Elladan suddenly jolted into life. His wooden rod seemed to quiver as the fish swam away. But it could not get any further. Elladan slowly walked back, taking the fish with him.
He knew that he had to be patient once again. The fish was struggling to get away. But something was stopping it. The first fish had vanished from view. It was searching elsewhere for some food.
After a few minutes, the fish was now getting tired. The hook was imbedded in its mouth and there was no escape from the fate that lay before it.
The level of water lowered as it was dragged to shore. But still, the fish seemed to use all of its energy to get away. But its fate had now been sealed. Two massive hands grabbed it and took it out of the water.
Elladan took the fish out of the water and placed it on the wet rocks. The rod had been placed down. Elladan then reached into his pocked and brought out a long piece of wood.
He suddenly hit the jumpy fish, making it stop instantly. A second blow confirmed that the fish had been killed. Elladan then stood up. One fish was not enough for four people.
So, the elf baited his rod for a second time and casted out. Elladan, once again, stood there as still as the cliffs of rocks surrounding him.
In the better world, Origo was slowly falling asleep in front of a nice, warm fire. The outside world was very cold. The heath was crackling and sending a black pillar of smoke into the gentle wind.
But Origo was not the only sleepy puppy laying on the floor. Abira had cuddled up next to him. She was already asleep.
The two of them had been playing by themselves for most of the day. Pimpernel smiled as she sat, mug of hot tea in one hand and her book in the other. Her eyes were scanning the words on the page.
Images were flashing before her. Rivers, forests, caves and oceans were crossing her eyes. Yet that was not the only thing that the words brought. Emotions erupted inside on Pimpernel. They were either good or bad.
Her eyes seemed to be stuck on to the page. She was deep in reading.
The door to the lounge opened and in came Pearl. She too was carrying a mug full of hot tea. Pimpernel's eye contact with the book was broken as she watched her sister enter the room.
Pearl quietly closed the door behind her so that she did not wake the sleeping pups. She smiled as she took her seat. Pimpernel took a deep breath and went back to reading.
Only the sound of the crackling fire broke the silence. Pearl looked around. Unlike her sister, she did not feel like reading. For she had read nearly every book in the cases in the lounge. But she had not only read nearly all the books in the lounge, but the whole house. Pimpernel took a small break to drink her tea.
Pearl gave a small smile as she saw the two puppies snoozing gently before the fire.
"Pimpernel" Pearl said to get her sister's attention.
Nelly raised her eyes and looked over at her sister. Pearl gave a small nod as she smiled. Pimpernel looked over at the direction of the puppies. A similar smile came over her.
But in reality, Pimpernel was not looking at the two puppies. In fact, she was not reading. Her eyes were focused on the burning fire.
The door slowly opened. But Pimpernel did not break her gaze. Pervinca walked in. she was the youngest of the three Took girls.
"Good afternoon" she said, leaving the door open.
But there was no answer from Pimpernel. Pearl took a deep breath as she sat down. She was struggling to find conversation.
"How are you?" she asked.
Pervinca seemed very uneasy around Pimpernel. And Pimpernel sensed this.
"What do you want Vinnie?" she asked.
Vinnie did not know how to say it. So she didn't.
"I'm just asking how you are" she told her sister.
But still, Pimpernel thought that there was more to this conversation then just that.
"Did she send you?" Pimpernel asked, her temper was slowly rising.
Vinnie tried to act like she did not know what her older sister was on about. But it was not working.
"Who?" she asked, putting on a confused voice.
Pimpernel took a deep breath and stood up. This was one conversation that she did not want to be a part of. Vinnie needed to say what she was originally going to say.
"She wants to speak to you" Vinnie said, making Pimpernel stop in her tracks.
Nelly's hand rested on the cold handle of the door. She took a deep breath.
"Who?" she asked, knowing full well who it was.
"Mum" Vinnie answered.
"She needs to talk"
Pimpernel took a deep breath and looked back at her sister. The fire was glinting in her eyes.
"There is nothing I want to say to her" she answered.
And, without a chance for her sister to reply, the door was opened and she walked out. Pervinca was left standing where she was. She did not like the fact that there was a rift in her family. And she did not like the fact that
Pippin had hid himself away from the rest of the family.
Pippin had in fact been busy with a project. He was writing his very own book. But it was not just any book. He was going to give it to his Diamond. But he wasn't sure if Diamond would want him back.
