Chapter 17 - In the House of Meriadoc Brandybuck
Frodo slogged to awareness, immediately sentient to the fact that he would dislike his new situation. It had seemed like just minutes ago that Merry and Pip had managed to drag him out of the room, away from his Sam. The bright sunlight streaming through the big round window told him differently. Many hours had passed. Night had faded into daybreak and daybreak matured into afternoon while Frodo had floated in a dreamless slumber. Although, considering the aches in his various limbs and the sluggishness of his thoughts, slumber might be too kind of a word for the state he had been in for the past hours.
Frodo fully expected to wake up bound. Nevertheless, he cringed deeply to find that he'd been right, and then some. Frodo was seated in a sturdy wooden chair and bound with far too much rope. Frodo's arms were trussed tightly behind his back. By wriggling his fingers, Frodo felt that enough rope had been used to pass as a muff. Each of his legs had been fastened to a leg of the chair by cords that snaked without gaps from his ankles to his knees. In addition, two more ridiculously long pieces of rope bound Frodo to the back of the chair at both his shoulders and his waist. In Frodo's estimation, his cousins had used four times as much rope than was actually required to restrain him, not that he had had much experience in the matter up until a few days ago, but he was learning quickly. Frodo smiled gravely, understanding that Merry was taking no chances this time. Frodo hoped Sam was alright, though he sensed it was he himself who was in the most immediate peril.
Frodo considered his surroundings before releasing his inner demons of self- reproach. He was in Merry's room; his chair set as far from the heavy oaken door as the room would allow. His chair had been placed between Bilbo 's intricately carved wardrobe and the bed was now occupied by Merry and Pippin.
Frodo stared for a few moments at his slumbering cousins, curled up together under the sheets like napping kittens. They looked so beautiful, so precious as they slept, the yellow sunlight picking out the copper of Pippin 's locks and the gold of Merry's curls. It seemed that they both smiled. They looked so innocent in slumber, like the way he remembered them before...before all of this madness. Frodo imagined for a moment Merry and Pippin awakening, forgetting the horrible deeds of the last few days, unbinding him with kisses and abashed apologies, and sending him and Sam on their way. If only everything could go back to the way it had been just a few days before! Better yet, back to before the day Bilbo left - before the time when the ring had become his own burden.
A shock of loneliness shot through Frodo as he watched his cousins sleep. He missed Bilbo, Oh Elbereth! How he missed Bilbo! And here, devoid of allies in this sunlit room, Frodo missed Sam, his protector and companion. Frodo missed Pippin, the way they had been. And he even missed Merry. This malicious Ring had stolen away his beloved cousin and replaced him with someone he did not know. Nor wanted to.
Frodo was wretchedly uncomfortable, each and every one of his muscles protesting for some tiny range of moment. Yet Frodo did not want Pippin and Merry to wake up just yet. While the cousins slept, he could still close his eyes, close his mind, and pretend this was all a bad dream.
Frodo glanced out the big round window that dominated the wall beside the bed. A gentle breeze rustled the fall leaves outside. Frodo noted the autumn view partially obscured by two large, flat planks crisscrossing the window from the outside. Surely this bracing was put there for his "benefit." Frodo did not need to look down at the chair legs to know that the chair itself had somehow been secured in place. Merry would have put as many extra steps in a second escape attempt as possible. Leastwise, Frodo wouldn't be crawling out of the window anytime soon.
A sudden stiff breeze dragged the tip of a tree branch across the window, stirring little Pippin's eyes to blink open. A concerned look washed over Pippin's face as he sleepily noted his cousin situated in the room like a piece of furniture. He blinked several times, trying to focus his eyes and his mind on the strange situation. Then he remembered. He'd helped do this for Merry. This all was part of the plan. Pippin's eyes met with Frodo's and he met his cousin's glance with a sheepish, sleepy grin.
"Hullo, Frodo," muttered Pip sleepily.
Frodo was smart enough to see Pip as the weakest link between the united front of his two cousins. Frodo would be sweet to his cousin, despite the deeds done under direction from Merry. Frodo's ability to forgive, and, perhaps, recruit Pip might be his salvation. Frodo smiled back at Pippin, trying to ignore his ludicrous bonds.
