****



'Do you think we could climb out the window?'

'No, there are no trees, or anything to climb on. We'd fall down. What do you say about getting down to the kitchen, and climb out the window from there? We'd probably get detected, but it's worth a try.'

'No, if we're detected, we can probably forget every chance we have to get out of here. That Mrs. Grentyler would watch us day and night. Wait, I have the perfect idea! You know that she once in a while goes out for shopping, if we behave good like sweet little children, and then we offer to help her with all the heavy bags. She can't resist our puppy eyes!' Pippin tried to do a good "puppy eyes'-imitation and Merry laughed at him.

'And when we're out, it's easy to just go! Yes, that's a good idea. Do you know when she's going shopping next time?'

'I think on Friday. That will give us some time to make her adore us. Come on! Mission charm the chief begins.'

****

Aragorn sat on a bench in the beautiful park. There was trees that was weighed down with cherry's, and the flowers formed a pattern. The grass was green as emerald, and in the middle of everything stood a large fountain. He sighed. Merry and Pippin would have loved this, if they only had seen it. Even Aragorn had now accepted they were dead, but Legolas were still looking. He seemed to be so sure they were alive. Théoden's men had stopped looking a long time ago, now preparing for the war. Aragorn knew he had to go soon, but he almost wanted to linger in the park instead. He wished they could find bodies, at least he would have a grave to go to. He wondered who would tell Sam and Frodo. And who would tell their families? If he survived the war, and Sauron was defeated, he promised himself he would do it. He mournfully rose and left.

****

It was Friday. Merry and Pippin had been sweet and helpful toward Mrs. Grentyler all week, and now it was time for the show to begin. They ran up at her and looked at her with innocent, round roe deer-eyes.

'Oh, Mrs. Grentyler, would you like us to help you when you go shopping today?' Mrs. Grentyler looked thoughtful for a few seconds, then broke into a smile.

'That's very nice of you. I'm really lucky to have kid's like you here, it makes everything so much easier.' Merry and Pippin looked at each other. Their plan had worked!

An hour later, the three of them were in the local store, buying things they needed for the orphanage. Merry and Pippin were looking for the right opportunity, and soon realised it was time to go, when Mrs. Grentyler asked them to look for some beans. That gave them time to run away before she could know they had gone. They carefully sneaked out through the door, and Mrs. Grentyler stood behind a shelf. They ran the way they thought led back to Meduseld, but it wasn't hard to locate, since it could be seen from quite far away.

'So you are back, little halflings. We thought you were dead! Where have you been?' That was from a guard at the great hall.

'Well, someone thought we were children and took us to an orphanage. But we escaped. Has Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli left yet?'

'No, but they're just leaving. Hurry and go to the stables if you'd like to catch them before that.' Merry and Pippin ran over to the stables and found Aragorn there. When he saw them he flinched and let out a small cry.

'Merry and Pippin? Where have you been? You just keep giving me scares, I thought you were dead!'

'Dead? Oh no, but someone found us on the street and thought we were children.' Pippin said.

'And then he took us to an orphanage. It took some time to get out of there, but now we're back. Can we go with you to the war?' Aragorn laughed out load at the question. Merry looked perplexed, since he had always been taught to be direct when he wanted to say something.

'You never give up, do you?' Aragorn said when he was finished laughing. 'All right, you can come. I guess it wouldn't be anymore dangerous for you than for anyone else. But you need to hurry, I'll get you the equipment you need. You already have swords, but you'll need helmets and shields.' Merry and Pippin went after him, happy to finally get to be in the war with their friends.

****

Ragnur and Grungol had reached the golden hall of Rohan.

'They are going to war, but I seriously doubt those two young halflings will go with them. We will wait until they have left, then we can take the little ones. Come on, let's hide until we are sure they have left,' said Grungol. The two orcs lay down under a bush, carefully making sure they would not be discovered. This would be a long night...

A/N So what did you think? Please read and review!

Sethoz and PeonyBrandybuck...

Thank you for offering to be my Beta-readers! Unfortunately, I can't use my mail right now, but as soon as I can, I will mail you the current chapter! Thanks a lot to you!

Huggles

//Natta