The following tale was composed by Faramir Took I, only son of Thain Peregrin I, being aided by his wife, Goldilocks Gamgee, daughter of Master Samwise. It was not included in the Red Book. Instead, it was a part of a collection of tales, mostly composed by the children of Samwise, Peregrin and Meriadoc. The title of this collection was: "The Ring-bearer and His Companions in their Earlier Years".

It is believed that, for the most part, Faramir wished to describe the antics of his father during his childhood, especially around the time of the Farewell/Birthday Party of Bilbo Baggins. This desire came from the fact that very little was told of Peregrin, Meriadoc, Samwise and Frodo before their Quest; and being the only son of Peregrin, Faramir felt it his duty to tell his father’s tale.

However, the tale turned out to be more than just a story about Peregrin. Faramir wished his story to be as accurate as possible, so he (along with Goldilocks) interviewed Peregrin, Meriadoc, Samwise, Rose (wife of Samwise), and many other guests of the Party, including Peregrin’s sisters, Pearl, Pimpernel and Pervinca.

When he began writing his story, Faramir never expected to find that there had been a previous ‘link’ between the families of Took and Gamgee. Thus, Faramir Took’s story about his father’s childhood became the only one to tell the Tale of Samwise Gamgee and Pervinca Took (it is, perhaps, because of this link that Samwise was at first against the marriage of Goldilocks and Faramir [see "Watch the Clouds Go Sailing By"]). It was never written in full, simply becoming a part of "The Ring-bearer and His Companions in their Earlier Years: Peregrin Took and the Farewell Party of Bilbo Baggins". Eventually, to make it known that their story was also told within this tale, Pervinca and Samwise asked for the title to be altered to "The Ring-bearer and His Companions in their Earlier Years: Peregrin Took and the Farewell Party of Bilbo Baggins (including the Tale of Samwise and Pervinca). For convenience, and interest, sakes, I have once again altered the title, but no alteration has occurred in the translation of the tale.

Life is What Happens

Or "The Ring-bearer and His Companions in their Earlier Years: Peregrin Took and the Farewell Party of Bilbo Baggins (including the Tale of Samwise and Pervinca)

"Life is what happens to you, while you’re busy making other plans…"

-John Lennon, "Beautiful Boy"

Prologue: A Bit of Tookish History

Paladin Took the Second was quite typical of his family – meaning that, as a younger hobbit, he was a known nuisance, and was more often than not in trouble of some sort. He was the only son of Adalgrim Took, with three elder sisters and one younger; thus, he spent much of his free time with his second cousin Adelard, and occasionally, Ferumbras, who was heir to the Thainship of the Shire. For this, Paladin envied Ferumbras, even though the title of Thain had diminished to little more than a nominal dignity.

But hope grew in Paladin, for Ferumbras was nearly twenty years his senior, and he had not yet married. If Ferumbras was without an heir when he died, the Thainship would pass to the first grandson of Hildegrim Took (forth son of the Old Took). And that was Paladin.

Paladin, however, soon stopped thinking about his possible Thainship, for other thoughts had entered his mind. He, himself, had found a suitable wife in a hobbitess whom he adored. So, in the Spring of 1373, Paladin Took wedded Eglantine Banks. The two had known each other since they were tweenagers, and their friendship had grown to affection. Hobbits from all over the Shire agreed that the union was a perfect one, as far as wealthiness went, if nothing else. For the Bankses, though nowhere near the Tooks in fame or wealth, were one of the Shire’s richer families.

Nearly two years later, the first child of Paladin and Eglantine was born – a daughter whom they named Pearl. She was a pretty baby, and grew to be a fair hobbit-maiden.

When Pearl was four years old, Eglantine gave birth to a second daughter, Pimpernel. So alike to her sister she was that, had they been closer in age, one might easily mistake them for twins.

Even though his cousin had married, and now had two daughters, Ferumbras still showed no sign of settling down himself. And in the next year, Fortinbras II, the current Thain and father of Ferumbras, died. Ferumbras III was now the Thain of the Shire.

That same year (1380), Paladin’s youngest sister, Esmeralda, moved to Buckland, and married Saradoc Brandybuck. Paladin grieved for the ‘loss’ of his most beloved sister, but was equally happy for her, as Saradoc was a worthy and noble hobbit.

Ferumbras openly stated that that he had no desire to be married, and named Paladin his heir, and next in line for the Thainship.

Two years later, something happened that brought worry to Paladin’s mind. Esmeralda bore for Saradoc a son, Meriadoc, though he was forever called Merry. If Paladin remained, as Ferumbras, without an heir, Meriadoc would become the Thain after him. Though he dearly loved his nephew, Paladin did not wish for the Thainship to leave the Took line and return to the Brandybucks (the office of the Thain had passed to the Tooks from the Oldbucks, who renamed themselves Brandybuck).

Paladin’s worry was not subdued when Eglantine gave birth to a third daughter. Pervinca, they called her, six years younger than her closest sister, and no less fair than either of them.

