AN: Hi again! As usual, I am super thankful for all you guys for reading and taking interest in my story!
Review replies:
will zona: Thanks for all the support you've been giving me with each chapter! I hope it doesn't disappoint you though but Gandalf won't be in this story since it takes place after he leaves with Frodo, Bilbo, Galadriel, and Elrond to Valinor (that scene happens in the last chapter of the Return of the King, or in the last scene of the Return of the King (movie)). I want to stay as true to the story as I can, or at least to the best of my knowledge. I am considering including a certain brown wizard in later chapters though!
Anyway, here's chapter 8.
The next morning, after eating breakfast and meeting Sam and Rosie's children (they had eaten dinner the night before in their bedrooms so they wouldn't hear any talk about the war), Elena, Eldarion, and Samwise headed off towards Pippins house to tell him the news. He lived in a cozy smial down in Tuckburough, but it didn't take too long for them to get there. The door was opened by a small hobbit child who looked to be about nine years old, although it was difficult to tell with the small stature of hobbits.
"Hello. Would you like to speak with my mother or my father?" He asked.
"Your father please." Eldarion said. Elena remembered that Pippin had married a hobbit named Diamond six years after Frodo left, and had a son three years after that. That must be Faramir.
A moment later Faramir returned with Pippin following him. He didn't look that much older than he did eighteen years ago, but he definitely was taller than the other hobbits Elena had seen. The ent-drought really had made a big difference. He was only about a foot shorter than Elena, whereas the other hobbits were at least two feet shorter.
"How can I be of service to you?" Pippin asked. He had a napkin tucked into his shirt and a few crumbs stuck to his chin. He must have been in the middle of second breakfast.
"Hey Pippin, this here is King Aragorn's son, Eldarion and his companion Elena. He has some distressing news that I'm sure he's very anxious to tell you." Sam had stepped forward from behind Eldarion and Elena and decided to take over the introductions.
"Well by all means come in. I wouldn't want to keep the Prince waiting!" They all went inside, and there was basically a repeat of what happened the night before. Eldarion explained the whole situation, Diamond offered them all snacks, and they ended up staying for an early lunch. After all was explained, Pippin declared he wanted to go back to Gondor with Eldarion and Elena.
"After all, I haven't seen old Strider…er, King Aragorn in several years. It will be good to be on the road again, and Sam here can take over my duties while I'm gone. There really isn't much to do besides maybe call in soldiers in case of an attack, which like Eldarion said, isn't very likely. Also Diamond knows how to do all my duties if there is a problem Sam can't handle."
"Well," said Eldarion, "If it is alright with Sam, I suppose you can come along. I'm sure my father will be very pleased to see you again."
"Sounds good to me," Sam said. "Just make sure you return safely. I'm not sure I'm capable of being both Mayor and Thain for too long of a time."
"Great! Um, when are we leaving?"
"As soon as we tell the Master of Buckland about what's going on, we can begin the return journey to Gondor." Eldarion said with a grin.
"Oh, good. I haven't seen old Merry for a week or so. And with any luck he'll come along too! That is as long as he can find a replacement for himself."
After Pippin had packed up the things he would need and said goodbye to his family, they all set off towards Brandywine Bridge, although Sam stayed behind. When they arrived in Buckland they went straight to Brandy Hall, where Merry lived. His wife Estella answered the door and said he was gone at the moment visiting a friend, but he would be back shortly. After waiting for about ten minutes, Merry returned. He was very happy to see them, and after listening to the story he decided to travel with them as well. He made arrangements for his cousin Berilac to take over his duties as Master of Buckland and packed his things. Then they all left down the road.
"Boy, it feels good to be on the road again," Pippin said, "Although I'll miss eating seven meals a day. I'm sure I will adjust to the meal shortage though, like I did last time."
"Adjust? If I remember correctly half the conversations you and I had were you telling me you were hungry." Merry replied. Elena quietly chuckled behind them. This is so cool! A real argument between Merry and Pippin!
"That's not true! And even if it was I was simply trying to lighten up the mood."
"Oh, right," Merry replied sarcastically. "And I'm sure all those times you nearly got us all killed you were just trying to create some excitement."
Pippin mumbled something under his breath for that remark, but it was obvious neither of them meant what they were saying. They traveled on to Bree without any excitement and got there an hour or so after sunset. They all had a joyful dinner at the Prancing Pony, where many stories and memories were shared. They bunked down for the night after refilling their water sacs and making sure they were all prepared to get an early start in the morning.
AN: Sorry it was a bit shorter than my previous chapters. I didn't really know what else to write about and also I need to go eat lunch and wanted to finish. I hope Pippin and Merry weren't too OOC for you all, and if you have any tips for me on keeping them in character they are welcome! Anyway, that's all for now!