Author's Note; Hi-de-ho guys! Here's the fourth chapt. for ye. I had most of it written, but with my working on 'The Shadow Man', I left this aside for a lil while. It'll be a bit of a balance against the dark chapts of 'TSM' though, so I'm gonna be comin' back to this if I feel somewhat light-hearted! LOL! These first few chapts will focus on reuniting some old friends, as I often think of how they all would live after Aragorn is King. Would they visit one another and remain close, happy friends? I think so! Here's my expression of that, quite simply. Though the later chaps will have some more meaning, as ye may have read in my 'Teaser' section in my bio (which is due an update!) Thanks so much to all who read and especially review! xx
PS; I wanna say a huge thanks to 'grupmy123' for the inspiration of the drums! LOL!
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Chapter 4
The morning soon became afternoon and the Palace grounds became overspread with illustrious carnival canapés and jesters. The party was soon to be ready and all the guests were soon to arrive. Even the black and white marble Throne Room had become enveloped in magnificent colours and the children inside enjoyed the flimsy decorations and bright balloons. It was only when the next guests arrived that Eldarion and his sisters could be silenced, however briefly, from their playful squeals.
"My Lord, I present the Hobbits of The Shire; Mayor Samwise and the Gamgee family, Meriadoc Brandybuck, Master of Buckland and family, and Peregrine Took, Thain of the Sh…."
"He knows who we are!" Pippin retorted, cutting the Palace guard's announcement. Ignoring any formality, he then ran toward the King and hugged him tightly, "But I do like my title – say it anyway……"
"…..Peregrine Took, Thain of the Shire," the Palace guard finished dryly.
"Doesn't it sound fine! And my family are here with me as well," the hobbit proudly said, looking to his three old friends before him with his eyebrows raised above his curly red fringe.
"Very well indeed, my friend, it sounds most fitting," Aragorn beamed, "You are all most welcome to my home."
Sam and Merry followed their companion to affectionately greet the King, and they then turned to Legolas and Gimli to do the same. Eldarion watched the display with excitement and much interest. His father always treated these friends somewhat different. Few others would act so easily before the King of men, nor would they call his father 'Aragorn' or 'Strider'. The elf, dwarf and the hobbits were treated as if they were members of the Royal family itself, and whilst the Prince did not fully grasp the full reasons behind this, it was blatant that these friends shared a most special bond.
As the young prince watched the three small visitors closely, they soon turned to meet him with wide childish grins. Their energetic attention was on him now, and he couldn't help but wonder what wonderful gifts they could have brought!
"Ah, this must be the big guy!" Merry remarked with his lop-sided smile. Indeed, there was little difference in height between Eldarion and the Hobbits. The Prince found his new title to be somewhat appropriate, and never felt so much like a 'big guy' before.
"Young 'Dari' here is taller than you Sam!" Pippin laughed, sliding a flat hand from the top of Eldarion's head across to Sam's pudgy cheek.
"Yes, well," Sam shyly stumbled, "let us be more concerned with the birthday. We have brought you a little something, young Prince."
Both Merry and Pippin's eyes widened with a mischievous glint as they both beamed with a simultaneous "Ah yes!" The three removed the backpacks which sat upon their shoulders, and with much fuss, they removed various parts of what appeared to be the makings of a drum set!
Raising a hand to rub his forehead, Aragorn suddenly felt the need to sit down. He watched in silent terror as they continued to pull at least six different types and sizes of percussion instruments from their bags.
"Now, these are the latest craze in The Shire," Merry informed, holding high a circular wooden shell, covered each side by thin, strong calfskin. He beat a small hand on the tan covering, and a hollow thud was elicited. "Drums are a must for anyone!"
"Anyone but you, Merry!" Pippin remarked, letting the instruments he held down in a bid to take the one held aloft by his friend, "Let me show you how it's done!" As Pippin began to make loud noise beating one drum off of another, Merry desperately tried to take them back off him.
Eldarion was thoroughly enjoying the scene before him, clapping in order to create his own music. The elf and dwarf could not but laugh, and the hobbit babies gurgled happily in addition to the riot. The King was not so enthusiastic, however, but gave a forced smile to his short friends when they looked to see his reaction.
"That is enough now," Sam said, settling the frivolous pair as he retrieved all the various shaped drums, "let us set it up before you two break it!"
"There is no need to trouble yourselves in doing that….." Aragorn quickly intervened.
"Nonsense!" Merry and Pippin chorused, "It won't take long and it will be all ready for the Prince to use in minutes!"
The King's desperation grew. "But your second breakfast may be soon ready. Let us go sit should that be the matter!" came the King's final attempt. He did not wish for further action so early in the day. Upon seeing the hobbits suddenly silence, he saw that it worked.
"Well, it would be a shame to let a good meal go cold, Strider, Sir….." Merry said, matter-of-factly.
Pippin nodded in agreement, "Especially when it is the fine produce of Gondor. It would be more polite of us to eat it at its best."
"Crispy bacon!" was all Sam said, in a sort of trance.
The hobbits wives, Rosie, Estella and Diamond, stepped forward, either carrying or accompanied by their tiny children. The King and Queen greeted them all, and they walked in peace toward the dining table.
"A very nice save," Arwen smiled, leaning to her husband, "but the day is far from over!"