Over the next few years, Paladin’s anxiety grew and grew. The only comfort he found was while visiting his cousin Bilbo Baggins, at his home in Hobbiton. Bilbo had an uncanny resistance to age, and Paladin loved to visit him, for he felt that Bilbo was more than half-Took. He had gone on an ‘adventure’, something rare for any hobbit, and even rarer for a Baggins. Paladin would listen to Bilbo’s tales for hours, and Bilbo was happy to have an appreciative audience.

Paladin was present for Bilbo’s announcement that he was to adopt Frodo Baggins as his heir. Frodo came from Buckland, where his mother was born, a young cousin of Saradoc Brandybuck. Paladin’s anxiety trebled, as he saw another son-less hobbit adopt a distant heir.

In his fit of worry, Paladin was unaware that his wife was yet again pregnant. He did not realise until just ere the child was born. And with the birth, all of Paladin’s fear was at last quelled. For it was a son. Peregrin, they named him.

When he was only one year old, Peregrin earned himself a nick-name, one that was less obvious in origin than that if his cousin Meriadoc. One morning, neither if his parents could find him. They searched all of the Great Smials, and finally found him in the kitchen, asleep in a basket of pippin apples. From that they forth, the young Took was referred to as Pippin, more than he was, Peregrin. And as he grew, the name became more fitting, for he developed rosy red cheeks, like apples.

Like most of his kinsmen before him, Pippin started as a typical Took. But none – not his father, not his mother, not even wise old Bilbo – would guess what a nuisance he would be as a child, nor what a legend he would become some time later…

* * * * * *

Translator’s Note: So…how many of you knew that "pippin" was a type of apple? In the next chapter, we will jump to around the time of Bilbo’s infamous Party, when Pippin is 11 years old.

1: Frogs, Newts, Lizards, and Anything Else Slimy

September 1401, S.R.

Pippin stood knee deep in water, mud and slime. He was at a pond, near his home, searching for frogs, newts, lizards and anything else slimy and disgusting that he could find to put in Pimpernel’s bed. He snickered at the thought of her screaming and writhing when she climbed into bed that night.

His thoughts were interrupted by a voice calling out his name. He froze, worried that it was Pimpernel, and that she would find him. He relaxed when the voice called out again. It was not Pimpernel. Nor was it Pervinca, whom he had hoped it was. She would have helped him collect slimy things, since she loved seeing Pimpernel squirm almost as much as Pippin himself did.

It was Pearl, Pippin’s eldest sister. Though she would not help him in his "mission", she would also not work out what he was up to. Pearl was a beautiful hobbitess, with a kind and caring heart, but she was rather lacking in intelligence. As her voice drew nearer, Pippin carefully hid the jar full of newts and frogs that he had already collected in his pocket.

"Pippin! There you are!" said Pearl.

"Oh, hullo, Pearl," Pippin replied. "Were you looking for me?"

"Yes, mother sent me in search of you. What are you doing? You will surely get into trouble when we get home. Look at you!"

Pippin looked down at his clothes, and realised that Pearl was quite right. The mud on his legs was starting to set into a cold, grey cast, flicked with bits of green. The bottoms of his trousers were soaked through with stagnant water. Yes, Pippin would indeed be in trouble. But, patting the jar in his pocket, it would be worth it. No punishment would sour the joy of Pimpernel lying on top of several amphibians.

"All right then, we’d better get home, before mother sends Pimpernel in search of you, and then Pervinca in search of her!" Pippin grinned, and Pearl giggled. Together they returned to the Great Smials: their home.

* * * * * *

"Peregrin Took! What happened to you!?" screamed Eglantine Took upon noticing her son’s appearance.

Pippin stood and let his mother scream and yell at him until she was almost out of breath. He mumbled the occasional, "Yes, mother," when he thought it necessary. Finally, when Eglantine had said everything she wanted to, she asked: "Well, what do you have to say for yourself, Peregrin?"

Pippin looked at his feet, and put on his best ‘little-lost-boy’ voice. "I am really sorry, mother. I…uh…dropped something in the pond, and I went in to fish it out. I didn’t mean to dirty my clothes."

Eglantine sighed. "Well, then, I suppose I shall not punish you too severely. It was not really your fault if you had to wade into the pond. Still, you should have come back for help. Therefore, you shall go without second breakfast tomorrow."

Pippin opened his mouth to protest, but kept quiet, realising that this was quite a light punishment. He could imagine many things worse. Going without second breakfast for a week. For a month. Going without any meals at all. Not being able to visit Merry in Buckland. Or Frodo and Bilbo in Hobbiton. He decided that he would be able to survive a day without second breakfast.

He took leave from his mother, and wandered to his room. On the way, he passed Pimpernel’s room. An evil smirk crept across his face. He’d almost forgotten. The frogs! They were still in his pocket, just waiting to be released onto an unsuspecting sister’s bed. Pippin made sure that no one was around, then snuck into Pimpernel’s room. He pulled back the bed covers, and emptied his jar. A quick check that the crawling creatures were not too noticeable, and Pippin was gone.

His prank was not…discovered until later that night. The family had eaten dinner – and supper – and the children were preparing themselves for bed. Pippin was pulling a comb through his curling hair, when a blood-curdling scream came from the direction of Pimpernel’s room. Pippin grinned.