Pip gently pulled Merry's arm off from around his waist so as not to wake him. Slowly and languorously, Pippin rolled out of bed. He was naked. Sudden realization hit Frodo with the understanding that Pip was much worse off than he had thought. Pip was being used - emotionally and sexually. No wonder his cousin was in such a confused state. Gods! What was Merry doing to the lad? Frodo watched as Pippin sank to his hands and knees to pick up his shirt and breeches beside the bed, the he rose slowly and purposefully to his feet, using the bed to brace himself. Frodo sucked in his breath, shocked by what he saw. Enormous bruises and cruel welts covered Pippin's entire bottom and much of his lower back. The plaintive screams that Sam had described echoing through the halls came back to Frodo's mind. Merry had punished Pippin with terrible force and uncommon violence. Frodo felt hot rage boil in his heart as he thought of all his younger cousin must have been suffering lately. He felt his heart harden and struggled against it, reminding himself that the creature sleeping in the bed was no longer his cousin and if Frodo could just get out of this hopeless situation, he could find a way to bring Merry back.
Pippin stiffly dressed himself, wincing as any part of his clothing brushed over any part of his back. Turning to Frodo, Pippin smiled as if nothing was wrong. Pippin approached him with a very distinct limp. Closing the short distance between he and Frodo with preternatural care. Pip winced with each step, bracing himself against every sturdy object, bed, bedstand, and finally, chair. By the time Pippin was kneeling in front of Frodo, he was blanched and breathing heavily.
"He hurt you, Pippin, didn't he?" asked Frodo quietly. It wasn't really a question and they both knew it.
Frodo saw moisture in Pippin's eyes rise, then subside just as quickly.
"Merry would never hurt me," countered Pippin.
"We heard screams yesterday evening," said Frodo. "Yours."
Pippin blushed. He was in pain, but had no wish to share the humiliation of his punishment with Frodo. The discipline session was an intimate experience between Pippin and Merry. Frodo did not need to be made party to Pip's immaturity.
"Pippin, what happened?"
Pip ignored Frodo's direct question, deciding instead to ask an asinine one of his own.
"Did you sleep well, Frodo?"
Frodo nearly laughed. The young Took was too much.
"Very well, Pippin, thank you," answered Frodo with false chipperness. "Now be a good lad and untie your bone-tired cousin."
"You know I can't do that, Frodo," muttered Pippin with the vague aura of authority completely undermined by his inability to meet Frodo's eyes. "You and Sam upset Merry very much when you tried to go."
Pippin stood up slowly, wincing as his trousers scraped against his injuries. Pippin wrapped his arms around Frodo's shoulders and kissed his cheek.
"I don't understand why you want to leave us, Frodo. We love you so dearly!"
Frodo sighed audibly, and Pippin mistook that sigh as a sign of repentance.
"I'm afraid Merry is very angry with you, Frodo," warned Pippin. Pippin moved his lips to Frodo's ear and whispered, "But I'm not cross with you, Frodo. I've made mistakes too. And Merry forgave me despite everything. I bet he'll forgive you too."
"Merry should not have struck you, Pippin," replied Frodo gently. "and he should not have asked you to help him do this to me." This is wrong, Peregrin. You know it's wrong.
Pippin shuddered remembering the night before. Frodo bound drugged and dragged through his own house.. How did all of this happen so fast? Frodo....Frodo! Of all people, his kind, gentle cousin was at this very moment before him, bound hand and foot and lashed to a chair. And Pip had helped to do it! He was keeping the wisest person he knew from his chosen path because Merry-- Ah! Yes, that was it. Merry. Merry had said it was the right course.
Pip had let Merry down and paid for it in pain. Yet, Merry had trusted Pippin enough to help him with Frodo. He'd trusted Pippin again despite everything! Pip recalled turning the key to lock Sam in, pulling the loop of rope around Frodo's head as Merry held him, and kneeling down, despite his pain, to bind Frodo's eyes. It felt wonderful to show Merry he could do this thing right. But binding Frodo's eyes as he cried out in anguish did not feel so wonderful. Despite Merry's constant assertions that they were helping Frodo, this felt wrong, wrong, wrong. Pip chased out the doubts, and remembered Merry's soft words as they lay in bed together, Merry's arms holding Pippin not only tight, but also together.
Merry had shown Pip why it was necessary--had explained why persuasion was the only course of action at the moment. Frodo was wise, yes, but Merry-- Merry was smart. Merry was clever. And surely Merry knew best. Pippin understood that while wisdom was certainly useful while one was expounding upon the benefits of education and the evils of politics, smart was what one needed in a situation as dire as that concerning the Ring. And clever was what would see them through and allow them to offer the help that Frodo, in all his wisdom, could not see that he needed. Fortunately for Frodo, Merry did see - and had been kind enough to show Pippin. And Pippin had learned. Yes, it had been a lesson learned at the end of a strap of leather, but that was a small price to pay for this newfound understanding.
"Pippin," continued Frodo. "Merry's going to hurt me, isn't he?" That was not a question either and once again, Pippin refused to meet Frodo's gaze.
Pippin broke out of his disquieting reverie. Pippin said nothing, wondering to himself why Frodo thought he could escape just punishment. But Merry had said it best. Without punishment, he'd never learn. Pippin had learned. So would Frodo.