The day slowly past around him as he wrote and smoke. Silver strands of smoke were floating towards the ceiling. A fire was crackling in the heath. A cool mug of ale was sitting on the table mat.
Merry was in the other room, writing his book as well. But it was not on the same subject as Pippin. In fact, Merry was struggling with the writing of his book. He too was smoking his pipe. A goblet, half filled with ale, was sitting near the ink pot at the top.
Merry looked at the words he had written. His mind seemed to have come across a stop in the writing processes. Like Peregrin in the other room, silver smoke rose from his mouth.
"Maybe a small break" Merry thought, his tummy now rumbling.
Lunch had come and past. Hunger in every household had been tamed. Dinner was next meal, yet that not did not mean food was out of bounds until then.
Merry yawned as he sat back. His eyes looked towards the see-though glass. Blue sky was all that he saw. A slowly setting sun struggled to keep the day alight. Yet there was still a few more hours of sunlight left.
Merry knew exactly what he was going to do. Food was first on the list. So, getting up from his seat, he opened the door. The fire that had been burning in the heath near by had made him very comfortable.
But the fire made the corridor feel colder then it really was. Only a few little candles were left to light up the way towards the kitchen.
Pippin heard Merry coming towards the kitchen. His three sneezes gave him away instantly. Pippin stopped writing and quickly closed pages. The words that had been written were hidden from view as Merry opened the door.
He gave a smile to Pip as he walked in. Merry did not say a word to his friend as he walked towards the cellar. The door opened.
The cellar was colder then even the corridor that Merry had just walked though. packets and packets of food were stacked on many shelves. Each were wrapped in the same sort of paper packet.
Merry smiled as he picked out two packets and walked out.
"Here you go" he said, throwing one of the packets at Pip.
Pippin caught it as a confused expression came over him.
"What's this?" he asked.
Merry smiled as he took a seat facing him.
"Just a snack"
Pippin tore the packet and smiled. He knew that Merry liked chocolate. Merry smiled as he took his first bite. Pippin followed closely in suit. A piece, much bigger then he had originally wanted. But this did not slow his progress.
"So" Merry said, swallowing the his mouthful.
"Are you going to tell me what your writing about?" he asked.
Pippin still did not want to tell his best friend what he was writing about.
"I would rather not" he answered, drawing the book closer to him.
Merry knew that he could not force Pippin to show him. But that did not stop the guessing.
"Is it something to do with me?" he asked, thinking that it might be.
Pippin's eyes darted away just for a split second.
"Maybe" he answered.
He really did not like the direction that this conversation was going. So, to make sure he did not have to answer the second question right away, he broke off a large piece and started to chew.
"Maybe?" Merry asked, knowing that he had small lead into what Pippin was writing about.
"Why maybe?" he asked.
The questions were getting ever more personal.
How would Pippin explain to Merry that he was not writing about him?
And still keep the real reason a secret?
It was then Pippin started to yawn.
"I think" he said, in the middle of it.
"I think I will go and sleep for a while" he said, picking up the top of the ink bottle and screwing it back on.
Merry took a deep breath as watched his friend stand up and walk away. Only the ink bottle and quill were left. The half eaten bar of chocolate and the book were kept with him.
Merry looked at the bar and continued to eat. The footsteps of Pippin slowly faded away. The click of a door echoed down the hall way.
Pippin took a deep breath, knowing that Merry would soon find out what he was writing about. Pippin placed the closed book on his bed and took a deep breath. He knew that he had to keep his writing a secret.
Pippin slowly opened the first few pages. They were full of words. A small smile came over him as he read though them. Memories from the first few years of his life were played out on paper.
Bilbo's party was one of those early memories. It was the first time that he met Diamond. Pippin gave a small smile, feeling that strange feeling he got when ever he thought or saw her.
There were a page, unwritten on, before the second memory was started.
Winter had come over the lands. Quickly and harshly. Like all of the children of the Shire, I was very excited for the first bit of snow.
But it had been months since I saw you. A few times, I caught myself thinking about you. It seems that your eyes had drawn me in and I was stuck with them.
"Come on Pip!" Merry said, running away from me.
It took a second or two to realise that I was now standing in the freezing snow. Flakes were sticking to my cloths and hair. But that was not the only thing I had to worry about.
A large snowball hurtled towards me. I only saw it at the last second. But the last second was too late.
Pippin could still feel the stinging as the cold ball of snow hit him on the side of his face. laughter rang out in his ears as Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee came out from nowhere.
