Moria's Revenge - Chapter 35 Shocked
Authors: Kookaburra and Llinos
Beta: Marigold
******
Sam stared in speechless horror at the crimson blood that was now spreading over Frodo's coverlet. His dismay only lasted a second, and in the next moment he grabbed a corner of the linen sheet and pressed it as hard as he could to try and stem the bleeding.
"Melystra!" He shouted, using the lady elf's first name only in his panic. "Frodo needs help! Please hurry!" then to Frodo Sam said softly, trying to keep his voice even and reassuring, "Don't you worry, Mr Frodo, Sam's here, your Sam's got you..."
The door to the healing chamber swung widely as Melystra, Silael, and Deilen rushed in. The three had been restocking supplies in another room when they heard Sam's shout. The sturdy hobbit slid off the bed to make room without being told as the three elves surrounded Frodo. Melystra snatched the food tray up and away so that it did not get upset in all the commotion, Deilen pressed his hand in the spot Sam's had just vacated, and Silael drew out a small blade and started to cut the bandages from Frodo's shoulder. "What happened?" demanded the healer as he worked at getting the bandages off from under the pressure of Deilen's hand.
"We were just eating, and then his shoulder started to bleed!" Sam stammered, wringing his hands at his helplessness. "Is Mr Frodo going to be all right?"
"Are you sure that's all he was doing?" Melystra asked suspiciously. "He must have moved it awkwardly at least."
"Well, err um, I don't rightly know what..." Sam stuttered. He would have liked to explain what had happened but was embarrassed that Frodo had disobeyed orders to let himself be fed.
"It was my fault," Frodo murmured, "I'm sorry... I didn't... didn't want..." He broke off too pained and weak to speak further.
"You lie still Frodo Baggins." Silael said quickly as he finally managed to remove the last shreds of the bandage to expose the wound that was pumping blood at a steady and frightening rate with every beat of Frodo's heart. "Don't try to talk, you'll only distress your injury further."
"But it wasss... me... I... I... please... please don't...let…Merry... the Ring!" Frodo gasped desperately, trying to make them understand.
"Hush Frodo," Melystra soothed the hobbit's forehead as Silael packed a thick wad of gauze against the damaged shoulder, holding it there as it quickly became drenched with blood and then rapidly replacing it with another.
"It's not slowing," Silael whispered, quietly but with a note of panic in his usually calm voice. "I'll have to sew the artery… if I can."
Deilen, freed from applying pressure to the reopened wound now that Silael had taken over, swiftly moved to gather the required tools. Sam stood trembling at the end of the bed, peering over the rail at his master. "He will be all right? Please! He'll be all right won't he?" The elves were too busy and too unsure at that point to answer.
+~****~+
Merry was a meticulous creature and liked order and routine in his life. The Quest had thrown much of this existence into disarray, although he was not so pedantic as to count the cost of such a disruption when it was for the sake of his friends.
But the awful things that had happened to his dear little Pippin had frustrated him beyond measure. Gladly, if he could turn back time, would Merry have taken his place and suffered the ordeal in his cousin's stead. Every rest he had taken since Pippin's kidnapping by the orcs had been uneasy, riven with guilt and self-recriminations. Now it was up to him to help Pippin to make a terrible and drastic choice and, although it was a daunting task, Merry saw it as his chance to try and do his best for Pippin and to repair a little of the damage he felt so responsible for.
He would be equal to the task, Merry decided, regardless of what his inner doubts told him. He could and he would help Pippin make the right choice. In order to do this the future Master of Buckland approached the task in a way his father would have approved, using the training and discipline he had been taught from an early age. Merry would lay his plan carefully. He would draw from Pippin all the details of what had happened, once and for all, so that his young cousin would know whether or not he would ever be able to live with those recollections and know that he was not to blame for what had happened. Perhaps even to realise that he should be proud of his strength in surviving the ordeal.
But if Pippin found that once he had recalled all that had happened to him that he could not live with it, he could make the decision to have his memories of everything erased. It would mean starting again, at the age of twenty-eight. To become as an infant once more and relearn the entire sum of his knowledge, starting with how to walk and talk.
Merry realised he was being selfish, but the thought that appalled him the most, was not seeing his cousin reduced to a mewling infant, but that Pippin would not know him anymore. Would remember nothing of their childhood together, of their ever-growing friendship and love for each other.
But, on the other hand, his cousin would be able to live again, free from the torment of what had happened to him. Merry knew that it had to be Pippin's own decision and he would not try to influence it to what he, himself wanted. But he would do his very best to help Pippin come to terms with what had happened.
Pippin was still munching happily on his food, taking the occasional sip of wine from the cup into which Aragorn had poured a miniscule amount of the rich red liquid, a damp goblet, he had called it laughingly. The little hobbit's memory was still blanked by the enchantment Galadriel had woven about his mind - a temporary state that She had warned would not last longer than the evening, perhaps four or five hours.
A whole evening, Merry thought, four or five hours in which Pippin could be happy and laugh and smile and not know what had been done to him. Seeing his cousin's face like that was such a relief, Merry felt as if a tremendous weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Yet it would not last, and Pippin would once more become the terrified, trembling, crying little mite who clung to his cousin or his nursing warg like a frightened infant in any case. "What's to lose for Pip?" Merry considered, "he hardly knows anything anyway at the moment. If he returned to infanthood, at least he would be happy and not haunted and tortured by his memories at every waking moment."
"What's the matter Merry?" Pippin suddenly jolted his cousin from his reverie. It surprised Merry doubly so, as he was not used to Pippin's voice sounding so light and happy - not any more. Not since before the terrible loss of Gandalf. That was when this nightmare had begun.
They had all been devastated and, unforgivably, he, Meriadoc, charged with the care of his younger cousin, had lost sight of Pippin, allowing the orcs to steal him and.. and... wreak their dreadful revenge upon his innocent body and mind. How long had it been? Merry calculated the time quickly in his head, each day had seemed like a lifetime. But it was only a week - seven of the longest days he had ever lived through.
"Sorry, Pip," Merry pulled himself back to the present. "I was just thinking... about... um... I don't know... nothing really." Merry was so glad to see Pippin's eyes shining, with no hint of horror or pain in them, that he actually managed a smile himself. "Are you enjoying your supper? Here have some more pie, Gimli made the pastry and Legolas made the mushrooms, it's very good isn't it."
"I'd actually like some more wine please." Pippin held out his goblet, "Come on Merry, you don't usually stint me."
"Not too much Pippin." Aragorn intervened. It was obvious that the hobbit had no recollection of what had happened to him at the moment. "You've been a bit sick and it might not be a good idea."
"I have?" Pippin's eyebrows shot up. "I feel perfectly well - I think I do. Well if I can't have more wine, I'll have more pie, thank you."
Merry and Aragorn bumped heads as they both quickly leaned over to serve Pip, anxious to give him more pie, before he queried the nature of his indisposition.
Pippin laughed out loud at the misfortune of his two companions. "Oh poor Merry, poor Strider!" he chortled. "That was a great meeting of minds." Pippin giggled for a while at his own wit, while everyone else at the table laughed and smiled, partly at the joke, but mostly from delight at seeing the little hobbit genuinely happy. Pip could barely remember the last time one of his witticisms had been so well received.
"But I'd like some more pie, before it's gone." Pippin beamed at Legolas and Gimli and raised his now empty goblet. "My compliments to the chefs, it is quite splendid!"
"Why thank you young hobbit." Gimli stood and bowed in response. "Gimli son of Gloin is happy to be at your service Master Took and at your family's."
"Oh you are full of courtesy, today, Mr Gimli, Sir." Pippin attempted to stand and bow in return, scattering his cushions in the process. But the wound in his stomach suddenly made itself felt, in spite of Galadriel's blanking of his mind. Merry and Aragorn, again as one, jumped to steady Pip and Aragorn lifted him as Merry replaced the cushions and they sat him carefully back down. "I think I hurt my belly." Pippin frowned at the searing pain that shot through him.
"Yes Pip," Merry climbed back into his own place, "don't move too quickly, you had a little bit of an accident."
"Owww! A big bit of an accident by the feel of it." Pippin squeezed his hands against his aching middle. But the sight of the pie reminded him he was still hungry. "But I think I could still manage a little more pie Merry." He glanced around him at the people seated at the table, frowning a little as he did not recognise everyone and then realising there were some people missing. "Or do we need to save some for Frodo and Sam? Oh and what about Gandalf? He's sure to want some, I know he likes mushrooms even though he pretends he doesn't."
"Frodo and Sam have already had some." Merry explained quickly, looking anxiously up at Aragorn hoping he would supply the rest of the answer.
"Do not worry about Gandalf for now, Pippin." Aragorn said gently. He would not lie, but he did not want to plunge the little one back into despair ere his brief respite were due to end. "You may finish the pie as you enjoyed it so much." He served the remaining pastry and filling onto Pippin's plate and watched with pleasure as Pippin set to once more.
As the hobbit happily demolished the contents of his plate, he suddenly felt a nudge against his leg and something heavy rested on his thigh. It was an odd feeling and Pippin could not place it, he thought it must be Merry trying to gain his attention. He pushed the whatever-it-was away and carried on eating. The nudge came again and Pippin muttered, "What do you want Merry? Can it wait? You can see I'm busy eating."
Merry looked at him with a puzzled expression, making Pippin glance down to see what the weight was on his leg. "Aiieee! Merry, help me!" Pippin struggled away from the large white muzzle that was pushing against him, trying to insinuate its big white furry head under his hand. "It's a great wolf – quick someone do something!" Pippin had crawled into Merry's lap to get as far away from the scary monster as he possibly could.
"Pip! It's all right." Merry soothed him. "She's quite tame, honestly." Pippin looked in astonishment as Merry reached out a hand to stroke the enormous white head. All he could see were the great gleaming fangs of the beast. "In fact, she's very fond of you. Why don't you pat her? She won't hurt you, I promise."
