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: Thanks to those who have reviewed so far. I think it gets a smidge more interesting in this chapter, so please read on...Also, I do like Diamond and if continue to read, you will see that she will yet be included in this story.  

            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.

                                                            ****************

            It was Friday, and Frodo was busy tidying up Bag End for the Gamgees who were to return later that day. Pippin was in town at the moment to see a few old friends, and Jasmine was resting in their room.

            The depression that had seemed to overwhelm him the night before had thankfully faded a bit, and he was whistling, excited to have so many of his good friends under one roof. Jasmine had lent a hand in the kitchen, so there was a lovely-looking meal cooking, nearly ready to be set out on the table.

            Steps came up behind him. He turned to see Jasmine smoothing her hair and straightening her blue cotton dress. She yawned, then smiled.

             "Mmm, that felt good. Mr.-er, Frodo," she stammered, correcting herself. "I think I'm going to go for a walk; I'm feeling a little restless. Would that be all right?"

             "Of course, Jasmine. Would you like me to go with you or would you rather go by yourself?"

             "Oh, thank you, but I'm fine alone. I'll be back in about an hour."

             "Have a nice time."

            Frodo ran over a mental checklist, ticking off the various rooms he had seen to. 'Parlor, kitchen, my room, Sam's room, library...' He quickly realized he had forgotten to clean the room Jasmine was staying in, as he hadn't wanted to wake her earlier. After a brief moment of indecision, he decided to go ahead and tidy up a bit. Surely she wouldn't mind.

            In her room, Frodo made the bed and swept the floor. He moved to gather any trash from the basket, when his eyes fell on a piece of paper lying on the floor. Picking it up, he flipped it over, his eyes scanning the page. After a moment, it became clear it was a letter Jasmine had written to a friend back home.

            Dear Ruby,

            Congratulations on your success! That necklace sounds absolutely divine. You must hold on to that one, though his name escapes me. You asked me about Bo, and let's just say the attraction faded, if you know what I mean. He told me he was going to be made partner, but he lost out to a mere lad! Needless to say, I was forced to end things before they went any farther.

            I do, however, have excellent news! You remember the one I told you about, the one Lucy introduced me to at her party? Well, she was right about his "situation." He's a Took and a rich one at that. He asked me last week, and I've accepted. We are currently visiting a friend of his, and neither seems suspicious. On the whole, everything is going quite well.

            Oh, and have you heard from Bella lately? Last I heard she was engaged to that Bill from Bucklebury.

            Please write back soon.

            Sincerely yours,

            Jasmine Greenfarrow



            Frodo stood aghast after he finished, reading it over one more time to make sure his eyes weren't playing tricks on him. Why was she writing her friend about Pippin's financial status, and what did she mean no one was suspicious?

            Suddenly he sat down on the bed, a full realization finally hitting him. Had she mentioned a Bo? She must be the one the two women had been gossiping about the other day! What kind of trick was this?

            Jasmine was the girl who had seduced away Lily Proudfoot's betrothed. And from the way things sounded, it hadn't been the first or last time. What was Pippin in for?

            He was nearly in shock. She had seemed so sweet and unassuming, so adoring of Pippin. How could they have been so blind?

            Any guilt that he may have felt over inadvertently snooping around in Jasmine's private things flew out the window with the rush of anger he felt towards her. She had Pippin wrapped around her little finger! Hadn't the hobbit himself told him that he would spare no expense to buy her whatever she desired?

            He knew he had to tell Pippin as soon as possible. He had no idea how he would break the news to his friend, but all he knew was that he had to know before things got worse. He didn't know what would be worse: her breaking off the wedding for no reason when she became bored or unsatisfied or going through with the wedding and binding herself to him forever. But just as quickly as the thought entered his mind, he knew the answer. He had to stop Pippin from marrying Jasmine, and preferably before word even got out that they were engaged.

            He was deep in thought when there was a knock at the door. Expecting his friends and eager for someone to confide in, he was disappointed when he opened the door to find only a young messenger, who informed Frodo that he had a message from Sam.

            Frodo ripped open the envelope to discover that they had decided to stay an extra day at the inn and to expect them early the next afternoon.

            He sighed, then turned his step resolutely toward town. He had to find Pippin.

                                                            ****************

            Like it? Hate it? Please direct any opinions into your review. Thanks for reading!