In their hands, another snow ball. Frodo threw his. But Pippin's reactions were faster then they had been before. But Sam was still a very good shot. His ball of snow hurtled though the air and hit Pippin on the chest.
Laughter erupted from them. Even Merry was laughing. Snow had stuck to Pippin's cloths even more. Pippin did not like the fact that they were not getting Merry as much as he was.
Samwise quickly bend down and grabbed another handful of snow. He made sure that it did not fall apart in midair. But Pippin was having other ideas. Hunger was now getting to him.
"I think I'm…" but his sentence was cut short.
Another snow ball had been thrown in his direction. This time, Pippin saw it and had more time to react. His placed his hand up and waited.
The next second, the snow ball hit the tips on his fingers. Gravity took a hold of the ball and it landed in the snow behind.
"I'm going home now" he said, before anything else could be thrown.
Frodo looked a little bit disappointed. But he could not force his friend to stay out, especially if they were hungry.
"Why?" a young Samwise asked.
Pippin looked at him strangely.
"Because I'm hungry" he answered as though there was no hiding from it.
Samwise gave a small smile.
"Hmm, now that you mention it" he said, rubbing his hand on his stomach.
"I am feeling a bit on the hungry side"
Frodo smiled.
"I think that we should all go and get lunch" he said.
Everyone agreed.
"What time shall we come out again?" Merry asked, walking off of the large field.
Frodo, who seemed to be the leader of the small gang, thought for a moment.
"Well, I was thinking of staying in for a while, to warm up" he answered.
This did not go well with Merry's plan. He hoped that they were coming out again.
"I agree" Samwise said, nodding once.
"We could get sick"
Being sick was a hobbits worst nightmare. Not only did they had to stay inside, even on the most beautiful day, but food would become tasteless.
For a hobbit loved his or her food. it even showed when they were not eating anything. For they had a large, round stomach and a chubby face.
"Well, we'll see you later or tomorrow" Pippin said.
Pippin and Sam lived within Hobbiton. But Frodo and Merry lived further away. They both lived in Buckland. So, the four departed into different directions.
Frodo and Merry walked down towards the small pub. Snow crunched under foot as they walked down. Both would get a cart back to Buckland.
Pippin suddenly snapped out of his day dream. It had been many years since then. Everything seemed to have changed, apart from the coldness of the winters.
Pips eyes then fell back down to the words. He knew that the part he was coming up to was the meeting between him and Diamond.
As I walked home, Sam had already got back, a familiar looking girl came into view. I could do nothing but smile.
"Good evening" I said, hoping that you would remember me.
And you did.
"Good afternoon" she answered.
Pippin gave a small smile. He loved Diamond's smile.
It was then that my words lost me. I could not think of anything else to say. but, luckily, your words had not escaped you.
"How are you?"
It was the perfect start to conversation.
"I am well, how about you?"
The uneasiness seemed to fall away the more I talked to you. But sadly, our conversation was cut short
"Diamond"
It was your mother.
"We have to get moving now"
This was not what I wanted. For some reason, I felt like I could talk to you for an age. And I still do.
Pippin took a deep breath. That was the last time Pippin saw Diamond for many years. Diamond lived many a mile away, in Long Cleeve. Where as Pippin continued living, with his three older sister, in Hobbiton.
Meanwhile, Merry had been planning to sneak into Pippin's room. Pippin had informed Merry that he was going to sleep.
"Now is my chance" Merry told himself, slowly walking down the hall way.
In fact, Pippin was not asleep. Yet his eyes were closed. A small click told Pippin that someone was entering the room. Pip opened one of his eyes.
"Ah, so your trying to sneak in when I'm sleeping?" Pippin thought.
He made sure that he did not give away the fact that he was still awake. Merry seemed to be looking right back at him.
"Pippin?" Merry whispered.
Pippin closed his eye and listened. Merry gave a small smile, knowing that his friend was indeed asleep. His attention now on the small book that was resting just inches from him.
Merry's heart rate rose slightly as his hand inched towards the book. Pippin could not take it any more. The next second, Pip launched towards the book.
Merry moved back quickly.
"Your not allowed to read it!" Pippin shouted, his voice echoing around the room.
Merry looked confused for a split second, then anger showed though.
"Don't you shout at me!"
Pippin moved the book away.
"I am if your trying to steal my things!"
