Three days before his capture, as the hobbit sat on his mare, Merry bid farewell to his cousin, Diamond, and his beloved.

"Goodbye, my dear. I shall return within a fortnight. Pippin, Diamond, please take care of 'Stella for me. I shan't be gone for very long," Merry said. With those words, he waved goodbye one more time and urged Shasta onward to Rohan.

"I hope that his journey is safe," Estella sighed. She had been married to Merry less than a year and it was hard for her when he had to part. She turned to her cousins-in-law and looked at them. She hoped that they could tell her what she needed to hear.

Pippin and Diamond looked at Stella, then at each other. With a nod Pippin said, "Don't worry about Merry; he can take care of himself for a spot o' time…"

"He's one of the most responsible hobbits I know. He took care of my Pip here during the war," she said, taking Peregrin's hand, "I'm sure he'll be back before you know it! Now, we must get back home, you take care."

As Pippin and Diamond walked down the lane, holding hands and chatting, Estella sighed and turned around. She caught a glimpse of Merry and Shasta at the edge of the Old Forest. Do be careful, Love, she thought with a heavy sigh.

Just before entering the forest, Merry pulled the reins back and looked at his home. He could just make out Estella. Merry smiled. Don't worry, my dear… I'll be back before you even get the chance to miss me, he silently assured his wife as he continued onwards.

Two days passed and things seemed to go as they should, except there was something in the air that was not quite right. Estella and Peregrin felt it though they were the only ones who did Subtle Small and troubling hints of upcoming dangers appeared to the both of them. For Peregrin they came in dreams. On the third night of Meriadoc departure, he had the worst one.

Pippin looked around as he rode his noble pony Bramblehoof at top speed. The Old Forest and Bree swept swiftly by. A pony galloped out towards him; it was Shasta. Strangely, the mare had no rider. That's odd, thought Pippin, Shasta and Merry are never apart. Pippin grabbed Shasta's reins and searched for any sign of Merry. "Merry," he called repeatedly.

Suddenly, the Thain came upon a hooded figure, leaning against a tree. "Merry!" Pippin called relief in his voice as he hopped down and headed towards the figure, but Merry remained silent. "Merry, Why did ye let Shasta go? Please answer me," Pippin pleaded as he came to Merry. The Master of Buckland was bent nearly double, shuddering uncontrollably while clutching his stomach. He wheezed with labored breathing.

"What happened to you," Pippin gasped as he pulled back his cousin's hood. Merry's normally bright blue eyes were glazed over and bloodshot. This can't be happening! Not now. Not to Merry, Peregrin thought His best friend looked like Frodo had when the Nazgul attacked him.

"Merry, tell me what happened," he said, rubbing his friend's ice cold and pale hand as he spoke. Pippin's body began to shake in fear. No, I can't let myself be scared; I have to be strong for Merry!

Merry looked at Pippin. "H-hullo Pip," he gasped as a weak smile crossed his face. "I knew you'd find me…They're coming." His small smile fell and was replaced with a look of horror. Merry pushed Peregrin away. "You need to get out of here! Tell 'Stella…" Meriadoc whispered as he slumped to the ground, too weak to stand.

Pippin knelt down and took his beloved cousin in his arms. "Merry, Tell her what?" He asked as he noticed a slightly concealed stab wound. Merriadoc's skin was turning ashen, with veins of poison coursing through his limp form.

All went dark. All Pippin could see was Merry whose eyes were closing. "No Merry! You need to stay with me. Estella needs you…I need you!" Pippin cried, tears stinging his eyes.

Merry weakly opened his eyes and whispered, "Pip, tell 'Stella I love her and…I-I'm sorry…" Tears streamed down Merry's face as well. "Now go! Leave me, before—" Suddenly he screamed in anguish and fell silent for a moment, mouth agape at what he saw.

A shrill, piercing shriek filled the air, causing Peregrin's hands to involuntarily fly up over his ears. A huge figure, dressed in black robes reached out an icy hand, and began dragging Merry into the darkness surrounding them.

"NO!" Pippin yelled into the shadows, "You can't take him! I won't let you!" He reached for Merry's outstretched hands. Peregrin was too late to do anything but watch in horror as his dearest friend disappeared completely into the abysmal void.

"MERRY!" Pippin screamed. He sat up, finding himself in bed. Hot tears ran down his face. It was a sharp contrast to the cold sweat that was beaded upon his skin. Diamond was at his side, holding his hand in hers.

"Why Pippin Dear, what is the matter? Are ye all right?" she cried, gently placing her hand upon his cheek.

Pippin grasped his wife's hand, holding it closer to his face as he closed his eyes. He needed Di's comforting words and her soft, warm touch. Taking a few shaky breaths, he began to speak, "I—I had a dream, Di. Merry was there out on the Plains…"

"The Plains of Rohan?" his wife confirmed.

"Yes, Di, those are the ones. He…" Pippin swallowed hard, "He was hurt, badly. Merry was so pale. He told me to leave him, to get out of there, but I couldn't just leave him, so I stayed… He fell to the ground, and he told me, told me to tell Estella that he loved her, and that he was sorry. He pushed me away, and then," Peregrin whispered with wide eyes, "Merry screamed in pain, and a Hand dragged him away! I couldn't save him, Di. I wasn't able to—" Pippin buried his face into Diamond's shoulder, sobs wracking his body.

"Shh," she cooed, "It'll be all right, you'll see. Merry will be going to Rohan and back. Nobody is going to harm him or take him away." She controlled the urge to break down - she had to be strong, for Pippin's sake. Seeing her husband's strong shoulders heave with sobs frightened Diamond. Even though she spoke the words of solace clearly, she was worried about Merry and she did not believe a single word she had said to Pippin.

Both hobbits sat in silence. Pippin was crying still, but quietly. Diamond was comforting him by stroking his brown curls and cheek. The only sound was the soft pattering of rain. There, suddenly, was a new noise – knocking.