*Hugs all the reviewers* I am SO sorry for taking so long to update! First
of all, you can blame it on my teachers, and on TTTEE (which I have already
watched three times). Also, the chapters in this story I have noticed are
tending to be a lot longer than any chapters in my previous stories, so
naturally they take longer to write. I'm really sorry. I'll try to update
more quickly.
First of all, thank you everyone for the Happy birthdays! You all made my day really special! *hugs*
Loveofthering: *hugs* Congratulations on being my first reviewer on this story! And oh, will Merry have his hands full! ;)
Canadian-Hobbit: I'm glad you're enjoying it, and I hope you continue to do so!
Mint Sauce: You got to feel sorry for Pippin. :0) Oh, and by the way, anyone who has also read Minty's Pippin/Diamond story Requiem, see if you can find my little accidental nod to her great story! :0)
Sigl: *whispers* I won't tell anyone! I'm glad you were able to get on though! I don't see you enough any more! *hugs*
Lemondrop: Wow! You are excited! You make me feel so special! *hugs* Yes, I have developed a soft spot for Estella's character. And a new one for Merry and Pippin. I've just discovered how much fun they all are to write! (and I saw your review for Rain Rain Go Away! Yay for the plot bunnies! I hope the nasty teacherses lay off the homework!)
Arwen Baggins: You know, I am actually thinking about a Pippin/Diamond romance making a small appearance later on. :0) And about the whole Fredegar thing, check the note below.
Polychrome: Oh yes. Nothing like the originals! And yet, even the originals are open, because Tolkien never described Estella and Diamond, so we are free to do what we want! :0)
DiamondTook3: I'm glad you're enjoying it! *hugs*
MLynnBloom: Aw, Merry doesn't talk to her in this chapter. Not quite yet. ;)
KitKatz: Thank you for the kind words! And about Fatty, check the note below.
PippinFinn: Yes Estella is quite rude. That's just how her character developed herself. I'm sure she'll discover how sweet Merry is. :0)
Concetta: I'm continuing!
NOTE: As Arwen Baggins and KitKatz pointed out, I took the liberty of making Merry and Pippin not know that Estella was Fatty's sister. I actually do have an explanation for this, as you will see in this chapter. And the fact that he is her brother does play a part in the story. I have no intention of altering the oh-so-helpful family trees in the appendices, and I am trying to keep it as close to being true to the book as possible. I personally do not think of it as too much of an AU, but if you all feel that it is because of my decision for them not to know Estella, I will agree to call it so.
WOAH! *goes cross-eyed* Too many author's notes! This chapter is going to be freakishly long! Oh well. You all probably don't mind that. :0)
On with the story!
*******************************************************
The smoke from the long, curved pipe drifted lazily up into the air. The wind blowing through it twisted it into amusing patterns and making it look like it was swirling and dancing. Or so Meriadoc Brandybuck thought, as he sat there idly smoking his pipe. He was sitting in a comfortable chair outside of the Green Dragon Inn, the noise and chatter of the hobbits inside to his back. Somewhere in there, doubtless with the largest mug of ale available in his hands, was Pippin.
He fingered his pipe thoughtfully. It used to always be that when he smoked his pipe he would be joking around with a friend (usually Pippin), or telling some other hobbits an embarrassing anecdote from when his cousin was young. Now whenever he smoked, he could only think of King Theoden and the talks of herb-lore they would never have. "Smoke then, and think of him," Aragorn had said, though at first it had made him sad. Now though, he found that smoking was perfect for remembering him, or simply sifting through the thoughts that ran through his head.
And right now, he had a lot to think about.
If they stayed to the schedule they set for themselves, he and Pippin should be off to the next Inn someplace else. In a way, he supposed, one could say that Sam Gamgee inspired them. Merry had noticed how Sam was going around the Shire and bringing it back to life by replacing all the trees and gardens that had been destroyed by the ruffians. Also wanting to do their part, he and Pippin also took to traveling the Shire even though they never went as far as digging and working in the dirt as Sam was. It was enough for them to just look over everything and make sure that the Shire was healing well. Although, Merry did suspect that Pippin was only in it to flaunt his armor and flirt with the all the lasses.
Not that he couldn't have the same doubts about himself.
"What are you doing out here, Merry?" The jovial voice sounded above the clamor from the Inn. "Goodness, Merry! You look like an old gaffer sitting in his chair to ease his aching joints!" Pippin strode out of the doorway, flopped down into the chair beside his cousin, and eyed him teasingly.
Merry chuckled, "Only you could make that kind of comparison, Pip." After the other's answering laugh they both fell quiet. Merry continued smoking his pipe silently, but Pippin twiddled his thumbs impatiently.