The situation they were now in was one that was very rare for them. No matter what they had been though, arguments never seemed to erupt. But today was different.
Merry could not understand why Pippin was so secretive about the book. Pippin could not understand why Merry wanted to read what he had written so badly.
"Steal your things?" Merry asked, his anger still rising.
"Your trying to steal this!" Pip answered, waving the closed book at him.
Merry seemed only to laugh.
"If your writing about me, then I have a right to know!"
The argument seemed to be going around in circles now. Of course, Merry had a right to know what was written. But then, Pippin had a right to hide it from him.
"No you don't" Pip answered.
Merry's breathing was now heavy. In his mind, there was only one more option that he had.
"Get out" he said, changing the mood of the room.
Pippin's expression went from anger, to confusion.
"What?" he asked, not trusting his ears.
"Get out of my house"
There was an awkward silence in the room now, broken only by the crackling fire in the heath. The two hobbits were staring into each others eyes.
"Now!" Merry shouted.
Pippin took a deep breath, knowing that Merry was serious.
"If that's how you want it" Pippin said.
His cloths had been hung in the cupboards or folded in the draws. So, he stood up, taking the book with him. Merry watched him walk towards the cupboard. The door was swung open violently. Merry watched as Pippin opened the bag that had once contained all of his clothes.
His cloths had been hung on coat hangers. But they were now being thrust into the bag without consideration. No words were exchanged between the two of them as Merry watched.
Pippin closed the two cupboard doors with a bang. The draws were then opened. The bag was getting very full now. But that did not bother Pippin. He was too angry for words.
Deep inside, Merry had started to regret what he had said. But it was too late now. Pippin was too busy and angry to listen to anything that he had to say.
After a few more minutes, Pippin had packed all his cloths. His pipe was laying on the bedside table, along with his pouch of dry tobacco.
Without another word, Pippin put the pack on his bag and walked out.
"Where will you go?" asked Merry after him.
For a split second, Pippin wanted to answer. But he did not. He continued walking down the corridor. Merry stood there, regretting what he had just done.
The door opened and cold blast of air met Pippin's face. He gave a deep breath and slammed the door behind him, making sure that it was loud enough for Merry to hear.
The light of day slowly slipped away. The shadows that lay across a silver land were elongated. Clouds seemed to hover overhead like white islands.
Birds were still singing their songs to the world as Pippin walked down to the gate. The door behind did not open as he walked towards the gate. The road lay on the other side of the stone wall. It, unlike Merry's path leading to the door, had many foot prints in.
The gate was opened and then shut just as quickly. It was then that Pippin stopped. A sudden thought came over him.
He had nowhere to stay.
Pippin stood aimlessly in the snow, the wind blew in his face. His cheeks were getting more and more pinkish by the second. He knew exactly where he could go. So, with a deep breath, Pippin wondered off into the night.
The door to the Green Dragon opened, letting in the cold air from the outside rushed in. Two figures emerged from the heat. Both had coats on. The warmth from the building they had just left was trickling away from them.
Pervinca and Pearl walked back towards their house. Pimpernel had chosen to stay at home. She was not in a very good mood.
Pearl and Pervinca had gone out. Not only for a drink, but for a very important talk about their sister.
"She's been acting differently" Pearl said, taking I sip on her ale.
The coat that she had been wearing on the way down was now hanging over the back of the chair that she was sitting on.
"Especially when her pup vanished" Pearl explained as she gave a small sigh.
It was true, Abira's whereabouts still unknown. Pimpernel had long since given up all hope of seeing her again.
"But why have Origo and Abira gone?" asked Vinnie.
"I thought they liked it here"
Pearl took a deep breath and looked towards the window. It was covered in condensation. It showed no sign of the coldness outside.
"So did I" Pearl said.
Another swing of ale followed from both girls. The inn was not as busy as it could be. The coldness had driven most of the hobbits to stay indoors.
"No point going out now, the coldness will only grow!" the elders said.
Neither Pearl or Pervinca knew of the goings on in Merry's house. The girls talk seemed to change subject a few times. From coldness, to the warmth of summer. All the while, the level of ale slowly dropped.
A yawn came over Pervinca as she sat back. The inn emptied slowly as the darkness took hold.
"Shall we get going now?" Pearl asked, her eyes seemed to be heavier then normal.
Vinnie took a deep breath. Their mugs were drained and they stood up. Pearl was the first to put her coat on. the coldness was now playing on her mind. Yes, it was only a short walk, but they would lose all of the heat that they had.
