Author's Note: Just so you know, the Hobbits have been drinking half pints. I didn't specify that before.
Lotho's mind was brilliant in the art of scheming and this situation was no exception. He had thought of another brilliant plan, this one was sure to succeed. He approached the chubby Hobbit behind the counter once more. "Sir, I was wondering that if that fellow over there," He motioned to Pippin "could drink two whole pints of Ale," Lotho chuckled, "that he could have a free meal?" The bartender sighed, and shook his head. "I'm 'fraid not, sir."
"Well, I'll pay for the meal and Ale of course...you just tell him its free."
"Well..." Said the bartender hesitantly, "I suppose so..." Lotho grinned and returned to his seat.
A small barmaid hopped over to Frodo's table. The four Hobbits stared in amazement as she set a whole pint in front of Pippin. She proceeded to explain the purpose to the Hobbits. Pippin couldn't turn down the chance for a free meal. He gladly accepted, much to Frodo's dismay. Pippin began to drink the large glass of Ale. Frodo placed his hand on his forehead, trying to think of a way to stop this.
Lotho sat watching the whole ordeal. He was thrilled that Pippin had accepted, and he loved seeing poor Frodo's misery. He would surely have those mushrooms now. There was no way that Pippin could drink two full pints, along with the other ale he had consumed, without getting drunk. Frodo had lost already. Lotho snickered and imagined himself eating a whole pile of mushrooms.
Frodo's head throbbed. There had to be some way to stop this. He couldn't afford to lose those mushrooms. He stared at Pippin as he gulped down the brown liquid. His mind raced with several solutions, none seeming right. Soon Pippin had finished the first pint. Now nearly all of the Hobbits were watching, some cheering. Pippin swayed in his seat, and Frodo groaned. The barmaid brought the second pint and placed it in front of Pippin. Just as he was about to pick it up, Frodo thrust out his hand, knocking the glass over and splashing it's contents all over Merry.
The Green Dragon went silent. Pippin stared at Merry wide-eyed, and Sam bit his lip. Frodo stared, trying to think of something to say. Merry, who had jumped back a bit in shock, now stared down at his soiled clothes. "Oh.." said Frodo, utterly horrified at what he had done. Back at Lotho's table, Lotho waited in quiet anticipation for Merry's reaction.
"Oh Merry..." said Frodo, unable to say anything else. Merry did not look up, but continued staring at his Ale-covered clothes. "Oh...Merry, I'm sorry...I didn't...I.." Frodo stuttered. "I didn't mean to...oh Merry..." Merry slowly looked up. Frodo bit his lip, hoping Merry wouldn't be too angry. At first Frodo thought that he was crying, but soon it became very evident that Merry was laughing. It started out as small chuckles, then giggling, and then full out laughing. Pippin giggled, then began laughing also. Soon Sam joined in, and eventually Frodo, though he still felt quite badly about it. Lotho sat, smoldering, and glaring at the Hobbits.
They laughed until they cried. Their sides ached, and tear streaks covered their faces. "Merry, lad, come let me help you clean up." said Frodo, getting out of his seat. Normally, Merry would have declined to this offer, but considering the situation he decided to accept. Frodo went to the counter and asked for a wet cloth. He tried to wipe the ale off of Merry's clothes but they were still going to be damp, and the smell of Ale wouldn't go away.
"Well," said Frodo "It's apparent that this isn't going to work. You need to get into some different clothes, lad." Merry frowned.
"And where are we going to find an extra set of clothes? I don't mean to be rude, but really, Frodo."
"Hmmm..." said Frodo thoughtfully, looking around the room. "Perhaps we could ask around?" He suggested hopefully. The bartender, having overheard the entire conversation, walked up to the two Hobbits. "Now, I couldn't help but overhear, begging your pardon, but I think I have a way to help you. A few days ago I had a bit of an accident with some butter, and...well, lets just say it wasn't a pretty sight. I had to leave work to get some clean clothes. Well, since I'm accident prone my wife sent me some extra clothes, just in case. Now, they'd be a might too big for you, but they should do."
Frodo and Merry thanked the bartender many times for his kindness. Merry went into the back to change, and Frodo returned to his seat. He sighed. He would definitely have to share some of his mushrooms with Merry when he won.
Lotho glared at the bartender, then at Frodo. He was furious. He HAD to win. The whole point of the bet was to make Frodo humiliate himself, as well as gain some more mushrooms, and it wasn't working as well as he had hoped.
Merry emerged from the back, giggling as he lifted his arms, the sleeves being much too long. When Pippin saw his cousin he giggled too. Merry looked ridiculous. His shirt was much too large and the sleeves were much too long. His own belt was used to keep the pants from falling down. He sat down, grinning. "You just wait, Peregrin Took!" He said, looking at his giggling cousin, "This will be the latest fashion once I've worn it. You just wait and see!"