"Why are you out here all alone?" Pippin asked, getting up and gesturing to the open door, "Come on in, Merry, and join the fun!"
"No, I'm fine," he answered, his eyes absently following the trails of his pipe smoke, "You go on back inside, Pippin. I need to think."
"Think about what?" A smile grew about Pippin's lips, "Got your plan for Estella yet?"
Merry sighed pensively, "No, not yet. But I have noticed something. Her name is Estella Bolger."
Obviously expecting him to say more, Pippin did not answer for a moment. When it was clear that this one simple statement was all that was coming, Pippin raised his eyebrows in confusion. "Yes? What is your point?"
"Her last name is Bolger," Merry emphasized, "Do you think she's related to Fredegar?"
"Good ol' Fatty related to a mean lass like her?" Pippin was clearly appalled at the idea, "Are you going nuts, Merry? How can you possibly come up with that idea?"
"It's not like I am saying that she is his sister or something!" replied Merry defensively.
"Perish the thought," Pippin said, shuddering.
"I just wondered if they might be distant cousins of some sort," continued Merry, "you know? The remote relative known only by casual acquaintance."
"Aye," Pippin muttered softly, "As if the Fatty we know would acquaint himself with someone the likes of her."
"Anyways," Merry said trying to change the subject, "That's why I am out here."
"To wait and see if Fatty shows up, and ask him if he has a fiendish cousin?"
Stifling a laugh, Merry shrugged, "If you want to put it that way. I would like to see to him anyhow, since we haven't talked for a while. And I figured that I may very well find him here."
And that was a very good guess of Merry's. After being released from the Lockholes, all of the hobbits that knew him looked in pity upon the now all too thin Fredegar Bolger. He was all too eager to consent to their urges for him too eat, and it was always a favorite pastime of Fatty's to go to the nearby Inn and have a mug of ale with his friends. And of all the Inns, the Green Dragon was the closest and favorite of Fatty's.
Pippin patted Merry's shoulder, "It looks like you've really thought this over," he said, "But regardless of whether or not Estella and Fatty are related, what do you stand to gain from knowing anything about that?"
"Connections, Pip," Merry stated firmly, "connections."
"What?" Puzzlement was detectable on Pippin's face, until it finally dawned on him, "Oh!" He said, exaggerating the vowel into a stretched and elongated expression, "I see. Well, in that case, it might actually have been more convenient if he were related to Estella."
"What about Estella?"
Both hobbits spun around at this voice, and Pippin was so startled that he fell out of his chair and landed with a thud on the ground. Merry however, as soon as he saw the new arrival's face, he leapt up and wrapped the other hobbit in an embrace.
"Fatty!" he exclaimed cheerfully, "I haven't seen you in too long! How are you?" The other hobbit was almost too thin to be recognized as the Fatty that would joke around with Merry and Pippin before they left on their travels, but Merry would know that wide grin anywhere.
"Not too bad, Merry!" Fatty laughed, returning Merry's embrace, "Although I am very looking forward to some good food here!" He patted his stomach, "To small for my liking!"
Pippin, still sitting on the ground where he had fallen, crossed his arms and delivered the flawless pout that had gotten him out of more than one scrape as a child, "And I suppose no one cares about their poor dear younger cousin sprawled upon the cold hard ground?"
Merry grinned and shook his head, "Don't even try it Pippin. You know that look never worked on me!" He chuckled as Pippin stuck his lower lip out even further, and then proceeded to reach out his hand and help his cousin up.
"So," Fatty said, as Pippin composed himself and brushed the dirt off his clothing, "Why where you two talking about Estella?" His smile faded slightly, "I didn't know you knew her."
"We didn't," Merry explained, watching Fatty carefully and wondering why his face looked so troubled, "Until Pippin made a fool of himself in front of her at the market." He winked at Pippin, who was cringing at the memory.
Fatty bit his lower lip and closed his eyes, "Why was she there?" he mumbled in himself, "Grandmother said that she would keep her at the house."
Pippin raised his eyebrows, "Fatty, what are you talking about?"
"Hmm?" Fatty was dragged out of his reverie, "Oh, nothing. I'm just a bit frustrated, that's all." He tried to avoid the subject, but Merry and Pippin would not be satisfied. Finally, when their questioning glances became too wearisome, Fatty gave in. "Look," Fatty said quickly, "I'll explain it to you, but you must promise you will never tell a soul."
"Fatty . . ."
"Promise me!"
"All right, all right," Merry said, "I promise. Pip?"
