So sorry about the short chapter.....
Chapter Seven - Truth Be Told
"There it was! The meat of the matter, and I was ready for it. I looked at the old hobbit with fire in my eyes and gave him the truth between his own, 'No, sir!' I declared.
"We locked eyes for a moment; my head is swimming with relief and worry. I would never forgive myself if I said anything to injure sweet Pearl. But my answer was indeed the truth.
"Later that afternoon Pearl, Pim, Pervinca, and myself sat miserably in the study of our own apartment tunnels. Pim and Pervinca were in tears while lying on the couch; each lass with her head in Pearl's lap. Pearl is stroking Pervinca's hair, telling her youngest sister everything will be all right. And I wanted to scream. Not at Pervinca for wanting to be soothed even as our sister's life was crumbling before her, but I wanted to scream at the world. Why? This is the Pearl we all know; putting everyone else before herself.
"Then supper had passed. We ate little; Pearl didn't eat at all. The sun was setting, giving a golden hue to the old study when we heard the knock. Mother opened the door and said, 'It's time, sweetie. Your father is here to escort you back.'
"Pervinca begins to cry all over again and says, 'I'm going with you!'
'You can't!' I tell her, 'They won't let you in.'
'But someone has to go with her!'
"Father stepped into the study. 'Pippin will go. They will let him inside because he's the witness.'
"Pearl stood up, eyes red from tears, and smoothed out the wrinkles in her dress. 'I'm ready, father.'
"Father put his arm around Pearl and guided her all the way to the Thain's Study. I watch as he stopped short of the door, wiped her tears and kissed her cheek. 'No matter what happens, you are still my Pearl.'
"As we entered the room, the air was filled with the noise of petulant hobbits; some were simply tired of deliberating all afternoon, others were still yet unsatisfied--as only hobbits can be--from having to interrupt a very compensating supper and brew provided by the Thain's board.
"I could see Pearl steel herself for the outcome as she took her seat in the same chair she sat in earlier. Another chair was positioned next to hers, and so I sat in it.
"Ferumbras, The Took and Thain, stood up. Silence was called for, and then he cleared his throat before speaking further. 'Pearl Took, please stand up.'
"I noticed Pearl's knuckles were white as she gripped the chair arms to steady herself into a stance.
'Your father, Paladin Took II, shall stand at your side as I read the pronouncement of this inquiry.'
"Father stood up from his seat next to the Thain and walked over to where Pearl and I sat. I couldn't tell by in his facial expression what he was feeling. Then Ferumbras addressed father once more.
'Paladin Took, is there anything further you wish to add?'
"Father nodded, then bowed to Cousin Ferumbras and the rest of the room; he expressed his deepest sympathy and regret over Cousin Lalia's death. Then He took Pearl's hand in his own as the Thain proceeded on.
'Pearl Took, you have been found.....
TBC.....! (okay, so I'm not!)
