They did not get to reading for a while. In fact, they had almost completely forgotten about the deal until Diamond was scanning the bookcase, four days later. She was looking for a biscuit recipe for her mother, Gypsophila, when she noticed the three different editions of her favorite novel-the one she had planned to read with Pippin. With a gasp she pulled out two of the volumes, and peeked round the corner into the kitchen, where Pippin sat laughing and waiting for tea with Sapphire and Merry. I'd almost forgotten, she thought, smiling down at the treasures in her arms.
When teatime was over, Merry went for a walk, Sapphire retired to her room-and Diamond handed Pippin one of the books, one with a dusty blue jacket. He groaned, but there was a smile on his face: and they spent the afternoon by the window in the sitting room, reading quietly to themselves.
Pippin was dreadfully reluctant at first. He knew books held value-he had noticed Merry beginning to love them more and more: but he had never understood why anyone would rather read than go out to wander in the woods or visit a friend. He could understand the use of histories, family trees, diaries, and the like. But what use was thinking about a fake adventure when one could just as easily go out and do something interesting in real life? Furthermore, the book in his hands smelled old and dusty, and the pages were wrinkled, and there were no pictures, and he was suddenly hungry.
"Humph!"
He knit his brow and frowned, staring defiantly at the text. He secretly hoped that Diamond would see him pouting and say something to postpone the inevitable, but she took no notice. Pippin resolved then to stare at her and sigh loudly until she did.
When he looked up, all impatience gave way to fascination. Diamond sat with her legs crossed oddly and a fluffy quilt pulled over her shoulders like a cloak. She held the book lightly, and turned the gold-edged leaves with great care. She was smiling ever so slightly as she read. And her eyes! There was a bright light in her eyes: they looked warm and resplendent, soft and content. It was a happiness that Pippin recognized. It was the same look that she had worn years ago at Lithe, reading to the children in daycare: her rarest, most wonderful look.
He had seen similar looks in the eyes of other hobbits-while they were cooking, or talking, or gardening, or singing. Everyone seemed to have their own special version of it. But Diamond was the only lass whose eyes lit up while reading, as far as Pippin had observed.
Now he understood a little more of who Diamond was. And he loved to understand people, especially her. Somehow it made his heart swell.
Pippin looked back to his own edition, suddenly excited to read it. By the time Gypsophila was calling them for dinner, he had read ten chapters.
Another week passed, and it was time for the Merry and Pippin to journey home. Their effects were already laid on the ponies at the gate. So now Diamond, Sapphire, and their parents stood in the hall as they bundled up in coats and earmuffs and things, waiting to say farewells before they ventured out into the cold.
"It was so nice of you to come," smiled Gypsophila. She pulled them both into warm hug. Pippin was right in the middle of putting on his mittens, so his hands were smooshed awkwardly into the surprise embrace, which made all three of them laugh. Pippin had come to think of her as an aunt or a grandmother, so loving was her affection for him.
"Please feel welcome to stay with us anytime you like," added her husband, Evergrim, patting them on the back. He was not a very snuggly hobbit, but very kind all the same.
Sapphire curtsied politely; she had been practicing. "Goodbye, and be safe," she said.
"Of course!" Merry nodded cheerfully. "Though I can't promise we won't be cold."
Diamond bowed in her shy way, and was about to say goodbye, when she suddenly remembered something, dashed out into the hall for a minute, and then returned with two small parcels tied with bright ribbons. "I almost forgot," she explained, handing one each to Merry and Pippin. "These are my birthday presents."
"You did forget, Diamond," Pippin laughed. "These are nearly two weeks late."
"Sorry! I can be so spacey." Diamond shook her head. "But at least I remembered in time."
Merry carefully opened his parcel, while Pippin rather ripped his. Soon enough both were holding up knitted scarves: Merry's was of red and green, and Pippin's was of blue and yellow. The stitching was very poorly done: but Diamond smiled proudly. She had tried a new technique, and thought the result was much better than usual.
"Well, how do you like them?" She asked.
"They are..." Merry paused, studying his. "They are lovely!"
Pippin faked a smile and nodded vigorously. "Thank you, Diamond!"
"They should keep you warm on your journey," Diamond spoke with excitement.
"Ah, er, yes! They should," Merry agreed, and put his scarf on slowly. Pippin gave him a confused look, but followed suit. Finally Diamond said her goodbyes, and the two hobbit-lads bowed before stepping out into the white world.
By the time they reached the southern border of Long Cleeve, the cold wind had picked up speed and Pippin began to notice tiny snowflakes whirling around him and catching in his pony's curly brown mane. Soon snow stung his eyes, and even his tough feet began to feel chilly. It would be a while before they could inn. But Pippin thought hopefully of the book with the dusty blue jacket, which was tucked into one of his bags: and the snow did not dampen his spirits.
A/N: I apologize for taking such a long time to update, and for the shortness of this chapter! I'm graduating from high school this Sunday so I've been extremely busy with prom, scholarships, college preparations, AP exams, job hunting, and a million other things. I want to try to put out another chapter by the end of Saturday, though. No promises, but that's what I'm aiming for.
All of your reviews made me so happy, I can't explain how much I needed those. And special thanks to dreamflower02 for the super helpful critique (and the generous complements!)