Chapter 4
I walked down the road in time to "unexpectedly" meet Diamond on her way to
Pippin's. I saw her there, skipping and humming to herself. This should be
easy I thought.
"Diamond!" I yelled meeting up with her, "Hello! Where are you going on
this lovely day?"
"Over to my Peregrin's. We're going to set up the wedding."
"Oh, my poor dear," I put on my best façade of concern, "Have you heard?
Pippin's family was robbed. A shady fellow was seen at the pub just a few
days back. Well, when Pippin came home, he found the hole in shambles. All
their riches were stolen. They've been tough though, making the hole look
as habitable as possible and not telling anyone but Merry and myself. I
thought he would've told you already, you getting married and all. Oh, you
didn't know?" She shook her head, "Oh, please don't tell him I told you. I
wouldn't want him thinking I'm going around telling everyone." Diamond
looked shocked.
"I.I won't say a word," she managed to fumble a few words out.
I changed the subject quickly, giving her no time to think of her recent
news, "Do you mind if I walk with you, dear Diamond? I'm meeting Merry at
the Great Smials."
"Oh, n.no. I would be happy to have you with me, Willow."
* * * We arrived, just in time to be greeted by an exuberant Pippin and a smiling Merry. His expression was returned with my own, justifying that so far, our plan had indeed worked. Diamond was swooped up by Peregrin's sisters and mother; I was almost subject to the same pre-marital torture but declined with Merry's insistence that he needed my help making the best tea in all of the Shire. He led me to the kitchen and put on the kettle. "I can't believe it worked!" I whispered in pure excitement. Merry could barely suppress a smile, "We aren't out of the water yet, dear friend. So far things have gone smoothly but who knows what will happen. If it doesn't work, we shall have to tell Pippin the truth without conniving and sneaking about." "Let's hope it doesn't come to that." We stopped talking, an awkward silence ending the conversation. The tea squealed and I reached over to pour its contents into the cups set nearby. Reaching over, I yelped in pain and quickly pulled back my hand. "What happened?" Merry responded frantically to my scream. "My finger! I burned it!" I shook it in the air. Merry pulled me to the cool water sitting in a basin. He tipped my finger carefully into it and I sighed deeply. "Thank you. I'm so careless," I kissed him on the cheek, with a laugh, "My hero of Rohan." Merry laughed softly and turned crimson. He turned to see Pippin's shocked face in the doorway. "I heard a scream and came to see what happened. Obviously you have it all under control," Pippin solemnly said. "Pippin, you don't think that Wil and I were doing anything. She hurt her finger and I helped her, is all, Pip. Nothing else." Merry tried to explain the situation. He knew Pippin still thought we were together and was angry he wasn't "the first to know". Pippin walked away as casually as possible; Merry followed with an exasperated sigh. Pippin stopped at the library, burrowing himself into a book near the fire. "Pippin why are you so angry?" Merry asked. Pippin gave him no answer, instead flipping pages furiously. Merry, in turn, became angry also, "Peregrin Took! You have no reason to be angry! Even if Willow and I were courting, it would be none of your concern; you are to be married quite soon!" He boomed a loud answer to his cousin. Pippin closed his book and turned to Merry, "You lied, Merry. You told me nothing was going on." "I told you truthfully that very night! Willow and I are nothing but very close friends! You've known us both almost all your life, and still you cannot trust us?" He then became overwhelmed in anger. Pippin stood in thought; finally saying in almost a whisper, "Merry, I might have a problem. I don't know if I want to be married." The Brandybuck was in shock of his cousin's change of subject. However, a sense of being pleases was also coming over him. Could he convince Peregrin not to go on with the wedding? Merry's voice was calmer now, "What'd you mean?" he asked unsurely. "Oh, Merry, I'm not sure if I want to give up my life being Peregrin Took: bachelor; happy and carefree for Peregrin Took: married man supporting his family. I'm only thirty-one. I could wait a few more years. or not." Pippin trailed off in confusion. "Pip, you know I'm not one to be motivational, or give a good and persuading speech. I can't tell you what to do-that's for you to decide. If it's meant to be," he stopped remembering that it indeed wasn't, "than you'll know." Pippin seemed relieved. I walked in, deciding it would be an appropriate time to explain myself, and received two similar expressions full of worry and confusion. "Pippin, I'm sorry. Nothing wa-" He cut me off. "No, Willow. I apologize. I should not have been angry over such matters. It's none of my business; you told me nothing had happened and I should have taken your word, enough said." This was a side of Peregrin not many have ever seen. He was serious, like one towards death. I smiled and hugged him, "All is forgiven dear friend. Now, does anyone want tea? It will get cold soon and I would not like to waste it over something as such." The two nodded and smiled, most likely thirsty after their bout. We hurried in and sat at the table in time for Diamond to walk in obviously flustered with all her newborn attention; yet also, worry lined her face. I knew she was still concerned with Pippin's "loss of riches". I smirked and sipped my tea.