"Maybe he'll go easier on you because you are an adult," whispered Pippin.
"But Pip," asserted Frodo. "You're an adult too."
Frodo could sense the enormous impact his words had on Pippin. Pippin's arms tightened around Frodo in adoration and Frodo felt the soft plunks of tears falling on his neck.
Surprised at the reaction, Frodo decided to press on. Addled by drugged tea and bound to a chair he may be, but stupid he was not. He recognized an opportunity when he saw one and seized this one with both hands. Merry remained asleep, so it seemed by the slow rising and falling of the lump underneath the blankets so Frodo thought it safe to pursue this avenue that had just opened up to him as if in answer to a prayer and he plunged.
"I know you don't officially come into your majority for five more years, Pippin," said Frodo, "but I've thought of you as a mature hobbit for years now. You're not a child, and whatever Merry did to you, you did not deserve it, Peregrin."
Pippin said nothing, taking in the words.
"And, Pip," continued Frodo, "I don't deserve to be punished any more than you did. But you can help make things right again, Pippin. Help us."
Pippin kissed Frodo's cheek.
"You are kind, cousin," said Pippin, his voice cracking with emotion. "But you don't know Merry like I do. What he does he does because he loves us so much. He loves you, Frodo."
"Does he love you, Pip?" asked Frodo. "And will he show me that love in the same way he shows it to you, Pip? Will he seduce me and beat me bloody when I disobey him?"
"I didn't disobey him!" Pippin said indignantly. "I simply made a mistake and had to pay for it."
"And being beaten so hard you can barely stand is just punishment for a mistake?" Frodo countered. "THINK, Peregrin!"
"ENOUGH!" came a voice from the bed.
Merry bounced from the bed fully clothed and wide-awake. Pip startled back in obvious fear. Merry approached Pippin, his features softening.
"You have no need to fear me, Pippin, dear. You've done nothing wrong. You 've passed the test. Now I know I can trust you."
Merry gathered the shaking, startled Took in his arms and kissed his forehead.
Pip peeked out at Frodo from over Merry's elbow, making sure Frodo noticed how kind his Merry was. Frodo grimaced and thought that if he'd had anything in his stomach, it probably would have ended up all over his lap after being witness to this scene.
"Now, Pip, run along," ordered Merry sweetly. "I need to speak to Frodo and we need some time alone now. Go fetch some bread and stick it under the door for Sam. And -" Merry threw Pippin the key, "make sure the bolt is pulled all the way to the right. We don't want to take any more chances with mishaps."
Pip nodded, a ridiculous smile gracing his once forlorn features.
"Good Lad," laughed Merry. "Now go on and do not disturb us."
Frodo watched silently as Pip limped out the door and closed it cautiously behind him. Frodo noted the immediate change in Merry's demeanor. Cold flames came back into his eyes. Frodo admitted to himself that he was afraid. Fear did not stop his words.
"How could you do that to Pip, Merry? Have you taken leave of your senses?"
Frodo was answered by a stinging slap that burst his lip and he grimaced at the taste of hot copper on his tongue.
"Let me tell you how this little talk will proceed, Frodo," announced Merry coldly. "I will talk, you will listen. You have betrayed me, Frodo. Again." Merry stepped over to the bedstand beside Frodo and picked up the discarded cloth that had been Frodo's blindfold.
If you cannot listen silently and obediently," threatened Merry holding up the cloth, "I will be forced to gag you."
"Merry -" started Frodo.
"Too late!" replied Merry as he roughly pulled the cloth over Frodo's protesting mouth and tied it around his head.
"Now then," continued Merry. "Where were we?".
* * *
Sam awoke to find himself curled up against the heavy door that separated him from his beloved master. He had pounded, kicked at, and screamed at the door for hours until, exhausted, sleep had finally overtaken him.
"You've failed him - you ninnyhammer! You let them take him from you!" Sam admonished himself, though he remained silently amazed at how quickly the abduction had occurred. Well, Samwise got him into this mess; Samwise will get him out, decided Sam. If he had to burrow through the door with his teeth or dig a tunnel through the floor with his fingernails, he'd get them out.
Suddenly, Sam heard soft, hesitant footsteps approaching the door. Since his master was otherwise occupied and Merry's steps could hardly be considered hesitant, the process of elimination left only one more possibility - Pippin.
"Samwise!" called Pippin through the door. Sam wrinkled his nose before he could stop himself and felt his fists clench. "I've brought you some bread slices. I'm going to slide them under the door."
Thinking more quickly than he would have ever dreamed of giving himself credit for, he seized upon the first ruse that came to mind and threw himself into it with gusto. "Pippin!" cried Sam. "Pippin! Thank heavens you've come! You must help me! I fell back kicking the door."
