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: Hello everyone! Though it's been a while since my last update, I can assure you that I now have the rest of the fic planned out, and should have it completed soon, probably in 2-4 chapters.  Thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far! Once you finish reading this chapter, I would really appreciate some feedback, whether it be positive or negative. Believe me when I say that though encouragement is always welcome, I also enjoy constructive criticism as well. 

             This chapter starts out on a little different note, as this scene is taking place at the same time as Frodo's scenes these past couple of chapters.

             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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            "Master Took! Welcome, welcome. Please, make yourself at home."

            Pippin nodded affably, shaking hands with an older hobbit with silver hair.  Due to his status as the next Thain of the Shire, Pippin was frequently obliged to make such house calls to certain influential families when he was in their area.  Not that he minded overly much.  He knew community visits weren't everyone's cup of tea, but he rather enjoyed them.  They were an opportunity to learn all the latest news, in the economic and practical sense, of course, as well as the social.  Not to mention the wonderful food and drink that was generally provided.  Besides, he was well in need of a distraction at the moment.

            "We were pleased to learn you were in town, Peregrin," Milo Chemps began as he reclined back into a plush chair by the fireplace and filled his pipe.  "You certainly look well.  Here to see Master Baggins, I presume?"

            Pippin set his jaw and bit down on his tongue to keep from saying anything rash.  He nodded curtly before hurriedly speaking, "Pippin, please.  But I hear congratulations are in order, Milo.  Please send my warmest regards to Dalia.  When will the wedding take place?"

            "Oh, who knows, my dear lad? The household has been simply chaotic since the moment they announced their intentions.  The uproar is getting altogether unbearable, I tell you. That is why I am so relieved to have you here. Gives me an excuse to lock myself up away from it all for a while," he said with a wink. 

            Pippin grinned. "Glad that I could of service.  I did notice a certain…excitement in the air when I arrived.  Is Mrs. Chemps faring well?"

            "Oh, you know Dora.  If it isn't one thing, it's another.  Fortunately two of my nieces are here to help with the arrangements.  Not that two extra females on hand is always enjoyable, mind you.  But they have rather level-heads, thanks be, and the eldest was just married last year, so she has some experience in the matter.  They'll be staying until the wedding."

            "Where is their home?"

            "Well, Melli, the eldest, lives about a day's ride north of here, out in the true country, you know.  But Diamond still lives in Long Cleeve with her parents, Dora's sister and her husband."

            "Ah, Long Cleeve?  Lovely.  When I was young, I would travel there often with my family. Its forests are marvelous for a young lad's mischief."

            "I can imagine.  Now, Pippin, have you heard about the sale of Halfred Crick's estate?"

            "Yes, yes.  A grand piece of property, from what I've learned."

            "Indeed.  I was curious as to whether you were knew of anyone prepared to purchase the southern fields?"

            And so began a rather tedious discussion on Shire real estate, a topic Pippin grew bored of quite quickly, but was obligated to expound upon for some time.  Finally the pair was interrupted by a knock at the door. "Uncle Milo?"

            "Just a moment, Pippin," the man in question spoke as he rose from his chair. He opened the door and ushered in a young girl whom Pippin gathered to be one of his nieces.

            The lass looked unsure for a moment when she saw that there was a guest in the room, but said quietly, "Uncle, Aunt Dora sent me to ask you whether you thought it was appropriate to invite her second cousins from Archet.  We send out the invitations this week."

            "Well, Diamond, you can tell her that we'll discuss that later.  Here, allow me to introduce Mr. Peregrin Took.  Certainly you know who he is, eh?"

            The delicately-featured lass colored slightly at this before turning to Pippin, offering her hand, and saying, "It is truly a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Took, we have heard so much about you."

            Pippin bent to kiss her hand as was expected.  She was good-looking in a lithe sort of way.  Just a little wisp of a thing, really.  A few strawberry-blonde curls had escaped her pins, tickling her small rounded lips and highlighting her honey-colored eyes.  Lacked Jasmine's impressive curves though…Startled at that train of thought, Pippin shut his eyes for a moment, then said:

            "Ms. Diamond, I assure you, the pleasure is all mine.  I was just telling your uncle how much I adore the countryside by your home.  Are you located anywhere near Evergreen Pond, by any chance?" 

            Diamond widened slightly in surprise at his question.  Seemed he knew as much about her as she had heard of him.  "Why, yes, actually.  It lies within walking distance of our house, towards its north end.  How are you familiar with it, Mr. Took?"

            'Adorable.' For a moment, Pippin was horribly frightened that he had spoken aloud.  When neither of the faces of the other two chanced perceptibly, he realized with relief that he in fact had not.  Still, a sinking feeling has settled in his stomach.  What was happening? Her voice had been so light and soft and young.  He could have happily listened to her lilt on all day… 'What?'

            Pippin cleared his throat nervously. "My cousins and I used to swim in it during the summertime when I was young.  I'm afraid that was some time ago though.  I haven't been there for years."

            "Well, it is as lovely as ever, Mr. Took.  Mr. Gamgee even planted one of his Golden Trees nearby.  It feels like a paradise," she finished shyly.