* * * Night slowly brought itself to the Shire, and following it was a horrible storm. The rain pelted down on the windowpanes and thunder shook the Thain's soul. "Aye, none of you are going home tonight. We have enough spare rooms for you all," Eglantine confirmed us all. Merry seemed fine enough, after all, he had spent many nights at the Great Smials. Diamond's face showed no emotion; I suspected she would like to get to know the hole, to see if it was truly as great as everyone had said. I, however, was one to oblige. I hurried my answer, "Oh, I couldn't. I told mother I'd be home to watch young Daisy tomorrow. I'm sure I'd be able to hurry and get home without getting too wet." "Oh, no! You'd catch a cold for sure! Don't even think of it," she interrupted, "I'm sure your mother will understand, and if needed, I will go and talk to her personally to explain. Pippin, dear, show our guests to their rooms." Peregrin's mother wasn't a hobbit to argue with when her mind was made. She walked out of the room before I could deny our hospitality. Pippin stood up motioning us to a hallway. He passed his bedroom leading to the room closet. "Merry, you'll find it like you left it-a few days ago," he said with a laugh. Merry bid us all goodnight and walked in. Again, our host walked down farther. Stopping at the door, he opened it bearing two beds. "I'm sure you'll both be okay here, right?" We nodded in agreement. "Good night, love," he kissed Diamond, and then with a smile and a tinge of crimson in his cheeks, " 'Night Wil." Pippin departed to his own quarters. Diamond slowly walked over to the bed and spoke, "Willow, can you keep a secret?" I nodded. "I'm not sure if I want to marry Pippin anymore." I held back a smile, my face then etched with concern, "But you're so in love; why wouldn't you want to marry Pip?" "Uh," she tried to think of an excuse, "Well, I.don't think I'm ready, is all. Maybe I should wait a few more years. I'm not even of age, I just turned twenty-nine." She seemed convinced that her lie was acceptable. I laughed a little, "Only wedding jitters, dear. It'll be fine." Her face turned serious, "No, I think so, not at all." "Pippin will be so devastated. First all his money stolen, now the wedding being called off." I trailed off, lowering my head for theatrics. I noticed Diamond wince when I brought of the subject of the Tooks' lost riches. Her face showed her pure disgust. She confirmed, "It.must be done." She turned off the light and sank into her bed. I smiled, and could barely get to sleep through all the excitement. After approximately a half an hour, I knew that I couldn't hide my excitement. Slowly, I crept out of bed out to the hallway. Running on my tiptoes, I stood near Merry's bed, snickering quietly to the sound of snoring hobbit. "Merry," I whispered while pushing him lightly, "Get up!" "Ugh," he moaned, and then with surprise, "Willow?" "Merry I couldn't sleep. Diamond said she wants to call of the wedding! It worked!" I let it all out in one breath, still smiling. Merry sat up. "Really?" I nodded. "Well, now we have to tell Pip. Not now, of course, but in the morning. Then we'll have to tell him about her old plans. I hope he won't get mad at us." That moment, my smile turned to utter worry, "Oh, no! What if he does get mad? Oh, he'll never forgive me! We're ruining his wedding! It's for his own good but." I continued to ramble on until Merry interrupted. "You said it yourself. It's for his own good. If he gets angry, he'll get over it. He's Pippin after all. He'll understand." I nodded, "Yeah. Thanks, Merry," I yawned, "I think I can get to sleep now. If you hear a thump in the hallway, it's me." He laughed a little. "Good night Wil." I walked out, but turned to the kitchen. Quietly, I took out a teakettle and started up stove for a hot cup of my favorite drink. I sat down at the table and picked up a book laying on it. It was Pippin's favorite book; he probably forgot it. I sifted through it, and then, after opening it once again, started to read it.
