The smile was short-lived. It held while they strolled back to their chambers in the trees, and as they talked over the goings on of the day with the others in the fellowship. But it faded when talk turned to their course, and Aragorn reported that the lady and lord of the wood were decided that they should leave very soon.
This time Merry watched him during the talk, as he promised to, and he saw fully the entire depth of emotions welling up on his face as they spoke. His gaze turned, again and again, to Frodo, and at times he touched the base of his finger with his other hand absently, as if he were wearing a ring he was toying with.
Merry was frightened by it, and fully resolved to do all he could to protect Boromir from what was haunting him.
When the time came to leave, they were seen off in quite a luxurious style, with gifts and food and kind words from that mysterious and beautiful lady of the wood.
And then it seemed to have been a dream. Lorien seemed as hazy in his mind as it had appeared during the foggiest of evenings when they were there. They found themselves in boats, presents of the elves, and for many long days they floated through the lands, watching the scenery change and feeling about as gray as the skies remained.
Merry and Pippin were put into Boromir's boat - as ever since the journey had started, Aragorn claimed Frodo and Sam. But none of the three in the lesser boat minded the change. In fact, Merry was sure that Boromir was relieved at it. No temptations to cloud his mind, Merry figured. He tried to spend the days lightly, in talk with Pippin and Boromir. But the man was distracted so often he lost track of any conversation. Pippin chattered on as lightly as he ever had in lazy Shire days for a while, but on the fourth day of their trip down river he began to fall into the somber mood that had fallen over the rest of the fellowship.
And without anyone to talk to, Merry's mind fell into grayness as well.
When they made camp that fourth night, Aragorn told them that here was the fork in the road that they had been waiting on. The next day's travel would bring two different possible courses.
"I will return to Gondor and to the war there, for that is my duty," answered Boromir stiffly, and Merry moved from Pip to sit beside him in silent support. This would be a night he had dreaded.
Boromir didn't seem to notice him there.
The talk went on, as all talks between them did. Arguments were made and then dismissed, and options were weighed. At last the choice was placed on poor Frodo to make, and Merry didn't envy his cousin in the slightest. It was easy to forget that Frodo was the center of this whole thing - he was so quiet about it. He was drawn from them, Merry realized, and he was drawing further even then.
He left their camp to walk and to think, and Merry sighed to see him go. He couldn't imagine having a choice like this laid on his own shoulders. Indeed it seemed odd that it was on Frodo's. A hobbit he was, even if he was more learned and more serious than most. That any fate of any world should rest on a hobbit was so remote an idea that it seemed silly.
Boromir stirred after a few minutes of silent reflection. "I feel I'm in need of a walk myself. A breath of air away from river and fire will do me good." He spoke to Aragorn, but for a moment his gaze was on Merry and there was something there that was alarming.
Merry hesitated until he was gone, and he looked back at Aragorn and saw the suspicion that lit the man's face before it cleared and he set about unpacking food for the group from their packs.
Pippin came to him and sat with a sigh. "I'm glad something's finally happening. It seems like we've been floating down a stream since we were lads."
Merry nodded absently, looking out at the trees where Boromir had vanished.
"Merry."
He blinked and looked back at his cousin.
Pippin studied him, then smiled. "You're growing more serious, but this is in a different way than before. And you were so happy days ago. I guess you had words with your Man."
Merry laughed quietly. "He's not my Man. He's not a pet. But yes, we talked."
"And? I would have demanded the truth from you days ago but I thought you would tell me on your own. Now I see you've inherited some of Gandalf's closeness, and so I'll demand after all."
"And..." Merry shrugged, a blush growing on his cheeks. "He isn't unhappy with me."
Pippin gave a triumphant sort of laugh, so odd a sound in the grim mood that the eyes of everyone turned to them.
Merry's blush deepened and he ducked his head. "Oi, Pip. It's not something to be told to everyone."
"I'm not at all sorry to be happy for you, my dear cousin. Now since things are going so well why do you look so sad now? Your Man has gone for a lovely walk in the woods without you, perhaps. I don't see why you don't simply join him."
Merry blinked and looked up. "You know, Pip...you're right." He looked out towards the trees, then got to his feet decisively. "I'll be back."
Pip chuckled and waved him away. "Go on, then. Don't have too much fun - we're on a solemn journey, you know, and you'll get in trouble if you enjoy yourself."
Merry grinned but took off before he could answer.