Chapter Four: Saving Pippin

Estella opened the door to the guest bedroom and found Diamond sitting up in bed waiting for her.

"I heard you and Merry out in the hall," she said.

Estella yawned. "You shouldn't eavesdrop, Diamond."

"Are you going to give him another chance, even though he doesn't deserve it?"

"I don't know." Still somewhat intoxicated, Estella struggled with the ties on the back of her bodice. Before she could finish saying, "Help me, Diamond," the young lass had jumped out of bed to undo the laces.

"Well, I think Merry's a fool for even looking at anyone but you," Diamond said as she helped Estella undress. "I've just gotten to know you and I love you more than anything."

Diamond slipped Estella's bodice off her shoulders slowly; Estella thought it was almost as if Diamond was savoring the act, but she dismissed the idea.

Estella turned to put her hand on Diamond's cheek and smiled. "I couldn't have survived this without you."

Estella wriggled out of her skirts, dressed now only in her shift, then climbed into bed. Diamond followed, lying on her stomach next to Estella with her head propped up on one hand. With the other she gently stroked Estella's curls.

"No one's ever needed me before," Diamond said, genuinely touched. She leaned over and placed a tentative kiss on Estella's lips. Diamond lingered long enough to make it clear it was more than a friendly peck.

Estella pulled away and sat up. "Diamond, you shouldn't do that."

"Why not?" Diamond asked. "Merry and Pippin were doing all kinds of things earlier. Why should they have all the fun?"

Estella rubbed her throbbing temples. "Because, it's wrong."

"Why is it wrong?" Diamond countered with the persistence of a toddler.

"Because," Estella replied lamely, "it just isn't done!"

"How do you know?" Diamond asked, regarding Estella triumphantly. "Everyone in the Shire could be doing it at this very moment, but we'll never know because Hobbits never talk about anything interesting. That's why I'm enjoying myself so much here."

Estella couldn't think of a convincing argument to contradict Diamond's perverse logic and just shook her head. Diamond took her silence as a sign of surrender and embraced her. She kissed Estella again as only a passionate tween could.

Perhaps it was because Estella was too tired and drunk to resist. Perhaps she had caught the same disorder that seemed to permeate the air of Crickhollow. Estella withdrew from Diamond and took the lass's beautiful face in her hands, placing a slow, deep kiss on Diamond's lips. Diamond responded with a long moan, allowing Estella to snake her tongue into Diamond's mouth. Diamond reached beneath Estella's shift and began to caress her between her legs.

Estella squealed with surprise.

"Did you like that?" Diamond asked almost timidly in an odd contrast to her bold actions.

"I suppose I did," Estella replied with a giddy laugh. "I should show you the wonderful thing Merry did for me last night."

"I can hardly wait," Diamond purred as she slipped Estella's shift off one shoulder and took her full breast in her hand.

Merry and Pippin were sitting at the kitchen table, commiserating over a late-night snack when they heard Estella cry out.

"Stella?" Merry started to rise, but Pippin pushed him back down in his chair.

"Don't worry, I expect she's being well taken care of." Pippin raised an eyebrow and gave Merry a meaningful look. "Diamond is quite fond of Stella, if you take my meaning."

A sudden looked of horror crossed Merry's face. "You mean they're--?"

Pippin started to laugh. "Now don't start getting jealous, Merry."

"I don't want that shrew touching her!" Merry bolted out of his chair again, but Pippin barred his way.

"I'm too tired for another confrontation tonight. Besides, we're hardly in a position to complain about it." Pippin kissed Merry chastely on the lips. "Sleep well, cousin."

Estella was the first to wake the next morning, so she started preparing breakfast. Diamond wasn't in the mood for the cooking lesson Estella would undoubtedly give her if she went into the kitchen, so she decided to amuse herself by bothering Pippin instead.

Merry was still asleep in the parlor, but Diamond resisted the urge to kick his feet. Instead, she opened the bedroom door silently. Pippin was still fast asleep with the bedclothes tucked under his chin. With a wicked grin, she climbed on the bed and lay down next to him. She snuggled as close as she dared and draped her arm across his chest.

"Oh, Pippin," she said in a deep, throaty whisper in a passing imitation of Merry. "I missed you so last night."

Pippin smiled stupidly with his eyes still shut. "Don't be naughty, Merry."

Diamond brushed a few stray curls from his face and put her lips closer to his pointed ear. "Please, Pippin. Just one little kiss while the lasses aren't looking."