Aragorn left his seat once more to gently pet Icicle and show Pippin that he need not be afraid of the wolf-like warg. "Trust us Pippin, she only wants to be friends with you. Just reach out your hand to her."
Pippin, very nervously and with several questioning glances at both Aragorn and Merry, reached out a trembling hand to the great monster. To his amazement the fearsome wolf pushed her head under his hand and then moved around to lick his fingers. Growing in confidence, he ran his hand over her fur and gradually climbed off Merry's lap and back to his own chair. Icicle settled down again with her head in Pippin's lap and the hobbit, more puzzled than ever, carried on eating, glancing down every so often at the monstrous wolf that appeared to have befriended him.
+~****~+
Pippin was growing sleepy. His eyes were growing bigger and rounder and, in spite of his jolly spirits and happy chatter to the others, Aragorn decided that he should not be allowed to get over-tired on his first outing. He leaned over to Merry and whispered, "Pippin has had enough excitement for today, I think it's bedtime."
"But he's so... so Pip again Aragorn. Please let him stay a little longer and enjoy the rest of the day." Let me remember him as he was just a little longer, Merry thought desperately.
"Merry, you know that the Lady Galadriel's enchantment will wear off in another few hours." Aragorn had left his seat now, more easily to talk to Merry. "It would be better to get him settled back in bed before the memories return, don't you think?"
"Yes, I see that." the hobbit agreed, Pip's well being was what mattered, not what Merry wanted. "I'll tell him then." Merry put his arm around Pippin's shoulder and hugged him in closely. "Pip you must be tired. You know, it's your first day up since you were ill. You had best go to bed now."
"Ohh Merry, that's not fair." Pippin sulked. He had been in the midst of relating an anecdote to Gimli about how the frog he had caught ended up in Will Whitfoot's pocket at the Midsummer Free Fair and that the frog had made funny noises and wriggled about every time the stout, rotund mayor had spoken and how the old hobbit hadn't realised what everyone was laughing at. "I was just getting to the best part."
"You mean the part when your father had you by the ear and was about to take you back to the inn and lock you in the room for the rest of the fair." Merry laughed at the memory.
"Yes, and Bilbo and Cousin Ferumbras both said I couldn't possibly have done it because I'd been sitting up on the wall the whole time." Pippin giggled.
"Hmm!" Gimli scratched his head. "So who planted the frog in the mayor's pocket?"
"Why Merry of course!" Pippin squealed with mirth at the memory. "He always looks so innocent, nobody ever suspected him of tricks like that - well no one except Gandalf that is." Pippin looked around again, a puzzled frown replacing his laugh. "Where is he? I hoped he would come soon because I wanted to ask him to finish the story about Radagast the Brown that he was telling me in the caves."
"The only reason I planted the frog was to stop you from doing it and getting caught." Merry explained, mostly so that he could change the subject away from Gandalf again. "Pippin you never get away with any mischief, even when you are completely innocent."
"And you are not getting away with staying up any longer." Aragorn said firmly. "Come Master Peregrin, shall I bear you to your chamber, or will Boromir carry you?"
"I can walk." Pippin stated indignantly. He clambered down from the chair and looked for the first time with some surprise at the odd clothes he was wearing. "What is this, a fancy dress party?"
"Yes," laughed Boromir, "and I have been given a forfeit, which is to carry a hobbit up the stairs to his chamber and put him to bed for the night." Without further explanation, Boromir lifted Pippin up in his strong arms and began to carry him towards the flet.
"Boromir, that's not funny." Pippin protested. "I hadn't finished talking to Gimli."
"Well you can talk to him tomorrow," Boromir did not relent. "Healer's orders are that you rest now and no argument." The broad warrior kept a tight hold on Pippin, letting him know there was no reprieve to be had and the hobbit shrugged and hung on, looking over the hefty shoulder as he was marched towards the flet.
Merry had been suggesting to Gimli that now might be a good time to take Icicle for a walk and feed, as Pippin wasn't too sure of her at the moment. He suddenly realised that Boromir had started up the steps of the flet without him and, not wanting to be left behind, he hurried after the two as quickly as he could. As Merry trotted up the long winding steps to the healing chamber, he realised that Boromir and Pippin were getting further and further away every moment. They were about 100 feet up now and so Merry put on a little spurt, occasionally jumping up two steps at a time, going as fast as his hobbit legs would carry him.
Haldir and Legolas followed on with Aragorn behind them. Legolas started to call after Merry to be careful, he could see that the hobbit was getting slightly hasty in his hurry to catch up with Pippin as he traversed the spiral staircase. The flets had not been designed for hobbits and the central pole was slightly too far in for the smaller creatures to reach.
Pippin looked back to see Merry trying to catch up and whispered to Boromir, "Wait for Merry, he's getting left behind." Then he called out loud. "Come on Merry!"
Merry thought for a second that Pippin was troubled in some way and put on another extra spurt. He had just reached Boromir's heels when Pippin looked down at him with a grin. "You should get Aragorn to carry you up, it's much easier."
Merry opened his mouth to reply, but just as he did, his foot slipped on the wide step and as he brought his other foot down, he missed the actual platform and jolted down hard on the step below. He had now lost his balance completely and tried to grab something… anything solid to stop himself from falling. He found the edge of Boromir's cloak but, as he grasped it, he felt the Gondorian lurch backwards slightly with the jolt. Merry let go in a panic, terrified that he would pull Pippin and Boromir over with him and was suddenly falling through space to the echo of Pippin's terrified scream of "Meerrrrrryyyy!"
Time slowed. Merry felt himself tumble over and over. Felt his body turning in midair. Knew that when he hit the ground, the life would be crushed out of him. It was too high. He could not survive a fall like this. 'Goodbye Pip!' He thought. 'I'm sorry.'
+~****~+
Sam watched the elves bustle around Frodo and wrung his hands in frustration at his inability to do anything. Why had he given in to Mr Frodo? He was sure his gaffer would have some choice words to say to him if the elder hobbit could see Samwise now.
"Samwise." Silael's voice cut into Sam's thoughts. "Could you come here, please?"
Leaping up from the stool where he had been sitting, the sturdy hobbit quickly crossed to where the head healer stood. Without a word, Silael lifted Samwise and gently deposited him on the bed next to Frodo.
The horrible bloodstains were still on the covers, but the tainted sheets had been moved to one side. Now Frodo appeared to be sleeping peacefully, and a new bandage was bound to Sam's master's shoulder. Deilen had a hand on the dressing, and was apparently pressing down on it quite hard.
"Now, Samwise" Silael said finally, "you must listen carefully. We have stopped the bleeding now, but the wound still requires much to be kept still. Can you keep a careful watch on your master and be sure he does not move?" The elf smiled reassuringly at Sam, his expression, belaying any fears the hobbit might have had that he was being blamed for Frodo's relapse. "You must keep a careful watch on him and call us if he tries to put any strain on the injury. He needs to be completely still to have a chance to heal."
Sam nodded in understanding, and looked at Frodo's pale face, and asked, "How is Mr Frodo, Mr Silael? Is he going to be all right?"
At this, Frodo turned his head up and cracked open an eye. "I am well enough, Sam." he whispered. "Just a bit tired..."
"As well you should be, Master Baggins." Said Melystra sternly. "At least with as much blood as you lost, you will not be able to defy Samwise again." Sam blushed hard at the lady's words. He had not wanted them to think badly of him, but he also did not want them to think badly of Mr Frodo.
"We will be in the next room." interjected Silael. "If Frodo's arm starts to go numb, or his fingernails become very pale, call for us. And remember – do not let him move about." As one, the three elves turned and glided out of the room, leaving the two hobbits alone.
"Sam," Frodo said softly. " I'm so sorry..."
"No, Mr Frodo, shh- *I'm* sorry, I let you hurt yourself..."
Frodo heaved a sigh. "Sam, stop apologising, it was my fault. I deliberately went against healer's orders. I just...I just can't think of giving up the Ring, Sam." Frodo's voice lowered ominously. "I won't let them take it from me."
"Oh, Mr Frodo, now I've gone and made a mess out of things. I knew I should have let Mr Strider come and explain things. It's just we're all worried about you, and…" Sam stopped suddenly, bit his lip and looked down at the coverlet, refusing to meet Frodo's eyes.
"What is it Sam?" Frodo insisted. "Come, tell me what's bothering you."
Sam raised his gaze reluctantly. "Well, it's just this, Mr Frodo, and please don't be angry at your Sam for this, but," Sam paused, collecting his thoughts, "I would rather have you stay here, Mr Frodo. Here where it's safe. I'd hate to leave you, and a minute wouldn't go by when I wouldn't think of you, but if you were safe, I think it would be easier on my mind than to be with you on the road, and see you fall to some danger we don't even know about." Frodo was quiet for a moment, taking time to sort through Sam's rather confused little speech, then replied.
"What about me, Sam?"
"How do you mean, Mr Frodo?"
"Do you think it would be any easier on me, knowing that you and Merry are out there, with the hosts of Sauron at your heels, and that you will most likely not ever come back to me? Not," Frodo added with sardonic resignation in his voice, "to mention the Ring. I will not let anyone else carry it, much less my young cousin."
Frodo's voice had started carrying the threatening quality it had before when his shoulder wound reopened, and Sam decided to change the subject. "Well, we don't have to worry about that now, Mr Frodo. So why don't you close your eyes and try to get some sleep. Your Sam's here, and he'll watch over you."
Frodo soon calmed, and after awhile, slept with Sam keeping a vigil at his side.
+~****~+
" Meerrrrrryyyy!" Pippin screamed as he saw his cousin disappear over the edge of the stairwell "Nooooo! Nooooo! Nooooo! Merrryyyy!" He squeezed his eyes shut in horror and still he could see Merry's terrified face as he fell backwards into nothingness.