He ran towards the source of the sound, along with the rest of his family. They found Pimpernel sitting her floor, as far from her bed as possible, still clutching her bed covers.

"Pimpernel, what is the matter?" asked Paladin.

"Th..the…there are…things in my bed! Slimy, disgusting things!" Pimpernel cried.

Paladin stepped forward, and peered onto the bed. Sure enough, crawling on Pimpernel’s bed, were two frogs, a lizard and some form of living slime. He shook his head, but said nothing. He knew exactly how the creatures had found their way to Pimpernel’s bed – he had used that same trick on several of his sisters – but since Pippin had already been in trouble that day, he decided not to tell his wife. He would have words with Pippin later.

"Come now, Pimpernel. You can sleep in one of the guestrooms tonight. I’ll check it for creepy-crawlies before you get in. We’ll have this bed all cleaned for you." Paladin called for one of the servant hobbits, who promptly stripped the bed – amphibians and all – and left for the laundry.

The Took family returned to their respective bedrooms, the crisis over. Needless to say, Pimpernel had a restless sleep that night. She kept feeling slimy things moving beneath her, but when she sprung up, there was nothing there. When she finally dozed off, her dreams were plagued with giant frogs, all chasing after her.

But Pippin…he slept well that night, a smiled gracing his peaceful face.

* * * * * *

The next day was exciting for two reasons. First of all, a letter came to the Great Smials. Several actually – one for each of the great Took families inhabiting the large hobbit-hole. It was from Bilbo Baggins. An invitation to his and Frodo Baggins’ combined birthday party. Bilbo would be 111, and Frodo, 33, so the party was guaranteed to be a fantastic night for all.

Secondly, Esmeralda Took Brandybuck came to visit her brother, bringing her husband and son along. Pippin was very happy. He hadn’t seen his cousin Merry for a while. First chance he had, he told Merry about his little prank the previous day.

"Oh, Pippin, I wish I could have seen it!" said Merry while laughing. "Slimy things in Pimpernel’s bed!"

"The best part of all is that nobody suspected me at all!" cried Pippin. "Not even Pearl, who caught me at the pond, nor mother, who scolded me for coming home all muddy."

"I commend you, my dear cousin. I never managed to pull of such a wonderful prank. Of course, I don’t have any sisters to use it on, but there are always plenty of silly girls staying in Brandy Hall."

Once the two young hobbits had control of their laughter, Pippin changed the subject. "Oh, guess what arrived today. An invitation to Old Bilbo’s birthday party."

"Yes, we received one yesterday! I cannot wait. Parties are always a lot of fun." Merry grinned mischievously, indicating that he was not referring to party games, or any of the ‘traditional’ sources of fun.

Pippin mirrored Merry’s smirk. "Very true, Meriadoc. We shall have to plan what to do."

"Of course! Let’s see. We could…"

At that moment, Pervinca entered Pippin’s room. "Pippin? Merry? We are about to have lunch. Would you like to join us?"

A foolish question to ask any hobbit, especially Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took. They raced out of the room, nearly knocking Pervinca over. Their planning and scheming would have to wait until their stomachs were satisfied.

2: The Intense Planning of Professional Mischief

Some time later, Pippin and Merry returned to Pippin’s room, their stomachs full. Planning mischief was hard work, so one should have a full stomach to fuel one’s brain.

Pippin grabbed a piece of paper to jot down ideas. Together, he and Merry brainstormed for almost an hour. In that time, they had devised a list of twenty ideas for mischief, quite a good effort for only two hobbits (of course, since one was a Brandybuck, and the other was a Took, twenty may be regarded as too small a number). Twenty was, obviously, too many ideas to try in one night. Many of the ideas were so small and irrelevant that nobody would notice them, so these ideas were crossed off the list. Others were too large or difficult for the two hobbits to accomplish, and these ideas were also scrapped. Eventually, Merry and Pippin had reduced the list to just four ideas.

Merry’s prize idea was to tap a hole in the tops of all the ale kegs (of which there would be many), and empty ink into them. Pippin argued that it would be virtually impossible to do this without being caught, but Merry’s mind was set.

Similarly, Pippin had an idea that he would not be swayed from. He wanted to saw the legs of all the chairs nearly completely through, so that when an unsuspecting hobbit sat down, the chair would collapse beneath him. Merry accused Pippin of being hypocritical, since his idea was just as impossible to accomplish.

"How are we supposed to saw all of the chairs without someone noticing?" said Merry.

"Well, how are we supposed to make a hole in all of the ale kegs, and empty ink into them without being caught?" retorted Pippin.

A small quarrel soon followed, consisting mostly of a lot of name-calling. Finally, the two of them came to an agreement. They made a compromise. They would make holes in the ale kegs, but in the bottoms, so that all the ale would drain out (by the time the kegs were empty, Merry and Pippin would be long gone). As for Pippin’s idea, they decided to break the legs of only a few chairs – if possible, the chairs of particularly large hobbits.

One of the other ideas spawned from Pippin’s own prank from the previous day. Merry suggested that they collect as many frogs as they could, and release them under one of the tables. Pippin, because it had been based on his own prank, was rather fond of this idea.