            "In that case I will be sure to visit soon," Pippin replied, his eyes twinkling, "To remember old memories, I suppose. Or perhaps make new ones." What was he saying? He sounded positively…flirtatious!  Desperately trying to remind himself of his status as an engaged hobbit, he bit his cheek and spoke:

             "Well, Milo, thank you for kindness, but I'm afraid I must now excuse myself to the inn.  I believe someone is awaiting my return."

            Mr. Chemps smiled knowingly and walked him to the door.  On an impulse Pippin looked back and called, "Glad to meet you Diamond!" before turning abruptly and jogging out of the yard.

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

            The hills were beautiful at dawn.  So pondered Frodo early the next morning as he sat by his bedroom's window, peering out into the slowly awakening world.  The scenario was familiar to him.  Though he never willingly chose to quit his dreams so prematurely, that he did so was often a blessing. Especially now. He told himself it was still only early August, but perhaps his mind was playing tricks on him, for it seemed that if he concentrated hard enough, he could detect a hint of autumn crispness in the air. 

             'Now is not the time to hide yourself away in self-pity,' he thought to himself, 'Enjoy the season while you still can.'

            And with that Frodo stalked out the door of his room, making sure to grab his vest from its hanging place on his bedpost. He crept past the bedroom door of Sam and Rosie, both of whom were still slumbering peacefully.

            Once he was outside, he breathed deeply of the scent-laden air. This was his favorite time of day, it being the purest.  Dawn was the only time when the world was still clean and fresh, as yet unpolluted by anyone and anything. 

            He followed a well-worn path that curved along the edge of Bag End before extending itself away from that hill, winding down by the edge of the wood.  His feet barely stirred the small blades of grass that clumped in between cracks of the pressed dirt.  At a certain point, Frodo turned into the trees, following familiar landmarks until he reached a trickling brook.  He crawled to what he had privately labeled his own rock, a sun-baked boulder at the other edge of the creek. 

            Stretching out with a sigh as his back warmed comfortably, Frodo shut his eyes, satisfied with the destination he had reached.  Within moments he had drifted into sleep once more.

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

            Hours later Frodo shifted groggily, pulling himself out of the haze of slumber.  Without opening his eyes, he realized what had awoken him.  Somewhere farther down the banks of the brook, a hobbit lass was singing a simple tune that the wives often sang whilst doing the wash or the cooking.  A smile crept across his face as he imagined her shaking out the clothes she had carried down in a basket, pushing up her sleeves, and dipping them into the water as it rushed by. 

             "..and I said nay, sir, ye must wait til my heart turns

                

                It's so much the pity that it's makin' your heart burn

                But I won't bring such shame on me mother…"

            Some may have called it a 'common' song, but the pleasant, easy melody was lovely to listen to, especially when it was sung by such a fair voice.  He could tell she was coming closer, as the notes were growing louder and more clear by the moment. 

            Slowly he raised himself up onto one elbow, lazily surveying the rocks about him.  As the lass came into view, he frowned slightly. 'Strange, no basket.  Must simply be out for a walk.'

            She stepped aside for a moment, venturing onto the opposite bank to admire a small cluster of daisies peeping out from under the sprawling root of a nearby tree.  Her back still facing him, Frodo hopped down and made his way over to her. 

            "Hello," he spoke cheerfully.

            The lass whirled around, a bright smile on her face, but it dropped instantly. 

            Frodo blanched and stepped backwards.  "What are you doing here?" he spoke in something akin to a hiss.

            Jasmine glared up at him defiantly.  "I believe I have the right to walk alongside a public river, Mr. Baggins.  Would you kindly step aside and let me be?"

            He almost retreated, but something made him stop.  He had a feeling if he said anything more to her, it should be further rebuke, but he just couldn't bring himself to start.  He didn't have the energy to engage in any sort of argument at the moment, let alone to figure out her mind games.

            "Why are you marrying Pippin?" he asked simply, in earnest curiosity.

            "Well, for my own sadistic pleasure, of course, Mr. Baggins," she responded wryly, a sneer wiped across her mouth.  "Haven't you learned as much already?"

            Frodo sighed.  Perhaps it had been naïve of him to expect them to be able to actually carry a conversation civilly.

             "I was merely under the impression that it wasn't your style to…hold on so long."

            "Thought I'd scoop up the jewelry and run, eh?  Guess you don't know as much about me as you seem to fancy you do."

            "You mean to go through with it then?"

            She turned to him with a withering look of disgust. "Yes, I mean 'go through with it.' "

            He couldn't help himself.  "Ever planning on introducing him to your…friends?"

            "Perhaps." After directing this to his face, she spun on her heels and proceeded to pick her way upstream in the opposite direction.

            As she left, Frodo called, "I know you're different from them Jasmine!"

            Her small shoulders stiffened, and she almost turned back, but apparently changed her mind, continuing away from Frodo at an even quicker pace.

            He considered returning to his nap, but found his nerves were altogether too stirred up for a satisfactory rest.  Shaking his head, the dark-haired hobbit sighed and headed back to Bag End.

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            Thanks for reading!  I plan on the next chapter being finished, at latest, in early September, probably much sooner.  Remember to review, no matter what your opinion is!