"I can't Sam," answered Pippin. "I-"
Sam screeched out the most soul-piercing moan he could muster, followed by a parade of whimpers. They may have been dueling with Meriadoc, Master of Trickery for the past endless days, but Sam, for one, had been taking notes. More than one could play at this game.
"Pip! Pip! The pain! It's unimaginable! I've been here all night!"
"Where do you hurt, Sam?" asked Pip, clearly both convinced and concerned.
..."I don't know, Master Pip, I think I might have hurt something INSIDE if you follow. It's hurting something awful and I've sicked up some blood. My leg is bent at a strange angle. I can't move it no how! I know I shouldn't ought to have pounded the door! But -aaaahhhhhaaa- it hurts, Master Pip! It hurts!" Sam said a silent prayer that Pippin was as gullible as he sounded and held his breath.
Pippin was of two minds. Merry had not given him permission to open the door, but Merry had also been clear about not wanting to hurt Frodo or Sam. Pippin did not dare interrupt Merry and Frodo to ask what he should do. He had been granted a private discipline session, and Frodo deserved the same respect. Pippin had to make the right decision here. He had to show Merry he could be an adult but he also had to be very careful about making another mistake. The sound of leather cutting air came quickly to his mind and he shuddered and pushed the thought away. Pippin finally came to the decision that Merry would be furious if Pippin let Sam die-especially after their long, intense talk the night before about helping his cousin and his servant. A little hot water and some clean dressing surely was the least he could offer until Merry could be consulted.
"Sam!" called Pippin. "I'm going to fetch you some hot water and some clean linen. I'll be right back!"
"Oh thank you, merciful Peregrin!" croaked Sam, smiling victoriously on the other side of the door.
Sam waited impatiently for Pippin to return, contemplating the very best angle from which to ensnare the young Took. He'd have to get the job done fast and keep things quiet or lose the only advantage he had managed to gain since this whole nightmare had started. Within minutes, he heard the same halting steps moving down the corridor towards his room.
"Move back, Samwise," announced Pippin. "I'm coming in."
Sam cheered inwardly, and stood, back to the wall, beside the doorway. He'd have to move quickly.
Pippin leaned his curly head through the door.
"Sa---?!"
Quick as lightening, Sam thrust out his arm, closed his fingers around Pippin's wrist, jerked him through the doorway, and shoved him to the middle of the room as Sam shut the door with a foot. Pippin's gasp of utter shock was drowned out by the loud clanging and splashing from the basin of water that had been set flying from Pippin's grasp. It trundled loudly and rolled across the floor, hitting the far wall with a hollow thud.
Pippin spun around to face his assailant, the very un-injured Samwise.
Pippin stared at Sam, aghast.
"You're not injured!" cried Pippin in dismay.
Sam smiled wryly as he placed himself solidly in front of the door.
"That so?"
TBC
BTW-Sam is very heroic next chapter, but he makes a lousy hostage-taker!
To my reviewers!
Iorhael-oh there is going to be a mountain of Frodo angst coming up next chapter-as you-the queen of Frodo torment should savor. Hey-your Evil!Merry inspired mine! And I love the direction your story is taking- esp because it is so unpredictable!
Natta-More angst coming up!
Seon-Welcome aboard! Draw up a seat once you've caught up and join the conversation!
Kyotyred-I'm glad you said that! Because they'll be enuf torment to go around! I think most readers here love Frodo.
Calla-Frodo breaking coming right up!
QTPie- I think Chapters 22 and 23 have Frodo angst bouncing off the walls. I shuddered just thinking about this stuff!
Alisaundre- Sam is on the verge of emotional exhaustion, but will not break. He is a big key to the story. And you'll get your Frodo fix!
Blue Jedi Hobbit-Oh-they might be getting another chance to escape soon! Leave it to Sam.
AndysPrincess-they have been in custody for several days now-but neight Sam or Frodo is sure because the drugging has chipped away at that part of their stability and reality-which is part of what Merry wants.
Sue-glad you like the story! I think you reviewed when I had the wrong chapter up-go back if you have read this one-because you missed the one before it!
MBradford-well you wont have to wait for long, but the REAL heavy stuff is in chapters 23 and 24.
Endymion and John Lennon across the universe. -both of you liked the bit with Sam waking up and trying to run. I will give credit where credit is due-that bit was the brainchild of my lovely beta, Aratlitheil who, I swear, has a doctorate in angst. Nad some of the stuff she's come up with in later chapters whew! (sweats, cries)
Aratlitheil-speak of the devil! My beta!! Oh-the bad influence goes both ways, and of course, Evil!Merry controls it all! I can't think of a better way to spend my time than thinking up new ways to torment Frodo!