Vinnie buttoned up the last button and looked over at her sister. Without a word, they both headed for the closed door. A few farewells and goodnights were said as they made their way to the door.
The door was opened and the first sign of coldness hit them. The candles started to flicker as Pearl waited for her sister. Vinnie smiled as she walked out into the cold world. Her sister followed quickly after, trying not to lose any more heat from the Green Dragon.
The two girls smiled and started to walk back home. As they were, a figure came out of the darkness. He was carrying a pack with the straps hanging over each shoulder.
"Pippin?" Pearl asked, stopping.
The figure stopped as well.
"What are you doing here?" asked the figure.
This confirmed that it was indeed Pippin.
"We've just come back from the Green Dragon" explained his sister.
"Where are you going?" she asked.
Pippin walked a little bit further forward, the light from a near by house shone on his face.
"Merry has thrown me out of his house"
Pearl took a deep breath. Yet another problem that she might have to deal with.
"I was planning on going to our parents for the night" Pippin told her.
The coldness was now making Pearl's cheeks tingle. She nodded, taking a deep breath.
"That'll be a good idea" she agreed.
The coldness was getting to the depths of her body now. The shivering was now getting stronger as Pearl stood there. all she wanted to do now to get home and have a nice something to eat.
"Well, I best be getting off then. I hope their not asleep yet"
And with that, Pippin trundled off though the snow again. Pearl had been standing around for too long. She knew this because when she went to walk, her knees felt very stiff.
But this did not last for long. Pervinca was the first one to the gate this time. She smiled as she opened the gate. Pearl smiled as she walked in and the gate.
The large front door was then opened and both girls quickly walked in. Pearl yawned as she closed the door behind her sister.
"I guess I should make some toast, I'm starving!" Pearl said, unbuttoning her coat.
Pervinca smiled as she placed her on the hook. Soon after, the two girls went into the kitchen. The fire was now struggling to maintain itself. But that was soon sorted out as Pearl placed fresh wood into the flames.
She smiled as she felt the warmth grow. Pervinca was standing at a cabinet that held bottles of liquids. She looked at each one. A smile came over her as she picked on out. Two small glasses were picked out as well. The glass doors were shut and Pervinca turned around.
"Here we go" she said, smiling as she put them on the table.
In a room down the corridor, Pimpernel was sleeping. When the two girls had left the house, Pimpernel had retired to bed. She had not talked to them all day. in fact, she had not said a word all day.
Pimpernel's eyes were closed. The duvet had been drawn over her, trapping her body warmth in. She had not the faintest idea that her sisters were back. There were no images flashing before her eyes.
In the kitchen, the amber whiskey was being poured into the glasses. Pearl came out of the cellar, holding a loaf of bread that had been half used.
She placed it on the work top and got out the large cutting knife that she always used. The bread was then taken out. The loaf was held in Pearl's left hand while the knife was held in her right.
She then started to cut off a few slices.
"Your drink is here, Pearl" Vinnie told her.
Pearl turned and looked at the table. A smile came over her.
"Thank you" she answered.
After a few more minutes, there was a small pile of sliced bread, waiting to be toasted. The oven was opened by Pearl, with help from a small towel covering her hand. There was trey, resting on one of the levels. Pearl slide this out and placed it on the wooden work top.
The bread was then placed on. only four of the twelve slices were placed on the hot trey. Pearl smiled as she slid the trey back in and closed the door.
She then stood up and looked towards the clock. It was getting later and later. Pearl walked over to the table and picked up her small glass of whiskey. She took a very small sip and let the liquid seep down.
A few seconds later, a warm feeling started to radiate from her chest. She could feel the last bit of coldness trickle away from her muscles and get replaced by warmth. She smiled as she took a seat and sat down.
There was very little conversation between the girls now. They both drank the small bit of liquid that they had. Tiredness seemed to grab Pervinca even more as she waited. The smell of toasting bread hit her a few minutes later. Her sister got up ever so often to check on the bread. The top of the bread was now browning nicely. The trey was taken out and the bread on top was turned on its opposite side.
Pearl closed the oven door again and smiled.
"Not long now" she said, sitting back down.
Pearl looked into her small glass. Only a small bit was left, not even enough for a mouthful.
"I think more is in order" she thought.
So, without a word, she stood up. Vinnie yawned and looked at her.
