DISCLAIMER: Last time you all read one of my stories, I didn't own Lord of the Rings. You will be pleased to know that nothing whatsoever has changed. I still do not own it.

This story is sort of an off shoot of my story " A Different Kind of Hero". It is not necessary that you read that story before reading this one, but it would make me happy if you did ; ) And if you reviewed it, like I hope you will with this one. This story takes place after the Scouring of the Shire, which I will not be writing about. This first chapter is basically what is said in the last chapter of my other story, so read, review, and enjoy!

Sandlover

In the House of Healing in Gondor, two elves, Gwendolin of Angmar and Maedron of Rivendell had just declared their love for each other and were kissing on one of the terraces. Merry and Pippin were sitting on a balcony a little ways over, taking in the lovely scene.

" Ah, love," sighed Pippin. Merry looked at Pippin as if he had just lost his mind.

" Since when did you start thinking of something other than your stomach?" Merry asked.

" Oh, come on, Merry. You can't tell me that you haven't thought of Estella Bolger for one second on this entire journey," Pippin said, slightly annoyed at his friend's remark.

" Who?" asked Merry, feigning innocence.

" Estella Bolger, the girl you have had your eye on for goodness knows how long but have been too afraid to tell her how you feel," Pippin said, watching Merry's face turn red.

" I've got a better chance with her than you do with Diamond," Merry said breezily.

" You do not!" Pippin spluttered indignantly.

" I'll bet I can win Estella's love quicker than you can win Diamond's," Merry said.

" Now what makes you so sure about that?" Pippin asked. Merry pulled his pipe out of his mouth.

" I am taller than you," he replied simply.

" Now wait just a minute!" Pippin cried.

" Wait just a minute for what?" Merry asked as he stood and began to head towards the kitchen.

" It doesn't matter if you are taller than me or not!" Pippin said.

" It doesn't?" Merry asked as if he had just learned something new.

" No, it doesn't. The girls should like us for who we are, not how tall we are. Besides, we can't win their love until they are ready to let us," Pippin said, displaying some surprisingly good logic.

" You might be right," Merry said, looking at the ground as if meditating on this piece of information.

" But I still think that Estella's love quicker than you can win Diamond's" he stated, looking up sharply.

" No you can't!" Pippin yelled.

" Oh, can't I? You just watch, Peregrin Took! Before you can even work up the courage to say one word to Diamond, I'll have Estella swooning in my arms!" Merry exulted triumphantly.

" If you're so confident, Meriadoc Brandybuck, why don't we just see. When we get back to the Shire, I will try to win Diamond's love, and you will try to win Estella's love. Whoever win's gets -"

" The loser's breakfast for two months!" Merry said, making the first wager. Pippin looked a little pained at the stakes, but quickly hid it.

" Agreed!" he said. Merry stuck out his hand, and Pippin shook it, sealing the bet.

" You' re going to be hungry for a long time, Pippin," he said as they neared the kitchens.

" Oh really? Your stomach will be heard growling all the way in Bree!" Pippin taunted. Thus the banter went on until the hobbits got some food in heir mouths, causing them to hush and eat.

That's the beginning. Review and tell me what you think!