The final idea was to run around and extinguish as many of the lanterns that were sure to be lighting the party as possible. This idea was eventually scrapped too, since it involved too much running around, and would pose to great a risk of being caught.

Three ideas wasn’t really much to work with, but Merry and Pippin both knew that many more opportunities for mischief would present themselves at the actual party. Neither of them had any idea what Bilbo had planned for the night – whether there would be a band, whether people would be dancing, what sort of cake there would be – so it was difficult to plan anything too specific. They agreed to come to the party prepared, with such things as small round pebbles, mud from the pond and pepper.

Merry folded up the list, and hid it in his waistcoat pocket. "This will be a night to remember."

* * * * * *

Pervinca’s bedroom was right next to Pippin’s, so she heard all of what Merry and Pippin said. She was quite shocked (after Merry and Pippin’s quarrel) about Pippin’s insult vocabulary. She wondered where he had heard many of the things he called Merry.

Probably father, she decided. Pervinca was also glad to have her guess confirmed. She had assumed that the frog incidence had been the result of Pippin, but she would not tell her mother. In fact, she held some respect for her younger brother for managing to accomplish the prank without being caught.

Similarly, she would not tell anyone about the pranks Merry and Pippin had planned for the party. It would be interesting to see whether they actually succeeded with any of them. Pervinca doubted it, but still, they could prove her wrong.

Pervinca flopped onto her bed and sighed. She gazed at her ceiling, as she made her own plans for the party.

She was only sixteen, which was too young to be courted, but with two older sisters, it was hardly surprising that she was already thinking about romance and marriage. Pearl, at twenty-six, had been approached by many suitors, especially since she was part of a rich family, and very fair. Pimpernel, now twenty-two, was starting to receive affection from hobbits too.

Pervinca wished that she were older. She wanted hobbits to offer her gifts, even if they were not as rich or powerful as they claimed to be. She wanted to be worshipped for her beauty. Pervinca knew that she was very fair, but she was just too young.

She sighed again and spoke aloud. "All I want is to know what it’s like. I need to find a hobbit who wants that too. Who wants to…experiment."

The party would be the perfect place to find such a hobbit – Pervinca knew it.

* * * * * *

"Peregrin Took! Stand still!" Eglantine screeched. She had called tailors to the Great Smials to measure her children for their party clothes. Pippin refused to stand still. Pearl, Pimpernel and Pervinca giggled as they watched one of the tailors try to hold a measuring tape against their younger brother’s wriggling body.

"Master Peregrin," pleaded the tailor, "this will only take a moment if you stop moving."

Finally, Pippin gave in, and let the poor tailor measure him. There had better be lots of pockets in these clothes, Pippin thought to himself. Otherwise, where can I hide the frogs?

The tailors measuring Pearl, Pimpernel and Pervinca had a much easier time than the one who had landed Pippin – until it came to deciding on materials and colour.

"You can’t wear blue, Pimpernel!" cried Pearl. "I want to wear blue!"

"But I said blue first!" said Pimpernel. She grabbed her tailor by the collar. "Make my dress blue! And prettier than Pearl’s!"

"I want a white silken shirt," Pervinca told her tailor, "with a green velvet bodice and skirt…no wait, yellow bodice and skirt." She thought for a moment. "No, green would be best, but a light green, not dark…I know! A sort of yellowy-green." The poor tailor tried desperately to write all of Pervinca’s demands down.

Meanwhile, Eglantine had to pry Pimpernel off her tailor, before she killed the poor hobbit. Eventually, Eglantine was able to work out a compromise between her eldest daughters: Pearl would wear navy blue, and Pimpernel would wear sky-blue. Similarly, she decided that her two youngest children would both wear green: Pervinca in the pale green she desired, and Pippin in a dark forest green. As for the materials – all the undershirts (and slips, for the girls) would be silk. The girls’ bodices and skirts would be velvet, as would Pippin’s waistcoat, and Pippin’s pants would be wool. The tailors were very grateful when Eglantine told them her orders, and allowed them to leave.

As the Took children also left the room, Pippin turned to Pervinca and said, "Pervinca, remind me to never become a tailor."

Pervinca couldn’t help laughing.

3: A Fine Day in Hobbiton

The following day, Paladin allowed his children to walk to Hobbiton, and personally deliver an acceptance note to Mister Bilbo Baggins. After delivering the note, they were free to spend the rest of the day in Hobbiton and Bywater.

Immediately after second breakfast, Pearl, Pimpernel, Pervinca and Pippin were ready to leave. The walk from their home near Tuckborough to Hobbiton was not particularly far, but they wanted to leave as early as possible so they could spend more time in Hobbiton.

Every time the Tooks went to Hobbiton, they followed the same routine. Pearl and Pimpernel would spend the day shopping, and being flattered by young hobbit bachelors. Pippin would general stay at Bag End, or go somewhere with Frodo Baggins, and, since she usually had nothing better to do, Pervinca would join them.

For Pervinca, this particular day would be slightly different. She just didn’t know it.

* * * * * *

The door of Bag End was opened by Frodo Baggins, Old Bilbo’s heir. A smile spread across his face and his blue eyes opened wide when he saw the four Took children on his doorstep.