Frodo slogged to awareness, immediately sentient to the fact that he would dislike his new situation. It had seemed like just minutes ago that Merry and Pip had managed to drag him out of the room, away from his Sam. The bright sunlight streaming through the big round window told him differently. Many hours had passed. Night had faded into daybreak and daybreak matured into afternoon while Frodo had floated in a dreamless slumber. Although, considering the aches in his various limbs and the sluggishness of his thoughts, slumber might be too kind of a word for the state he had been in for the past hours.
Frodo fully expected to wake up bound. Nevertheless, he cringed deeply to find that he'd been right, and then some. Frodo was seated in a sturdy wooden chair and bound with far too much rope. Frodo's arms were trussed tightly behind his back. By wriggling his fingers, Frodo felt that enough rope had been used to pass as a muff. Each of his legs had been fastened to a leg of the chair by cords that snaked without gaps from his ankles to his knees. In addition, two more ridiculously long pieces of rope bound Frodo to the back of the chair at both his shoulders and his waist. In Frodo's estimation, his cousins had used four times as much rope than was actually required to restrain him, not that he had had much experience in the matter up until a few days ago, but he was learning quickly. Frodo smiled gravely, understanding that Merry was taking no chances this time. Frodo hoped Sam was alright, though he sensed it was he himself who was in the most immediate peril.
Frodo considered his surroundings before releasing his inner demons of self- reproach. He was in Merry's room; his chair set as far from the heavy oaken door as the room would allow. His chair had been placed between Bilbo 's intricately carved wardrobe and the bed was now occupied by Merry and Pippin.
Frodo stared for a few moments at his slumbering cousins, curled up together under the sheets like napping kittens. They looked so beautiful, so precious as they slept, the yellow sunlight picking out the copper of Pippin 's locks and the gold of Merry's curls. It seemed that they both smiled. They looked so innocent in slumber, like the way he remembered them before...before all of this madness. Frodo imagined for a moment Merry and Pippin awakening, forgetting the horrible deeds of the last few days, unbinding him with kisses and abashed apologies, and sending him and Sam on their way. If only everything could go back to the way it had been just a few days before! Better yet, back to before the day Bilbo left - before the time when the ring had become his own burden.
A shock of loneliness shot through Frodo as he watched his cousins sleep. He missed Bilbo, Oh Elbereth! How he missed Bilbo! And here, devoid of allies in this sunlit room, Frodo missed Sam, his protector and companion. Frodo missed Pippin, the way they had been. And he even missed Merry. This malicious Ring had stolen away his beloved cousin and replaced him with someone he did not know. Nor wanted to.
Frodo was wretchedly uncomfortable, each and every one of his muscles protesting for some tiny range of moment. Yet Frodo did not want Pippin and Merry to wake up just yet. While the cousins slept, he could still close his eyes, close his mind, and pretend this was all a bad dream.
Frodo glanced out the big round window that dominated the wall beside the bed. A gentle breeze rustled the fall leaves outside. Frodo noted the autumn view partially obscured by two large, flat planks crisscrossing the window from the outside. Surely this bracing was put there for his "benefit." Frodo did not need to look down at the chair legs to know that the chair itself had somehow been secured in place. Merry would have put as many extra steps in a second escape attempt as possible. Leastwise, Frodo wouldn't be crawling out of the window anytime soon.
A sudden stiff breeze dragged the tip of a tree branch across the window, stirring little Pippin's eyes to blink open. A concerned look washed over Pippin's face as he sleepily noted his cousin situated in the room like a piece of furniture. He blinked several times, trying to focus his eyes and his mind on the strange situation. Then he remembered. He'd helped do this for Merry. This all was part of the plan. Pippin's eyes met with Frodo's and he met his cousin's glance with a sheepish, sleepy grin.
"Hullo, Frodo," muttered Pip sleepily.
Frodo was smart enough to see Pip as the weakest link between the united front of his two cousins. Frodo would be sweet to his cousin, despite the deeds done under direction from Merry. Frodo's ability to forgive, and, perhaps, recruit Pip might be his salvation. Frodo smiled back at Pippin, trying to ignore his ludicrous bonds.
Pip gently pulled Merry's arm off from around his waist so as not to wake him. Slowly and languorously, Pippin rolled out of bed. He was naked. Sudden realization hit Frodo with the understanding that Pip was much worse off than he had thought. Pip was being used - emotionally and sexually. No wonder his cousin was in such a confused state. Gods! What was Merry doing to the lad? Frodo watched as Pippin sank to his hands and knees to pick up his shirt and breeches beside the bed, the he rose slowly and purposefully to his feet, using the bed to brace himself. Frodo sucked in his breath, shocked by what he saw. Enormous bruises and cruel welts covered Pippin's entire bottom and much of his lower back. The plaintive screams that Sam had described echoing through the halls came back to Frodo's mind. Merry had punished Pippin with terrible force and uncommon violence. Frodo felt hot rage boil in his heart as he thought of all his younger cousin must have been suffering lately. He felt his heart harden and struggled against it, reminding himself that the creature sleeping in the bed was no longer his cousin and if Frodo could just get out of this hopeless situation, he could find a way to bring Merry back.