Boromir held the hobbit tightly to him, frantically wanting to look down and see what had happened to Merry, but petrified of what he knew he would see, a tiny crushed body, lying bloody and broken at the bottom of the great tree.
Pippin fought and panicked in his arms, struggling to get away, to somehow try and save his Merry, but Boromir hung on tightly, moving back from the edge with Pippin. For a moment his consciousness did a nightmarish somersault and he was back in the caves of Moria and the hobbit struggling in his arms was Frodo. His mind flashed back to that awful moment. He was pulling Frodo away and watching Gandalf fall into that terrible black void. His lips moved involuntarily and he whispered in recalled horror, "Gandalf! No!"
Boromir shook his head to clear the week-old image away. But the new one was no better. Pippin was hysterical, his fists were beating on Boromir's chest as he frantically tried to break away and find his cousin, hoping to deny the evidence of his own eyes.
Boromir moved a little further up the stairway until they reached a platform. There he sat down and pulled Pippin firmly to him. "Hush Pippin, you have to hush now, little one." He could not say it was all right, because it was not. Would never be. Not for Pippin without his Merry. Perhaps to have his mind wiped and start again at his beginning would be the best option for him now. Boromir felt his hands shaking in anguish, even as he held tightly to Pippin. Why had he not moved faster? He could have saved Merry, he should have caught him. Why did Merry let go of his cloak? Boromir realised all of a sudden, as the image played back in his mind, brave Merry had not wanted to pull him and Pippin over as well, and so had let go.
"Merry! Merry! Merry!" Pippin's anguished sobs repeated his beloved cousin's name over and over. What had happened? Why had he fallen like that? No it couldn't be true! Pippin could hardly catch his breath, he felt as if he were suffocating. His grief was too terrible to bear, this could not be happening – not again. What did that mean? Again?
Suddenly Pippin became aware through his hysterical panic of a whisper near to his ear. "Gandalf! No!"
Pippin's mind was suddenly filled with another picture. Once more he felt his soul lurch as he saw Merry fall backwards off the staircase, and then the image was replaced with another – Gandalf! Gandalf falling! He had fallen – in Moria! Pippin remembered now. Gandalf, the orcs, the revenge they had taken on him for the Balrog monster and Gandalf… falling… falling…to his death in the black chasm.
No, it was all too terrible to think about. They had all been lying to him, Gandalf was dead, perhaps Frodo and Sam were dead too, and now the worst thing imaginable! Merry was dead! Pippin knew he had only one thing left to do. His miserable existence was not worth continuing. He had to escape Boromir's grasp and throw himself over the edge of the flet too. There was no other choice. He had to follow Merry. He managed to pull his shaking body away from the Gondorian's grasp and crawled towards the edge of the platform.
+~****~+
A searing pain shot through Merry's wrist and his whole body jolted painfully to a halt and then jerked as if rebounding. He had stopped and was now hanging in midair suspended by his aching wrist. His heart was beating so fast he could hear it pounding in his ears, the only other sound he could make out was the plaintive wailing that he knew was coming from Pippin. He tried to call out, to say he was all right, but no words would come, his voice was frozen in his dry throat. More voices were added now. That sounded like Legolas saying something, what it was he could not quite make out. He felt another hand grasp the scruff of his collar and then another reach around under his armpit and he was being hauled upwards and back onto the flet stairway.
"Is he all right?" A voice near his ear asked anxiously.
A strong pair of hands, large human hands, Aragorn? They moved skilfully over his body, pressing slightly, turning his limbs about, feeling his forehead, pulling his eyelids apart. "He's mostly shocked, I think." It was Aragorn's voice. "Quickly Legolas, run up and tell Pippin he's safe. I'll bring him up myself as soon as I know he's all in one piece. Then the voice turned its attention to him. "Merry? Merry! Can you hear me? Say something. Do you hurt anywhere?"
"Pip?" was all he could manage initially. Then, "what happened? I was falling."
"You slipped off the staircase, but I think you're all right." Aragorn lifted the hobbit's wrist up and tutted as he saw that it was swelling up and turning a deep shade of purple. "I think your wrist is either broken or perhaps just sprained. Also you've had a nasty shock. You'll feel a bit shaky for a while, I expect."
"How? Umm h-how… did?" Merry found it difficult to speak, he was badly shaken and his whole body was trembling with reaction. He suddenly felt unreasonably cold and began to shiver, his teeth chattering in unison with his quivering body.
"How did you stop?" Aragorn took his cloak off and wrapped it around the shaking hobbit. "Haldir. I have never seen any creature, man or elf, move so fast in my life. He reacted in a less time than it takes to draw breath and reached out and caught you as you fell. It was quite amazing to see."
"It was not so incredible my Lord Aragorn." A voice next to the ranger's reached Merry now and he ventured to open his eyes, which he only just realised had been firmly closed. Haldir was stooping next to Strider, looking at him with deep concern. "I just regret that I have injured your wrist so badly, Merry."
"Better his wrist, my dear Haldir, than his head." Aragorn chided. "You are too modest. It was an amazing feat."
"Th-thank you H-Haldir." Merry stammered, starting to find his voice at last. "It was v-very brave of you and cl-clever too. I am a s-stupid, cl-clumsy hobbit to fall. I-I'm s-sorry." Merry suddenly felt himself becoming faint as the blood returned to his head with a rush and the world turned topsy-turvy once more. Before he passed out he managed just one more question. "Pip?"
+~****~+
Legolas reached the upper platform in record time. Just as Pippin had pulled free of Boromir's grasp and was crawling purposefully towards the precipitous edge. He grabbed the hobbit in his arms, just as Boromir, shaking himself from his nightmare recollection, also threw himself across the distance and caught hold of Pippin's ankles. Between the two of them they lifted the sobbing, hysterical hobbit up as gently as possible and Legolas pulled him into a hug as he sank to the floor and rocked Pippin to and fro to calm him as much as he could.
"Pippin, it's all right. Merry is all right. I promise you." Legolas crooned the words over and over, although he seemed not to be getting through to the distraught youngster. "Merry is alive, I promise."
"He's alive?" Boromir could scarcely believe his ears. "How can that be? How could he survive that fall? It was a hundred feet at least."
"Haldir caught him, he didn't fall." Legolas looked up into Boromir's wonder filled face and smiled. "Our guardian elf certainly proved his mettle on this occasion again. It was a miraculous feat. If I did not know better, I would say his hand was guided by The Valar."
"Well thanks to The Valar, yet again." Boromir sighed with deep relief. "Do you think Pippin understands yet?"
"No," Legolas peered at the sobbing form in his arms. "Are you feeling up to going down and telling Aragorn that he needs to bring Merry up now if possible. I think if Pippin actually sees him it might calm him."
"I can do that." Boromir agreed, grateful to find a useful task in this situation. His head was spinning with the thought of losing Merry and then finding he had been saved. The rush of sheer relief, on top of the panicked grief, as he had tried to manage Pippin at the same time, had made him extremely light headed. "I'll get him at once." He took a deep breath and set off back down the staircase, holding firmly to the central support for balance.
Boromir reached the level where Merry was being tended, a little more slowly than he might normally have descended the stairs. Merry's accident had made him far more cautious than before, but the relief when he actually saw the hobbit with his own eyes helped him to breath a little more easily at last.
"Aragorn, is he all right?" Boromir peered at the wrapped up bundle in the ranger's arms. "Pippin is in a terrible state, can you bring Merry up to him?"
"Yes I was about to." Aragorn pulled the cloak back a little to show Merry's unconscious face. "He passed out, probably from the shock to his system. But I think he will be all right, he just needs a little time to recover."
"Master Haldir," Boromir gave a courteous little bow, "I understand that thanks and commendations are due to you for the life of our dear Merry. I am humbly at your service now and for as long as I draw breath."
"It was fortune or the Valar that guided my hand." Haldir bowed in return. "But I accept your thanks and service with equal gratitude." The elf looked to Merry then up towards Pippin. "I think our next task though is to reunite the periain as soon as possible. Little Pippin is no doubt distressed at the possible fate of his cousin."
The ranger started up the stairs with his burden and Haldir and Boromir followed closely behind. When they reached the platform where Legolas was still trying to calm Pippin, Aragorn sat next to the elf and tried to get Pippin to focus on the hobbit in his arms.
But by now Pippin was inconsolable. He sobbed over and over, "Merry gone! Merry gone! Gandalf… Gandalf…"
"Let's take them both up to the healing chamber," Legolas suggested. "It might be easier if we can bring Merry round first."
The party carried on up to the healing chamber and found Silael and Melystra both in attendance. Carefully they laid both the hobbits on the big bed. Legolas continued to try and calm Pippin, while Melystra gently patted Merry's face to bring him round.
As soon as the older hobbit opened his eyes he was aware of Pippin and, brushing away immediate offers of water and a warning from Silael to mind his wrist, he crawled over to his crying, distraught cousin and wrapped his arms around him, realising too late that Silael had been right about the wrist. "Pip, it's me. Open your eyes, stop crying."
Aragorn gently lifted Pippin up into a sitting position and forced his head around until he was looking directly into Merry's face. "Look Pippin! Merry's alive! Do you see?"
Merry held the trembling bundle that was Pippin as tightly as he could with one arm while Silael inspected his now purplish, swollen wrist.
"Shh, Pippin," He whispered into a small pointed ear. "I'm all right, we're safe, shhh..."
Pippin finally seemed to register who it was that was holding him. "Oh Merry! What happened? You fell down. I was so frightened – I thought I'd lost you… I – I was going to jump after you. I couldn't live if you were gone. Oh Merry… Merry!"
"Poor Pip. I'm sorry I scared you so much! You know I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you." Merry felt the tears well up inside him at the thought of his little Pippin throwing himself off the great drop as well. "Can you forgive me for being so clumsy, I'm so sorry."
Pippin threw himself into his cousin's arms, interrupting Silael's examination. "Merry, Merry, don't be sorry. You're alive, that's all that matters. You didn't die."
