Author: Anemone Frost
Email: Weepingwillow987@aol.com
Pairing: M/P
Rating: PG-13
Summary: 3/? Merry and Pippin have another argument. Pippin runs off in fright and he's followed by someone.....
Feedback: Yes, please.
Warnings: Violence
Archive: Ask first
Disclaimer: Characters belong to Tolkien.
Pippin squirmed under the covers as a warm ray from the sun radiated on his face. A soft knock at the door made him jolt upright in the bed. The door slowly opened, revealing Isengrim carrying in a tray of food. The older hobbit grinned at Pippin and set the tray on the young hobbit's lap.
"I thought I wasn't supposed to eat," Pippin stated, frowning a bit.
"Master changed his mind," Isengrim answered. "He has a tendency to have mood swings. He sends his apologies for— "
"If he wants to apologize for the other night then he can come do it himself," Pippin grumbled. "He shouldn't make you do it for him."
Isengrim shrugged. "You may roam the castle, but stay clear of Master's chambers at the east side of the castle. If he wants to see you he'll come himself."
The servant strode out of the room, leaving Pippin alone. Lifting the silver lid, the young hobbit found an assortment of fruits ranging from apples, cherries, and grapes; butter, white bread, milk, and a red liquid. Never in his life had he seen so much food served for breakfast. Pippin figured that this was the portion of amends from the beast. The shimmering liquid in the gold goblet drew back his attention. Curious, Pippin took a sip and instantly gagged at the bitter taste. It was wine. He would have preferred ale. He pushed it aside and began to slice the loaf of bread, spreading butter onto the slices.
Once finished eating, the young hobbit dressed and began to explore the castle, gradually heading down the east hall. Most of the drapes were still covering the windows, leaving the hall eerily dark. He could make out some of the coloring, though. The floors were covered in red rugs outlined with gold etchings along the rims. Plaster vines, dark green, snaked around the walls and ceiling. There were several mirrors that the young hobbit passed, but all were shattered and only glimmering fragments remained.
Pippin ceased when he noticed a painting on the wall of a hobbit, slashed down the down the middle. He extended his palm and tried to fit the pieces back together in an attempt to view the face. Although it was impossible to get the full picture, Pippin could tell that the male was handsome and yet almost familiar. The hobbit had sandy curls, which was the same color as the beast's fur.
A hand griped his shoulder roughly, and the hobbit yelped in shock. He spun around, coming face to face with Ponto.
"Sorry to frighten you," Ponto smirked, "but Master wishes to see you in his chambers."
"I was told by Isengrim to stay away from his room," Pippin replied, frowning.
"Well, Master has changed his mind," Ponto grumbled. "I would do as he orders if I were you. You don't want to enrage him do you?"
Pippin blinked and gazed at the floor in deep thought. He didn't want to make the beast angry again but he didn't trust the servant before him. Ponto seemed very eager to get him into that room. However, he decided it was better to be safe than sorry.
"It's down this hall right?" Pippin sighed.
"Yes," Ponto answered, grinning wildly. "Just keep going, and you'll find it. You don't need to knock either."
Pippin nodded and ventured further down the hall. The drapes were completely shut, and the hall was nearly pitch black. A crack of light near the floor became visible and Pippin was soon in front of two massive doors. Slowly, he pushed one open, peaking inside.
A fireplace crackled in the distant, and the rays of light bounced around the room. If there were any windows, Pippin couldn't tell. Everything seemed to be hidden by dark covers. Pippin's head jerked to the front of the room when he heard a faint moan. Cautiously, the young hobbit crept forward until he was behind a large, plush chair and saw a furry arm drape along the arm rest. Pippin opened his mouth to let the beast know of his presence but was silenced.
"Ah, Pippin," Merry groaned. "Hm— yes— "
Confusion spread over the young hobbit. Then, a blush, hidden under the low light, spread over his face. He could make out the beast's arm moving up and down at a slow pace.
'He's— and he's thinking about me!' Pippin's mind screamed.
Merry's claw flexed harder, and his entire frame shuddered as climax came. For a time his urges would be satiated, and he sat briefly, trying to catch his breath. A faint gasp drew his attention and he hastily fixed his trousers before leaping out of the chair. His jaw dropped in shock when he spotted Pippin cowering before him. Rage suddenly flickered in his mind as well as humiliation. The young hobbit had heard and seen everything.
"What are you doing in here?!" Merry roared.
"I— ugh— I— " Pippin stuttered. He had never seen the beast so furious and in his terror he couldn't talk straight. "Ponto told me— "
"How dare you enter here!" Merry snarled. "Get out! Get out before I break your neck!"
Tears sprung to Pippin's eyes and he desperately fled the room, sobbing uncontrollably. He had to get out of the castle. He had to get away from the beast. The creature would surly kill him if he stayed.
A pang of disgust swarmed over Merry's gut as he saw the young hobbit retreat. Why did he always have to lose his temper? He hunched over, grasping at the side of his head while suppressing a howl, allowing tears to slid down his cheeks. Pippin's pained words entered his mind and new fury kindled in his heart. Ponto's name had been mentioned.