Pippin stiffly dressed himself, wincing as any part of his clothing brushed over any part of his back. Turning to Frodo, Pippin smiled as if nothing was wrong. Pippin approached him with a very distinct limp. Closing the short distance between he and Frodo with preternatural care. Pip winced with each step, bracing himself against every sturdy object, bed, bedstand, and finally, chair. By the time Pippin was kneeling in front of Frodo, he was blanched and breathing heavily.
"He hurt you, Pippin, didn't he?" asked Frodo quietly. It wasn't really a question and they both knew it.
Frodo saw moisture in Pippin's eyes rise, then subside just as quickly.
"Merry would never hurt me," countered Pippin.
"We heard screams yesterday evening," said Frodo. "Yours."
Pippin blushed. He was in pain, but had no wish to share the humiliation of his punishment with Frodo. The discipline session was an intimate experience between Pippin and Merry. Frodo did not need to be made party to Pip's immaturity.
"Pippin, what happened?"
Pip ignored Frodo's direct question, deciding instead to ask an asinine one of his own.
"Did you sleep well, Frodo?"
Frodo nearly laughed. The young Took was too much.
"Very well, Pippin, thank you," answered Frodo with false chipperness. "Now be a good lad and untie your bone-tired cousin."
"You know I can't do that, Frodo," muttered Pippin with the vague aura of authority completely undermined by his inability to meet Frodo's eyes. "You and Sam upset Merry very much when you tried to go."
Pippin stood up slowly, wincing as his trousers scraped against his injuries. Pippin wrapped his arms around Frodo's shoulders and kissed his cheek.
"I don't understand why you want to leave us, Frodo. We love you so dearly!"
Frodo sighed audibly, and Pippin mistook that sigh as a sign of repentance.
"I'm afraid Merry is very angry with you, Frodo," warned Pippin. Pippin moved his lips to Frodo's ear and whispered, "But I'm not cross with you, Frodo. I've made mistakes too. And Merry forgave me despite everything. I bet he'll forgive you too."
"Merry should not have struck you, Pippin," replied Frodo gently. "and he should not have asked you to help him do this to me." This is wrong, Peregrin. You know it's wrong.
Pippin shuddered remembering the night before. Frodo bound drugged and dragged through his own house.. How did all of this happen so fast? Frodo....Frodo! Of all people, his kind, gentle cousin was at this very moment before him, bound hand and foot and lashed to a chair. And Pip had helped to do it! He was keeping the wisest person he knew from his chosen path because Merry-- Ah! Yes, that was it. Merry. Merry had said it was the right course.
Pip had let Merry down and paid for it in pain. Yet, Merry had trusted Pippin enough to help him with Frodo. He'd trusted Pippin again despite everything! Pip recalled turning the key to lock Sam in, pulling the loop of rope around Frodo's head as Merry held him, and kneeling down, despite his pain, to bind Frodo's eyes. It felt wonderful to show Merry he could do this thing right. But binding Frodo's eyes as he cried out in anguish did not feel so wonderful. Despite Merry's constant assertions that they were helping Frodo, this felt wrong, wrong, wrong. Pip chased out the doubts, and remembered Merry's soft words as they lay in bed together, Merry's arms holding Pippin not only tight, but also together.
Merry had shown Pip why it was necessary--had explained why persuasion was the only course of action at the moment. Frodo was wise, yes, but Merry-- Merry was smart. Merry was clever. And surely Merry knew best. Pippin understood that while wisdom was certainly useful while one was expounding upon the benefits of education and the evils of politics, smart was what one needed in a situation as dire as that concerning the Ring. And clever was what would see them through and allow them to offer the help that Frodo, in all his wisdom, could not see that he needed. Fortunately for Frodo, Merry did see - and had been kind enough to show Pippin. And Pippin had learned. Yes, it had been a lesson learned at the end of a strap of leather, but that was a small price to pay for this newfound understanding.
"Pippin," continued Frodo. "Merry's going to hurt me, isn't he?" That was not a question either and once again, Pippin refused to meet Frodo's gaze.
Pippin broke out of his disquieting reverie. Pippin said nothing, wondering to himself why Frodo thought he could escape just punishment. But Merry had said it best. Without punishment, he'd never learn. Pippin had learned. So would Frodo.