Pippin turned towards Diamond as his eyes fluttered open.

Diamond started to cackle. "Good Morning, Pippy!"

Pippin's face turned red with rage. "You little--!" He tried to throw back the bedclothes, but found himself tangled up in them. After a slightly comical escape, Pippin grabbed the red-headed Hobbit lass and pinned her down on the bed. "Don't ever do that again, Diamond; and for gods' sake, stop calling me Pippy! I swear you do these things expressly to aggravate me!"

Diamond looked up at Pippin with a coy smile and a hint of ardor in her hazel eyes. "Of course I do it to aggravate you. But you had better stop being so forceful, or I really will fall madly in love with you."

Pippin let her go and looked up at the ceiling. "Sweet Elbereth, help me."

Diamond laid back on his pillows in an attempt at a seductive pose. "You could at least give me a kiss. I can't believe you've never kissed me."

Pippin put on a robe over his nightshirt and shooed her off his bed. "Perhaps if you behave yourself I will kiss you."

Diamond put her finger to her chin and mulled it over. "Not really worth it, is it?" She giggled and ran out the door.

Merry was awakened by the commotion and staggered to the bedroom door, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. He just managed to move out of the way before Diamond barreled him over. "What was she doing in here?"

"Believe it or not," Pippin said, sighing, "she was pretending to be you."

"What?"

"I'll explain later." Pippin took a deep breath and smiled. "What's for breakfast?"

Merry went into the kitchen and found Diamond whispering in Estella's ear, but she stopped as soon as she saw him. Merry's dislike for Diamond grew exponentially when he noticed her arm around Estella's waist. "Diamond, could you excuse us?"

Estella turned around, then murmured something to Diamond. For once the incorrigible lass managed to leave the room without an impertinent remark.

Estella was cooking up a healthy batch of poached eggs, toast, sausages, rashers, and potatoes. She looked relaxed, almost happy, which reminded Merry of what he and Pippin had heard coming from the guest bedroom last night.

"Good morning, Merry," she said cheerfully.

"Morning, Stella." He motioned towards the sizzling pans. "Smells wonderful."

"Thank you," she beamed. "I've used the last of the mushrooms I'm afraid."

Merry mumbled, "That's all right," as he shifted from foot to foot. "I hate to bring this up, especially since you seem to be in such a good mood, but--"

Estella smiled encouragingly. "We should be well past being afraid to bring things up. Go on."

"What exactly were you and Diamond doing last night?" Merry tried to keep the resentment out of his voice, but failed. "Pippin and I heard noises that sounded a bit like--"

"We were bedding each other," Estella admitted matter-of-factly, then furrowed her brow. "Though I wonder if one would call it that since we lack certain--equipment. Oh well, we managed to improvise. Not exactly my cup of tea, but it was fun in the moment."

Merry was shocked at her cavalier attitude. "But why would you do that--with Diamond of all Hobbits?!"

Estella took the pans off the stove and started piling four plates with food. "She's a beautiful lass and she loves me, in her way. She offered me comfort and pleasure with no strings attached." She grinned. "I supposed it sort of makes us square."

"You did it to get even with me?"

"Well, I knew it would irritate you, knowing how you feel about Diamond." She looked up at Merry with love in her warm brown eyes. "Do you think you can forgive me? It'll never happen again, I promise."

Merry smiled happily and kissed her. "Of course, I can, Stell. Can you forgive me?"

She put her arms around his neck and allowed him to lift her in his arms. "I already have, Merry."

From the moment Merry put the pearl ring back on Estella's finger, there was an almost imperceptible shift in the atmosphere in the little cottage. The impetuous abandon of the night before seemed to dissipate, until all that was left were the sober countenances of four Hobbits who had come out of a strange dream.

At breakfast, it was Diamond who asked the question that was weighing on all their minds. "What happens now?"

"We're leaving for Tuckborough," Pippin told her decisively. "Just as soon as we finish breakfast."

Diamond stuck out her bottom lip. "But what about second breakfast?"

Merry grinned at the memory of Pippin's favorite query. His fond smile immediately turned to a dark frown. Pippin was really leaving for good.

"Pippin," Estella began, "you and Diamond don't have to leave in such a rush."

"Yes, we do, Stell," Pippin replied. "The longer we stay, the harder it'll be to say goodbye."

