Hullo again. Well, here's the second part of my small story. I doubt many people will read this or review, but then again I hope they do...hey, that rhymed...anyway, enjoy! ^_^

Forever

Chapter 2 - Seeking Hope from the Stars

Over the next few months, Merry grew ever more worried. He had not confessed his concerns about Pippin to anyone, and they were to set out sometime very soon. He had to do something.

One night, Merry was leaning on the rail of a balcony, wishing that the bright stars in the sky would solve his problem. He talked to them in his mind, seeking for answers, for hope, for...anything. The stars, however, simply twinkled back, reflecting in his eyes. He sighed.

*What am I going to do? I know that if I speak to Pip about all this, he'll
simply refuse to stay and go into another one of his childish fits.*

He had known Pippin for a long time, and he knew that no matter how old he grew, Pippin was always a child at heart. He could be very serious and somber at times, and in a split second he would want to go out and explore or play a game, or he would throw a violent tantrum.

*When did it come to be like this? I miss the good old days...back in the Shire when we'd go down to Farmer Maggot's and steal his mushrooms, or when
we'd climb every tree in Hobbiton...I miss that...I miss it all...*

Merry closed his eyes and rested his head in his hands. He stayed like that for a very long time, listening to the silence.

"You seem to be consumed in thought, Master Meriadoc."

He jumped and spun around to find Elrond.

"Did I frighten you?"

"Well, yes, actually. I thought I was alone. No worry, though..." Merry trailed off.

"Have you enjoyed your stay in Rivendell?"

"Oh, of course! Very much! I've had a wonderful time..."

"You also seem to be troubled by something."

"Yes...I've been worried about...a certain matter..." He couldn't find the words to explain the boulder that seemed to be growing ever larger upon his shoulders.

"Would you like some council, perhaps?"

He sighed, "Yes, that might help...you see it's about my cous-"

"Ah, yes," Elrond interrupted. "Master Peregrin. I predicted it had something to do with that."

Merry stared, amazed. "H-how...how did you know?"

He smiled. "When you've lived in this world as long as I have, Master...Merry, you begin to observe much that is around you. And over the past amount of time, I have noticed your concern towards your cousin."

"I just don't want him to join us on this quest. It's not that I don't want to be with him, I just don't want to see him get injured...or worse. He is incredibly dear to me, and..." He fought back the tears that longed to be shed.

Elrond held up his hand to stop him. "I understand. However, it is not my or anyone else's authority to instruct who should go or stay behind. As far as those who are accompanying Frodo on this journey, they are only going because they are willing to and have a desire to assist him."

"But what am I supposed to do, then?" said Merry desperately.

Elrond knelt down so that he and Merry were at level heights, looked directly into his eyes, and put a hand on his shoulder.

"The only thing I can tell you is this: talk to Pippin. Tell him everything you just told me, and everything else you have not. You will feel a great deal better, and who knows? Maybe something fortunate will come out of this all."

Merry smiled, feeling relieved that someone else now understood, and had consulted with him, about his burden. "Thank you, Master Elrond."

"You're very welcome," he returned the smile. "My young hobbit."

And with that, the elf stood up and walked slowly away.

*Talk to Pip...that should be an experience, none the less. There's so much I have to tell him...so much that all these years has been left unsaid.*

Merry took one last look at the stars. "Thanks for listening." he said quietly. He then went back to his room, waiting to speak with Pippin the next day.

Grass looks greener on the other side

But I can't get there my hands are tied

And if I do don't be surprised

Oh - Gotta figure it out another day

(Song Lyrics from "Another Day" by Bryan Adams)

Ok, I know: that chapter was VVVEEERRRYYY boring. However, it had to be written. I promise, the next chapter will be a lot better. PWEEEEEEESE review!!! You don't know how great they make me feel. Thanx!