"Ponto told me— "
Growling fiercely, Merry stormed out of the room, searching wildly for Ponto.
In the mean time, Pippin had raced out of the castle and into the frigid morning air. He strode down the snowy path until he slipped past the gates and entered the woods. The young hobbit momentarily stopped to gaze over the landscape, not knowing which path to take. A roar echoed from the castle, causing Pippin to jolt in fright and head into the brush, leaving the trail behind.
Panic spread into his mind when he heard footsteps following, lightly crunching on twigs and snow. He began to move faster and he started to grow weary, causing his lungs to ache as he gulped in the cool air. A crushing weight suddenly slammed into him from the back, making him tumble forward violently. When Pippin tried to roll over a harsh kick was delivered to his rib cage, sending a sharp pain coursing through his body. Pippin yelped and thrashed furiously as someone grabbed his shoulders and threw him on his back. A sob rose in his throat as he was struck harshly across the face, splitting his bottom lip open. He grimaced at the throbbing agony and licked his lips, tasting the coppery liquid as it dribbled onto his tongue. The young hobbit gazed up with damp eyes, gasping in shock as he viewed Ponto.
"You?" Pippin squeaked. "Why are you doing this?"
Ponto snorted, wiping off the blood from his hands. "Do I really need a reason? I don't like you. I like the way things are in the castle and if you stay, you'll ruin it."
"I don't understand," Pippin whimpered.
"Hm, I suppose the prince didn't explain his little curse," Ponto sighed. "You see, about ten years ago an elf turned him into a beast and to break the curse he needs someone to fall in love with him. Now with you here, there's a possibility that the curse could be broken."
"Why wouldn't you want the curse to be lifted?" Pippin inquired. "Wouldn't things be more cheerful?"
"I hate that monstrosity!" Ponto snapped. "He was a vain brat from the first day I worked in that castle. He's miserable in this state and doesn't overwork the servants. I enjoy seeing him in pain and he's going to remain that way."
"What are you going to do?" Pippin cried, slowly backing away. He gave a sharp cry when Ponto grasped his ankles. "Let me go!"
"Sorry, I can't do that," Ponto chuckled. He pulled out a dagger from his belt and hovered it over Pippin's belly. "I'm going to kill you and then dump your ugly, little carcass into the pond. That stupid beast will never find you."
Pippin clenched his eyes shut, causing tears to trickle down, waiting for the sharp agony. A mighty roar made him flinch and he opened his eyes to see Ponto facing the beast. The creature's face was contorted in pure rage, nothing like Pippin had seen before. The creature's lips were drawn back, bearing white razor-like fangs. Ponto took a step back from the fuming beast, obviously frightened, but unexpectedly leaped forward, ramming the dagger toward Merry's chest. The beast swerved but caught the blade in his shoulder, making him howl in agony as it pierced his flesh. Dark blood spurted from the wound. The creature wrapped his claw around Ponto's neck and other tangled into the hobbit's curls. He pulled Ponto's head back until a loud pop was heard, and the beast then threw his lifeless form to the ground.
The beast approached Pippin, who was shaking violently in terror. He had never witnessed someone die before and it made him extremely dizzy. The instant the creature reached out to touch his cheek, Pippin passed out.
When his vision finally returned, Pippin found himself back in his old room. His clothing had been removed and a blue night shirt had been placed over him. The beast was sitting at the edge of the bed, rubbing at a white bandage around his shoulder. Pippin shuddered when he noticed that blood was staining the cloth. The beast turned to him and faintly smiled.
"Good to see you awake," Merry quietly stated. "Does your face hurt?"
"Just a little throbbing," Pippin replied, "and my ribs ache a little." For a moment they were silent. Then, the young hobbit leaned up and caressed the beast's claw. "Thank you— for saving me from Ponto."
"You're welcome," Merry replied, grasping the tiny palm in his. "I couldn't let him kill you. I only wish I could have arrived sooner to prevent him from beating you."
The creature extended his claw to Pippin's cheek, causing Merry's heartbeat to pick up as Pippin nuzzled his hand.
"How did you find me?" Pippin asked.
"Good sense of smell and hearing," Merry chuckled. He coughed slightly, and gazed down at the floor in shame. "I want— to apologize for earlier. I shouldn't have lost my temper with you like that. I want you to understand that I would never harm you. Please forgive me."
"Of course," Pippin replied. "By the way, how did I get in to this night shirt?"
Merry chuckled. "Isengrim was helpful in tending to your wounds. He dressed you, though I'll admit that I was tempted to do it myself."
Pippin giggled, blushing furiously. He was enjoying the nicer side of the beast. "What's your name? I don't want to call you beast."
"— Merry," the beast answered.
"Well, Merry, I would like it very much it you would stay with me for a while so we can talk," Pippin smiled. "There's so much that I want to learn about you, and I'm sure there are things you want to learn about me."
The beast grinned widely, and eagerly took Pippin up on his offer.
To be continued.