Further Up Further In

By Robin Gurl

Chapter 6

~~

I am yet again typing in the car. ^_^ Maybe I can get it finished and then maybe I can begin working on a new idea that I have.

~~

"SAM!!!!! STRIDER!!!!!!" Merry cried, as he ran.

"Little one?" Strider was surprised when the blonde hobbit, who never showed any emotion to anyone but Frodo and Pippin fell into his arms crying. "What's wrong??!?!"

"Pip's gotten worse...I'm scared..so scared..I don't want him to die." All of Merry's feelings that had been kept inside to help his love flowed out. "Elrond needs your help.." He said finally after composing himself a little.

Strider gave Merry and warm hug and kneeled down in front of him, "Meridoc Brandybuck, I have not seen you cry like this before. You really are scared aren't you?!?!"

Merry nodded blushing a bit. "I love Pippin so much an..and I don't want him to die."

A huge clap of thunder went off scaring Merry. Strider took Merry's hand into his, "If you love Pippin then he won't die."

"I..I don't understand.."

"Love is very powerful Merry. If you love Pippin the way I think you do he'll be just fine. Now come on. Let's go take care of eh?" Merry nodded allowing Strider to carry him back to Pippin's room.

"Ah, Strider I see you finally arrived." Gandalf said putting on a fake smile. Pippin had just thrown up and was now being rocked back to sleep.

"Mister Gandalf Sir!" Sam was so happy to see the wizard that his eyes teared up.

"Pip?" Merry jumped down and ran over to Bilbo. He felt like he was little hobbit lad again and Pippin was just a baby. He remembered when he was little, he always wanted to play right at the time that Pippin was trying to take a nap. When ever he would run in he would see Bilbo rocking Pippin while his Ma and Da cooked dinner or something.

"Shh.he's finally asleep." Bilbo felt sorry for Merry. Frodo never saw Pippin sick, but Merry and Bilbo had. Twice it had almost cost the Took his life. Merry was crying. He hadn't seen Meridoc cry since he was little. The blonde haired hobbit laid his head on Bilbo's shoulder crying.

Strider noticed and gently picked the hobbit up, "Shh it's ok Merry.."

The Wizard stood and took Merry from the ranger, "I'll take him." Then he whispered in Strider's ear, "He doesn't need to see this any way.."

After Gandalf was gone Elrond walked over to Strider who was still contemplating what Gandalf had said. "I am going to try and heal him mentally. Then if that doesn't work I'm going to dry Kinop."

"Kinop?!!" Strider exclaimed, "That could kill him."

Elrond sighed, "I know. That's what bothers me. I hope it doesn't come to that."

"Bilbo let me see Pippin, you go take care of Merry. Sam," The Gardner jumped when his name was called. "You are in charge of the compresses and liquid."

"Yes sir.."

"Lay him on the bed Strider." Strider obeyed and Elrond was now in charge. The elf lord put both of his hands on Pippin's chest and chanted a spell in Elfish.

"What's he doing'?" Sam asked.

"He's healing Pippin."

"What about Frodo?"

Strider smiled, "He's healed. He's just to weak to wake up."

"Really?!!?" Sam's eyes lit up.

"Yes really." A moan came from Pippin and Strider pushed Sam forward. "Put that cloth on his forehead."

Sam obeyed and placed the cold wet cloth against the Took's burning forehead. "He's glowing'.."

"That is a good sign. It means it's working.."

In the other room Merry sat still not talking or moving. It was worrying Bilbo. "Meridoc you're worrying me. Please do something."

The wizard was about to the point where he was going to beg the Brandybuck to cause some chaos.

Merry just sat there. Pippin was only getting worse. Strider had lied. "Pippin." Was all he said.

End Chapter 6

~~

^_^ Kay. On with the next chapter.

~~