Pippin hiccoughed a few sobs and pushed his face more firmly into Merry's shoulder. Merry could feel Pippin's mouth moving, and could hear the soft noises his little cousin was making, but he could not quite make out the words. Shrugging a bit, Merry manoeuvred Pippin's face out of his dampened shirt and up to look at him. Now Merry could make out what Pip was sobbing.
"G-Gandalf, oh, Gandalf...I'm so sorry, so, so s-s-sorry...Gandalf..." Pippin whimpered over and over like a litany. Merry realized with a jolt why Pippin was so upset. It was not Merry's fall, but Gandalf's the little hobbit was crying about. Merry's mishap must have reminded Pippin of the wizard's fall in Moria.
"Oh, poor little Pippin..." Merry closed his eyes against the grief – Gandalf's death was still an aching wound in his heart, but right now he was grieving more for the loss of the carefree Pippin that had been granted to him for a few hours. Pippin soon quieted to Merry's soothing, and now simply stared at nothing, his eyes glassy, and only emitted a trembling sigh or wet sniffle now and again. As Pippin's tears seemed to have run out, Merry felt a strong urge, born of a force of habit to fish out a handkerchief and wipe Pippin's puffy red eyes and nose. 'Sticklebacks,' Merry thought, 'of course I'd leave my 'kerchief in my other shirt at a time like this!'
Fortunately, Boromir, who was hovering concernedly nearby in the corner, also noticed that Pippin's tears had abated and produced a square of cloth. The only experience the Gondorian had ever had with upset children had been with Faramir when his smaller brother was crying about some hurt, his own or someone else's. The hobbits may not be children, but they were very open in their emotions and perceptions and felt things keenly. Young Faramir was very much like these hobbits, Boromir realized. He felt others' pain as if it were his own, and in his youth was as expressive in his emotions as the halflings.
Smiling at the memories despite the sad situation, Boromir settled himself next to Pippin and carefully wiped at the swollen eyes. Pippin merely blinked at the touch, and so numb was he in his grief that he obeyed without protest when Boromir placed the soft cloth over his nose and told him to blow. Merry looked up into the Gondorian's kind grey eyes and smiled at him in thanks, before dropping his forehead to rest against Pippin's. Finally the green eyes focussed and looked up into Merry's.
"M-Merry..I...I-" Pippin's voice gave out and he mouthed soundlessly for a few heartbeats, until he could make his voice work. "I'd forgotten, Merry – I'd f-forgotten..."
"I know, Pip, I know," replied Merry softly. Pippin raised his head a bit at this.
"How did you know I'd forgotten, Merry? How could I have forgotten th..that? How Merry? H-Have I forgotten anything else?" suddenly Pippin's eyes widened in alarm and he grabbed Merry's tunic with a force. "What about F-Frodo, and Sam? Are they – are they... g-gone too?" Pippin's eyes searched Merry's frantically.
"No, sweet," breathed Merry, glad to be able to tell Pippin some half-good news. "Frodo was hurt, he...um." Merry thought for a second and decided that the truth was the best answer. "He was attacked by Gollum, Pip. But he's all right now, he's just recuperating and Sam is watching over him." Merry added quickly when Pippin gasped at the news.
"Your wrist is bound, young Merry," cut in Silael softly. Merry had been so distracted by Pippin that he had all but forgotten the reason one of his hands was not free. The elf had expertly bandaged Merry's wrenched wrist, with even wrapping so that there were no pressure points. "Perhaps you would like some wine for the pain? A few swallows of medicinal vintage would also not be amiss for Peregrin as well after this shock." Merry nodded grimly to the Healer, and looked back down at Pippin. Yes, that would at least calm Pippin a little, and take the edge off his sorrow as the memories resurfaced.
Boromir had risen and gone to fetch a flagon of wine and judiciously poured a small amount for Pippin and a slightly large measure for Merry. He and Aragorn also took a steadying cup while Legolas and Haldir went in search of Gimli. Merry sipped his wine cautiously and Pippin, watching the others carefully followed suit.
"All right Pip?" Merry soothed the now much calmer hobbit. "What do you remember now?"
Pippin looked sadly down at the goblet of wine in his trembling hands and began to twist it around by its stem, following the swirling liquid inside with his eyes as if it were the most important thing in the whole of Middle Earth. "Everything Merry." Pippin's bottom lip trembled and a single tear fell from his cheek and plopped into the wine. "I remember all of it now… and Merry, I don't think I can bear it. I wish I had fallen off the stairs and no one had caught me."
+~****~+
TBC
Author's Notes
Hi – Llinos here again in the Chair. I've been quite busy as I had to nip over and update Recaptured for it's one year old birthday on 03/03/03. Marigold said I had to post a chapter there on the anniversary as a present for all the loyal readers. So I did and if you have been reading – thank you. If you haven't and you like M&P why not?
So back to M.R. Mostly me doing M&P this time, except for a nice chunk from Kooks towards the end and mostly Kooks doing F&S with me poking at it from time to time. Of course, Marigold gets to poke overall – because that's her job!
The other thing that has been occupying Kookaburra, Marigold and me (as well as Baylor and Shirebound) is the start-up of a new Yahoo Group for Hobbit Lovers. If you haven't joined yet, what are you waiting for – it's called Quill and Inklings and you can find it on Yahoo. We can't post links on ff.net anymore, they get stripped out when you post, so if anyone has trouble finding it, drop Kookaburra or me a line and we'll point you in the right direction. Although we only opened it up for joining last Tuesday, there are already 74 members and the traffic is almost 300 messages. The profile is for people who want to read and write about hobbits and want to share information and resources with others to assist that.
We already have a lively photos section, Kooks' art is there. Don't miss her picture of Pippin with Icicle and if you look in the "Adventures of Merry, Pip and Smagnu" section you can see my version of them! (I can't draw btw).
Once more, thanks for all the reviews, here are some random answers to things that are not really questions but I don't have a better name for this bit. Llinos
Q&A
HMP: decided to do another "review while reading"
Llinos: Really like these – shows you're paying attention :-).
HMP: *kicks flashback* *wonders if you can kick a flashback*
Llinos: Why would you want to give up flashbacks?
Dylan: It's just so gripping.
Llinos: Oh we love to hear about people being gripped! (PS like the Welsh name).
Boromira: I love the way you characterize Boromir!
Llinos: Hope you liked him this chapter – Kooks did half and I did the other – we trust he didn't come out schizophrenic.
Kookaburra: Hurrah for Boz lovers! IMO, other than the hobbits he's the coolest (and hottest!) character.
Blue Jedi Hobbit 009: I wish I could get over my WB Syndrome
Llinos: Hey come join our new Yahoo group – perhaps we can help.
Dominique Brandybuck : I'm far worse than Icicle!
Llinos: My goodness, would you like your head patted and to go walkies with Gimli?
Tasha (mercurynat@aol.com): Pip losing ALL his memories
Llinos: Don't worry Tash – YOUR Pip's quite safe '-) Quick Note: Tasha plays Pip in a slash game called Lords of the Slashed. Kookaburra plays Sam and I play an Uruk called Nagash – I know, typecast again! Go and take a look – email Kooks or me for the link if you need it.
Kookaburra: Obviously what Llinos needs to do is stop writing orcs so well- then she wouldn't have to worry about being typecast. :-)
Coriandra: I still watch for it every day.
Llinos: Oh – now you make me feel guilty for not updating sooner – how 'bout you Kooks?
Kookaburra: I feel very guilty now. Especially since I have no excuse other than laziness for not updating.
Kalima: do you want to see me cry?!?
Llinos: No! No! No! – Well yes – but only in a good way you understand.
KS-fan: Don't have Pippin's memory wiped clean, just for reality's sake.
Llinos: Well it's all still in the plot I'm afraid. But nice analysis of the situation. Thanks
Claudia: I was out of town for awhile,
Llinos: Anywhere nice?
Claudia: It seems very real that Frodo would be jealous
Llinos: But I wonder if he realises the depth of what it is the Ring makes him feel and how much is just him. I suspect the former. Views? Discuss?
Zebra Wallpaper: Wow. I just spent hours, and I mean literally hours, reading this story from chapter one through thirty-four.
Llinos: Welcome aboard!
Kookaburra: I hope you didn't suffer eye damage- staring at a screen for that long CAN'T be healthy!
Zebra Wallpaper: Okay, I just realized how ridiculously long this review is
Llinos: Never, ever apologise for long reviews
Kookaburra: We are seeking long reviews...all our thought is bent on it!
Dnise Ivyblaze: Please don't leave the story behind after 34 chapters. I MUST see the end of this story!
Llinos: Oh don't worry, Kooks and I want to see it too!
august wynd: hate the thought of people losing memory-it just bothers me
Llinos: Do you think? But I'm not sure anyone would want to keep those memories!
Kookaburra: *evil chuckle* I'm eeeevil! But you must trust us here at EGFBFF (Evil Geniuses for Better Fan Fiction) that we know what we're doing with the plot.
LilyBaggins: In answer to Llinos, yes, Kookaburra has a deal with me--she writes in Frodo-angst
Llinos: Poor Frodo – what'd he do to warrant this – oh yes – fluttered long eyelashes and sported big blue eyes – deserves everything he gets! :-).
Kookaburra: And yes, Lily, once MR is done I'll turn my thoughts to your story. It'll take some doing as it's going to be a whodunnit mystery, but I'll do my best!
Shirebound: Gosh, too bad Galadriel can't just "wipe" Pip's memory of the past week (instead of the past 28 years).
Llinos: Damn! Why didn't we think of that earlier Kooks? Then again it would end all the suffering and that's no fun.
Kookaburra: *pouts* no fun at all!
lilvior: i don't normally read such long fics
Llinos: Well it's not so bad once you start – just take one chapter at a time. Now you've got the habit (or is that hobbit?) perhaps you should try Recaptured, a scary 106 chapters long and rising! Arrrrgghhh! Off to lie down in darkened room.
