Authors Note: So here we are, at the end of all things. Again, thank you for reading "Of Hobbit Lads and Lasses," and enjoy the epilogue.
Epilogue
Rethe, 1427
"Well, that's that," said Diamond, placing the thank you note for the last of the wedding gifts in its envelope and handing it to Pippin.
Pippin and Diamond had been so swept up by the wedding fever, that they had decided not to wait until Diamond was of age to marry, and had had the ceremony on the last day of Afteryule, 1427.
But now all that was done, and the couple, along with Merry and Estella, who had moved back after the honeymoon, were settling back into everyday life.
"So I heard you two had some news for us," said Pippin, giving Diamond's shoulders a squeeze. "Will we be hearing the pitter-patter of little Brandybucks?" he inquired with a grin.
"Not yet," Merry replied laughing. Although truthfully, he was concerned that despite their best efforts, Estella had not yet conceived.
"Aww," said Pippin, "did you hear that dear, no little Brandybucks to torture—I mean play with."
"If that's your attitude towards children, you won't be having any of mine," said Diamond, to the great amusement of Merry and Estella.
"But Dimesy…" pleaded Pippin, as Merry and Estella guffawed and Diamond struggled to keep from laughter herself.
"Alright," said Diamond, kissing him. "Maybe… If, you're a good lad and behave yourself."
"Seriously, though," continued Pippin. "What's your news?" Merry frowned.
"My father's taken ill, and well…" He hesitated. "…he may not live much longer." Everyone was suddenly silent as the grave; they all knew what that would mean. Merry and Estella would have to move to the hall and assume their duties there, and the four friends would never be together in one place again.
Merry sighed. He knew if he wanted to make this work for as long as it could, they would have to put their worries aside and try to be happy. And as much as the impending death of his beloved father and the end of his carefree days at Crickhollow, which had really only just begun, frightened him, he forced himself to smile, and he made a suggestion.
"Let's have a picnic." The other three exchanged glances. They didn't want to upset him. "Come on, I know it's not really picnic weather, but… I know! We can go to the glade I found. Remember, Estella?" Estella nodded. It seemed like an age had passed.
"Yes, let's," replied Diamond. They all looked at Pippin. He shrugged.
"You're the boss," he said, winking at Merry. Merry grinned. "Let's go, then."
All the way to the glade, the hobbits laughed and managed to forget their troubles, though unbeknownst to the others, Merry's lay waiting just below the surface. When they had settled, he spke.
"You know," Merry said, draping his arms around Estella's shoulders, "I don't know what's going to happen, but as long as I have all of you here with me, I know it'll be okay." Estella squeezed his hand reassuringly.
"Thanks, Mer," Pippin replied, opening the picnic basket. There was silence for a moment, then they all burst into hysterical laughter. They'd forgotten the food!
Fin.