Pippin packed as much as he could load on the back of a pony and requested that Merry arrange to have the rest of his things sent to the Great Smials. At Brandy Hall they would borrow a cart to accommodate Diamond's voluminous belongings.

Estella tried to say goodbye to Diamond, but the lass pushed her away and ran to stand near the ponies with her back to the little cottage. Estella sensed it was Diamond's way of showing her emotions, so she let it pass.

"Pippin," said Estella, taking him aside. "Diamond is really a good girl, deep down, but you mustn't spoil her even if it might seem easier to do so in the short run. Be gentle but firm. That's what she needs."

Pippin grinned wryly. "As long as she steers clear of Hobbit stable lads."

Estella laughed. "She'll come around. She really does like you and besides, she's very uninhibited."

"I've noticed." Pippin's grin faded as tears welled in his eyes. "Take care of him for me, Stella."

Estella took his hand and squeezed it reassuringly. "I will, Pippin, don't worry."

Pippin put a gentle hand on her cheek, then he leaned down and kissed her forehead.

As Merry approached Pippin, Estella backed into the open doorway so they could have a moment to themselves. She watched them as they stood stiff and formal, grasping each other's arms, as they maintained a proper distance between them.

Estella felt tears running down her cheeks. "Embrace him, Merry, for pity's sake!"

Merry glanced at her gratefully and took Pippin in his arms.

Estella was drawn to the sight of Pippin resting his head on Merry's shoulder, his face wet with tears. His eyes were closed, but she could still clearly read the sad, but blissful expression on his face, being in the arms of his beloved one last time; but when the embrace ended, Pippin's fair brow furrowed with grief.

Estella turned away and wiped her eyes on her sleeve. She waved half-heartedly as Pippin and Diamond rode away. Merry wiped his own eyes then turned to Estella with a lost expression on his face.

"Are you all right, Merry?" She held out her hand to him.

He took her hand and let her lead him to the sofa. They held each other for a long while before Merry spoke.

"Do you think Diamond will ever come to love Pippin the way she should?"

Estella knew instinctively that Merry wanted reassurance, not the truth. "I'm sure she will. Pippin's very fair and lovable. Diamond won't be able to resist falling in love with him."

Merry smiled and stroked her cheek. "You tell the prettiest lies, Stella."

"Well, I meant what I said about Pippin. They'll be all right." Estella ran her fingers through his curls and whispered in his ear. "Merry, would you like to lie down for a while?"

"Are you tired?"

Estella blushed. "Not really."

Delighted by her suggestion, Merry nuzzled her neck and kissed her behind her ear, then carried her into the bedroom. Estella was more relaxed with Merry than she ever had been before, so it was a much more enjoyable experience for her this time. On the other hand, Merry's lovemaking seemed to have a new urgency to it, as if he was afraid of losing her too.

After a short nap, Merry got out of bed and dressed, then fished a loose book of parchment out of a well-worn satchel. "Stell, would you mind reading something for me?"

Estella's face lit up. "Oh, your book!"

"Herblore of the Shire, that's what I'm calling it." He hesitated briefly, then handed it to her. "It's not finished, but I'd like your opinion of it so far."

"I'd be happy to!" Merry watched her read with anticipation, but became anxious when she frowned. She put on her shift, got out of bed and went to the desk in the parlor. She took up a quill and turned to Merry. "You don't mind if I write on it do you?"

"Well...." Merry began nervously.

"It's not your final copy, is it?"

"No, but--"

Estella dipped the quill in a bottle of ink and scratched out a word, then wrote something in the margin. Merry hovered over her shoulder.

"It's just spelling, Merry," Estella told him. "You always were an atrocious speller."

"But what about that?" Merry said, pointing an indignant finger where she had just crossed out an entire line. "You've rewritten the whole sentence."

"I just rearranged it so it would make more sense," Estella replied.

Merry reread her corrections and grunted. It did make it make more sense.

She put down the quill and looked up at him. "Merry, I thought you wanted my opinion."

"I did," Merry said, grimacing.

Estella started to laugh. "No you didn't, you wanted me to tell you it was perfect just the way it was."

Merry smirked. "Well, it was perfect until you ruined it."

"No it wasn't," she retorted, "but it will be when I'm through with it."

Merry pulled up a chair and sat beside her. "A week ago, I think you would have told me what I wanted to hear. I know the last couple of days have been difficult for you, but I'm glad you're finally comfortable with me again."

