molly into the girl she is. We shouldn't try and derail his upbringing." Ginger scowled. She certianly sympathized with Molly. She herself was raised to be proper girl,but Meriadoc had insisted on teaching her how to use a sword. It was,in all honesty,her favorite time with her eldest brother. Merry got out of the wagon,and lifted her out,holding her hand as they walked up to the door. "Hullo! Pippin,are you in?" Pippin opened his shutters. "Merry! And is that little Ginger?! Molly! Come and greet your cousins,Love!" Ginger was taken by Molly Took's beauty. "Oh she's gorgoeous!" Molly gazed at Ginger. "But you are wearing a dress as finely made as my own,Cousin!" She laughed. After a minute,Ginger laughed too,and was released of her anxieties about Molly. Everyone in Buckland had told her how odd Molly Took was. She was said to have never set foot outside her house. And that her cousin Pippin Took used her as a slave girl. She saw plainly now that those were all lies. Pippin and Molly seemed extremely close. Pippin smiled at Merry. "Well then,Merry! It looks like you've done a fine job with that one. Come on in,the both of you.It's about to rain." Merry led her inside,and Ginger gasped,seeing the sword over the fireplace."Wow...! It's just like you said,Meriadoc!" Merry smiled. "Yes,it is isn't it? Stop gawking,Ginger. It's not polite." She closed her mouth. Molly brought her a mug of hot apple cider. "Tis made from your orchard's apples,Ginger." Ginger sipped it. "It's marvelous!" Pippin smiled,then looked over at Merry,who seemed troubled. "What's wrong,Merry?" Merry shook his,and mouthed. "Later." Pippin shrugged,and returned his attention to Ginger and Molly,who now seemed to be in a storytelling contest. "Well! Did I ever tell you about that time when I took Brandywine Bridge to Bree?!" Molly's eyes widened. "No! But I know a lot of Brandybucks who've done it...." Ginger grinned broadly. "Aye...but I went alone! And it was SO scary!" Ginger told aboout how she'd made the trek all the way to Bree,and spent the night. "It was loads of fun! Did you never venture from this place? I know you had to have!" She shrugged. "I like it here. It's safe." Ginger only laughed. "Not as safe as you think,dear Cousin. Did you never hear about the scouring years before?" Merry sighed. "Ginge....." "I....I don't like stories." Ginger gasped. "It's the truth! Do you know about Isengard? And the One Ring?!" "Ginger! That's enough!" Molly was truly curious now. She wondered how much else Ginger knew. Ginger stood back from Molly,reluctantly. It was easy to see her cousin knew nothing she ought to. Pippin had done well to protect her from the truth. "Molly,please set the table for tea." Pippin spoke gently,but there was an ominous look in his eyes,aimed at Merry. Ginger moved to help Molly,but Pippin grabbed her shoulder,and forced her to look up at him. "You listen well,You. Molly's not to hear any of your tales. About the One Ring or the Second Ring. I don't want her to know of them,and I've got my reasons." Ginger shook her head,and in a low whisper, asked," Why not,Pippin? It's a part of Shire history. She ought to know of it." Pippin released her,sighing. Ginger watched carefully. "You're right. I'll start explaining everything tomorrow." Ginger nodded,smiling. "Good. Now,how about that tea?"