Chapter Twelve

Midyear's Day, 1426

Merry was pensive. Today was the day—the day he would marry Estella.

Pippin and Diamond had decided to wait until Diamond was older to marry, but he and Estella both knew they weren't getting any younger—he was forty-four and she forty-one—and decided to marry as soon as it could be arranged.

As soon as it could be arranged had turned out to be midsummer's day—today, he reminded himself anxiously, straightening his freshly-polished leather armor in front of the mirror. He wondered what she was doing: his sweet Estella, who always smelled of lavender and springtime. He truly was a hobbit about to be married, he thought to himself. If Estella had any faults, he could not see them. He smiled, thinking of her, and wondered what she was doing; he wasn't permitted to see her until the ceremony. Was she as nervous, as he was, he wondered.

His thoughts were interrupted by a sharp knocking at the door. Before he could say "come in," the door opened.

"Hello, Pippin," he said distractedly

"Well don't you look a sight!" exclaimed Pippin, in a flawless imitation of his mother. He was perplexed when this failed to make his cousin laugh, but Merry was too wrapped up in his own thoughts to notice.

"What if I don't make her happy, Pip?" he asked, suddenly.

"I'm sure that won't be a problem, Merry. You and Stella are so perfect together." Maybe he's right, thought Merry, maybe I'm worrying too much.

Meanwhile, in a different wing of the hall, Estella was having similar concerns.

"Am I making a mistake, Diamond?"

"Why would you say that, Estella?" her friend asked, pulling the elegant emerald-green and silver gown over Estella's head.

"I don't know." It was true: she didn't. She loved Merry! And she knew he loved her. "Why am I so nervous, Diamond?"

"I expect it's because you're getting married. Isn't every bride nervous before she marries?" Estella knew she wasn't really talking about her anymore.

"I suppose you're right, Diamond." She reflected silently while Diamond wove garlands of flowers into her hair.

"There," said Diamond, finally, "finished."

"Thank you, Diamond," replied Estella absently. They stepped out into the hall. No sooner had they done this, than it seemed that all the hobbit women, both of the hall, and guests, swooped down upon Estella, breathing words of advice and fussing over her gown.

After what seemed an eternity to Estella, a Brandybuck relative she did not recognize ran up and told them the ceremony was about to start. All the aunts and cousins grabbed a hold of her and hurried her out the door.

Her father, who was doing worlds better since she had returned, met her outside.

"Good luck, sweet pea, he whispered."

"Thanks, Da," she replied as he escorted her up the aisle. She could feel the gaze of many hobbits on her, but she didn't care. There was only one that mattered. There was Merry, smiling at her with admiration and love. Suddenly all of her doubt disappeared. She loved him, and that was all that was important.

Merry grinned at Estella. His wife! He realized. The ceremony was over and Merry was ecstatic. She hit him with a dazzling smile. She was so beautiful, especially when she smiled.

"I love you, Estella."

"I love you too, my Merry," she answered. He laughed and the music started up.

"May I have this dance, dearest Estella?" She giggled like a tweenager. They both knew she was a terrible dancer. "I take that as a yes?"

"Just one, though."

Estella was no better a dancer than she'd ever been, but they both managed to get through it in one piece. And she managed to laugh at herself as well. It's no wonder I love her, thought Merry.

"Just one more thing to do…"

They walked over and cut the cake. Then Merry fed a piece to Estella. It was sweet, some of the richest she'd ever tasted.

"Good cake," said Estella, repeating the comment she had made months ago at Berilac's birthday party.

"Very good cake," Merry echoed her sentiment as Estella scooped some into his mouth. He smiled broadly. Maybe this is all he really needed, he thought; good cake and those he loved to share it with. He kissed the icing off her lips. They both laughed. Merry took one last look at the party, trying to memorize the day, and then he and Estella turned to leave.

"Leaving so soon?" asked Pippin, grinning.

"I'm afraid so, Pip," Merry replied in mock seriousness.

"Fine then: go." He draped his arm around Diamond's shoulders and pulled her close to them. "We'll just have to manage on our own." He winked and he and Diamond walked off, back to the party.

The newlyweds drove the short ride to Crickhollow in nervous excitement.

"I have to go and take care of the horses," said Merry."

"Alright," Estella replied, quivering in anticipation. A few minutes passed and he returned.

"Now…what were we doing?" asked Estella, slyly. "I seem to have forgotten! …maybe you can remind me?" She smiled mysteriously. Merry kissed her, roughly almost, running his fingers through the long brown curls which cascaded over her shoulders.

"Do you remember now?"

"Maybe my memory's coming back a little…" Estella grinned. "I might need a bit more reminding, though." With that, Merry lifted her into his arms. She squealed with delight and surprise.

"Do you remember now?" he asked again, carrying her into the House and as far as the door to the room they would now share. She responded by kissing him passionately. This is it, he thought, almost giddy with excitement.

"You know, Meriadoc Brandybuck, I just might." He grinned, setting her down.

"After you, Estella Brandybuck," he said, opening the door for her. Estella Brandybuck, he thought in wonder. Not Estella Bolger, Estella Brandybuck. My wife!

"Don't mind if I do." He gazed into the depths of her sparkling grey-green eyes. He was momentarily taken aback by how beautiful she was.

"I love you, Estella. I truly do."

"I love you too," she replied, tears of joy running from her eyes as she spoke. Her soft lips met his for the how many-th time he didn't know. He returned the kiss eagerly, her joyful tears mingling with his own. He gently broke the kiss.

"I love you," he repeated, never taking his eyes from her as he pulled the door shut, locking it. Suddenly that morning's anxiety returned. There was an awkward silence, as they both stared at the beautifully carved double bed that had been moved into Merry's room. What are you doing? Merry reprimanded himself after a moment.

Tentatively he stepped forward, and brushed a curl from Estella's face. Then kissing her gently, he turned her around and reached to unlace her gown. The tension he felt tempered by desire.

"Here," she said softly, lifting the dress over her head and letting it drop to the floor. Then she set to work on his armor. The tension disappeared and he was entirely filled with desire. They doffed the rest of their assorted garments, and she stepped into his embrace. He started to speak, but Estella silenced him with a kiss. He looked into her eyes, again, filled with the same love and desire that he felt in himself, and he clasped her to him with a new urgency, born of many months of waiting. Estella, who had longed for him as long, eagerly met him in his ardency.

He woke some hours later. The sky outside their window was dark. He glanced over at Estella, still in a deep slumber, and listened to her even sleep-breathing. He gazed at her peaceful form for a while longer, and then squeezing her close, settled back to sleep.

Fin.

Author's Note: I hope you've all enjoyed reading "Of Hobbit Lads and Lasses." Thank you so much to all my reviewers, I can't tell you how much your support has meant to me. If you're thinking, hmm…it seems like something's missing…Stay tuned for the epilogue!

-Estella Brandybuck