"Frodo!" cried Pippin, immediately hugging his friend. Pippin was very fond of Frodo, even if Frodo was a fair bit older than him. Merry had introduced Pippin and Frodo, since Frodo, before being adopted by Bilbo and moving to Bag End, had lived in Brandy Hall. Frodo seemed to enjoy the company of his two younger cousins, as did Bilbo. Merry and Pippin were always ready to listen to one of Bilbo’s tales, and he was always ready to tell them.

"Welcome, welcome," Frodo greeted. "Come in. I’m afraid Bilbo may not be able to come out and see you. He’s very busy, organising the party."

"Yes, we came to give you this," said Pearl, handing Frodo the acceptance note.

Frodo smiled, and read the note aloud. "Dear Mr. Bilbo, My family and I would be honoured to join you at your Birthday celebration, and that of your heir, Frodo. May fortune shine on you both on these milestone ages. Sincerely, Paladin Took. Thank you, Pearl. And thank your father too. He always was such a fair spoken hobbit."

Frodo offered them all morning tea, but Pearl and Pimpernel told him that they had planned to spend the day in Bywater. Frodo thanked them for visiting, and led them to the door. Pervinca and Pippin stayed.

"So, how are things in the Great Smials?" Frodo asked, pouring a cup of tea for all three of them.

"Boring, as usual," answered Pippin. "Oh, except the day before yesterday. I put frogs and lizards in Pimpernel’s bed, and…" Pippin covered his mouth. He’d forgotten that Pervinca was still there, and she wasn’t supposed to know that the frog incidence had been Pippin’s doing.

Pervica smiled. "Don’t worry, Pippin. I already knew. I heard you and Merry talking yesterday."

"You’ve seen Merry?" said Frodo. "How is my favourite Brandybuck?"

"Same as always," Pervinca answered with a smile. "Honestly, sometimes those Brandybucks can be worse than we Tooks."

"If Merry’s your favourite Brandybuck, does that mean I’m your favourite Took?" asked Pippin.

"Now, Pippin," replied Frodo, "I can hardly tell you that while your lovely sister is here, can I?"

* * * * * *

Samwise Gamgee raced up the path that led from his home to Bag End. He had slept in that morning, and now he was late. Very late. In fact, he was supposed to have been at Bag End half an hour ago. With the party so soon, Bilbo needed his garden in near perfect condition. And that was Sam’s job.

"Oh, I really am going to get it today," Sam puffed. "Mister Bilbo has been in a rotten temper for the last few days, and he’ll be none to pleased to have his garden waiting for a lazy gardener."

He ran up to Bag End’s vivid green door and rapped lightly on it. From within the hobbit hole, he heard Frodo’s voice say, "Hold on a moment, I’ll just get the door."

As soon as the door was open, and Frodo appeared, Sam started babbling. "I’m oh so sorry, Mister Frodo. I know I was supposed to be here half an hour ago…but I was helping my the Gaffer last night…and didn’t get to bed until late…so I slept in this morning…and please tell Mister Bilbo not to be too mad at me…because it wasn’t really my fault…and…"

"Calm down, Sam!" laughed Frodo. He moved aside to let Sam into Bag End. "I’ll tell Bilbo not to be too hard on you, but to tell the truth, I doubt he’s even noticed that you’re late. He’s locked himself up in his study, writing invitations and all. Don’t worry about it."

Sam sighed, and looked quite relieved.

But at that moment, Bilbo’s voice called out from the depths of Bag End. "Frodo? Frodo, my lad! Has that dratted Gamgee boy arrived yet? He was supposed to be here half an hour ago, you know. Lucky he’s his father’s son, is all I can say!"

Sam went to pieces again. Frodo, thinking quickly to avoid a terrible situation, patted Sam on the back. "I’ll go talk to him. Why don’t you go to the kitchen? Pippin’s here. You can talk to him."

Sam bit his lip and nodded. He plodded to the kitchen, with a hung head. Frodo sighed, and ran to Bilbo’s study.

"Frodo," Bilbo greeted. "Has Sam showed up yet?"

"Well, uh, actually Bilbo, he’s been here the whole time." Frodo hated lying to Bilbo, but he could think of no other way to get Sam out of trouble. "It’s my fault, really. When he arrived, I started talking to him – sat him down, and made him join Pippin, Pervinca and myself for morning tea. I really am sorry, Bilbo. I didn’t even think that the gardens need a lot of work before the party."

"That’s alright, Frodo my boy. As long as Sam’s here, I don’t suppose it really matters. Pippin and Pervinca, you say? Did they come to visit?"

"Oh, yes. Pearl and Pimpernel came with them, but they wanted to go to Bywater, and left a while ago. They delivered this note from Paladin." Frodo handed Bilbo the Tooks’ acceptance note.

Bilbo read over it, and nodded. He called out again. "Hullo, Peregrin! Pervinca! Sorry I cannot come out and speak to you in person. Very busy."

Two voices called back in reply. "Hullo, Bilbo!"

