Chapter Three: Conversation By The Fire

"Let's get going we haven't the time for extra sleep," Strider told the tired and lazy Pearl.

"Come on, Pearl," Ariel tried for what seemed to be the billionth-time.

"I'm up. I'm up. Pearl said yawning. Since when do you have to get up this early?"

"Since the last time Frodo got stabbed by a Nazgul, you can never be too careful, now get your stuff packed up and we'll leave, Strider replied sounding very irritated.

***

"You have to get moving quicker. If you expect to have an adventure you have to listen to orders," the Elven-maid reprimanded as she walked next to Pearl. "I know what you were dreaming about," she said knowingly.

"Oh so not only can you see things at a distance but you can read minds too. Tell me 'Oh Wise Elf' what exactly was I dreaming of," Pearl sarcastically replied.

"The young Peregrin Took"

"And how would you know that?" Pearl questioned slightly embarrassed.

"Oh maybe it's because every night at supper you gaze at him dreamily. Don't think I don't notice that, Pearl," Airel said.

"Well, I do like Pippin and. Oh his eyes those pretty blue-green eyes."

"Whose eyes, hobbit lass?" Samwise asked walking beside Pearl.

"Um..Well..Um.. Gandalf's eyes..Yeah Gandalf's eyes, Pearl stalled.

" Gandalf's eyes? Are you feeling alright, Pearl?"

"Of course I am Sam why do you ask?"

"Well.I mean.Oh never mind," Sam said joining back up with Frodo.

The fellowship plus two headed up to the borders of Hollin where the elves lived in happier days. Then it was called Ereigon in Elf tongue.

"We will rest here tonight," Gandalf the Grey, stated. Over there is the mountain Caradhas we will cross that tomorrow."

"Why don't we take the path to Moria?" Gimli asked. T' would be an easier way."

"I wouldn't take the path to Moria, if I had no other choice, Gimli son of Gloin," replied Gandalf wearily.

The company set up camp for the night. It was a cold and dark night as the Fellowship sat around the fire talking of what might lay ahead.

***

"Pearl?"

"Yes, Pippin."

"I was wondering if you would maybe like to sit with me for awhile."

"I'd love to, Pippin. Thank you."

"Are you cold? Here I brought us a blanket," Pippin said as he wrapped the blanket around both of their shoulders. "Look at the stars, they are so beautiful tonight. Don't you think so, Pearl?"

"Ah.Yes, Elen sila lumenn, Pearl said as she laid her head on Pippin's shoulder.

"What does that mean?"

"It means a star shines, in elf-tongue."

"That's a beautiful language," Pippin whispered putting his arm around Pearl.

"What's wrong with Merry? Pearl said pointing to where Merry sit, looking up at the stars. "Why does he sit all alone on this glorious night?"

"He fell in love a while back, she's gone and he's heart-broken. He never speaks of her but you can tell he thinks of her often."

"That is so sad. What was her name?"

"Celalcien."

"Poor Merry."

"Yes, it's very sad."

" Pippin?"

"Yes, Pearl."

"Have you ever fallen in love before?" She said looking up into his eyes.

"No, but I think I'm beginning to now."

Pippin closed his eyes and gently planted a kiss on Pearl's lips. She in turn kissed him back.