Chapter Eleven: Flesh And Blood
Paladin first went to Pearl's room where all three daughters were having tea and greeted each with a kiss on the cheek. "Hullo, father!", Pearl kissed her father in return, "I must say that it's nice to have you home so early, but...I know that it's not under the most desirable circumstances." Paladin truly appreciated his oldest daughter; not only did he consider her to be the most beautiful lass in the Shire, Pearl could always be depended on in a time of need, and say the kindest word to a troubled soul.
Pim was more a kindred spirit to his own; she wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty, and loved to help him out in the fields. Whenever he fell short of field hands to tend the crops, Pim was always there at his side, ready to assist. Paladin knew he was going to have to keep an eye out for her when suitors came her way.
"Father! Wait here a moment!", Pervinca jumped up and ran out of the room. She quickly returned holding a loop of flowers she had woven together to make a necklace. "Here, Father! I made it just for you!", said Pervinca as she beamed with pride. She stretched on the tips of her toes as her father bent down to receive the gift.
Paladin surveyed his youngest daughter; yet another beauty for him to guard and protect from the schemes of unscrupulous lads. While pondering in his thoughts, he almost missed the hug she rendered when she placed the flower necklace on about his shoulders. He held her tightly and thought, how long will her innocence last? She only recently turned thirteen and begun the process of growing from a child to a young hobbit lass. Paladin wondered which of her many friends would be the one to make her heart jaded to life in general?
He eyed the group of lasses around the tea table. Each one, as beautiful as the gem or flower she was named for. No, he thought, I would fight to the death over my flesh and blood! What was I thinking?
"Thank you, Pervinca! I shall treasure this always!", and kissed his daughter's head.
He was on his way to Pippin's room when he passed by Merry's door first. His curiosity was eating at him; he wanted to know how his nephew was taking the news of his father's arrival. He knocked before he opened the door. The room was slightly dark inside as the drapes were closed, and once he stepped through the threshold he could feel the warmth emanating from the flames in the fireplace. The covers were laid aside on the bed, but no one was in it. He knew Merry wasn't answering a call from nature because he would have seen Merry leave his bedroom from Pearl's room down the hallway. Paladin sighed at the thought of his nephew disobeying him again--and so soon.
Then he had an idea to check with Pippin. Those two had become inseparable lately. If anyone knew the mind-set of that teenager, it was his very own son. He walked over to the next bedroom door down, and knocked. He was relieved to hear the sound of Pippin on the other side of the door. "Come in!", he heard the child's voice. Merry can't be far away if Pippin is still in his room! Paladin stepped inside, "Hullo, Pippin!" He watched as Pippin sprang to his feet and ran into his arms for a hug. "Papa!"
"Oof! Pippin! You're not the little laddie you used to be, are you?", he held Pippin in a tight hug. He drank in the scent of his only son--the scent that gave him the name to which everyone in the Shire knew him. As he held Pippin in arms, he squeezed him in a hug, rubbing his back, "Have you been in the cellar stealing apples again?" He could feel his son's head nodding in assent. When he looked to where Pippin was sitting, there were five apple cores all eaten down to the cartilage, seeds, and stem. For all of his appetite, Pippin was Paladin's heart and soul. Everyday he looked forward to spending time with his son when he came home from working in the fields.
"Do you know where Merry is, son?"
"He's in his room, Papa. I think he's sleeping."
Paladin shook his head, "I was just there; I didn't see him at all."
Pippin got worried. "But I just left him there not an hour ago!"
"Well come and have a look, Pippin, because he's not in his bed!" Paladin set his son down for him to follow.
Pippin trailed his father into his cousin's bedroom, and sure enough the bed was empty. Pippin knew Merry was determined to not disobey his Uncle today; so where would he go? Pippin walked around the other side of the bed to see if there were any clues as to his cousin's whereabouts. Paladin saw it the moment after Pippin did; in front of the fireplace, wrapped in a heavy quilt lay the sleeping form of Merry.
"Papa! He's trying to roast himself alive!"
"No son, I don't think that was his intent." Paladin knelt down and gently nudged his nephew. "Merry!! It's time to wake up, Merry!"
Merry stirred ever so slightly in his sleep then opened his eyes, "Uncle? I got cold, so I took a little nap next to the fire."
Paladin felt his nephew's head, "That wasn't a good idea, Merry--you're rather warm now--how are you feeling?"
"I'm feeling incredibly well today!", Merry perked up somewhat in spite of his drowsiness.
Paladin saw through his facade. "Pippin--go and tell your mother that we'll be needing the guestroom! She'll know what you speak of."
Then he turned his attention to his nephew, "Well, Merry! That means tomorrow you can come with me to the fields to help with the harvest!", he said. Paladin feigned excitement at the prospect of Merry joining him, "I know how much you're fond of picking tomatoes! And I also expect you to put in a full day's work; climbing trees, loading wagons--and no small talking with the young lasses!" Paladin jested on the last part.
Merry was puzzled at his uncle's remark, "I don't care to pick potatoes, if you please, and there's no need to be calling me an ass!"
"I didn't call you an ass!" Paladin wondered at Merry, "I said young lasses! What did you think I said?" He took Merry under his arms to help him stand.
"Oh, nothing--the sleep must still be in my head!" Merry hoped his uncle wouldn't pursue the matter.
"Are you well enough for your father to visit?" Paladin asked.
"I believe I am. I've been expecting this." Merry was grateful when his uncle aided him to the bed so he wouldn't notice his lightheadedness. He also paid close attention to reading his uncle's lips as he spoke--this helped sometimes.
Paladin helped Merry to lay down, then tucked the blankets around him, "So...", he ventured, "have you been thinking about going back home--to Brandy Hall?"
"Oh, yes, but not this soon!", Merry answered, "Pip and I talked about it at length, and I decided to let my father get to know me--but to go back home? No--not yet."
"Merry," Paladin sat down next to his nephew, "I'd not be truthful with you if I said I was happy at the prospect of you going home."
