A/N: First off, endless apologies for this final chapter taking so long! My only excuse is that years eleven and twelve took me by surprise and sapped up any creativity I had lying around lol. A huge huge thanks to everyone who has read and enjoyed Voice Within, every review has meant a lot to me. The aforementioned sequel may be a little out of reach right now but you never know! Maybe one day I'll get there lol.

SmileyHalo: Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thank you also for the little nudge that convinced me to sit down and finish the chapter, lol.

Elwing-evenstar: Thank you, glad you liked it! Sorry it's taken so long.

Thuraya Known: Thank you lol and I'm flattered. I'm glad that scene came across well.

Sarah Took: Now that's dedication lol. Thank's so much, sorry it's taken so long to finish.

Lady shieldmaiden: Wow thank you I'm glad you've enjoyed it. Several months later here it is lol.

Sakura123: Thanks lol. I have to admit I adore Aragorn and just had to focus on him quite a bit in this story. Can you blame me :p

Funyun: Thank you lol. I'm really glad it didn't come off cheesy. That was one of my biggest fears whilst writing it lol.

Lady lorethei: Lol your wish is my command… however late it is. Sorry about that! Thanks for the review lol.

EmySumei: Thank you lol I'm glad you liked their interactions. First person isn't something I use often but it's fun and challanging so I'm glad it turned out okay!

Azla: Thank you! I'm sorry it's taken so long to update lol.

Marauding-siriusly: Glad you like it lol. Thank you for the review!

Haru's Doppelganger: Thank you, I'm glad you're enjoying it. Sorry it took so long to update. And not really, I'm afraid I don't know much about sign language. My friend is quite good at it though, so I've learnt a few basic words as well as how to sign each vowel.

No longer in service: Thank you lol I'm glad you've liked it. Nice to know that his mouthing 'thank you' came across well :) Thanks for the review!

In these chains: Lol indeed, he kind of can! Thanks for the review, lol :)

The Exile 09: Lol thank you dear. Oh and hullo Fred! Thanks again lol :)

Ice Ember: Thank you :) Sorry it's taken so long.

Klnolan: Thanks I'm glad you like it. Lol I'm sorry it's taken so long, endless apologies.

TXMedic: Thank you, I'm glad you liked Legolas and Pippin lol, it's a challenge for me to write Legolas.

Immortal Sorrow: Lol thank you. Glad you've enjoyed it, and sooo sorry it's taken so long to get here lol.

Pipinheart: Thanks for the review! Here it is at last, sorry for the huuuge delay..


Chapter Twelve

Pippin

Frodo is laughing again.

Opening my eyes and turning my head slightly to glance over in his direction, I smile, content. It's wondrous to hear him; to hear such a light hearted, cheerful sound coming from him. Come to that, it's wondrous to hear a lighthearted sound from anyone. Sam and Gimli are spread out near him, grinning widely at whatever jest has just been made.

Stretching out on the thick soft grass I yawn and roll up, climbing easily to my feet. Legolas is sitting quietly in the low branches of the nearest tree, and I amble in his direction, flashing a bright smile as he drops lightly to the ground to join me.

Awake, I see.

I didn't sleep that long, really.

Only a few hours longer than the rest of us.

Frowning a little, I reach over and poke the elf hard in the side, but he just grins unashamedly and bats my hand away.

It's just so peaceful here, I offer, looking up through the golden leaves at the seamless blue sky. Which is certainly true. I don't know how long we've been here, Strider says a few days.

Since Legolas told me about my sound, I haven't been able to shake the overwhelming hope I now feel. Experimentally I make a low sound in my throat, delighted to hear it resonate clearly and with little effort.

My voice certainly did not just spring back. I still for the most part cannot speak, excluding the odd dry, scratchy word. But I can make little noises, which is entirely elating. I suppose technically the first word I managed was Frodo, back in Moria. The first conscious word I managed however was 'thanks', which I hope meant something to Legolas. It's because of him I got this far, after all. He certainly did look choked up when I managed it, which is a little strange to see in an elf.

Remembering the notes to an old Shire bath song, I humm the first verse tentatively. Oh, singing! Soon, hopefully, I will be able to sing simple songs again, with the strong voice I used to possess. I can't believe I have gone five years without singing a song. Mouthing the words is well and good, but nowhere near as fulfilling.

I suppose you're entitled to the rest, allows Legolas resignedly. While you can still get it, you all should be taking advantage of it.

I nod, eyes darkening briefly at the thought of leaving this place.

