Author's Note: Hello again, especially to all my kind reviewers! Aren't holidays fantastic? grins wickedly at remaining school-attenders Lol sorry. (The Aussie Fab Five were filming in my complex last week! :) I mean, I would have rathered to meet Jai and Carson, but still they seemed really sweet. They even gave me purple autographs!)
I am not a poetic person. 'Sam's' song is actually part of one found in ROTK: the Tower of Cirith Ungol. And the other is one of Bilbo's, found in FOTR: The Ring Goes South.
I do not own Tolkien or any of the following names or places
Tini-angel: Hehe, I imagine that young-Pippin would have been quite the handful. Thank you for the lovely review, and btw I love the description of 'word-pictures', :)
The essence of popsicles: Yes, I updated, lol. Sorry it took me so long. May I ask, what is Grelvish? Or should I know that? And yes, hobbit interaction is just too cute. (hobbits in general are just too cute) Thanks for the great review!
Ice Ember: I am tending to go by the book, but in some cases movie stuff manages to sneak in. So no big cave troll, I am afraid, but don't worry; something will certainly trigger a sound in Pippin. Thanks for the review!
Arlewen: Thank you so much for that lovely, amazing review! I almost cried while reading it; it made my day. I am so glad you enjoy Voice Within so much, and it's such a pleasure to hear from you again!
Sam's Girl: I'm happy you are enjoying the story. Don't worry, I think it may go on for a little while longer :). Thanks for the review!
Immortal Sorrow (Arrow): Lol, I imagine my young cousin Emily to be rather like Pippin also. Yay, another Aussie! I truly was so happy for Casey, (even though I really wanted Anthony's album before Christmas) Good luck with exams and year 10 (brace yourself), and thanks for the review!
Sunn-kissed: Please don't have a heart attack, :) Lol, I have my own issues with the exclamation point also. Thanks for the review!
Stocktonwood: I'm glad you like it :) Thank you for the kind words!
Gods-girl2004: Romantic sigh, eh? Lol I think you may have a tad of competition. Besides, what would Fred say? Hi Fred! Nah, I don't think you're a mental case, and btw I am very happy to be one of the official pippin-plushie… people. :) Thanks for the review!
Merilwen: A new love in your heart for Pippin, huh? Lol thanks for the kind words (and for adding me to favourites!) Cheers!
Chibi Assassin: Lol, Pippin is my 'baby' also. Thank you for the lovely review. And good luck with the flaming of your school… I'm sure you'll never be caught. :)
Chapter Ten: Leaving Moria
Pippin
Pippin looked on in utmost horror, as the huge orc chieftain thrust out his shield with such a great force that sent Boromir tumbling to the ground. Forgetting the man immediately, the monster ran on, diving under Aragorn's blow with the speed of a striking snake. Pippin realised suddenly that it was moving directly towards his eldest cousin, at an alarming rate. For a moment, time stood still. Desperately Pippin spun, quick eyes seeking those of the dark haired hobbit urgently. Frodo had heard Boromir's shout, but had not yet looked around, too intent on running across the treacherous floor.
Why will not someone cry out? Thought Pippin, panicking. Frodo, Frodo!
Pippin slowed, pouring all of his effort into making a sound; any sound. A cough or a grunt would be enough for him, so long as Frodo turned and saw. The orc was almost at them. Aragorn and Boromir were chasing after, but too slow. Frodo!
Suddenly the orc crashed into the company, knocking Merry backwards, which sent the pair sprawling to the ground. Both were up in an instant, witness just in time to the horrific sight of the great spear hurtling straight at Frodo. The blow caught him on the right side, and Frodo was hurled against the wall and pinned.
"Frodo!" Screamed Merry and Pippin as one. Pippin could not tell if he had made a sound or not, and he did not care. Even as Sam leapt forwards and broke the spear shaft, Auduril came down upon the chieftain's foul head. There was a flash like flame, and the helm burst asunder. The orc fell with cloven head.
Boromir and Aragorn leapt after the fallen's followers, but Pippin did not see them. He ran ahead of Merry to Sam's side, falling trembling to his knees before Frodo. All colour had drained from his face, and tears were falling freely. My fault, he thought over and over. My fault.
Doom, doom went the drums in the deep.
"Now!" shouted Gandalf. "Now is the last chance. Run for it!"
Pippin could not run. He could only stare at Frodo's tight face, gripping Merry's sleeve unwittingly in a death grip. It could not be true.