Authors: Kookaburra and Llinos
Beta: Marigold
******
Sam stared in speechless horror at the crimson blood that was now spreading over Frodo's coverlet. His dismay only lasted a second, and in the next moment he grabbed a corner of the linen sheet and pressed it as hard as he could to try and stem the bleeding.
"Melystra!" He shouted, using the lady elf's first name only in his panic. "Frodo needs help! Please hurry!" then to Frodo Sam said softly, trying to keep his voice even and reassuring, "Don't you worry, Mr Frodo, Sam's here, your Sam's got you..."
The door to the healing chamber swung widely as Melystra, Silael, and Deilen rushed in. The three had been restocking supplies in another room when they heard Sam's shout. The sturdy hobbit slid off the bed to make room without being told as the three elves surrounded Frodo. Melystra snatched the food tray up and away so that it did not get upset in all the commotion, Deilen pressed his hand in the spot Sam's had just vacated, and Silael drew out a small blade and started to cut the bandages from Frodo's shoulder. "What happened?" demanded the healer as he worked at getting the bandages off from under the pressure of Deilen's hand.
"We were just eating, and then his shoulder started to bleed!" Sam stammered, wringing his hands at his helplessness. "Is Mr Frodo going to be all right?"
"Are you sure that's all he was doing?" Melystra asked suspiciously. "He must have moved it awkwardly at least."
"Well, err um, I don't rightly know what..." Sam stuttered. He would have liked to explain what had happened but was embarrassed that Frodo had disobeyed orders to let himself be fed.
"It was my fault," Frodo murmured, "I'm sorry... I didn't... didn't want..." He broke off too pained and weak to speak further.
"You lie still Frodo Baggins." Silael said quickly as he finally managed to remove the last shreds of the bandage to expose the wound that was pumping blood at a steady and frightening rate with every beat of Frodo's heart. "Don't try to talk, you'll only distress your injury further."
"But it wasss... me... I... I... please... please don't...let…Merry... the Ring!" Frodo gasped desperately, trying to make them understand.
"Hush Frodo," Melystra soothed the hobbit's forehead as Silael packed a thick wad of gauze against the damaged shoulder, holding it there as it quickly became drenched with blood and then rapidly replacing it with another.
"It's not slowing," Silael whispered, quietly but with a note of panic in his usually calm voice. "I'll have to sew the artery… if I can."
Deilen, freed from applying pressure to the reopened wound now that Silael had taken over, swiftly moved to gather the required tools. Sam stood trembling at the end of the bed, peering over the rail at his master. "He will be all right? Please! He'll be all right won't he?" The elves were too busy and too unsure at that point to answer.
+~****~+
Merry was a meticulous creature and liked order and routine in his life. The Quest had thrown much of this existence into disarray, although he was not so pedantic as to count the cost of such a disruption when it was for the sake of his friends.
But the awful things that had happened to his dear little Pippin had frustrated him beyond measure. Gladly, if he could turn back time, would Merry have taken his place and suffered the ordeal in his cousin's stead. Every rest he had taken since Pippin's kidnapping by the orcs had been uneasy, riven with guilt and self-recriminations. Now it was up to him to help Pippin to make a terrible and drastic choice and, although it was a daunting task, Merry saw it as his chance to try and do his best for Pippin and to repair a little of the damage he felt so responsible for.
He would be equal to the task, Merry decided, regardless of what his inner doubts told him. He could and he would help Pippin make the right choice. In order to do this the future Master of Buckland approached the task in a way his father would have approved, using the training and discipline he had been taught from an early age. Merry would lay his plan carefully. He would draw from Pippin all the details of what had happened, once and for all, so that his young cousin would know whether or not he would ever be able to live with those recollections and know that he was not to blame for what had happened. Perhaps even to realise that he should be proud of his strength in surviving the ordeal.
But if Pippin found that once he had recalled all that had happened to him that he could not live with it, he could make the decision to have his memories of everything erased. It would mean starting again, at the age of twenty-eight. To become as an infant once more and relearn the entire sum of his knowledge, starting with how to walk and talk.
Merry realised he was being selfish, but the thought that appalled him the most, was not seeing his cousin reduced to a mewling infant, but that Pippin would not know him anymore. Would remember nothing of their childhood together, of their ever-growing friendship and love for each other.
But, on the other hand, his cousin would be able to live again, free from the torment of what had happened to him. Merry knew that it had to be Pippin's own decision and he would not try to influence it to what he, himself wanted. But he would do his very best to help Pippin come to terms with what had happened.
Pippin was still munching happily on his food, taking the occasional sip of wine from the cup into which Aragorn had poured a miniscule amount of the rich red liquid, a damp goblet, he had called it laughingly. The little hobbit's memory was still blanked by the enchantment Galadriel had woven about his mind - a temporary state that She had warned would not last longer than the evening, perhaps four or five hours.
A whole evening, Merry thought, four or five hours in which Pippin could be happy and laugh and smile and not know what had been done to him. Seeing his cousin's face like that was such a relief, Merry felt as if a tremendous weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Yet it would not last, and Pippin would once more become the terrified, trembling, crying little mite who clung to his cousin or his nursing warg like a frightened infant in any case. "What's to lose for Pip?" Merry considered, "he hardly knows anything anyway at the moment. If he returned to infanthood, at least he would be happy and not haunted and tortured by his memories at every waking moment."
"What's the matter Merry?" Pippin suddenly jolted his cousin from his reverie. It surprised Merry doubly so, as he was not used to Pippin's voice sounding so light and happy - not any more. Not since before the terrible loss of Gandalf. That was when this nightmare had begun.
They had all been devastated and, unforgivably, he, Meriadoc, charged with the care of his younger cousin, had lost sight of Pippin, allowing the orcs to steal him and.. and... wreak their dreadful revenge upon his innocent body and mind. How long had it been? Merry calculated the time quickly in his head, each day had seemed like a lifetime. But it was only a week - seven of the longest days he had ever lived through.
"Sorry, Pip," Merry pulled himself back to the present. "I was just thinking... about... um... I don't know... nothing really." Merry was so glad to see Pippin's eyes shining, with no hint of horror or pain in them, that he actually managed a smile himself. "Are you enjoying your supper? Here have some more pie, Gimli made the pastry and Legolas made the mushrooms, it's very good isn't it."
"I'd actually like some more wine please." Pippin held out his goblet, "Come on Merry, you don't usually stint me."
"Not too much Pippin." Aragorn intervened. It was obvious that the hobbit had no recollection of what had happened to him at the moment. "You've been a bit sick and it might not be a good idea."
"I have?" Pippin's eyebrows shot up. "I feel perfectly well - I think I do. Well if I can't have more wine, I'll have more pie, thank you."
Merry and Aragorn bumped heads as they both quickly leaned over to serve Pip, anxious to give him more pie, before he queried the nature of his indisposition.
Pippin laughed out loud at the misfortune of his two companions. "Oh poor Merry, poor Strider!" he chortled. "That was a great meeting of minds." Pippin giggled for a while at his own wit, while everyone else at the table laughed and smiled, partly at the joke, but mostly from delight at seeing the little hobbit genuinely happy. Pip could barely remember the last time one of his witticisms had been so well received.
"But I'd like some more pie, before it's gone." Pippin beamed at Legolas and Gimli and raised his now empty goblet. "My compliments to the chefs, it is quite splendid!"
"Why thank you young hobbit." Gimli stood and bowed in response. "Gimli son of Gloin is happy to be at your service Master Took and at your family's."
"Oh you are full of courtesy, today, Mr Gimli, Sir." Pippin attempted to stand and bow in return, scattering his cushions in the process. But the wound in his stomach suddenly made itself felt, in spite of Galadriel's blanking of his mind. Merry and Aragorn, again as one, jumped to steady Pip and Aragorn lifted him as Merry replaced the cushions and they sat him carefully back down. "I think I hurt my belly." Pippin frowned at the searing pain that shot through him.
"Yes Pip," Merry climbed back into his own place, "don't move too quickly, you had a little bit of an accident."
"Owww! A big bit of an accident by the feel of it." Pippin squeezed his hands against his aching middle. But the sight of the pie reminded him he was still hungry. "But I think I could still manage a little more pie Merry." He glanced around him at the people seated at the table, frowning a little as he did not recognise everyone and then realising there were some people missing. "Or do we need to save some for Frodo and Sam? Oh and what about Gandalf? He's sure to want some, I know he likes mushrooms even though he pretends he doesn't."
"Frodo and Sam have already had some." Merry explained quickly, looking anxiously up at Aragorn hoping he would supply the rest of the answer.
"Do not worry about Gandalf for now, Pippin." Aragorn said gently. He would not lie, but he did not want to plunge the little one back into despair ere his brief respite were due to end. "You may finish the pie as you enjoyed it so much." He served the remaining pastry and filling onto Pippin's plate and watched with pleasure as Pippin set to once more.
As the hobbit happily demolished the contents of his plate, he suddenly felt a nudge against his leg and something heavy rested on his thigh. It was an odd feeling and Pippin could not place it, he thought it must be Merry trying to gain his attention. He pushed the whatever-it-was away and carried on eating. The nudge came again and Pippin muttered, "What do you want Merry? Can it wait? You can see I'm busy eating."
Merry looked at him with a puzzled expression, making Pippin glance down to see what the weight was on his leg. "Aiieee! Merry, help me!" Pippin struggled away from the large white muzzle that was pushing against him, trying to insinuate its big white furry head under his hand. "It's a great wolf – quick someone do something!" Pippin had crawled into Merry's lap to get as far away from the scary monster as he possibly could.
"Pip! It's all right." Merry soothed him. "She's quite tame, honestly." Pippin looked in astonishment as Merry reached out a hand to stroke the enormous white head. All he could see were the great gleaming fangs of the beast. "In fact, she's very fond of you. Why don't you pat her? She won't hurt you, I promise."