Pippin spread his hands and nodded, "Me too. You have my word."
Sighing, Fatty looked down to avoid the others' eyes. "Estella is my sister." He flinched expecting an outburst, and when only silence answered him he hesitantly raised his gaze.
Pippin and Merry were gaping openly, there mouths hanging open.
Suddenly Pippin burst out laughing, almost bent double with mirth, "That's a good one, Fatty!" Tears of laughter streamed down his cheeks, "Oh, I can always count on you to crack a good joke!"
He flinched as Merry elbowed him in the ribs. "Pippin," he muttered under his breath, "I don't think he was joking."
"What?" Pippin's face paled as he saw Fatty's glare.
Narrowing his eyes, Merry tilted his head, "Then why have you never spoken of her before?"
Fatty opened his mouth to answer but Pippin beat him to it, "Think about it Merry," He said, "Would you want everyone to know if YOU had a sister who had such a rotten streak in her? No offence, Fatty."
"No offence taken," Fatty assured him, "Believe me, even our parents can hardly stand to have her around, especially when there are guests over. No matter how many chances we give her, she always manages to ruin any occasion."
Merry could see the logic in this, but he could feel the tiniest stab of pity in his heart for the poor girl. Did he just call her 'poor girl?' "So where does she go?" he asked softly.
"We usually send her to our Grandmother Hetta's place. Grandmother is almost as bad as Estella, if not worse. They get along about as well as they can, considering . . ." Fatty trailed off, and then shrugged.
"So that's where she can usually be found?" Merry mused.
"I suppose so, Merry," Fatty said slowly, "If anyone would even want to find her, that is."
A smile crept onto Merry's face, "Where is your Grandmother's home located?"
Fatty's face scrunched into a grimace, "Why would you want to know?"
"Because," Pippin butted his way back into the conversation, "I dared Merry to try and win the girl's feelings in time for the Yule celebration."
"You WHAT?" Fatty's eyes nearly popped out of his head in shock. He then turned a pitying gaze to Merry, "And you agreed to this?"
Merry smirked, "Sure I did. It'll be no problem."
Fatty looked like he was going to say something about Merry's bold statement, but then said instead, "Go about three miles south from Hobbiton to find my Grandmother's home. It should be easy to find, as there is not a single other Hobbit hole in the vicinity of it."
"Thank you, Fatty," Merry said, patting his friend on the back, "We won't keep you any longer. Go on in and have your meal."
"Good luck," Fatty told him, "if any luck can find you near my sister."
TBC
First of all, thank you everyone for the Happy birthdays! You all made my day really special! *hugs*
Loveofthering: *hugs* Congratulations on being my first reviewer on this story! And oh, will Merry have his hands full! ;)
Canadian-Hobbit: I'm glad you're enjoying it, and I hope you continue to do so!
Mint Sauce: You got to feel sorry for Pippin. :0) Oh, and by the way, anyone who has also read Minty's Pippin/Diamond story Requiem, see if you can find my little accidental nod to her great story! :0)
Sigl: *whispers* I won't tell anyone! I'm glad you were able to get on though! I don't see you enough any more! *hugs*
Lemondrop: Wow! You are excited! You make me feel so special! *hugs* Yes, I have developed a soft spot for Estella's character. And a new one for Merry and Pippin. I've just discovered how much fun they all are to write! (and I saw your review for Rain Rain Go Away! Yay for the plot bunnies! I hope the nasty teacherses lay off the homework!)
Arwen Baggins: You know, I am actually thinking about a Pippin/Diamond romance making a small appearance later on. :0) And about the whole Fredegar thing, check the note below.
Polychrome: Oh yes. Nothing like the originals! And yet, even the originals are open, because Tolkien never described Estella and Diamond, so we are free to do what we want! :0)
DiamondTook3: I'm glad you're enjoying it! *hugs*
MLynnBloom: Aw, Merry doesn't talk to her in this chapter. Not quite yet. ;)
KitKatz: Thank you for the kind words! And about Fatty, check the note below.
PippinFinn: Yes Estella is quite rude. That's just how her character developed herself. I'm sure she'll discover how sweet Merry is. :0)
Concetta: I'm continuing!
NOTE: As Arwen Baggins and KitKatz pointed out, I took the liberty of making Merry and Pippin not know that Estella was Fatty's sister. I actually do have an explanation for this, as you will see in this chapter. And the fact that he is her brother does play a part in the story. I have no intention of altering the oh-so-helpful family trees in the appendices, and I am trying to keep it as close to being true to the book as possible. I personally do not think of it as too much of an AU, but if you all feel that it is because of my decision for them not to know Estella, I will agree to call it so.