Aragorn suddenly appeared at his side, and picked up Frodo where he lay by the wall.
"Up, Pippin." he gasped breathlessly, fastening a hand about the hobbit's shoulder and hauling him to his feet. Merry found his hand amidst the confusion and gripped it tightly, staying close at his side while Aragorn pushed them ahead of him.
Pippin heard nothing of the commotion behind, when Gimli had to be hauled away by Legolas. He did not hear the great thud when Boromir hauled the eastern door closed, struggling in vain to fasten it. Pippin felt his chest heave with a sob, when suddenly a well known voice spoke out softly:
"I am all right," gasped Frodo. "I ca walk. Put me down!"
Pippin and Merry spun, and Aragorn nearly dropped their cousin in amazement. Frodo's eyes were open, wide and pained, but he was alive, breathing heavily in Strider's arms.
"I thought you were dead!" cried the man.
"Not yet!" said Gandalf. "But there is no time to wonder. Off you go, all of you, down the stairs! Wait a few minutes for me at the bottom, but if I do not come soon, go on! Go quickly and choose paths leading right and downwards."
As Aragorn and Gandalf argued, Pippin stared at his cousin, who was leant over by Sam, coughing and inhaling raggedly. Strider suddenly gripped his arm once more, and pulled him forwards, gently yet firmly. For a time, they groped their way down a long flight of steps, and then looked back; but they could see nothing, except high above them the faint glimmer of the wizard's staff.
Pippin finally shook himself and moved away from Aragorn's grip, stepping hesitantly towards Frodo, who stood shakily with Sam's arm about his shoulder. Merry watched him silently, as Frodo looked up, and locked eyes with his young cousin. Tears were still visible on the tweenager's face, and his expression clearly showed all of the emotions running through his head: guilt, grief, despair, hope, relief…
Quietly Frodo held out his arms, and tightened them about his cousin when Pippin sank into the embrace, sobbing silently into his chest.
…
He had almost been killed. Should have been killed, because of me. Another fatal mishap on my behalf… Miserably, I acknowledge the fact that is not my fault I could not cry out. But it angers me so, to be so helpless. Frodo is not angry at all about that slip-up: he has almost forgotten it, or so it seems. Even though he is still sore to the touch, he moves easier now, and it is not as hard for him to breathe.
Gandalf, however, was not so lucky. His strained shout echoes through my head once more, as it has been doing for hours now: Fly, you fools! I shiver, and do not bother to stem the tears ready to fall from my stinging eyes.
Angry, I clench my fists, digging my fingernails into my palms. How could I have been so foolish? Gandalf was right to name me 'Fool of a Took'. I used to think it just an expression. The wizard has known his share of Tooks over the years, after all.
Legolas is walking at my side, looking up at the clear stars set in the pitch-black night sky. He has stayed close at my side since we left Moria. He was the one to drag me to my feet, when I could not stand for weeping. When it was plain I would not, or could not move forwards, Legolas lifted me up and carried me. I cried into his shoulder for some time, I think. Merry was at my side, holding one of my hands as we walked.
When at last he set me down, he stayed with me, placing a hand on my shoulder and guiding me gently. Only just now have I begun to look closely at my surroundings, and look around at my companions.
No one has said a word for some time now. Not that I listened, or truly noticed, but I seem to remember Strider and Gimli making brief conversation not long ago.
I should really try to say something to Merry. Glancing around, Merry has fallen back to walk alongside a silent Frodo. My eldest cousin is staring blankly at the sky as he moves: thoughtlessly lifting one leg after the other, eyes dark and expressionless. A sure sign he is deep in thought, and somewhere else. Merry is simply following at his side, occasionally glancing up at Sam, who just shrugs back helplessly. If Frodo doesn't want to speak yet, they can't do anything to change his mind.
Still, wretched as we all feel, I am sure that a little sound would do no harm. Anything. Even a tale. But Strider does not look in the right frame of mind to tell a story. Nor Legolas.
Wearily I weigh up my options: He looks miserable, but Merry at least is trying to lighten the mood. Somehow, I catch his eye. He smiles softly, and holds out a hand.
Tugging softly at Legolas's coat, I briefly explain where I am going, and he nods, watching me carefully until I arrive at my cousin's side. I don't know what he thinks I am going to do if he looks away for a few moments. Or where I am going to go.
Merry drapes an arm over my shoulders, and offers a sad grin.