Aragorn left his seat once more to gently pet Icicle and show Pippin that he need not be afraid of the wolf-like warg. "Trust us Pippin, she only wants to be friends with you. Just reach out your hand to her."
Pippin, very nervously and with several questioning glances at both Aragorn and Merry, reached out a trembling hand to the great monster. To his amazement the fearsome wolf pushed her head under his hand and then moved around to lick his fingers. Growing in confidence, he ran his hand over her fur and gradually climbed off Merry's lap and back to his own chair. Icicle settled down again with her head in Pippin's lap and the hobbit, more puzzled than ever, carried on eating, glancing down every so often at the monstrous wolf that appeared to have befriended him.
+~****~+
Pippin was growing sleepy. His eyes were growing bigger and rounder and, in spite of his jolly spirits and happy chatter to the others, Aragorn decided that he should not be allowed to get over-tired on his first outing. He leaned over to Merry and whispered, "Pippin has had enough excitement for today, I think it's bedtime."
"But he's so... so Pip again Aragorn. Please let him stay a little longer and enjoy the rest of the day." Let me remember him as he was just a little longer, Merry thought desperately.
"Merry, you know that the Lady Galadriel's enchantment will wear off in another few hours." Aragorn had left his seat now, more easily to talk to Merry. "It would be better to get him settled back in bed before the memories return, don't you think?"
"Yes, I see that." the hobbit agreed, Pip's well being was what mattered, not what Merry wanted. "I'll tell him then." Merry put his arm around Pippin's shoulder and hugged him in closely. "Pip you must be tired. You know, it's your first day up since you were ill. You had best go to bed now."
"Ohh Merry, that's not fair." Pippin sulked. He had been in the midst of relating an anecdote to Gimli about how the frog he had caught ended up in Will Whitfoot's pocket at the Midsummer Free Fair and that the frog had made funny noises and wriggled about every time the stout, rotund mayor had spoken and how the old hobbit hadn't realised what everyone was laughing at. "I was just getting to the best part."
"You mean the part when your father had you by the ear and was about to take you back to the inn and lock you in the room for the rest of the fair." Merry laughed at the memory.
"Yes, and Bilbo and Cousin Ferumbras both said I couldn't possibly have done it because I'd been sitting up on the wall the whole time." Pippin giggled.
"Hmm!" Gimli scratched his head. "So who planted the frog in the mayor's pocket?"
"Why Merry of course!" Pippin squealed with mirth at the memory. "He always looks so innocent, nobody ever suspected him of tricks like that - well no one except Gandalf that is." Pippin looked around again, a puzzled frown replacing his laugh. "Where is he? I hoped he would come soon because I wanted to ask him to finish the story about Radagast the Brown that he was telling me in the caves."
"The only reason I planted the frog was to stop you from doing it and getting caught." Merry explained, mostly so that he could change the subject away from Gandalf again. "Pippin you never get away with any mischief, even when you are completely innocent."
"And you are not getting away with staying up any longer." Aragorn said firmly. "Come Master Peregrin, shall I bear you to your chamber, or will Boromir carry you?"
"I can walk." Pippin stated indignantly. He clambered down from the chair and looked for the first time with some surprise at the odd clothes he was wearing. "What is this, a fancy dress party?"
"Yes," laughed Boromir, "and I have been given a forfeit, which is to carry a hobbit up the stairs to his chamber and put him to bed for the night." Without further explanation, Boromir lifted Pippin up in his strong arms and began to carry him towards the flet.
"Boromir, that's not funny." Pippin protested. "I hadn't finished talking to Gimli."
"Well you can talk to him tomorrow," Boromir did not relent. "Healer's orders are that you rest now and no argument." The broad warrior kept a tight hold on Pippin, letting him know there was no reprieve to be had and the hobbit shrugged and hung on, looking over the hefty shoulder as he was marched towards the flet.
Merry had been suggesting to Gimli that now might be a good time to take Icicle for a walk and feed, as Pippin wasn't too sure of her at the moment. He suddenly realised that Boromir had started up the steps of the flet without him and, not wanting to be left behind, he hurried after the two as quickly as he could. As Merry trotted up the long winding steps to the healing chamber, he realised that Boromir and Pippin were getting further and further away every moment. They were about 100 feet up now and so Merry put on a little spurt, occasionally jumping up two steps at a time, going as fast as his hobbit legs would carry him.
Haldir and Legolas followed on with Aragorn behind them. Legolas started to call after Merry to be careful, he could see that the hobbit was getting slightly hasty in his hurry to catch up with Pippin as he traversed the spiral staircase. The flets had not been designed for hobbits and the central pole was slightly too far in for the smaller creatures to reach.
Pippin looked back to see Merry trying to catch up and whispered to Boromir, "Wait for Merry, he's getting left behind." Then he called out loud. "Come on Merry!"
Merry thought for a second that Pippin was troubled in some way and put on another extra spurt. He had just reached Boromir's heels when Pippin looked down at him with a grin. "You should get Aragorn to carry you up, it's much easier."
Merry opened his mouth to reply, but just as he did, his foot slipped on the wide step and as he brought his other foot down, he missed the actual platform and jolted down hard on the step below. He had now lost his balance completely and tried to grab something… anything solid to stop himself from falling. He found the edge of Boromir's cloak but, as he grasped it, he felt the Gondorian lurch backwards slightly with the jolt. Merry let go in a panic, terrified that he would pull Pippin and Boromir over with him and was suddenly falling through space to the echo of Pippin's terrified scream of "Meerrrrrryyyy!"
Time slowed. Merry felt himself tumble over and over. Felt his body turning in midair. Knew that when he hit the ground, the life would be crushed out of him. It was too high. He could not survive a fall like this. 'Goodbye Pip!' He thought. 'I'm sorry.'
+~****~+
Sam watched the elves bustle around Frodo and wrung his hands in frustration at his inability to do anything. Why had he given in to Mr Frodo? He was sure his gaffer would have some choice words to say to him if the elder hobbit could see Samwise now.
"Samwise." Silael's voice cut into Sam's thoughts. "Could you come here, please?"
Leaping up from the stool where he had been sitting, the sturdy hobbit quickly crossed to where the head healer stood. Without a word, Silael lifted Samwise and gently deposited him on the bed next to Frodo.
The horrible bloodstains were still on the covers, but the tainted sheets had been moved to one side. Now Frodo appeared to be sleeping peacefully, and a new bandage was bound to Sam's master's shoulder. Deilen had a hand on the dressing, and was apparently pressing down on it quite hard.
"Now, Samwise" Silael said finally, "you must listen carefully. We have stopped the bleeding now, but the wound still requires much to be kept still. Can you keep a careful watch on your master and be sure he does not move?" The elf smiled reassuringly at Sam, his expression, belaying any fears the hobbit might have had that he was being blamed for Frodo's relapse. "You must keep a careful watch on him and call us if he tries to put any strain on the injury. He needs to be completely still to have a chance to heal."
Sam nodded in understanding, and looked at Frodo's pale face, and asked, "How is Mr Frodo, Mr Silael? Is he going to be all right?"
At this, Frodo turned his head up and cracked open an eye. "I am well enough, Sam." he whispered. "Just a bit tired..."
"As well you should be, Master Baggins." Said Melystra sternly. "At least with as much blood as you lost, you will not be able to defy Samwise again." Sam blushed hard at the lady's words. He had not wanted them to think badly of him, but he also did not want them to think badly of Mr Frodo.
"We will be in the next room." interjected Silael. "If Frodo's arm starts to go numb, or his fingernails become very pale, call for us. And remember – do not let him move about." As one, the three elves turned and glided out of the room, leaving the two hobbits alone.
"Sam," Frodo said softly. " I'm so sorry..."
"No, Mr Frodo, shh- *I'm* sorry, I let you hurt yourself..."
Frodo heaved a sigh. "Sam, stop apologising, it was my fault. I deliberately went against healer's orders. I just...I just can't think of giving up the Ring, Sam." Frodo's voice lowered ominously. "I won't let them take it from me."
"Oh, Mr Frodo, now I've gone and made a mess out of things. I knew I should have let Mr Strider come and explain things. It's just we're all worried about you, and…" Sam stopped suddenly, bit his lip and looked down at the coverlet, refusing to meet Frodo's eyes.
"What is it Sam?" Frodo insisted. "Come, tell me what's bothering you."
Sam raised his gaze reluctantly. "Well, it's just this, Mr Frodo, and please don't be angry at your Sam for this, but," Sam paused, collecting his thoughts, "I would rather have you stay here, Mr Frodo. Here where it's safe. I'd hate to leave you, and a minute wouldn't go by when I wouldn't think of you, but if you were safe, I think it would be easier on my mind than to be with you on the road, and see you fall to some danger we don't even know about." Frodo was quiet for a moment, taking time to sort through Sam's rather confused little speech, then replied.
"What about me, Sam?"
"How do you mean, Mr Frodo?"
"Do you think it would be any easier on me, knowing that you and Merry are out there, with the hosts of Sauron at your heels, and that you will most likely not ever come back to me? Not," Frodo added with sardonic resignation in his voice, "to mention the Ring. I will not let anyone else carry it, much less my young cousin."
Frodo's voice had started carrying the threatening quality it had before when his shoulder wound reopened, and Sam decided to change the subject. "Well, we don't have to worry about that now, Mr Frodo. So why don't you close your eyes and try to get some sleep. Your Sam's here, and he'll watch over you."
Frodo soon calmed, and after awhile, slept with Sam keeping a vigil at his side.
+~****~+
" Meerrrrrryyyy!" Pippin screamed as he saw his cousin disappear over the edge of the stairwell "Nooooo! Nooooo! Nooooo! Merrryyyy!" He squeezed his eyes shut in horror and still he could see Merry's terrified face as he fell backwards into nothingness.
Boromir held the hobbit tightly to him, frantically wanting to look down and see what had happened to Merry, but petrified of what he knew he would see, a tiny crushed body, lying bloody and broken at the bottom of the great tree.