"Are you getting some more?" she asked.
Pearl nodded.
"Would you like some?" she asked, opening the doors.
The bottle that was picked out was made of clear glass. The amber liquid was sloshing around inside. The glass stopper that had been placed in the neck was taken out. Pearl filled her up and then Pervinca's.
A knock came at the door. It echoed down the corridor. Pippin stood outside of his mother and father's house. The coldness was digging into his skin and the wind made it worse.
It seemed like an age that Pippin was standing out in the cold for. But, as Pippin was about to knock again, he heard sounds coming towards the door. A click echoed around him and the door started to open.
A smile came over him, it was Paladin.
"Pippin, my boy" he said, looking at him.
"Is that you?" he asked.
His son nodded.
"Of course" he answered.
There was silence for a few seconds before Paladin talked again.
"Well, what are you doing letting all this cold air in?" he asked.
Pippin smiled and made his way in.
"Wipe you feet" Paladin said as Pippin walked in.
The large round door was closed as Pippin moved out of the way. The door was then shut. Pippin was shivering more then he realised. The coldness had now been blocked out and was slowly being replaced with the warmth.
Pippin always found that his parents house smelt different. Pippin placed his bag down and took his coat off. Paladin walked slowly back down to the corridor, towards the lounge. Pippin took a deep breath and stood where he was. he looked down at his bag and picked it up. Placing it on one shoulder, he walked down to the kitchen.
His mother, Eglantine, was standing at the sink in the kitchen. Her hands were sloshing water over china plates. The remains of food were washing off, making the plates or bowls nice and clean again.
"Hello" said a voice behind her.
Eglantine looked around. A smile came over her face as she looked at her youngest and only son.
"Pippin!" she happily said.
Her hands were soaked in water. But Eglantine did not seem to notice as she threw her hands around her son.
"It is good to see you my dear!" she said.
Pippin took a deep breath.
"Something has happened" Pippin told his mother.
Eglantine drew back and looked into her son's eyes. For a moment, Eglantine could not figure out what Pippin meant.
"Its Diamond, isn't it?" she asked.
Pippin could not lie to his mother. So, he slowly nodded his head. Eglantine took a deep breath and let go of her son.
"And I'm getting your bag is full of your clothes?" she asked.
Pippin looked down at his bag.
"Well, most of them" he told her.
Eglantine shook her head.
"I don't believe you Pippin" Eglantine said, disappointed.
Pippin looked down.
"She, out of all hobbits here, needs your help the most. Didn't you understand that she has a child to look after?" she asked.
Pippin knew that he should have acted better. But it was not him that left.
"But she kicked me out, I didn't leave" Pippin explained.
"And I expect that you want to stay here?" she asked, knowing that she could not turn away her son.
Pippin gave a slow nod.
"I was staying at Merry's for a bit, but…"
Pippin trailed off into a mumble.
"Merry kicked you out as well?" Eglantine asked.
She could not believe that her son was misbehaving so much.
"Pippin, I thought you had changed after you came back from your little adventure with Frodo, Sam and Merry. But it looks like I was wrong" she said.
In another household, not too far away, Pippin's older sister, Pearl, was getting ready for bed. Pervinca had gone back to her own house.
Pearl yawned as she rubbed her face dry with a towel. The scent of summer now clung to her face and hands. Pearl smiled as she looked at her own reflection in the mirror. Pearl looked very tired as she stood there.
"Bed time I think" she said.
So, as quietly as she could, the door was opened. The silence was very strange as she walked back to her room. The door to the room that led into Pimpernel's room was closed. Pearl fought off the urge to check on her sister. For a few minutes, Pearl stood outside her door, wondering if she should just take a quick look. But, after a very long decision, Pearl thought better of it and carried on down to her room.
The temperature of the room was very comfortable for Pearl. The fire in the heath was crackling gently. The flames danced around the heath, flicking the light that it gave off.
Pearl changed into her night gown and placed her flowery dress on the back on the chair she had. Pearl blew out the candles, yet left the fire burning.
The duvet was then drawn back and the girl got into bed. A yawn came over her as her head hit the soft pillow. The tiredness could really take a hold now as Pearl lay on one side.
The window showed the darkness outside. Yet there were no stars twinkling in the sky. For cloud cover had blocked them out. Unknown to the hobbits, a few flakes of snow started to fall silently and unexpected.
A fresh carpet of snow would waiting for them in the morning.