"Like it?" I heard a voice from behind ask. I gasped and turned around. "Pippin; you scared me. What are you doing out here at this time of night?" "I should be asking you the same thing," he said with a mischievous smile. "I couldn't sleep," I answered. I was almost intimidated by him; I had known him so long. It made me confused feel so lowly in his presence. Perhaps it was the fact that he was now a knight. Or maybe, it was because I was worried of his anger towards my actions with Diamond. Yes, it was the worry, I thought to myself. I was brought out of thought by more conversation through the cold silence of the night. "Do you have enough tea for two?" he asked. I nodded and walked over to the kettle. I took it away from the heat, pouring the water into my cup and bringing out a second cup to, in turn, fill also. I had learned, at home, to approximate the time right before the kettle would squeal to the minute. I would always wake up in the middle of the night and a cup of tea would always do the trick.
"Is something bothering you?" he asked with a sip.
"No, why would you think that?" I fidgeted in my seat.
"Willow Sweetgrass I've known you since you were two. I know you like Farmer Maggot's farm. Something is wrong," he stated. "Nothing is wrong Peregrin Took. And besides, how are you so certain that you know me that well?" "Well," he started with a crooked smile, informing me that I was getting an I-told-you-so little lecture, "first of all, you can never make eye contact when you're nervous, and you haven't looked me in the eye from the moment I sat down. Second your foot has been shaking endlessly just like the first time you had to face your mum when you got caught "borrowing" crops. Three, you tap your fingers when your nervous, and, if I can count, you've been doing that for the last five minutes." I looked down at my hand and stopped immediately, "I can go on if you'd like." I opened my mouth, but stopped, finding myself without an intelligent remark. He did know me. "So," he continued, "Are you going to tell me?" I walked back to get more tea, "Pip, I. can't" I whispered my response, almost hiding it between breaths. Pippin's features turned from being cocky to concerned, "Tell me." He voice lingered in my mind, and I almost did tell him. It was so soothing. I shook my head, withdrawing from my trance. "There's nothing wrong, Pip. I'm going to bed." I walked out, almost slamming the teacup on the table, leaving Pippin to give a dirty look of defeat. I was furious. How dare he be so caring? How dare he make me feel wonderful, like nothing could go wrong? He was worried, yes, but would he feel the same when I told him that I had tested his bride-to-be if her love was true by lies and manipulation. Would he be grateful, or completely angered with me beyond words, never to speak to me again? And so the whole "tea conversation" had wrapped around; his concern for my problem made it only worse. I sat on the bed hot with anger and worry. Fortunately, sleep overruled my hectic thoughts and soon I drifted off.
* * * We arrived, just in time to be greeted by an exuberant Pippin and a smiling Merry. His expression was returned with my own, justifying that so far, our plan had indeed worked. Diamond was swooped up by Peregrin's sisters and mother; I was almost subject to the same pre-marital torture but declined with Merry's insistence that he needed my help making the best tea in all of the Shire. He led me to the kitchen and put on the kettle. "I can't believe it worked!" I whispered in pure excitement. Merry could barely suppress a smile, "We aren't out of the water yet, dear friend. So far things have gone smoothly but who knows what will happen. If it doesn't work, we shall have to tell Pippin the truth without conniving and sneaking about." "Let's hope it doesn't come to that." We stopped talking, an awkward silence ending the conversation. The tea squealed and I reached over to pour its contents into the cups set nearby. Reaching over, I yelped in pain and quickly pulled back my hand. "What happened?" Merry responded frantically to my scream. "My finger! I burned it!" I shook it in the air. Merry pulled me to the cool water sitting in a basin. He tipped my finger carefully into it and I sighed deeply. "Thank you. I'm so careless," I kissed him on the cheek, with a laugh, "My hero of Rohan." Merry laughed softly and turned crimson. He turned to see Pippin's shocked face in the doorway. "I heard a scream and came to see what happened. Obviously you have it all under control," Pippin solemnly said. "Pippin, you don't think that Wil and I were doing anything. She hurt her finger and I helped her, is all, Pip. Nothing else." Merry tried to explain the situation. He knew Pippin still thought we were together and was angry he wasn't "the first to know". Pippin walked