Before the conversation could go much further, Fastred and Debreon rushed in the door.

            "Diamond, we heard a commotion and…"  Fastred's eyes traveled from his daughter's bright face to the grin on Pippin's.  "Master Took!"

            "Peregrin, you old fool.  It was you out there scaring the lasses?  I just can't believe I am seeing you here."

            "Just the men I wanted to see, actually."  Diamond sat back and looked at Pippin in shock.  Didn't he come to see her?

            "What can we do for you, Master Peregrin?"

            "Please, please, Master Grenthumb, you are my elder.  I should call you master, not the other way around."  Pippin bowed to Fastred out of respect and then continued.  "We four travelers haven't been home long, but home long enough to know that we can not live in this Shire.  We want our land back, our way of life back.  We didn't go on our long adventure simply to be slave in our home.  We are going to rebel.  And we need all of the lads we can get."  Debreon stood up quickly and extended his hand to Pippin.

            "You need say no more, Master Pip.  Count me as one of your soldiers.  I will fight for the Shire."

            "Yes, Peregrin.  My son and I can both be counted on to fight.  Tell us the time and we'll be there."

            "As will I."  The room stood silent as Diamond stood forth with her family.  Estella and Rosie looked at Diamond with proud smiles on their faces.  But Fastred was not smiling.

            "No, Diamond.  I absolutely forbid it.  I will not have you risking your life.  Someone has to stay behind."

            "And it naturally follows that I should be it, then?  Father, I am much better with a sword than Debreon.  He is much more likely to be injured or killed, yet you don't forbid him.  You can forbid me to go all you like.  But that is not enough to keep me from fighting."  Fastred sat down by his son, defeated, as Debreon consoled his father.

            "You can't, Diamond."  Diamond was shocked at the source of this comment.  She had been expecting Debreon to say something, but not Pippin.  She sat down next to her father with her own look of defeat upon her face.  "Master Fastred, do you mind if I have a word alone with Diamond?  I have some questions to ask her that may help with our little rebellion."

            "Of course, Peregrin.  Debreon, I think we should go and make sure our swords are sharp."  Estella and Rosie stood and began to follow the men out of the kitchen.

            "Diamond, we'll be in Rosie's room if you care to talk when you're finished here.  It was wonderful to see you again, Pip."