Pippin fought and panicked in his arms, struggling to get away, to somehow try and save his Merry, but Boromir hung on tightly, moving back from the edge with Pippin. For a moment his consciousness did a nightmarish somersault and he was back in the caves of Moria and the hobbit struggling in his arms was Frodo. His mind flashed back to that awful moment. He was pulling Frodo away and watching Gandalf fall into that terrible black void. His lips moved involuntarily and he whispered in recalled horror, "Gandalf! No!"
Boromir shook his head to clear the week-old image away. But the new one was no better. Pippin was hysterical, his fists were beating on Boromir's chest as he frantically tried to break away and find his cousin, hoping to deny the evidence of his own eyes.
Boromir moved a little further up the stairway until they reached a platform. There he sat down and pulled Pippin firmly to him. "Hush Pippin, you have to hush now, little one." He could not say it was all right, because it was not. Would never be. Not for Pippin without his Merry. Perhaps to have his mind wiped and start again at his beginning would be the best option for him now. Boromir felt his hands shaking in anguish, even as he held tightly to Pippin. Why had he not moved faster? He could have saved Merry, he should have caught him. Why did Merry let go of his cloak? Boromir realised all of a sudden, as the image played back in his mind, brave Merry had not wanted to pull him and Pippin over as well, and so had let go.
"Merry! Merry! Merry!" Pippin's anguished sobs repeated his beloved cousin's name over and over. What had happened? Why had he fallen like that? No it couldn't be true! Pippin could hardly catch his breath, he felt as if he were suffocating. His grief was too terrible to bear, this could not be happening – not again. What did that mean? Again?
Suddenly Pippin became aware through his hysterical panic of a whisper near to his ear. "Gandalf! No!"
Pippin's mind was suddenly filled with another picture. Once more he felt his soul lurch as he saw Merry fall backwards off the staircase, and then the image was replaced with another – Gandalf! Gandalf falling! He had fallen – in Moria! Pippin remembered now. Gandalf, the orcs, the revenge they had taken on him for the Balrog monster and Gandalf… falling… falling…to his death in the black chasm.
No, it was all too terrible to think about. They had all been lying to him, Gandalf was dead, perhaps Frodo and Sam were dead too, and now the worst thing imaginable! Merry was dead! Pippin knew he had only one thing left to do. His miserable existence was not worth continuing. He had to escape Boromir's grasp and throw himself over the edge of the flet too. There was no other choice. He had to follow Merry. He managed to pull his shaking body away from the Gondorian's grasp and crawled towards the edge of the platform.
+~****~+
A searing pain shot through Merry's wrist and his whole body jolted painfully to a halt and then jerked as if rebounding. He had stopped and was now hanging in midair suspended by his aching wrist. His heart was beating so fast he could hear it pounding in his ears, the only other sound he could make out was the plaintive wailing that he knew was coming from Pippin. He tried to call out, to say he was all right, but no words would come, his voice was frozen in his dry throat. More voices were added now. That sounded like Legolas saying something, what it was he could not quite make out. He felt another hand grasp the scruff of his collar and then another reach around under his armpit and he was being hauled upwards and back onto the flet stairway.
"Is he all right?" A voice near his ear asked anxiously.
A strong pair of hands, large human hands, Aragorn? They moved skilfully over his body, pressing slightly, turning his limbs about, feeling his forehead, pulling his eyelids apart. "He's mostly shocked, I think." It was Aragorn's voice. "Quickly Legolas, run up and tell Pippin he's safe. I'll bring him up myself as soon as I know he's all in one piece. Then the voice turned its attention to him. "Merry? Merry! Can you hear me? Say something. Do you hurt anywhere?"
"Pip?" was all he could manage initially. Then, "what happened? I was falling."
"You slipped off the staircase, but I think you're all right." Aragorn lifted the hobbit's wrist up and tutted as he saw that it was swelling up and turning a deep shade of purple. "I think your wrist is either broken or perhaps just sprained. Also you've had a nasty shock. You'll feel a bit shaky for a while, I expect."
"How? Umm h-how… did?" Merry found it difficult to speak, he was badly shaken and his whole body was trembling with reaction. He suddenly felt unreasonably cold and began to shiver, his teeth chattering in unison with his quivering body.
"How did you stop?" Aragorn took his cloak off and wrapped it around the shaking hobbit. "Haldir. I have never seen any creature, man or elf, move so fast in my life. He reacted in a less time than it takes to draw breath and reached out and caught you as you fell. It was quite amazing to see."
"It was not so incredible my Lord Aragorn." A voice next to the ranger's reached Merry now and he ventured to open his eyes, which he only just realised had been firmly closed. Haldir was stooping next to Strider, looking at him with deep concern. "I just regret that I have injured your wrist so badly, Merry."
"Better his wrist, my dear Haldir, than his head." Aragorn chided. "You are too modest. It was an amazing feat."
"Th-thank you H-Haldir." Merry stammered, starting to find his voice at last. "It was v-very brave of you and cl-clever too. I am a s-stupid, cl-clumsy hobbit to fall. I-I'm s-sorry." Merry suddenly felt himself becoming faint as the blood returned to his head with a rush and the world turned topsy-turvy once more. Before he passed out he managed just one more question. "Pip?"
+~****~+
Legolas reached the upper platform in record time. Just as Pippin had pulled free of Boromir's grasp and was crawling purposefully towards the precipitous edge. He grabbed the hobbit in his arms, just as Boromir, shaking himself from his nightmare recollection, also threw himself across the distance and caught hold of Pippin's ankles. Between the two of them they lifted the sobbing, hysterical hobbit up as gently as possible and Legolas pulled him into a hug as he sank to the floor and rocked Pippin to and fro to calm him as much as he could.
"Pippin, it's all right. Merry is all right. I promise you." Legolas crooned the words over and over, although he seemed not to be getting through to the distraught youngster. "Merry is alive, I promise."
"He's alive?" Boromir could scarcely believe his ears. "How can that be? How could he survive that fall? It was a hundred feet at least."
"Haldir caught him, he didn't fall." Legolas looked up into Boromir's wonder filled face and smiled. "Our guardian elf certainly proved his mettle on this occasion again. It was a miraculous feat. If I did not know better, I would say his hand was guided by The Valar."
"Well thanks to The Valar, yet again." Boromir sighed with deep relief. "Do you think Pippin understands yet?"
"No," Legolas peered at the sobbing form in his arms. "Are you feeling up to going down and telling Aragorn that he needs to bring Merry up now if possible. I think if Pippin actually sees him it might calm him."
"I can do that." Boromir agreed, grateful to find a useful task in this situation. His head was spinning with the thought of losing Merry and then finding he had been saved. The rush of sheer relief, on top of the panicked grief, as he had tried to manage Pippin at the same time, had made him extremely light headed. "I'll get him at once." He took a deep breath and set off back down the staircase, holding firmly to the central support for balance.
Boromir reached the level where Merry was being tended, a little more slowly than he might normally have descended the stairs. Merry's accident had made him far more cautious than before, but the relief when he actually saw the hobbit with his own eyes helped him to breath a little more easily at last.
"Aragorn, is he all right?" Boromir peered at the wrapped up bundle in the ranger's arms. "Pippin is in a terrible state, can you bring Merry up to him?"
"Yes I was about to." Aragorn pulled the cloak back a little to show Merry's unconscious face. "He passed out, probably from the shock to his system. But I think he will be all right, he just needs a little time to recover."
"Master Haldir," Boromir gave a courteous little bow, "I understand that thanks and commendations are due to you for the life of our dear Merry. I am humbly at your service now and for as long as I draw breath."
"It was fortune or the Valar that guided my hand." Haldir bowed in return. "But I accept your thanks and service with equal gratitude." The elf looked to Merry then up towards Pippin. "I think our next task though is to reunite the periain as soon as possible. Little Pippin is no doubt distressed at the possible fate of his cousin."
The ranger started up the stairs with his burden and Haldir and Boromir followed closely behind. When they reached the platform where Legolas was still trying to calm Pippin, Aragorn sat next to the elf and tried to get Pippin to focus on the hobbit in his arms.
But by now Pippin was inconsolable. He sobbed over and over, "Merry gone! Merry gone! Gandalf… Gandalf…"
"Let's take them both up to the healing chamber," Legolas suggested. "It might be easier if we can bring Merry round first."
The party carried on up to the healing chamber and found Silael and Melystra both in attendance. Carefully they laid both the hobbits on the big bed. Legolas continued to try and calm Pippin, while Melystra gently patted Merry's face to bring him round.
As soon as the older hobbit opened his eyes he was aware of Pippin and, brushing away immediate offers of water and a warning from Silael to mind his wrist, he crawled over to his crying, distraught cousin and wrapped his arms around him, realising too late that Silael had been right about the wrist. "Pip, it's me. Open your eyes, stop crying."
Aragorn gently lifted Pippin up into a sitting position and forced his head around until he was looking directly into Merry's face. "Look Pippin! Merry's alive! Do you see?"
Merry held the trembling bundle that was Pippin as tightly as he could with one arm while Silael inspected his now purplish, swollen wrist.
"Shh, Pippin," He whispered into a small pointed ear. "I'm all right, we're safe, shhh..."
Pippin finally seemed to register who it was that was holding him. "Oh Merry! What happened? You fell down. I was so frightened – I thought I'd lost you… I – I was going to jump after you. I couldn't live if you were gone. Oh Merry… Merry!"
"Poor Pip. I'm sorry I scared you so much! You know I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you." Merry felt the tears well up inside him at the thought of his little Pippin throwing himself off the great drop as well. "Can you forgive me for being so clumsy, I'm so sorry."
Pippin threw himself into his cousin's arms, interrupting Silael's examination. "Merry, Merry, don't be sorry. You're alive, that's all that matters. You didn't die."