away as casually as possible; Merry followed with an exasperated sigh. Pippin stopped at the library, burrowing himself into a book near the fire. "Pippin why are you so angry?" Merry asked. Pippin gave him no answer, instead flipping pages furiously. Merry, in turn, became angry also, "Peregrin Took! You have no reason to be angry! Even if Willow and I were courting, it would be none of your concern; you are to be married quite soon!" He boomed a loud answer to his cousin. Pippin closed his book and turned to Merry, "You lied, Merry. You told me nothing was going on." "I told you truthfully that very night! Willow and I are nothing but very close friends! You've known us both almost all your life, and still you cannot trust us?" He then became overwhelmed in anger. Pippin stood in thought; finally saying in almost a whisper, "Merry, I might have a problem. I don't know if I want to be married." The Brandybuck was in shock of his cousin's change of subject. However, a sense of being pleases was also coming over him. Could he convince Peregrin not to go on with the wedding? Merry's voice was calmer now, "What'd you mean?" he asked unsurely. "Oh, Merry, I'm not sure if I want to give up my life being Peregrin Took: bachelor; happy and carefree for Peregrin Took: married man supporting his family. I'm only thirty-one. I could wait a few more years. or not." Pippin trailed off in confusion. "Pip, you know I'm not one to be motivational, or give a good and persuading speech. I can't tell you what to do-that's for you to decide. If it's meant to be," he stopped remembering that it indeed wasn't, "than you'll know." Pippin seemed relieved. I walked in, deciding it would be an appropriate time to explain myself, and received two similar expressions full of worry and confusion. "Pippin, I'm sorry. Nothing wa-" He cut me off. "No, Willow. I apologize. I should not have been angry over such matters. It's none of my business; you told me nothing had happened and I should have taken your word, enough said." This was a side of Peregrin not many have ever seen. He was serious, like one towards death. I smiled and hugged him, "All is forgiven dear friend. Now, does anyone want tea? It will get cold soon and I would not like to waste it over something as such." The two nodded and smiled, most likely thirsty after their bout. We hurried in and sat at the table in time for Diamond to walk in obviously flustered with all her newborn attention; yet also, worry lined her face. I knew she was still concerned with Pippin's "loss of riches". I smirked and sipped my tea.
* * * Night slowly brought itself to the Shire, and following it was a horrible storm. The rain pelted down on the windowpanes and thunder shook the Thain's soul. "Aye, none of you are going home tonight. We have enough spare rooms for you all," Eglantine confirmed us all. Merry seemed fine enough, after all, he had spent many nights at the Great Smials. Diamond's face showed no emotion; I suspected she would like to get to know the hole, to see if it was truly as great as everyone had said. I, however, was one to oblige. I hurried my answer, "Oh, I couldn't. I told mother I'd be home to watch young Daisy tomorrow. I'm sure I'd be able to hurry and get home without getting too wet." "Oh, no! You'd catch a cold for sure! Don't even think of it," she interrupted, "I'm sure your mother will understand, and if needed, I will go and talk to her personally to explain. Pippin, dear, show our guests to their rooms." Peregrin's mother wasn't a hobbit to argue with when her mind was made. She walked out of the room before I could deny our hospitality. Pippin stood up motioning us to a hallway. He passed his bedroom leading to the room closet. "Merry, you'll find it like you left it-a few days ago," he said with a laugh. Merry bid us all goodnight and walked in. Again, our host walked down farther. Stopping at the door, he opened it bearing two beds. "I'm sure you'll both be okay here, right?" We nodded in agreement. "Good night, love," he kissed Diamond, and then with a smile and a tinge of crimson in his cheeks, " 'Night Wil." Pippin departed to his own quarters. Diamond slowly walked over to the bed and spoke, "Willow, can you keep a secret?" I nodded. "I'm not sure if I want to marry Pippin anymore." I held back a smile, my face then etched with concern, "But you're so in love; why wouldn't you want to marry Pip?" "Uh," she tried to think of an excuse, "Well, I.don't think I'm ready, is all. Maybe I should wait a few more years. I'm not even of age, I just turned twenty-nine." She seemed convinced that her lie was acceptable. I laughed a little, "Only wedding jitters, dear. It'll be fine." Her face turned serious, "No, I think so, not at all." "Pippin will be so devastated. First all his money stolen, now the wedding being called