"Maybe he'll go easier on you because you are an adult," whispered Pippin.
"But Pip," asserted Frodo. "You're an adult too."
Frodo could sense the enormous impact his words had on Pippin. Pippin's arms tightened around Frodo in adoration and Frodo felt the soft plunks of tears falling on his neck.
Surprised at the reaction, Frodo decided to press on. Addled by drugged tea and bound to a chair he may be, but stupid he was not. He recognized an opportunity when he saw one and seized this one with both hands. Merry remained asleep, so it seemed by the slow rising and falling of the lump underneath the blankets so Frodo thought it safe to pursue this avenue that had just opened up to him as if in answer to a prayer and he plunged.
"I know you don't officially come into your majority for five more years, Pippin," said Frodo, "but I've thought of you as a mature hobbit for years now. You're not a child, and whatever Merry did to you, you did not deserve it, Peregrin."
Pippin said nothing, taking in the words.
"And, Pip," continued Frodo, "I don't deserve to be punished any more than you did. But you can help make things right again, Pippin. Help us."
Pippin kissed Frodo's cheek.
"You are kind, cousin," said Pippin, his voice cracking with emotion. "But you don't know Merry like I do. What he does he does because he loves us so much. He loves you, Frodo."
"Does he love you, Pip?" asked Frodo. "And will he show me that love in the same way he shows it to you, Pip? Will he seduce me and beat me bloody when I disobey him?"
"I didn't disobey him!" Pippin said indignantly. "I simply made a mistake and had to pay for it."
"And being beaten so hard you can barely stand is just punishment for a mistake?" Frodo countered. "THINK, Peregrin!"
"ENOUGH!" came a voice from the bed.
Merry bounced from the bed fully clothed and wide-awake. Pip startled back in obvious fear. Merry approached Pippin, his features softening.
"You have no need to fear me, Pippin, dear. You've done nothing wrong. You 've passed the test. Now I know I can trust you."
Merry gathered the shaking, startled Took in his arms and kissed his forehead.
Pip peeked out at Frodo from over Merry's elbow, making sure Frodo noticed how kind his Merry was. Frodo grimaced and thought that if he'd had anything in his stomach, it probably would have ended up all over his lap after being witness to this scene.
"Now, Pip, run along," ordered Merry sweetly. "I need to speak to Frodo and we need some time alone now. Go fetch some bread and stick it under the door for Sam. And -" Merry threw Pippin the key, "make sure the bolt is pulled all the way to the right. We don't want to take any more chances with mishaps."
Pip nodded, a ridiculous smile gracing his once forlorn features.
"Good Lad," laughed Merry. "Now go on and do not disturb us."
Frodo watched silently as Pip limped out the door and closed it cautiously behind him. Frodo noted the immediate change in Merry's demeanor. Cold flames came back into his eyes. Frodo admitted to himself that he was afraid. Fear did not stop his words.
"How could you do that to Pip, Merry? Have you taken leave of your senses?"
Frodo was answered by a stinging slap that burst his lip and he grimaced at the taste of hot copper on his tongue.
"Let me tell you how this little talk will proceed, Frodo," announced Merry coldly. "I will talk, you will listen. You have betrayed me, Frodo. Again." Merry stepped over to the bedstand beside Frodo and picked up the discarded cloth that had been Frodo's blindfold.
If you cannot listen silently and obediently," threatened Merry holding up the cloth, "I will be forced to gag you."
"Merry -" started Frodo.
"Too late!" replied Merry as he roughly pulled the cloth over Frodo's protesting mouth and tied it around his head.
"Now then," continued Merry. "Where were we?".
* * *
Sam awoke to find himself curled up against the heavy door that separated him from his beloved master. He had pounded, kicked at, and screamed at the door for hours until, exhausted, sleep had finally overtaken him.
"You've failed him - you ninnyhammer! You let them take him from you!" Sam admonished himself, though he remained silently amazed at how quickly the abduction had occurred. Well, Samwise got him into this mess; Samwise will get him out, decided Sam. If he had to burrow through the door with his teeth or dig a tunnel through the floor with his fingernails, he'd get them out.
Suddenly, Sam heard soft, hesitant footsteps approaching the door. Since his master was otherwise occupied and Merry's steps could hardly be considered hesitant, the process of elimination left only one more possibility - Pippin.
"Samwise!" called Pippin through the door. Sam wrinkled his nose before he could stop himself and felt his fists clench. "I've brought you some bread slices. I'm going to slide them under the door."
Thinking more quickly than he would have ever dreamed of giving himself credit for, he seized upon the first ruse that came to mind and threw himself into it with gusto. "Pippin!" cried Sam. "Pippin! Thank heavens you've come! You must help me! I fell back kicking the door."
