Author's Note: I am sooo sorry to keep y'all waiting, I intended to update again before my School Certificate, but the chapter wasn't finished in time. It's absolute hell having to study with NO typing, although at least FOTR screened for the first time in Australia the night before, which I am convinced happened to wish me luck. Lol. It's all over now, thank God (no more maths exams ever!!!) Then my computer had a virus, then was playing up, so more delays. Thanks again to all my wonderful reviewers! (And BTW, who amongst the Aussie's out there were cheering on Anthony at the final? I know I was, but you have to be happy for Casey.)
I do not own Tolkien or any of the following names or places.
Immortal Sorrow (Arrow): OMG I know, how cool is the fossil? And it lived in a hollowed out hill and everything! Lol, how could it be anything else? Thank you muchly for the review! :)
Ice Ember: Wow, I am really happy to hear you enjoying this so much! Thank you for the advice about the chocolate; I was quite unsure, lol. Thanks for the review!
Camellia Gamgee-Took: Let's face it, Legolas and Pippin are both sweeties, so they interact together perfectly, lol. Thanks for the lovely review.
Azla: There shall be more Legolas/Pippin chapters, but I felt I really should get one done! Don't worry; his 'sound' is coming up soon! :)
Gods-girl2004: Hehehe, poor Gimli. I'm sure that the Pippin plushie could be taught to use a sling, lol. Might be a little dangerous though. Thanks for the lovely review!
Sunn-kissed: Oops! Yea, it was meant to say 'not while I am nearby'. My typing is terrible! I dunno if he could actually cough or sigh, but I suppose he could silently. Lol, I don't know. This is was my first update for a week or two, so that should give you some time to clean out your inbox, :)
Arlewen: Lol, of course Pippin is cute! Lothlorien is coming up soon, and with it a big surprise. (Ten points if you can guess what it is) Thank you for the kind review!
Melda Amarie: Thank you for the lovely review! I figure even if you couldn't talk properly to Pippin, you'd still fall in love with him. :)
Pipinheart: Don't worry; he'll make a sound soon, :). Thanks for the kind review!
Chapter Nine: Pippin, Moria
This is almost funny, really. I mean, I suppose it isn't, and it's wonderful for Frodo to get some rest, but it's quite a reversal of roles. When he came to sit with me, I assumed he wanted me to get some rest myself. I know he's been watching me, when I sit up during the nights. It is hard to sleep here. Always dark, like a black night.
"Really, Pip," he had said. "You can hardly expect to walk out of here after getting no sleep."
But Frodo, I replied. The same applies to you, I'm sure.
"Very well. Let us both try and rest then. After that stunt you pulled with Gandalf, I doubt he shall want to carry you, and as your relative, he won't feel overly kindly towards me either."
We had both grinned then, fighting the urge to giggle at the imagery, and settled back to rest.
So, hear we sit; me with my back against the wall, and Frodo slumped beside me, his head resting on my shoulder, breathing soft and deep in sleep. He didn't last long: an hour or two, perhaps. I know I should be resting, but there are too many things running through my head.
Not least of all, that watcher in the water. Everyone else seems to have forgotten about it, but I have not. It scared the life out of me. No one has voiced it, but I did not fail to notice that it grabbed at Frodo first, before any of us. And Sam would have been closer, as would have Bill.
I can't help but think that if that was what waited outside, there must be horribly worse creatures waiting inside. Worse than orcs, which I have only heard about in Bilbo's stories, but even that was enough to give my years of endless nightmares as a lad. Imagine ever running across an orc! Being cornered by them, or killed… or worse, captured.
I shiver, thinking about it. Shaking myself, I yawn, and glance about. Legolas sits nearby, on watch. Strider had been planning to sit up and join him, but I see now that the man is sleeping lightly in a corner. Sam and Merry and curled up next to him, and Boromir is sleeping propped up by the wall, snoring faintly. Yet the sound of his own are almost drowned out by Gimli's infernal thunderous snoring. Truth be told, I've become so used to it that the sound is almost comforting. Never the less, irritating. Especially when one cannot sleep.
As for Gandalf, he lies stretched out besides the pile of torches, eyes only half closed, grey beard twitching as he breathes.
I would truly like to make it up to Gandalf. For that stone incident, I mean. Who would have guessed that dwarves have such bad aim? If ever I speak again, I should like to thank him immediately, right after I have surprised Merry, Frodo and Sam. I expect he deserves it.
That is another thing. Those vocal exercises. I actually do believe they are working. I can't explain it really, but somehow, something feels different.
On an impulse, I form Frodo's name with my lips, but as per usual, no sound is produced. I sigh, and glance sidewards at my cousin. He is still sleeping soundly.
Actually, this is quite boring. Nothing is happening. Which I suppose is a good thing.
Catching Legolas's attention, I sit straighter as he comes swiftly to my side.
What is it? He asks, keen eyes darting swiftly over our sleeping companions.
Nothing, I… I was wondering if we could start another of those exercises?
His stunned expression, lasting only a moment, is almost enough to make me laugh, but I settle with a wide smile, which he returns as he is seated.
Certainly, little one. Bored, are we?
Very. But I feel like trying again. Nothing better to do, and I suppose it couldn't hurt.
No, it could not. He agrees, glancing about again. You should really be sleeping, though. Take Aragorn's lead. I can watch by myself, Pippin. Legolas seems somewhat disgruntled that Gandalf insisted we watch in pairs: perhaps he feels that the wizard doubts his capability for sitting alone in the dark and listening to nothing.
I can't- I begin, instantly realising my mistake and wince as I regret it. Legolas looks at me sharply, and gestures for me to continue. Oh, all right, I've been having trouble sleeping. It's only because I miss the sky. Back home, I mostly preferred a roof over my head, but now I think-
What do you mean, you've been having trouble sleeping? Nightmares? I shake my head far too quickly, but Legolas decides to indulge me.
