Well, time to wrap it all up. This is the last chapter. I really hope you enjoy it. (By the way, this time, * these represent Pippin's thoughts) ^_^

Forever

Chapter 4 - Friendship & Love Always Hold True

They turned out of the lane that ran between tall houses and the outer wall of the fourth circle, and they regained the main street climbing up to the Citadel. Step by step they went, while Merry swayed and murmured as one in his sleep.

'I'll never get him there,' thought Pippin. 'Is there no one to help me? I can't leave him here.' Just then to his surprise a boy came running up behind, and as he passed he recognized him as Bergil Beregond's son.

'Hullo, Bergil!' he called. 'Where are you going? Glad to see you again, and still alive!'

'I am running errands for the Healers,' said Bergil. 'I cannot stay.'

'Don't!' said Pippin. 'But tell them up there that I have a sick hobbit, a perian mind you, come from the battle-field. I don't think he can walk so far. If Mithrandir is there, he will be glad of the message.' Bergil ran on.

'I'd better wait here,' thought Pippin. So he let Merry sink gently down on to the pavement in a patch of sunlight, and then he sat down beside him, laying Merry's head in his lap. He felt his body and limbs gently, and took his friend's hand in his own. The right hand felt icy to the touch.

(Page 841, The Return of the King)

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It was March the 15, year 3019. With more bravery than he had ever known, Merry had slain the Witch-lord of Angmar. Pippin found him alone on the stone streets of Gondor, and had tried to carry him to the Citadel. His effort, however, was in vain.

Pippin sat on the ground, Merry's head in his lap as he tried to bring warmth to his hands. His right hand was like a block of ice, and no matter how hard he tried, Peregrin could not bring it to life.

*You were wonderful, Merry. Never could I have done something like
that...but now...*

He gazed at Merry's face, which was very pale and still. He looked so majestic, and seemed much older than he really was.

"Don't worry. Gandalf will come soon. Then we'll get you to the Houses of Healing, and Aragorn will mend you. After all, you know what is said: 'The hands of the king are the hands of a healer.' "

Merry did not stir, nor did he reply.

"Come on," he pleaded with a note of desperation in his voice. "It's going to be okay. Please talk to me."

Only the far-off cries of the continuing battle answered him back.

"Please don't do this...please..." Pippin felt the hot tears spring to his eyes.

*Oh, Valar, don't let this be happening...please, let him live and open his
eyes...please...*

He carressed Merry's brow, still holding his left hand. The teardrops that ran free down his cheeks were dripping on Merry's curls, but he didn't care. He just wanted his companion, his friend, his protector to awaken.

"I love you, Merry...I love you so much..."

He rested Merry's head softly on the ground laid beside him, wrapping his arms around him as he did that day in Rivendell so long ago. Pippin took the other hobbits hands in his own and kissed them all over.

"You promised, Merry," he whispered. "Remember? You promised me forever...and I promised you...don't leave...don't die..."

He laid his head upon Merry's shoulder and continued to sob. Then, he closed his eyes, and knew no more.

Not long after, Gandalf came upon the two hobbits. They were side by side, holding hands with closed eyes. He smiled, for he knew that together they were safe. Then, he gently picked them up and carried them to the Houses of Healing.

Don't ever leave me

Say you'll always be there

All I ever wanted

Was for you to know that I care

(Song lyrics from "Rocket Queen" by Guns N' Roses)

Well, that's it. You can go now. Just kidding. I truly hope you liked it. Thanks to all that reviewed or read, and will review or read. Goodbye!