"I can't Sam," answered Pippin. "I-"
Sam screeched out the most soul-piercing moan he could muster, followed by a parade of whimpers. They may have been dueling with Meriadoc, Master of Trickery for the past endless days, but Sam, for one, had been taking notes. More than one could play at this game.
"Pip! Pip! The pain! It's unimaginable! I've been here all night!"
"Where do you hurt, Sam?" asked Pip, clearly both convinced and concerned.
..."I don't know, Master Pip, I think I might have hurt something INSIDE if you follow. It's hurting something awful and I've sicked up some blood. My leg is bent at a strange angle. I can't move it no how! I know I shouldn't ought to have pounded the door! But -aaaahhhhhaaa- it hurts, Master Pip! It hurts!" Sam said a silent prayer that Pippin was as gullible as he sounded and held his breath.
Pippin was of two minds. Merry had not given him permission to open the door, but Merry had also been clear about not wanting to hurt Frodo or Sam. Pippin did not dare interrupt Merry and Frodo to ask what he should do. He had been granted a private discipline session, and Frodo deserved the same respect. Pippin had to make the right decision here. He had to show Merry he could be an adult but he also had to be very careful about making another mistake. The sound of leather cutting air came quickly to his mind and he shuddered and pushed the thought away. Pippin finally came to the decision that Merry would be furious if Pippin let Sam die-especially after their long, intense talk the night before about helping his cousin and his servant. A little hot water and some clean dressing surely was the least he could offer until Merry could be consulted.
"Sam!" called Pippin. "I'm going to fetch you some hot water and some clean linen. I'll be right back!"
"Oh thank you, merciful Peregrin!" croaked Sam, smiling victoriously on the other side of the door.
Sam waited impatiently for Pippin to return, contemplating the very best angle from which to ensnare the young Took. He'd have to get the job done fast and keep things quiet or lose the only advantage he had managed to gain since this whole nightmare had started. Within minutes, he heard the same halting steps moving down the corridor towards his room.
"Move back, Samwise," announced Pippin. "I'm coming in."
Sam cheered inwardly, and stood, back to the wall, beside the doorway. He'd have to move quickly.
Pippin leaned his curly head through the door.
"Sa---?!"
Quick as lightening, Sam thrust out his arm, closed his fingers around Pippin's wrist, jerked him through the doorway, and shoved him to the middle of the room as Sam shut the door with a foot. Pippin's gasp of utter shock was drowned out by the loud clanging and splashing from the basin of water that had been set flying from Pippin's grasp. It trundled loudly and rolled across the floor, hitting the far wall with a hollow thud.
Pippin spun around to face his assailant, the very un-injured Samwise.
Pippin stared at Sam, aghast.
"You're not injured!" cried Pippin in dismay.
Sam smiled wryly as he placed himself solidly in front of the door.
"That so?"
TBC
BTW-Sam is very heroic next chapter, but he makes a lousy hostage-taker!
To my reviewers!
Iorhael-oh there is going to be a mountain of Frodo angst coming up next chapter-as you-the queen of Frodo torment should savor. Hey-your Evil!Merry inspired mine! And I love the direction your story is taking- esp because it is so unpredictable!
Natta-More angst coming up!
Seon-Welcome aboard! Draw up a seat once you've caught up and join the conversation!
Kyotyred-I'm glad you said that! Because they'll be enuf torment to go around! I think most readers here love Frodo.
Calla-Frodo breaking coming right up!
QTPie- I think Chapters 22 and 23 have Frodo angst bouncing off the walls. I shuddered just thinking about this stuff!
Alisaundre- Sam is on the verge of emotional exhaustion, but will not break. He is a big key to the story. And you'll get your Frodo fix!
Blue Jedi Hobbit-Oh-they might be getting another chance to escape soon! Leave it to Sam.
AndysPrincess-they have been in custody for several days now-but neight Sam or Frodo is sure because the drugging has chipped away at that part of their stability and reality-which is part of what Merry wants.
Sue-glad you like the story! I think you reviewed when I had the wrong chapter up-go back if you have read this one-because you missed the one before it!
MBradford-well you wont have to wait for long, but the REAL heavy stuff is in chapters 23 and 24.
Endymion and John Lennon across the universe. -both of you liked the bit with Sam waking up and trying to run. I will give credit where credit is due-that bit was the brainchild of my lovely beta, Aratlitheil who, I swear, has a doctorate in angst. Nad some of the stuff she's come up with in later chapters whew! (sweats, cries)
Aratlitheil-speak of the devil! My beta!! Oh-the bad influence goes both ways, and of course, Evil!Merry controls it all! I can't think of a better way to spend my time than thinking up new ways to torment Frodo!