#22 New Race

Pippin had never felt so frightened, so small. Oh yes, he had been scared on the quest. Scared almost witless at times, but that was different. He was with friends, it was all an adventure really and he could fool himself into thinking that nothing bad was actually going to happen. After all he was with a wizard. This, however was no adventure. This was real. And he did not like it at all.

He gazed, wide eyed, around at the throng surrounding him and felt his heart begin to race within his chest. Why had he come out here alone? Why had he told Merry he did not need him? That he would be just fine? He wasn't.

"There's one of 'em!" A rough voice shouted out. "One of them there 'obbits."

Pippin shook as the crowd pushed closer.

"It is 'an all." A woman's face leered into his own. "Want to see what a full sized lady 'as to offer me dear?" She grinned, exposing a row of uneven teeth.

Stumbling over his feet Pippin backed away, his mouth too dry to attempt a reply even if his mind could figure one out.

"Never 'ad me a 'obbit afore." The woman cackled as she took her ample bosom in both hands and jiggled suggestively. "But I'm always up for tryin' sommat new!"

The crowd laughed uproariously and Pippin felt his face flush both with embarrassment and shame. How had he been so stupid as to get himself in this position? He could hear Gandalf's voice clearly in his mind calling him a 'Fool of a Took' and his colour deepened then he yelped and leapt into the air as unseen fingers cheekily pinched his behind. Tears sprang to his eyes and he was finding it difficult to breathe, panic was setting in and his gaze darted wildly about in an attempt to find a way through the gathered throng.

"Fool of a Took!"

Gandalf's voice rang out again, so loudly this time that Pippin almost expected to see him come striding through the crowd.

"Whatever possessed you to come here alone?"

Pippin squealed as a firm hand grasped his shoulder but as he turned to look up at the figure now looming over him he sagged with relief. Never had he been so happy to see the grizzle haired old wizard.

"G..Gandalf?" He whispered as if afraid he was seeing things. "What…how..?"

"Merry told us where you had gone young hobbit." Gandalf explained. "He was worried for your safety, we all were. This is no place for naïve youngsters my lad, especially for those of a race never seen here before." He smiled as his eyes twinkled. "Even Legolas would not wish to come down here alone." He winked. "Now, let's get you back where you belong."

Pippin gladly allowed the old man to lead him away, back to the upper tiers of the city, his mind whirling as he began to relax once more. What an adventure he had to tell Merry about this time, a huge grin began to spread across his face, and to think he had gone where an elf would not…

A/N

Thanks to all of you for reading and to those who have left comments so far. I do love reviews (hint hint) :)

Lord Illyren - Thanks. I'm glad you thought 'Stealing' was cool. Hope this one gives you a chuckle. :)