A smile played on Bilbo’s lips. He really was fond of Paladin Took’s children. The youngest two especially. Pervinca reminded Bilbo of his mother. "Oh, well. I must get back to work. Entertain our guests for me, will you, Frodo?"

"Of course, Bilbo." Frodo left, and carefully closed the study door. He found, as he returned to the kitchen, that Sam had not gone there at all. He had stayed in the hallway, listening to Frodo and Bilbo’s conversation.

"Oh, thank you, Mister Frodo," Sam said, in a very pleased whisper.

Frodo grinned. "Just don’t be late tomorrow."

"Oh, I won’t be, don’t you worry about that."

"You should probably get to work, but first…you haven’t met any of Pippin’s sisters, have you Sam?"

Sam shook his head. "No, sir. I didn’t know Master Pippin had sisters."

"He has three older sisters. You missed Pearl and Pimpernel, but Pervinca is still here. And to tell the truth, Pervinca is probably the best one to meet."

Frodo and Sam walked to the kitchen together. They found Pippin hunting through all of the cupboards, searching for something to eat. As soon as he noticed them, he turned around, and tried to look innocent. "I…uh…wasn’t doing anything! Honest!"

Pervinca giggled, and turned to look at Frodo. When she saw his companion, her giggle caught in her throat. The hobbit with Frodo was obviously from a poorer family, but Pervinca had never been one to judge hobbits by their family status. He was slightly chubby, but not grossly fat like some of the hobbits she knew. But the thing that she noticed above all, was the devotion in his eyes. Here was a hobbit who would do anything for his master, or those he loved.

As Pervinca looked at him, Sam was regarding her with just as much interest. She was young, but at the same time, she looked like she had seen a lot. Probably has, being a Took and all. Sam was too young and inexperienced to judge true beauty (the only hobbitess he really knew that well was young Rosie Cotton), but he was sure that Pervinca was very fair. Her skin was soft and flawless (as far as Sam could tell), since she never had to do work for herself. Her pale brown curls shone in the sunlight that drifted through the kitchen window. No doubt, Pervinca had the most luxurious baths. Sam blushed from ear to ear. He felt a fool. Samwise Gamgee, you have no right to look on this young lass like this, he thought to himself. She’s a Took. You’re beneath her. You don’t have a chance.

Sam mumbled something that sounded like a greeting or introduction, then excused himself. He had a lot of work to do, he said.

4: A Rose for Pervinca

Sam spent the whole day trying not to think about Pervinca. It, of course, had the completely opposite effect. He found it impossible to think about anything else. He told himself all the reasons why he should not be thinking about her. The best reasons were probably: “We are both too young” and “She’s a Took”. The worst were, no doubt, “Rosie will be jealous” and “Tom and Jolly will make fun of me.”

As he was thinking about this, the three previously mentioned hobbits came walking past the garden.

“Hullo, Sam,” Tom Cotton greeted. “Having fun in the garden?”

“Morning, Tom, Rosie, Jolly,” Sam replied. “It’s a lovely morning, isn’t it?”

“How long until the party?” asked Rose, shyly. She was a young hobbitess, and, like Pervinca she was becoming curious, about herself, and about male hobbits. Since Sam was the only male hobbit she really knew, apart from her brothers, she had started to fancy him, something which Sam was well aware of.

Sam counted the days on his fingers. “…three…four…five days. You mean you haven’t been marking the days down on your calender?”

Rose had, in fact, been doing just that. She had asked Sam for the simple reason that she wanted him to talk to her. Now that he had broken the ice, perhaps she could find the courage to ask him to take her.

“Um…Sam…have you…I mean…do you…have someone that you’d like to go with you?”

Tom and Jolly snickered. Sam was placed in an awful situation. If he told Rosie that he’d take her to the party, Tom and Jolly would never let him live it down. If he turned her down, it would break her heart…and Tom and Jolly would break Sam’s legs.

Sam sighed. “Well, Rosie, there’s no one yet, but I think that I will wait until the party to find out.”

Rosie beamed, and started skipping down the lane to her home. Tom and Jolly followed. As they passed Sam, Tom winked, indicating how impressed he was at the way Sam had saved himself from a terrible mess. Sam was not as slow as he allowed everyone to believe he was.

*   *   *   *   *   *

Pippin noticed that Pervinca was unusually quiet for the rest of their time at Bag End. He was disappointed, since he had secretly hoped that Pervinca would join himself and Merry in their plan to cause trouble. In the past, Pervinca had joined forces with her brother and cousin on several occasions, mostly to annoy and upset her older sisters. But recently, she had stopped showing any interest in Merry and Pippin’s plans. Pippin was starting to realise that his favourite sister was growing up. He just hoped she did not become anything like Pearl or Pimpernel.

Pearl and Pimpernel returned to Bag End in the early afternoon to pick up their younger siblings. Pippin and Pervinca were reluctant to leave, but knew they had to.

“Do not worry,” said Frodo. “You will be back here in five days for the party anyway!”

Pimpernel had made it obvious that she and Pearl had purchased presents for Frodo and Bilbo during the day by hiding several packages behind her. She viciously defended them when Pippin snuck behind her to take a peak.