Pippin hiccoughed a few sobs and pushed his face more firmly into Merry's shoulder. Merry could feel Pippin's mouth moving, and could hear the soft noises his little cousin was making, but he could not quite make out the words. Shrugging a bit, Merry manoeuvred Pippin's face out of his dampened shirt and up to look at him. Now Merry could make out what Pip was sobbing.
"G-Gandalf, oh, Gandalf...I'm so sorry, so, so s-s-sorry...Gandalf..." Pippin whimpered over and over like a litany. Merry realized with a jolt why Pippin was so upset. It was not Merry's fall, but Gandalf's the little hobbit was crying about. Merry's mishap must have reminded Pippin of the wizard's fall in Moria.
"Oh, poor little Pippin..." Merry closed his eyes against the grief – Gandalf's death was still an aching wound in his heart, but right now he was grieving more for the loss of the carefree Pippin that had been granted to him for a few hours. Pippin soon quieted to Merry's soothing, and now simply stared at nothing, his eyes glassy, and only emitted a trembling sigh or wet sniffle now and again. As Pippin's tears seemed to have run out, Merry felt a strong urge, born of a force of habit to fish out a handkerchief and wipe Pippin's puffy red eyes and nose. 'Sticklebacks,' Merry thought, 'of course I'd leave my 'kerchief in my other shirt at a time like this!'
Fortunately, Boromir, who was hovering concernedly nearby in the corner, also noticed that Pippin's tears had abated and produced a square of cloth. The only experience the Gondorian had ever had with upset children had been with Faramir when his smaller brother was crying about some hurt, his own or someone else's. The hobbits may not be children, but they were very open in their emotions and perceptions and felt things keenly. Young Faramir was very much like these hobbits, Boromir realized. He felt others' pain as if it were his own, and in his youth was as expressive in his emotions as the halflings.
Smiling at the memories despite the sad situation, Boromir settled himself next to Pippin and carefully wiped at the swollen eyes. Pippin merely blinked at the touch, and so numb was he in his grief that he obeyed without protest when Boromir placed the soft cloth over his nose and told him to blow. Merry looked up into the Gondorian's kind grey eyes and smiled at him in thanks, before dropping his forehead to rest against Pippin's. Finally the green eyes focussed and looked up into Merry's.
"M-Merry..I...I-" Pippin's voice gave out and he mouthed soundlessly for a few heartbeats, until he could make his voice work. "I'd forgotten, Merry – I'd f-forgotten..."
"I know, Pip, I know," replied Merry softly. Pippin raised his head a bit at this.
"How did you know I'd forgotten, Merry? How could I have forgotten th..that? How Merry? H-Have I forgotten anything else?" suddenly Pippin's eyes widened in alarm and he grabbed Merry's tunic with a force. "What about F-Frodo, and Sam? Are they – are they... g-gone too?" Pippin's eyes searched Merry's frantically.
"No, sweet," breathed Merry, glad to be able to tell Pippin some half-good news. "Frodo was hurt, he...um." Merry thought for a second and decided that the truth was the best answer. "He was attacked by Gollum, Pip. But he's all right now, he's just recuperating and Sam is watching over him." Merry added quickly when Pippin gasped at the news.
"Your wrist is bound, young Merry," cut in Silael softly. Merry had been so distracted by Pippin that he had all but forgotten the reason one of his hands was not free. The elf had expertly bandaged Merry's wrenched wrist, with even wrapping so that there were no pressure points. "Perhaps you would like some wine for the pain? A few swallows of medicinal vintage would also not be amiss for Peregrin as well after this shock." Merry nodded grimly to the Healer, and looked back down at Pippin. Yes, that would at least calm Pippin a little, and take the edge off his sorrow as the memories resurfaced.
Boromir had risen and gone to fetch a flagon of wine and judiciously poured a small amount for Pippin and a slightly large measure for Merry. He and Aragorn also took a steadying cup while Legolas and Haldir went in search of Gimli. Merry sipped his wine cautiously and Pippin, watching the others carefully followed suit.
"All right Pip?" Merry soothed the now much calmer hobbit. "What do you remember now?"
Pippin looked sadly down at the goblet of wine in his trembling hands and began to twist it around by its stem, following the swirling liquid inside with his eyes as if it were the most important thing in the whole of Middle Earth. "Everything Merry." Pippin's bottom lip trembled and a single tear fell from his cheek and plopped into the wine. "I remember all of it now… and Merry, I don't think I can bear it. I wish I had fallen off the stairs and no one had caught me."
+~****~+
TBC
Author's Notes
Hi – Llinos here again in the Chair. I've been quite busy as I had to nip over and update Recaptured for it's one year old birthday on 03/03/03. Marigold said I had to post a chapter there on the anniversary as a present for all the loyal readers. So I did and if you have been reading – thank you. If you haven't and you like M&P why not?
So back to M.R. Mostly me doing M&P this time, except for a nice chunk from Kooks towards the end and mostly Kooks doing F&S with me poking at it from time to time. Of course, Marigold gets to poke overall – because that's her job!
The other thing that has been occupying Kookaburra, Marigold and me (as well as Baylor and Shirebound) is the start-up of a new Yahoo Group for Hobbit Lovers. If you haven't joined yet, what are you waiting for – it's called Quill and Inklings and you can find it on Yahoo. We can't post links on ff.net anymore, they get stripped out when you post, so if anyone has trouble finding it, drop Kookaburra or me a line and we'll point you in the right direction. Although we only opened it up for joining last Tuesday, there are already 74 members and the traffic is almost 300 messages. The profile is for people who want to read and write about hobbits and want to share information and resources with others to assist that.
We already have a lively photos section, Kooks' art is there. Don't miss her picture of Pippin with Icicle and if you look in the "Adventures of Merry, Pip and Smagnu" section you can see my version of them! (I can't draw btw).
Once more, thanks for all the reviews, here are some random answers to things that are not really questions but I don't have a better name for this bit. Llinos
Q&A
HMP: decided to do another "review while reading"
Llinos: Really like these – shows you're paying attention :-).
HMP: *kicks flashback* *wonders if you can kick a flashback*
Llinos: Why would you want to give up flashbacks?
Dylan: It's just so gripping.
Llinos: Oh we love to hear about people being gripped! (PS like the Welsh name).
Boromira: I love the way you characterize Boromir!
Llinos: Hope you liked him this chapter – Kooks did half and I did the other – we trust he didn't come out schizophrenic.
Kookaburra: Hurrah for Boz lovers! IMO, other than the hobbits he's the coolest (and hottest!) character.
Blue Jedi Hobbit 009: I wish I could get over my WB Syndrome
Llinos: Hey come join our new Yahoo group – perhaps we can help.
Dominique Brandybuck : I'm far worse than Icicle!
Llinos: My goodness, would you like your head patted and to go walkies with Gimli?
Tasha (mercurynat@aol.com): Pip losing ALL his memories
Llinos: Don't worry Tash – YOUR Pip's quite safe '-) Quick Note: Tasha plays Pip in a slash game called Lords of the Slashed. Kookaburra plays Sam and I play an Uruk called Nagash – I know, typecast again! Go and take a look – email Kooks or me for the link if you need it.
Kookaburra: Obviously what Llinos needs to do is stop writing orcs so well- then she wouldn't have to worry about being typecast. :-)
Coriandra: I still watch for it every day.
Llinos: Oh – now you make me feel guilty for not updating sooner – how 'bout you Kooks?
Kookaburra: I feel very guilty now. Especially since I have no excuse other than laziness for not updating.
Kalima: do you want to see me cry?!?
Llinos: No! No! No! – Well yes – but only in a good way you understand.
KS-fan: Don't have Pippin's memory wiped clean, just for reality's sake.
Llinos: Well it's all still in the plot I'm afraid. But nice analysis of the situation. Thanks
Claudia: I was out of town for awhile,
Llinos: Anywhere nice?
Claudia: It seems very real that Frodo would be jealous
Llinos: But I wonder if he realises the depth of what it is the Ring makes him feel and how much is just him. I suspect the former. Views? Discuss?
Zebra Wallpaper: Wow. I just spent hours, and I mean literally hours, reading this story from chapter one through thirty-four.
Llinos: Welcome aboard!
Kookaburra: I hope you didn't suffer eye damage- staring at a screen for that long CAN'T be healthy!
Zebra Wallpaper: Okay, I just realized how ridiculously long this review is
Llinos: Never, ever apologise for long reviews
Kookaburra: We are seeking long reviews...all our thought is bent on it!
Dnise Ivyblaze: Please don't leave the story behind after 34 chapters. I MUST see the end of this story!
Llinos: Oh don't worry, Kooks and I want to see it too!
august wynd: hate the thought of people losing memory-it just bothers me
Llinos: Do you think? But I'm not sure anyone would want to keep those memories!
Kookaburra: *evil chuckle* I'm eeeevil! But you must trust us here at EGFBFF (Evil Geniuses for Better Fan Fiction) that we know what we're doing with the plot.
LilyBaggins: In answer to Llinos, yes, Kookaburra has a deal with me--she writes in Frodo-angst
Llinos: Poor Frodo – what'd he do to warrant this – oh yes – fluttered long eyelashes and sported big blue eyes – deserves everything he gets! :-).
Kookaburra: And yes, Lily, once MR is done I'll turn my thoughts to your story. It'll take some doing as it's going to be a whodunnit mystery, but I'll do my best!
Shirebound: Gosh, too bad Galadriel can't just "wipe" Pip's memory of the past week (instead of the past 28 years).
Llinos: Damn! Why didn't we think of that earlier Kooks? Then again it would end all the suffering and that's no fun.
Kookaburra: *pouts* no fun at all!
lilvior: i don't normally read such long fics
Llinos: Well it's not so bad once you start – just take one chapter at a time. Now you've got the habit (or is that hobbit?) perhaps you should try Recaptured, a scary 106 chapters long and rising! Arrrrgghhh! Off to lie down in darkened room.