WOAH! *goes cross-eyed* Too many author's notes! This chapter is going to be freakishly long! Oh well. You all probably don't mind that. :0)
On with the story!
*******************************************************
The smoke from the long, curved pipe drifted lazily up into the air. The wind blowing through it twisted it into amusing patterns and making it look like it was swirling and dancing. Or so Meriadoc Brandybuck thought, as he sat there idly smoking his pipe. He was sitting in a comfortable chair outside of the Green Dragon Inn, the noise and chatter of the hobbits inside to his back. Somewhere in there, doubtless with the largest mug of ale available in his hands, was Pippin.
He fingered his pipe thoughtfully. It used to always be that when he smoked his pipe he would be joking around with a friend (usually Pippin), or telling some other hobbits an embarrassing anecdote from when his cousin was young. Now whenever he smoked, he could only think of King Theoden and the talks of herb-lore they would never have. "Smoke then, and think of him," Aragorn had said, though at first it had made him sad. Now though, he found that smoking was perfect for remembering him, or simply sifting through the thoughts that ran through his head.
And right now, he had a lot to think about.
If they stayed to the schedule they set for themselves, he and Pippin should be off to the next Inn someplace else. In a way, he supposed, one could say that Sam Gamgee inspired them. Merry had noticed how Sam was going around the Shire and bringing it back to life by replacing all the trees and gardens that had been destroyed by the ruffians. Also wanting to do their part, he and Pippin also took to traveling the Shire even though they never went as far as digging and working in the dirt as Sam was. It was enough for them to just look over everything and make sure that the Shire was healing well. Although, Merry did suspect that Pippin was only in it to flaunt his armor and flirt with the all the lasses.
Not that he couldn't have the same doubts about himself.
"What are you doing out here, Merry?" The jovial voice sounded above the clamor from the Inn. "Goodness, Merry! You look like an old gaffer sitting in his chair to ease his aching joints!" Pippin strode out of the doorway, flopped down into the chair beside his cousin, and eyed him teasingly.
Merry chuckled, "Only you could make that kind of comparison, Pip." After the other's answering laugh they both fell quiet. Merry continued smoking his pipe silently, but Pippin twiddled his thumbs impatiently.
"Why are you out here all alone?" Pippin asked, getting up and gesturing to the open door, "Come on in, Merry, and join the fun!"
"No, I'm fine," he answered, his eyes absently following the trails of his pipe smoke, "You go on back inside, Pippin. I need to think."
"Think about what?" A smile grew about Pippin's lips, "Got your plan for Estella yet?"
Merry sighed pensively, "No, not yet. But I have noticed something. Her name is Estella Bolger."
Obviously expecting him to say more, Pippin did not answer for a moment. When it was clear that this one simple statement was all that was coming, Pippin raised his eyebrows in confusion. "Yes? What is your point?"
"Her last name is Bolger," Merry emphasized, "Do you think she's related to Fredegar?"
"Good ol' Fatty related to a mean lass like her?" Pippin was clearly appalled at the idea, "Are you going nuts, Merry? How can you possibly come up with that idea?"
"It's not like I am saying that she is his sister or something!" replied Merry defensively.
"Perish the thought," Pippin said, shuddering.
"I just wondered if they might be distant cousins of some sort," continued Merry, "you know? The remote relative known only by casual acquaintance."
"Aye," Pippin muttered softly, "As if the Fatty we know would acquaint himself with someone the likes of her."
"Anyways," Merry said trying to change the subject, "That's why I am out here."
"To wait and see if Fatty shows up, and ask him if he has a fiendish cousin?"
Stifling a laugh, Merry shrugged, "If you want to put it that way. I would like to see to him anyhow, since we haven't talked for a while. And I figured that I may very well find him here."
And that was a very good guess of Merry's. After being released from the Lockholes, all of the hobbits that knew him looked in pity upon the now all too thin Fredegar Bolger. He was all too eager to consent to their urges for him too eat, and it was always a favorite pastime of Fatty's to go to the nearby Inn and have a mug of ale with his friends. And of all the Inns, the Green Dragon was the closest and favorite of Fatty's.
Pippin patted Merry's shoulder, "It looks like you've really thought this over," he said, "But regardless of whether or not Estella and Fatty are related, what do you stand to gain from knowing anything about that?"
"Connections, Pip," Merry stated firmly, "connections."
"What?" Puzzlement was detectable on Pippin's face, until it finally dawned on him, "Oh!" He said, exaggerating the vowel into a stretched and elongated expression, "I see. Well, in that case, it might actually have been more convenient if he were related to Estella."