Rubbing the hand that Pimpernel had slapped, Pippin said goodbye to Frodo. He made a mental note that Pimpernel should be the victim of another prank. She was always good for that.

As they left Bag End, the Tooks passed the garden, where Sam was feverously working. Pervinca smiled at him, cheeks flushing.

“Leaving are you, Mister Pippin?” Sam greeted, not noticing the three Took hobbitesses.

“Yes, but we will be back in five days!” Pippin proudly told Sam. From behind him, Pearl cleared her throat, indicating her presence. Pippin promptly realised that he should introduce his older sisters. “Oh, Sam, have you met my other sisters? This is Pearl and Pimpernel.”

“Good day to you, young misses.” Sam bowed politely. Pearl and Pimpernel curtsied in reply.

“We would like to stay and talk, Master Sam,” said Pearl, “but it is getting late, and we must be home before dark.”

“Of course. A pleasure meeting you all. I hope that I will see you at Mister Bilbo and Mister Frodo’s party.” Sam plucked three roses from the nearest rose bush. He handed one each to the three Took girls. “And please accept this gift - beautiful roses, for three beautiful lasses.”

Pearl and Pimpernel expressed their thanks, but Pervinca was speechless. She blushed a brilliant red the same colour as the rose, and managed a small smile. Both of her older sisters noticed this, and smirked to each other.

The Tooks once again said farewell to Sam, and began the long walk home.

*   *   *   *   *   *

Merry and his family were staying with Pippin’s family until the party, so the minute the Took children arrived home, and had something to eat, Merry pulled Pippin aside to ask him about Frodo.

“So how is the old lad?” Merry asked.

“Old? He’s only turning thirty-three!” Pippin laughed. “But, he is well. We did not see Bilbo – he was locked up in his study.”

“No surprise there,” Merry scoffed. “Old Bilbo is a very odd fellow.” Despite Pippin’s pleas, Merry would not further explain what he meant. He changed the subject. “Have you convinced Pervinca to join in with our little fun?”

Pippin shook his head. “I have not asked her. But I do not think she will want to. She was acting very peculiar today.”

Merry rolled his eyes. “She must be coming to ‘that’ age.”

“What age?”

“All hobbitesses come to an age when they stop being fun, and become very boring. All they worry about is finding a husband.”

Pippin’s eyes widened in horror. “You do not think that Pervinca is going to become like Pearl and Pimpernel?”

“I do hope not, cousin. But speaking of Pervinca, where is she?”

“In her room?” Pippin suggested with a shrug of his shoulders.

He was, in fact, correct. Pervinca was lying on her bed, staring at the ceiling. In her hand, she held Sam’s gift, slowly twirling the fragile stem between her fingers. The fragrance had spread through the room. Pervinca could not stop thinking about Sam. She began to wonder if he had thought about her.

She sighed. I doubt it. He did seem older than me…and he probably thinks that I am just a boring girl from a rich family.

“Pervinca, dear, we need to talk,” a voice came from the doorway. Pervinca looked up to see her two older sisters smiling at her in a not very pleasant manner. The entered the room together, shutting the door tightly behind them. They sat down on either side of their youngest sister.

“What do you want?” Pervinca asked, suspiciously.

“I am hurt, sister, that you would think so low of us,” Pearl cried, in a mock-upset voice. “We simply want to have a little chat with our dear sister.”

“Precisely right, Pearl,” Pimpernel chimed with a grin. “We could not help noticing today…”

“…that you seemed rather…interested in Bilbo Baggins’ gardener,” Pearl finished off.

“And we were simply worried about this interest.” Pimpernel placed a hand on Pervinca’s shoulder. “You are a Took, Pervinca. We Tooks are a rich and respectable family. Do you know what the family would think of you if you were to marry a common gardener?”

“You are both fools,” Pervinca snapped. “Why do you think that I want to marry Sam? What put that idea into your twisted minds?”

Pearl scowled at her sister, and grabbed her by the hair. “How dare you! And besides, you have just answered your own question. Sam?”

Pervinca flushed. Her sister had her there. She should not have used his first name. “Leave, now. What I do with my life is none of your business. Besides, I do not wish to marry Sam. Unlike the two of you, I realise there is more to life than simply finding a husband! Good evening to you!”

Pervinca ushered her sisters to the door, and slammed it shut behind them. She was furious with her sisters – how dare they interfere with her life like that! And they had made her even more confused. Did she really want to marry Sam? And what would happen if she did? Would her family disown her?

She picked up the rose, which had fallen to the floor. “Oh, Sam. What are we going to do?”

5: A Brother’s Love

The next day, Pippin and Merry were searching for Pervinca. The tailors had arrived with their party clothes, and Eglantine wanted her children to try them on at once. The cousins finally found Pervinca in the place they should have looked first – her bedroom. One look at her told them that she had been crying.

“Pervinca, what’s wrong?” Pippin asked, rushing to his favourite sister’s side.

Sensing that he would not really be wanted, Merry excused himself. “I shall tell Aunt Eglantine that you will be a moment.”

Pippin nodded in thanks, and placed a small arm around Pervinca. “I am here, Pervinca. You can tell me what is wrong.”