Estella touched his cheek. "That's so sweet. Now, get me some tea, I have a lot of work to do."

"Not that much work!" Merry gave her an especially wet kiss, then left her to her task.

Estella enjoyed Merry's book very much and was doubly proud to be his future wife. He had a straightforward and engaging writing style; not quite on the level of Bilbo Baggins, but old Bilbo was a storyteller of the first order. One couldn't expect that sort of thing in a scholarly work.

Merry's treatise on pipe-weed brought up old images of Merry and Pippin enjoying a drink and a smoke at the Green Dragon, or anywhere else in the Shire where pipe-weed and ale were abundant.

Estella suddenly found her mood darkening when she recalled the grief on Pippin's face when he and Merry said goodbye, but she tried to banish it from her mind. Pippin could have found a lass who would have loved him, Estella thought reasonably, but he chose Diamond instead. Now they were the most mismatched couple in all of Middle-earth. Pippin was used to being loved in a way that few Hobbits are. And as fond as she was of Diamond, Estella knew the young lass's emotional capacity was limited to mild affection and playful teasing.

But that wasn't her problem, she told herself.

Estella sighed and closed Merry's book, unable to concentrate further. Of course it is. Pippin and Diamond were her friends now. And Pippin would be a part of Merry for the rest of their lives.

"Merry," she called. "I'm going for a ride. I'll be back before tea."

Merry emerged from the kitchen with a worried expression. "My book's not that bad, it is?" But Estella had already gone.

Outside of Brandy Hall, a cart was being loaded with Diamond's enormous trunk and sundry belongings. Diamond didn't notice when a young hobbit lad crushed her second-favorite bonnet, because she was too busy gazing up at Pippin with something approaching sympathy.

"Diamond, you're making me nervous," Pippin said light-heartedly.

Diamond started to sniff and dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief. "I think I forgot my favorite petticoat. It might take me a few hours to find it."

Pippin knelt down and put his hands lightly on her hips. "You can't stall forever; we've got to go home."

"Just watch me, Pippin!" she wailed.

Pippin embraced her, letting her rest her head on his shoulder. "I've never seen you cry before, Diamond."

She withdrew slightly, but allowed him to keep his arms around her. "Don't you think I have any feelings?"

"Up until a few days ago..." Pippin started to say. "But now I know better. May I kiss you?"

Diamond snuffled and wiped her eyes. She tried to give him a flirtatious look that she immediately abandoned. "Yes, please."

Pippin slipped his hand on the back of her neck and pulled her gently to him. Diamond stiffened initially, but then leaned into him, and teased his mouth open with her little tongue. She withdrew looking pleased, though Pippin didn't know if she was pleased with him or herself. Pippin gazed up at her affectionately, attempting to see what lay behind her pretty hazel eyes.

"Now you're making me nervous," Diamond said coldly, pushing him away. "I'm going to look for my petticoat."

Pippin sighed in frustration and banged his hand against the side of the cart. Diamond wasn't even making an effort with him. At first he thought it was coyness, but now he was beginning to wonder if Diamond was the least bit attracted to him. All the way to Brandy Hall, she kept trying to tell him the details of her little tryst with Estella last night. It seemed that Pippin had found the only lass he'd ever heard of who preferred other lasses. Ironic, but hardly amusing.

Pippin sat down wearily on an old tree stump and pulled out his pipe. He heard a rider approach and turned. It was Estella. Pippin rose and helped her out of the saddle. "What brings you here?"

"I had a feeling you hadn't left yet," she said. "Where's Diamond?"

Pippin rolled his eyes. "Inside, looking for an imaginary petticoat. Is there something wrong?"

"No, everything's fine." Estella took his hand, leading him to a bench next to the stables. "I just had a scandalous thought. Would you like to hear it?"

Pippin grinned. "Of course; especially if it's scandalous."

Estella paused for moment as if she was gathering the courage for what she had to say. She squeezed Pippin's hand and met his eyes. "I think it's possible for one Hobbit to love two Hobbits if the two Hobbits in question agree to share the affections of the one. What do you think?"

"Don't torture me, Stella," Pippin breathed, unwilling to believe what he had just heard. "Don't say such things unless you really mean them."

Estella smiled at him so happily she looked as if she would burst. "Well? Tell me what you think."

Pippin felt tears of joy spring to his eyes as he enveloped the little Hobbit lass in a tight embrace. "I think you just saved my life."

To be continued...