Title: Curving Paths

            Rating: PG-13 (Just to be on the safe side...Probably mostly PG)

             Disclaimer: I am not, and do not claim to be, at all associated with J.R.R. Tolkien, the brilliant author of Lord of the Rings, whose characters I am borrowing temporarily.

            Time Period: Mid to late 1420 of the Third Age, by Shire Reckoning.

             Note: I know it seems a little slow at first, but don't worry it'll really pick up in the third chapter. In the meantime, I just need to "lay down the foundations" so to speak. Also, please review this when you are done. If you are a fellow author, you know how much they are appreciated.     

            Additional Note: This is a revised version of the previous draft of the story.  The plot has remained intact, for the most part; I have simply made a few adjustments so that everything fits into canon a bit more smoothly.

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             "Frodo!" The visiting hobbit exclaimed excitedly.

            The two friends embraced, then pulled apart to look at each other.

            Frodo could mark a definite change in Pippin, though later he found it difficult to describe. His eyes still bounced with an ill-contained mischief and a playful humor, yet he no longer exhibited the reckless abandon of his younger days. Maturity lined his face and gave him a slightly more dignified aspect that in years past. Naturally he now towered a good deal over Frodo as did Merry when he came to visit and that contributed to this sense. Still, Frodo could tell Pippin had grown more than physically throughout the years.

            Pippin was examining Frodo as well. He looked much the same, same wide blue eyes, same dark curly hair, same cheerful grin. But was it just the light or did he look paler than before? Were those dark circles under his eyes a result of a short sleep the night before or months of weary days and evenings?
           
             "You look well Pip," Frodo's voice broke into his thoughts.

             "As do you Frodo. It does me good to see you again." He paused for a moment before continuing. "And there's someone that I would very much like for you to meet."

            Frodo turned his eyes to the carriage as a pair of feet stepped down. When fully emerged, he saw the feet belonged to a lovely hobbit lass who was now shyly gazing up at him.

             "Frodo," Pipin said, as he took the girl by his arm, "Allow me to introduce the lass who has promised herself to me, Ms. Jasmine Greenbarrow. Jasmine, this is Mr. Frodo Baggins."

            He smiled as he shook her hand.

             "I've heard so much about you, Mr. Baggins. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

            Frodo returned the pleasantries as his eyes scanned over his friend's future bride.

            A pretty lass, she was, with a pleasant rounded figure, dark hair setting off creamy skin and striking eyes.  Her manner, Frodo noted, seemed a quiet sort, and he couldn't help but wonder whether she would help to settle Pippin down.  Then again, Frodo thought with a smile, chances are Pippin will rub off on her first.

            Mindful of his manners, he broke away from his assessment and welcomed them into the house, serving tea and cakes while listening to Pippin explain how he and Jasmine had met.

            Apparently Pippin knew her friend's brother from his various family connections and had been invited to a feast at the hobbit's house. There he was introduced to his associate's sister and her good friend, Jasmine. They had been drawn to each other immediately and spent the rest of the celebration together, dancing and laughing and generally making merry.

            A mere four days later Pippin had taken her out for the first official time, and ever since then they were together as often as possible. When Pippin had been called to a town only a few miles from Hobbiton on business, he had considered it the perfect time to introduce her to his friends. He had apparently proposed to her in the carriage, not being willing to wait any longer, the words burning at the tip of his tongue for too long.

            Frodo smiled when he heard this. 'Yes, still the same eager hobbit, never one for patience...'

            When they sat down to the meal, Jasmine at first politely complimented the casserole. As she did, however, Pippin laughed aloud, making no secret of the fact that he had disposed of his first mouthful into his napkin.

             "See, Frodo, she's quite a lady, isn't she? But don't worry, lass. Rosie'll be back soon and we can get you some proper food. Frodo never was one for cooking, like Sam."

            The slightly embarrassed cook acknowledged this with a chuckle as he too pushed his plate away after a few distasteful bites.

             "Don't worry yourself, Frodo, we can eat at the inn where we're staying tonight. It's my treat."

            His host quickly protested. "Pippin, you're staying at the inn? You must stay at Bag End. I insist. Rosie would be horrified if she heard you two were in town and staying anywhere else."

            Pippin readily agreed, and Frodo showed them to their rooms, two of the coziest and most well-furnished in Bag End.

            After helping them to bring the rest of their bags in from the carriage, Frodo decided to take a walk to allow them to get settled in private. He quickly made up a list of fruits and vegetables that they were running low on, and after a brief stop in Sam's garden to replenish a few tomato plants, he headed down the path into town.

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            Next chapter will be up soon, so keep checking. Please review, even if it is not entirely positive. I love encouragement, but I also welcome constructive criticism.