No, I just haven't been able to sleep for the last few days. I've always managed an hour or so of shut-eye, though-
Define 'few'. Cuts in Legolas, with a frown. I sigh. What is the use in lying to an elf?
Well… since we entered Moria… and for a four or five days before hand. Don't get upset, because it's not like I am the only one who has not slept. I argue quickly, knowing full well that none of us have slept a full night in the longest time. He nods slowly, exhaling softly himself.
No, Pippin, but that is no reason to accept it. You need your rest, little one. Are you sure there is nothing you would like to tell me?
I shake my head, affecting a wide smile, and he is seemingly satisfied. I do not miss that quick glance, however. Legolas reaches into his pack, and begins rummaging around.
When you regain your voice, Pippin, he begins.
When? I cut in with a wry smile.
When. He affirmates. When you regain your voice, what is the first thing you should like to do with it? I am mildly surprised to hear him openly sound so positive about my voice. He has been ever cautious about getting my hopes up. Perhaps he senses something about these exercises also. This is greatly uplifting.
Oh… I… I miss my laugh. Smiling faintly, I glance at Frodo, and then at Merry. I think they do too. I miss being able to sing… tell jokes… Suddenly I dip my head, amazed and slightly embarrassed to feel a tear trickling down my cheek. I miss the old 'me', Legolas. I miss my old life, so much. I was the life of the Shire, according to Frodo, and now… I'm just a boring, mute… I'm a nobody, basically.
A hand lands upon my shoulder and squeezes gently, and I take a deep breath, steadying myself. Another hand cups my face, and forces my gaze gently upwards, so that I meet the firm stare of Legolas. For a time he says nothing, staring deeply into my eyes.
How can you think that of yourself, young one? I certainly do not, and I have never heard your audible voice. I didn't have to: you have your own voice, Pippin; something that doesn't need to be heard to be understood. Raising my hands to reply, I can suddenly find no words, but Legolas continues on regardless, ignoring my sudden movement. People feel an instant connection with you, when they meet you. Ask any here, Pippin. He smiles briefly. To quote Gimli, 'You have a spark deep down, lad'. That is what is important.
For a moment, I am still at a loss for words. Legolas is being quite serious.
Do you really think so? I ask hesitantly, glancing down at my trembling fingers. Legolas smiles now: a warm, reassuring smile, which teases my face until a grin of my own joins it.
Of course I do, my friend.
Leaning forwards, I wrap my arms about the elf's shoulders in a tight hug, burying my face in his shoulder gratefully. Legolas hesitantly reciprocates, and I allow a brief chuckle at his reaction.
You know, I say clumsily as I sit back, rubbing at my eyes with one hand hastily. You big folk will have to get used to our hugs sooner or later. It comes with the territory, I am afraid. Legolas laughs softly.
Yes. I do not remember ever receiving so many hugs in such a short length of time.
Suddenly, I wonder what Legolas must have been like as a child. What are elf children like, come to that? Almost eager for the change of subject, I quickly word a question:
What were you like as a child? As expected, Legolas is momentarily bewildered by the question, and I grin. But he recovers swiftly, and his eyes sparkle playfully.
It was so long ago, I do not remember. He responds lightly. I laugh.
Surely you remember something, O ancient one.
This again? Well, if you must know, I do not think I have changed overly much. He answers thoughtfully. I spent a great deal of time learning to use the bow, and exploring the tallest of the trees.
Did you ever get up to anything… fun? Weren't you ever in trouble? I ask slowly. He smiles.
I suppose for the most part, I did what I was told.
Oh, how terribly boring! I exclaim, looking at this elf with renewed awe. Where did all this competitiveness with Gimli come from? I suppose that is what happens when you are not reckless as a youngster. It's like he is living his life back to front-
Ah, but that begs the question: what were you like as a child? The question interrupts my train of thought, and I stare for a moment longer before realising it was addressed to me.
Who, me? I attempt innocently, but there is no fooling an elf, and I smile sheepishly. Well actually… I am afraid I was somewhat of a nuisance. Legolas feigns surprise, and I sigh. I know: it is hard to imagine. But I am the spoiled, only son of the Thain; there is no hiding my past now. At this, my companion laughs out loud, a wonderful, easy sound.
How were you a nuisance, young hobbit?
I think I had quite an appetite, even by hobbit standards. It was not unlike me to steal some of my beloved elder cousin's meals. Legolas raises his eyebrows, and I continue, ignoring the gesture. What could he be implying? I also remember being responsible for several, unpleasant occasions involving my youngest sister.
"Ah, at last. A confession from the infamous Peregrin Took." Rumbles a deep voice suddenly. I whirl around to see Gandalf standing above me, gazing down with dark eyes under his bristling eyebrows. Gaping, my fingers work clumsily together for a few moments in an attempt to clear my name, but Legolas is laughing, and finally I notice the wizard smiling.
"Peace, Pippin: It is too far for me to go, to march all the way back to Tuckborough with your ear clasped in my fingers. For the moment, I shall forgive you."
I relax slightly, and sit back, making room for Gandalf.
What were we discussing, my friends? He asks lightly, producing his pipe from the folds of his cloak.
What we were like as children. Replied Legolas, stretching out his legs.
Ah, mutters the wizard, as though fully expecting such a strange answer. I take it Pippin filled you in, Legolas, on how he was once named the Terror of Tuckborough? Legolas grins, and I cannot help but sign admittance. Suddenly I feel one of my old smiles creep across my face, and I imagine that my eyes are dancing playfully.
What about you, Gandalf? What were you like as a child? To that I get no response: just a wry smile from the pair of them.
TBC, please r&r
