"Hush now, Merry, I'm here."
He cradled his cousin gently across his lap, rubbing his back in a soothing manner like his parents did for him when he was an infant. He began to sing softly to him, almost wistfully, as his cousin gradually fell back in to the depths of slumber. He could picture quite clearly the fields and streams of home. He could almost taste the mushrooms that himself and Merry would often sample from Farmer Maggot's field.
He hoped his parents and sisters were safe; he knew that the shadow was growing and he hoped against hope that nothing had befallen them. He knew there was little that he could do for them now but hope, so instead he decided to focus all his energy on getting Merry better, for that would give them all some hope.
He had already spoken to Strider regarding Merry's condition; now that he had been treated with the help of the athelas, there was little else they could do except sit with him and comfort him when he awoke from his dark dreams. For a few days at least there was little that could be done for his sword arm, not until his body had begun to recover from the effects of the Black Breath, and his mind also.
Pip tried and failed to stifle a yawn; he was utterly exhausted, having only had a few hours' sleep since his and Merry's arrival in the House three days ago, but didn't dare take leave to sleep again for the moment, not while Merry was still in such a fragile state. He had so far resisted all attempts by Gandalf and Strider to remove him to the living quarters of the House, where the healers went to get rest when off duty, insisting that he would rest easier if he remained close by Merry. This of course was not strictly true; although he was comforted by his cousin's presence close by him, his constant worry for him coupled with Merry's frequent cries of pain and fear meant that sleep was not forthcoming.
However, he had looked up at Gandalf with the steely glint of determination in his eyes, daring him to press the matter further. The wizard gave in with a sigh of resignation, ordering that he must at the very least take leave to eat every few hours whilst Legolas and Gimli took over his watch. So far, though, he had ignored that rumblings of his empty stomach, a mark of how dire he felt the situation was.
A few moments later, Legolas came in to the ward, carrying a mug of hot broth which Pip accepted with a grateful, if not slightly weary smile. He drew up a chair for Legolas to sit on, then resumed his watch at his cousin's side, sipping slowly on the thick, nourishing broth.
"How are you both doing?"
Pippin looked up at Legolas's whispered enquiry.
"Well I'm afraid not much has changed really. Strider said it could take a couple more days for the effects of the Breath to begin to fade, so we shall just have to wait."
"And what about you Peregrin Took? How do you fare?"
Legolas fixed him with a penetrating stare that left no room for avoidance or half-truths. Pip looked away from the elf and back at his cousin's pale face, grasping hold of one of Merry's cold hands as he answered.
"Truthfully, Legolas, I despair. We know not yet of the fate of Frodo and Sam, and with Merry so ill, it is hard to keep it together at times. But-"
He broke off, looking fiercely up at the elf beside him, who then opened his mouth as though to speak, "I will not take my leave of him, not while he needs me still. My own needs can wait. All we have is each other and right now Merry is most important."
Legolas was about to respond, but the stir of blankets turned both their attentions back towards Merry, their argument for now forgotten.
"P-pip?"
"I'm right here Merry. How are you feeling? Do you need anything?"
Merry paused for a second as though to consider his answer, but instead chose to ignore Pip's questions altogether.
"I thought you may be here Pip. I dreamt I could hear you and Legolas talking, but it was dark all around me. Oh, hullo Legolas!"
"Silly Merry," Pip said, pouring some water from the jug on the stand at his bedside, "you weren't dreaming at all, you just had your eyes shut!"
He held the cup up to his cousin's lips, letting a think trickle of water escape through them. There was no ill effect, and so he allowed his cousin to take more small sips of the life-giving liquid, helping him to hold the cup with his uninjured arm.
"Perhaps later Aragorn will allow you to eat something Merry."
Legolas smiled encouragingly at the young hobbit. He looked across at Pippin, who appeared to be engaged in some kind of internal struggle. All of a sudden, he lunged at his older cousin, hugging him tightly as though he were afraid Merry would disappear the moment he let go. Merry winced slightly as white hot pain shot through his damaged arm.
"You gave me such a scare Merry! I was so worried I- Merry, what's wrong?"
Merry screwed his face up tightly against the agonising pain in his arm, willing himself not to cry for Pip's sake.
"I shall go fetch Aragorn."
Legolas strode swiftly from his bedside, leaving the hobbits alone once more.
Pip sat back down on the recently vacated chair, and began to fiddle absent-mindedly with his cousin's bedcovers. Eventually he broke the silence.
"I'm sorry Merry, sorry for everything. I should have listened to you, I should never have looked. It's my fault you're hurt. I didn't keep you safe like I should have."
He began to cry. Merry reached forward and carefully wrapped his arms around him, enveloping him in a comforting embrace.
"Hush now Pip, it's okay, I'm okay. It wasn't your fault lad, and you have more than made up for your mistake, you have been very brave by all accounts. You saved me, Pip."
Pip drew back, looking at his cousin through reddened eyes.
"R-really?" He hiccoughed.
Merry patted his curls fondly.
"Yes, really. You brought me here, Pip, you brought me back."
Pip considered this carefully, then smiled.
"Thank you Merry."
Merry began to smile back, but instead grimaced as a fresh wave of pain shot through his arm.
Pip gave him a questioning look, but was unable to enquire further as at that precise moment Legolas returned, accompanied by Aragorn.
"Legolas tells me you are in pain Merry, is it just your arm?"
Merry merely nodded, unwilling to speak of his injury in front of Pip when he already felt so guilty. Aragorn seemed to sense there was something going on between the two hobbits, but decided not to question Merry any further while Pippin was still with him.
He handed Merry a cup of steaming liquid.
"I want you to drink this. It will help to ease the pain, but it will also make you drowsy. You should sleep, it will help your body heal itself."
He helped Merry drink the scalding hot concoction, then bade him sleep. He turned to leave, Legolas at his side.
"I'll be back to check on you later. Pip, you should rest also. You look tired. Farewell."
They departed, leaving the hobbits alone again. Merry was already beginning to feel drowsy. Pip pulled the blankets up around him and settled back down at his side.
"They will be okay you know Pip, Frodo and Sam. They are made of sterner stuff than you think."
Pip looked up at his words.
"I know they will be Merry. You just concentrate on yourself. Sleep now, you need some rest."
He bent over and kissed Merry on the brow.
"You do too Pip. G'night."
He turned over, asleep in seconds. Pip watched him for a few minutes before curling up on his chair, swiftly following suit.
A/N: This chapter is dedicated to Amy, without whose encouragement this would have remained a one shot. I hope this lives up to expectations!
As per usual, I have not read the books yet, so I am basing this purely on the movie and also the little knowledge I have gotten from others. Please don't think too badly of me for this!
I actually enjoyed writing this as a break from my other story, The Trials of Life's Mysteries, and so I may continue it. Feedback is always appreciated. I know there are other stories out there like this one so please don't judge me for that!
Until next time...
Smileyhalo
