As Merry walked back down the hallway to his bedroom, still fuming over what his tutor had said, he ran into something very solid. Not remembering any furniture that should stand in his way, he looked up into bright blue eyes. "Frodo?"
"Hullo cousin! What are you doing up at this time of night?" Frodo held out his hand to help his cousin up.
"I might ask the same to you! What are you doing here so late?" Merry took his cousins hand and got to his feet, staring questioningly up at Frodo.
"Well, I left just as soon as I got the letter from Pippins mum. I got here about five minuets ago when I heard shouting coming from this side of the house, so naturally I came to see what was up; all I heard was something about Pippin and nightmares, is he alright, I mean is it as serious as Eglantine made it sound?"
"I don't know how bad she made it sound, but I assure you its that multiplied by ten. He has a horrible fever, broken ribs, his lungs are filled with water, and he can hardly breathe! The healer said he has some sort of disease, she doesn't know what, but he could die Frodo!" Tears started welling up in Merry's eyes, and next thing he knew, he was crying on his cousin's shoulder, while Frodo held him. "Tonight I woke up to hear him screaming my name over and over in his sleep, he sounded like he was having some sort of a nightmare."
"That could very well be his fever. But hush now Merry, I'm sure Pippin will be fine, he's very strong, and with people like you looking after him, he should make a speedy recovery! Come now, its late, lets get some sleep, you need your strength if you are going to look after your sick cousin all day." Frodo started to lead a shaking Merry back to his room.
"But Frodo, that's just it, I can't look after him!"
"And why not?" That's odd Frodo thought to himself, its not as thought Paladin and Tina don't trust Merry.
"Its that horrible tutor my parents hired. He is supposed to be giving me lessons so that I will be ready to become Master of the Hall someday. He expects me to be in those blasted lessons all day long!"
"And who, pray tell is this tutor?"
"Mister Adams."
"I see, well there is nothing we can do about it until morning, so lets get some sleep shall we?" Frodo tried to take the subject away from the tutor and onto something else. He had heard of Mister Adams reputation, and personally was glad he wasn't the one receiving the lessons! But seriously, I have heard he was a mean and harsh tutor, but forcing someone to take lessons while their friend is terribly ill? That is just downright evil! Perhaps a talk with this "Mister Adams" would do some good.