*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Nine: A Final Step, Decided by Friendship

The men gathered in the small room. Aragorn paced back and forth.

"Where is Meriadoc?" he asked

One of the guards stepped forward "he was no where to be found milord"

Aragorn looked over at Legolas then to Gimli. Legolas nodded

"Then we should search until he is found" Aragorn said

"No need too"

The guards split and let Merry through. "What is it strider that has you so worried?"

"I fear for Peregrin," he said

Merry looked at him oddly "what is wrong with Pippin?" he asked

"He has traveled to Mordor alone in search of Frodo and Sam" Aragorn explained

"Alone?!" Merry started to look like he was going to panic

"The only problem is Frodo and Sam arrived here just after dawn," Legolas said

Merry looked between the guards towards Mordor "Frodo is here?" he asked

"Yes Merry"

Merry turned to see Frodo and Sam behind Gimli.

"As happy as I am to see you two, what about Pippin? What're we going to do?" He turned back to Aragorn.

"I have to send him word. That you two," He gestured to Sam and Frodo. "Are here."

Frodo nodded. "I feel so horrible. But why would he think we were in Mordor?"

Merry blushed and tried to leave the room.

"Merry?"

"I have to go," he called and dashed out the door. *~*~*~*~*

"Limalo, we have to go and get him," said Merry, exasperated beyond words.

"Merry, you have to calm down! It's alright; we can go and find him. But not now, it's to late to set out. He should be fine until tomorrow."

He nodded defeated. "I need sleep."

She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Lets go to bed."

They crawled into their bed and lay there, wrapped in each other's arms.

"I love you Merry."

"And I you"

She smiled and fell asleep.