off." I trailed off, lowering my head for theatrics. I noticed Diamond wince when I brought of the subject of the Tooks' lost riches. Her face showed her pure disgust. She confirmed, "It.must be done." She turned off the light and sank into her bed. I smiled, and could barely get to sleep through all the excitement. After approximately a half an hour, I knew that I couldn't hide my excitement. Slowly, I crept out of bed out to the hallway. Running on my tiptoes, I stood near Merry's bed, snickering quietly to the sound of snoring hobbit. "Merry," I whispered while pushing him lightly, "Get up!" "Ugh," he moaned, and then with surprise, "Willow?" "Merry I couldn't sleep. Diamond said she wants to call of the wedding! It worked!" I let it all out in one breath, still smiling. Merry sat up. "Really?" I nodded. "Well, now we have to tell Pip. Not now, of course, but in the morning. Then we'll have to tell him about her old plans. I hope he won't get mad at us." That moment, my smile turned to utter worry, "Oh, no! What if he does get mad? Oh, he'll never forgive me! We're ruining his wedding! It's for his own good but." I continued to ramble on until Merry interrupted. "You said it yourself. It's for his own good. If he gets angry, he'll get over it. He's Pippin after all. He'll understand." I nodded, "Yeah. Thanks, Merry," I yawned, "I think I can get to sleep now. If you hear a thump in the hallway, it's me." He laughed a little. "Good night Wil." I walked out, but turned to the kitchen. Quietly, I took out a teakettle and started up stove for a hot cup of my favorite drink. I sat down at the table and picked up a book laying on it. It was Pippin's favorite book; he probably forgot it. I sifted through it, and then, after opening it once again, started to read it.
"Like it?" I heard a voice from behind ask. I gasped and turned around. "Pippin; you scared me. What are you doing out here at this time of night?" "I should be asking you the same thing," he said with a mischievous smile. "I couldn't sleep," I answered. I was almost intimidated by him; I had known him so long. It made me confused feel so lowly in his presence. Perhaps it was the fact that he was now a knight. Or maybe, it was because I was worried of his anger towards my actions with Diamond. Yes, it was the worry, I thought to myself. I was brought out of thought by more conversation through the cold silence of the night. "Do you have enough tea for two?" he asked. I nodded and walked over to the kettle. I took it away from the heat, pouring the water into my cup and bringing out a second cup to, in turn, fill also. I had learned, at home, to approximate the time right before the kettle would squeal to the minute. I would always wake up in the middle of the night and a cup of tea would always do the trick.
"Is something bothering you?" he asked with a sip.
"No, why would you think that?" I fidgeted in my seat.
"Willow Sweetgrass I've known you since you were two. I know you like Farmer Maggot's farm. Something is wrong," he stated. "Nothing is wrong Peregrin Took. And besides, how are you so certain that you know me that well?" "Well," he started with a crooked smile, informing me that I was getting an I-told-you-so little lecture, "first of all, you can never make eye contact when you're nervous, and you haven't looked me in the eye from the moment I sat down. Second your foot has been shaking endlessly just like the first time you had to face your mum when you got caught "borrowing" crops. Three, you tap your fingers when your nervous, and, if I can count, you've been doing that for the last five minutes." I looked down at my hand and stopped immediately, "I can go on if you'd like." I opened my mouth, but stopped, finding myself without an intelligent remark. He did know me. "So," he continued, "Are you going to tell me?" I walked back to get more tea, "Pip, I. can't" I whispered my response, almost hiding it between breaths. Pippin's features turned from being cocky to concerned, "Tell me." He voice lingered in my mind, and I almost did tell him. It was so soothing. I shook my head, withdrawing from my trance. "There's nothing wrong, Pip. I'm going to bed." I walked out, almost slamming the teacup on the table, leaving Pippin to give a dirty look of defeat. I was furious. How dare he be so caring? How dare he make me feel wonderful, like nothing could go wrong? He was worried, yes, but would he feel the same when I told him that I had tested his bride-to-be if her love was true by lies and manipulation. Would he be grateful, or completely angered with me beyond words, never to speak to me again? And so the whole "tea conversation" had wrapped around; his concern for my problem made it only worse. I sat on the bed hot with anger and worry. Fortunately, sleep overruled my hectic thoughts and soon I drifted off.