You all right, Pip? He signs slowly. I nod slightly, but we both know the answer.
Merry, will you sing something? Merry looks surprised at the request. While I was the one to spend most of my time singing (before my illness), my cousin truly has a wonderful voice. Of course, we both had a penchant for breaking mainly into loud song during visits to the Inn, but I've heard Merry perform his share of pretty ballads.
Eventually he nods, looking at me strangely.
Why, Pippin?" I shrug, looking around through misty eyes. The gloomy mood of the Fellowship is almost suffocating. Sam seems close to tears again, and I cannot help but fear for Frodo. Even a sob from him would be more reassuring than this silence.
We need some cheering up. Or at least something to distract us. Please, Merry?"
Reluctantly, he agrees. I know he will not feel up to singing, but I am sure it can only help us all. For a few moments, Merry racks his brain for a suitable song to sing. Something soft, but not depressing. Finally he smiles faintly, and clears his throat. He begins in a low voice, but slowly his confidence in the lyrics grows, and his beautiful song reaches all of the company.
I sit beside the fire and think
Of all that I have seen,
Of meadow-flowers and butterflies
In summers that have been;
Of yellow leaves and gossamer
In autumns that there were,
With morning mist and silver sun
And wind upon my hair.
I sit beside the fire and think
Of how the world will be
When winter comes without a spring
That I shall ever see.
For still there are so many things
That I have never seen:
In every wood in every spring
There is a different green.
I sit beside the fire and think
Of people long ago,
And people who will see a world
That I shall never know.
But all the while I sit and think
Of times there were before,
I listen for returning feet
And voices at the door.
As Merry's gentle voice reaches the ears of our companions, they each smile, and turn to listen better. Frodo finally looks up as the song registers, and a small, hesitant smile creeps slowly across his features.
"Bilbo." He says quietly, when the song is done, and I sigh in relief at the sound. Merry is applauded thankfully by the slightly uplifted Fellowship, and he turns to smile at me.
You were right, Pip. He says fondly. I smile back tremulously.
I'm always right. Delighted at hearing even a small jest, Merry laughs softly, and pulls me close in a quick hug. For a few moments, our thoughts travel back to Rivendell, where Bilbo and the elves wait for us; have hope for us, and for the quest.
"Sing again, Mr Merry." Says Sam after a while, happy to see an easier expression on Frodo's face. Merry suddenly grins mischievously, and I note Sam looks suddenly wary. Clearing his throat again, Merry raises his voice in a short song:
In western lands beneath the Sun
The flowers may rise in Spring,
The trees may bud, the waters run,
The merry finches sing.
Or there maybe 'tis cloudless night
And swaying beeches bear
The Elven-stars as jewels white
Amid their branching hair.
This song is equally met by soft applause, and light smiles.
"That was wonderful. Where did you learn that, Merry?" asks Strider softly, briefly looking away only to check his path. Merry grins at him, pointing at the reddening gardener.
"Why, Sam taught it to me, of course! How about it, Sam? Will you finish the song for us?"
Blushing, Sam shakes his head, muttering something under his breath.
"Sorry, Mr Merry, but there's naught left to sing. That's as far as I got, if you get my meaning."
"Come, Sam," puts in Frodo suddenly, his voice blessedly light and teasing. "You could make up a second verse on the spot. I've seen you do it."
"Now, Mr Frodo…" begins Sam, hastily protesting, but with Merry and Frodo on his case, it's not hard to tell who will win. I smile and listen to my cousins as they team up and pester poor Sam. Glancing around, I can tell that the melancholy mood of the others has been greatly improved, by the simple banter of my fellow hobbits. I wonder briefly if this is in fact while Elrond allowed Merry and I to come. Somehow, we do not find it hard to lighten the darkness of a moment, whatever the circumstances.
For a second, I lock eyes with Legolas, who is watching me with an odd smile on his face. Confused, I gaze back at the elf, who simply beams at me before turning back to walk with Strider. What was that about? Granted, the argument besides me is amusing, but that smile held traces of something other than amusement. Pride? Excitement?
I shake my head, sighing. What in me could he possibly be proud of? And excitement? Perhaps he is just eager to come to Lothlorien.
Even as I wonder about it, Merry grabs my arm and drags me into the spirited conversation, and I pour all of my remaining effort into supporting my cousins. If we do not rest soon, I am afraid I will drop, but at least we can walk now without the horrible silence of before.
TBC, please r&r