Are you ready, he asks slowly, glancing over at the small group on the lawn. I smile, nodding hesitantly.

Yes but… Not to everyone. Not yet. I think there is one here that deserves to hear it first.

Legolas smiles back and nods his agreement, reaching out and squeezing my shoulder.

Before you go, Pippin, he says, as I move to stand. Words cannot express how proud I am of you.

Blushing I nod shyly, and with only a moments thought launch myself forwards to wrap my arms around the unsuspecting elf's neck. For once he hugs back immediately, and I grin, pulling back after a moment to laugh silently at him.

Now see, you've learnt to accept the hugs, Legolas. I'm proud of you too.

Off with you, little one.

Standing clumsily I pause and turn back, a genuine smile tugging at my lips.

Thank you.

He waves me off, making a face as if he finds the words repetitive. Beaming I run off, past Frodo and Sam who wave, and through the trees behind the clearing, bracing myself.


Slowly I move across the soft green lawn, gazing firmly upon one small figure reclining easily upon a soft blanket, serving as a rug. For all appearances he is asleep, breathing deeply and evenly, but for the lazy fidgeting of his fingers, as they pluck at a frayed edge of the blanket. Surely he hears my footfalls, as I am not being particularly cautious in my movements. We hobbits seem to have much better hearing than most other folk, save elves and Strider.

Sure enough his fidgeting pauses briefly before the familiar sound of my walk registers, and his hand then resumes it's plucking.

Merry doesn't look around, but shuffles across to make room for me, and pats the grass at his side. I stop walking to look down at him. For everything that we have gone through of late, he still looks like my Merry: the same Merry that spend his every free day for the past five years at my side, talking to me, amusing me, consoling me… The past twenty-eight years at my side, in reality.

He looks up quizzically, eyeing me with raised eyebrows.

"Yes Pip?"

You're lazy.

Says who? I at least got up at the normal time this morning. If your hair is anything to go by, you only just woke up, sleepy.

Shrugging admittance I smile down, hands in my pockets. Merry yawns and makes a face, confused.

"Are you going to sit down and join me, or just stand there and stare at me?"

I take a deep breath, hoping and wishing that just once, it would work straight away.

"That depends on you Merry."

At the first word Merry stiffens. I see he is shaking when I finish. For a moment he does not move. Then momentarily he slowly sits up and turns around, staring at me through wide, shining eyes.

"Pippin…" he asks tearfully, stunned. I smile shakily and shrug a little, ignoring the sudden moisture in my own eyes.

"I did it, Merry," I manage to choke out.

In an instant Merry is off the grass and on his feet, pulling me into a crushing embrace the moment he draws near. I sink into the hug gratefully, tears sliding down my face at a rate almost rivaling his own.

"Oh Pip," he gasps, practically a sob. Pulling back and holding me at arms length, he stares at me again, struggling to comprehend. "You… how?" Opening my mouth to speak, I'm slightly frustrated to hear nothing come out.

It's not perfect, I admit in sign, sighing. But it's a start. Legolas has been helping me. I just… wanted to surprise you.

Smiling slightly, tears of joy still rushing down his cheeks, Merry drew me forward again, enveloping me in another fierce hug.

"Oh Pip, it's a wonderful surprise," he managed, laughing a little. He tightened his grip around my shoulders, and laughed again, this time much more confidently. "It's wonderful." Pulling back eventually he scrubbed at his face and reached out to wipe away my own tears with a sleeve. He grinned, softening the expression to a gentle smile.

"I'm so proud of you."

Funny, everyone keeps saying that.


Merry runs immediately over to Legolas and throws himself at the elf in a tight hug. Legolas smiles down as even from here I can hear my cousin repeating 'thank you, thank you, thank you' in an overwhelmed voice.

This sudden display of affection has caught the attention of the rest of the Fellowship, and they look over curiously. Frodo climbs to his feet and steps forward, eyeing me curiously.

"What's this all about then, Pip?"

Glancing up, Merry and Legolas smile encouragingly. Seeing this, the rest of our friends on the lawn turn to me expectantly. The corners of my lips curl upward in a bright smile and I hold out my hands for all to see.

Legolas and I have a surprise for you.

Frodo crosses his arms around his chest, grinning easily.

"Right then Pippin, let's have it." This is met by nods and quiet laughs by the others. Matching Frodo's grin with one of my own, albeit a slightly shaky one, I turn back to him and open my mouth.

"No need for the silly hand gestures anymore."


The end.