"Diamond! You let the tea get cold!! Di– ," Fastred Grenthumb shouted through his hobbit hole. His son, Debreon, raised his eyes from his book.
"She's not in here, Father. She's outside, waiting for him."
"Waiting? I don't recall that she ever had to wait for Peregrin. He is drawn to her, the fool."
"Why else would the tea be cold? Pippin was invited to tea this afternoon. And we both know that she would never take her tea without her invited guest, especially Pippin." Fastred shook his curly grey head in sadness.
"My poor child… she could be so much more… "
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Outside her hole in Long Cleeve, Diamond Grenthumb stood, trying to keep in warm in the chill of the early evening. She tried to hold back the tears as she thought about Pippin.
"Where is he? He's never forgotten any invitation. If he couldn't be here, he would have told me. Oh, Peregrin, where are you?" She felt a hand rest on her shoulder. In shock, she turned to face Debreon.
"I'm sorry, Di. I'm sure Pippin is fine. You know, he's not exactly known for his responsibility and punctuality. You'll see… "
"No, Debreon, he has never, ever missed any of our time. Ever!" As Diamond walked away, she began to cry.
"Well, what do you think could have happened? The most dangerous thing he does is pilfer from Farmer Maggot… " Diamond stopped in her tracks and looked towards the sky. After thinking for a moment, she continued walking. "You're going to the trail, aren't you… Diamond!
"Yes, Debreon, I am going to the trail. The only people who can help me are our kin. They always have a wise word or help to impart before sailing west."
