Merry walked to Pippin's room, humming quietly, and went inside. The scene hadn't changed much, the fire was still lit, cold cloths littered the bedside tables, and Pippin was still fast asleep in his bed. Grabbing a book from the shelf, Merry sat down in the big cozy armchair next to the fire and began to read.

One and a half hours later, Merry could still be found in the armchair next to the fire, not much else had changed either, except that he had switched books half way through the first one, because he was getting drowsy just reading it. Merry turned the page to find a quite spectacular picture of a dragon inside a huge cave full of treasures. He had been reading one of his Uncle Bilbo's stories that Frodo had given to Pippin as a birthday gift. It was one of Pippin's favorite books, which was why Merry could be found reading it that night. I probably shouldn't be reading this book, He thought Pippin will want it read to him over and over again while he is sick, and I will get so bored reading it again, but no matter, he is asleep now and… as if on cue, Merry's thoughts were interrupted by a large bought of coughing. He rushed over to Pippins side and stroked his back soothingly

"Shhhh Pip, its ok, just breathe, Merry's here, its ok." He continued to whisper sweet nothings into his ear, hoping this fit would end soon, it sounded worse than the others. After five more minutes, Pippins coughs turned into deep breathing. Good, let him seep. Merry bent closer to his cousin, I should probably check on his temperature while I am here. He put his hand up to Pippins forehead but pulled it back seconds later, the heat coming from his skin was almost unbearable.

"Oh my god, Pippin!" Merry grabbed some cool cloths and began to press them all over Pippins skin. Please cool down, please cool down! Half hour later, and Merry was distraught, he had stopped the fire, taken the bedclothes off the bed, soaked Pippins body in cold compresses, and yet his temperature seemed to have gone up! I have to get Frodo!

Merry leapt off the bed where Pippin lay and ran to his own bedroom

"FRODO! WAKE UP!" He yelled, flinging the sheets off his cousin

"Merry what?"

"Pip, he's burning up, I can't get him to cool down!" Frodo's face instantly went from confusion to worry, and he sprang out of bed, flew past merry and down the hall.

"What happened?"

"I don't know, I just checked on him…he's too hot to touch! I tried cold compresses, put out the fire, took off his bedclothes, and his temperature has risen!"

"Oh god!" Frodo ran faster then skidded to a halt in front of Pippins room, he flung open the door, and what he saw wasn't a pretty sight. Pippin lay in his sweat soaked pajamas on top of his torn up bed, shivering and sweating profusely, his cheeks were bright pink, tears were coming from his puffed up, bloodshot eyes, and he was coughing so hard, it was a miracle he could get air inside him at all.

"Pippin!"