Ch. 8

The light hit his red beard at just the right angle to draw sufficient attention to it. The whole figure stepped forward, and Pippin recognized his old companion in an instant.

Gimli!

Pippin was excited, but at the same time disappointed. He'd been hoping Frodo was the short person. At the moment however, he was too stunned to do much other than stare.

Gandalf cleared his throat and began to speak. "Peregrine Took! Rosie got word to us that you saved both of your friend's lives." Pippin tried to interrupt to ask how, but Gandalf continued. "Being the white wizard, I had to only run this information by one other, but his name and location are secret, for permission to do what I am about to.

"I searched a few forests within the borders of Valinor during the past week to find what I was looking for. Once I had, I asked Elrond to accompany me to relay some information to you. Gimli heard, of course, and insisted on tagging along. So I wish to present to you-"

"Gandalf, have you forgotten me?" said a voice from behind Pippin.

Pippin was floored. The voice--- it couldn't have been. Afraid to turn around he closed his eyes, hoping upon hope it wasn't a dream, and that this person would not become anything evil. He breathed deeply and turned around. He opened his eyes.

There was no one there.