"What about Estella?"
Both hobbits spun around at this voice, and Pippin was so startled that he fell out of his chair and landed with a thud on the ground. Merry however, as soon as he saw the new arrival's face, he leapt up and wrapped the other hobbit in an embrace.
"Fatty!" he exclaimed cheerfully, "I haven't seen you in too long! How are you?" The other hobbit was almost too thin to be recognized as the Fatty that would joke around with Merry and Pippin before they left on their travels, but Merry would know that wide grin anywhere.
"Not too bad, Merry!" Fatty laughed, returning Merry's embrace, "Although I am very looking forward to some good food here!" He patted his stomach, "To small for my liking!"
Pippin, still sitting on the ground where he had fallen, crossed his arms and delivered the flawless pout that had gotten him out of more than one scrape as a child, "And I suppose no one cares about their poor dear younger cousin sprawled upon the cold hard ground?"
Merry grinned and shook his head, "Don't even try it Pippin. You know that look never worked on me!" He chuckled as Pippin stuck his lower lip out even further, and then proceeded to reach out his hand and help his cousin up.
"So," Fatty said, as Pippin composed himself and brushed the dirt off his clothing, "Why where you two talking about Estella?" His smile faded slightly, "I didn't know you knew her."
"We didn't," Merry explained, watching Fatty carefully and wondering why his face looked so troubled, "Until Pippin made a fool of himself in front of her at the market." He winked at Pippin, who was cringing at the memory.
Fatty bit his lower lip and closed his eyes, "Why was she there?" he mumbled in himself, "Grandmother said that she would keep her at the house."
Pippin raised his eyebrows, "Fatty, what are you talking about?"
"Hmm?" Fatty was dragged out of his reverie, "Oh, nothing. I'm just a bit frustrated, that's all." He tried to avoid the subject, but Merry and Pippin would not be satisfied. Finally, when their questioning glances became too wearisome, Fatty gave in. "Look," Fatty said quickly, "I'll explain it to you, but you must promise you will never tell a soul."
"Fatty . . ."
"Promise me!"
"All right, all right," Merry said, "I promise. Pip?"
Pippin spread his hands and nodded, "Me too. You have my word."
Sighing, Fatty looked down to avoid the others' eyes. "Estella is my sister." He flinched expecting an outburst, and when only silence answered him he hesitantly raised his gaze.
Pippin and Merry were gaping openly, there mouths hanging open.
Suddenly Pippin burst out laughing, almost bent double with mirth, "That's a good one, Fatty!" Tears of laughter streamed down his cheeks, "Oh, I can always count on you to crack a good joke!"
He flinched as Merry elbowed him in the ribs. "Pippin," he muttered under his breath, "I don't think he was joking."
"What?" Pippin's face paled as he saw Fatty's glare.
Narrowing his eyes, Merry tilted his head, "Then why have you never spoken of her before?"
Fatty opened his mouth to answer but Pippin beat him to it, "Think about it Merry," He said, "Would you want everyone to know if YOU had a sister who had such a rotten streak in her? No offence, Fatty."
"No offence taken," Fatty assured him, "Believe me, even our parents can hardly stand to have her around, especially when there are guests over. No matter how many chances we give her, she always manages to ruin any occasion."
Merry could see the logic in this, but he could feel the tiniest stab of pity in his heart for the poor girl. Did he just call her 'poor girl?' "So where does she go?" he asked softly.
"We usually send her to our Grandmother Hetta's place. Grandmother is almost as bad as Estella, if not worse. They get along about as well as they can, considering . . ." Fatty trailed off, and then shrugged.
"So that's where she can usually be found?" Merry mused.
"I suppose so, Merry," Fatty said slowly, "If anyone would even want to find her, that is."
A smile crept onto Merry's face, "Where is your Grandmother's home located?"
Fatty's face scrunched into a grimace, "Why would you want to know?"
"Because," Pippin butted his way back into the conversation, "I dared Merry to try and win the girl's feelings in time for the Yule celebration."
"You WHAT?" Fatty's eyes nearly popped out of his head in shock. He then turned a pitying gaze to Merry, "And you agreed to this?"
Merry smirked, "Sure I did. It'll be no problem."
Fatty looked like he was going to say something about Merry's bold statement, but then said instead, "Go about three miles south from Hobbiton to find my Grandmother's home. It should be easy to find, as there is not a single other Hobbit hole in the vicinity of it."
"Thank you, Fatty," Merry said, patting his friend on the back, "We won't keep you any longer. Go on in and have your meal."
"Good luck," Fatty told him, "if any luck can find you near my sister."
TBC