Merry blinked at the sunlight, which warmed the room. It took him a moment to realize he wasn't at home but in one of the guest rooms at Bagend. Upon that realization he remembered all that had happened last night. He smiled stretching as he got out of bed. It was a pleasant memory but in the light of day seemed no more than a dream.
Judging by the angle of the sun Merry decided it must be about time for Second Breakfast, he must have slept in. He quickly got dressed and made his way to the kitchens. He moved quietly not wishing to disturb anyone that might still be abed. Rose and Diamond looked up from where they were talking as they pulled muffins from the oven.
"Good morning." Merry greeted.
"Good morning Merry." Rose returned cheerfully.
Merry looked about the empty kitchen with a raised brow. "It's quiet in here, is everyone still in bed?"
"No." Diamond informed him. "Everyone is outside, that way anyone who was still sleeping would be able to."
"Is everyone up?" Merry asked snatching one of the muffins from the cooling rack and lathering it with butter.
Rose shook her head. "No. Master Legolas is still asleep."
"It is Legolas, Lady Rose." Legolas' voice sounded from behind them.
Merry turned to see his friend standing in the doorway rubbing his eyes tiredly. "You look the worse for wear."
Legolas pouted sticking his tongue out at Merry.
"Well I can see we haven't grown up at all." Aragorn laughed as he entered the room carrying several empty trays.
"Go soak your head Aragorn." Legolas chirped in Sindarian.
Aragorn ignored the elf, setting the dishes on the counter. "Thank you Ladies, that was an excellent meal."
"M-Legolas." Rose hesitated. "Would you like something to eat?"
"Some tea would be lovely."
"You can not live on tea, you are too skinny as it is. You need to eat something." Diamond reprimanded putting her hands on her hips.
Aragorn and Merry held back grins as the hobbit woman scolded the elf. Merry finally came to Legolas' rescue. "Dia, he is thin and will always be thin, he's an elf."
"You mean they are all that thin?" Diamond questioned frowning.
Aragorn nodded. "I am afraid so."
Diamond let out a huff of annoyance. "It is a wonder they don't blow away in a strong wind." She turned pleading eyes to the elf. "Are you sure you won't eat anything?"
A small smile touched the corners of Legolas' mouth as he relented. "One or two of those wonderful blueberry muffins would suffice, thank you."
Diamond smiled pleased placing two muffins and a tart on the elf's plate before handing it to him.
"She is fighting a loosing battle." Aragorn whispered to Merry.
"Tell me we are not doing anything too tiring today." Merry prodded Aragorn as he and Legolas followed the man out to the garden where the rest of the Fellowship waited.
Aragorn shrugged. "I don't know. Frodo said he had something planned for us."
"Ah, come on Fordo." Pippin whined as they entered the garden. "Tell me."
Frodo shook his head. "You will find out later."
The Fellowship chuckled from were they sat or stood as they watched the two hobbits. Pippin was standing demandingly over his cousin who was resting unconcerned in the shaded grass.
"Frodo?" Pippin cajoled.
"No."
"Merry!" Pippin turned to his older cousin. "Frodo won't tell me what he's planning and I know he's up to something! I saw him and Sam talking!"
"O Valar!" Gandalf chuckled. "We are all in trouble then."
"Getting anything out of those two will be like pulling teeth Pip." Merry sighed. "You might as well give up now."
Pippin huffed, plopping down to sit beside Frodo. "That's no fair."
"Pip it's not something that exciting." Frodo reassured. "It's just something I would like to do."
"Whatever you wish lad." Gimli rumbled from where he smoked his pipe.
Frodo looked around and saw that all the members of the Fellowship were present. "Well seeing as we are all here, why don't we get started."