She managed a laugh. “Do not be silly, Pippin! You are my younger brother, remember!”

He smiled, but remained serious aside from this. “I may be younger, but I still care for you. I will do anything that I can to stop you from feeling upset. But please, tell me what is wrong!”

Pervinca shook her head. “You would not understand. Not only are you too young, but you are a boy.”

“Who is he? I shall tear his eyes out!”

“No, Peregrin!” Pervinca had to smile at her brother’s reaction. “There is no need to do that. No one has done anything to me.”

“Then why have you been crying?”

Pervinca looked at her feet. “Well…do you promise not to tell anyone?” Pippin nodded solemnly. “That means Meriadoc, too.” The young hobbit rolled his eyes, but nodded again. Pervinca took a deep breath. “You probably did not notice yesterday, but I showed…how did Pearl put it…an interest in Bilbo’s gardener.”

“Sam? He’s a fine fellow,” Pippin stated, not understanding his sister’s meaning. He snickered. “Why, old Sam used to help Frodo and Merry look after me when I was much younger.”

Pervinca sighed angrily. “I knew you would not understand. I showed an interest in him! Did you not see me blush?”

“You have taken a fancy to Sam?” Pippin grinned broadly. “Oh, jolly good! I was afraid that you were turning into Pearl or Pimpernel! The hobbits they seem to fancy are always frightfully dull. But Sam…he’s a bundle of fun!”

“It is not good at all, Pippin,” Pervinca said, sadly. “I am a Took, and he is a Gamgee…a common gardener.”

“Why does that matter?” Pippin asked, confused.

“When you are older, you will understand. Rich families do not marry with poorer families. I know that it seems awfully stupid, but if Sam and I were to marry – which, mind you, I am not saying that we are. Why, I only met him yesterday! But if we were to marry, Mother at least would never speak to me again. And she would make it difficult for you and Father to.”

“I think that you should be able to marry whoever you want. But since you already said that you are not yet thinking about marriage, I do not see what the problem is! Mother and Father do not mind me being friends with Sam at all – it should be no different for you. And do not worry about what Pearl and Pimpernel say.” Grinning at her shocked face, he added: “Of course I guessed that they had something to do with you being upset. Would you like me to put something nasty in their beds again?”

Pervinca smiled broadly and laughed. She threw her arms around Pippin. “Oh, Peregrin, what would I ever do without you? I am the luckiest hobbitess in the whole Shire to have a brother like you, no matter what anyone else says! Don’t ever change.”

“Don’t you change either, Pervinca. You are my favourite sister, after all.”

*   *   *   *   *   *

The clothes that the tailors had made fit the Took children beautifully. Esmeralda even made Merry put his party clothes on too, so that they could admire the children as a group.

“Oh, Pearl, Pimpernel – you look beautiful,” Eglantine complimented her two eldest daughters. “And there will be so many handsome hobbits at the party. We may have a wedding or two within the next year!”

“Pervinca, you are looking lovely too,” Paladin added. He would never actually admit it, but Pervinca was his favourite daughter. She was much more Tookish than her sisters; and not as silly. “You might get a little attention at the party, too.”

“Oh, Pervinca has already started to get attention…yesterday,” said Pimpernel, cruelly.

“No, Pimpernel,” Pearl corrected, just as cruelly. “Remember, it was Pervinca who was giving attention.” She smirked at the now blushing Pervinca.

Eglantine turned to Pippin. “Is this true, Peregrin? Has my dear little Pervinca found potential husband without any help at all?”

Pippin just shook his head. Lying to his mother was one of the easiest things for him to do. “No, Mother. I do not know what Pearl and Pimpernel are talking about at all. We stayed at Bag End all day, while they went shopping…”

“Oh, then the girls must be talking about Frodo Baggins! He is such a lovely young fellow. Do you have a fancy for Frodo, Pervinca?”

Pervinca hoped that she would sound as convincing as Pippin. “No, Mother. Pearl and Pimpernel must have been mistaken. Frodo is simply a good friend.”

“Why, you rotten little liar!” Pearl screeched. “Mother, we did not mean Frodo at all…”

“Enough, Pearl,” Paladin interrupted. “I will not have such name-calling. To your room at once!”

“But, Father…!”

“Now!”

Pearl stormed off in a huff towards her bedroom. Pimpernel glanced around the room, glared at Pervinca, then followed Pearl.

“I am sorry,” Paladin apologised to Saradoc and Esmeralda. “I do not know what has gotten into them.”

“They’re girls!” Pippin concluded. He noticed Pervinca glaring at him, so added: “I am glad that Pervinca does not act like them!”

“So am I, Peregrin.”

“And aren’t you glad, Father, that you only have me?” Merry piped.

Saradoc grinned. “As always, Meriadoc, you have come to the point immediately.”

6: Sam’s Confession

Sam had also tried on his party clothes – but unlike the Tooks, he was not particularly pleased with his. Since he came from a poorer family, he did not have clothes specially made for every important event that he was invited to. Instead, he, and all his family, had one set of clothing reserved for special occasions. As Sam looked at his outfit, he did not think that it was special enough.

“Oh, Miss Pervinca won’t look at me twice if I look like this!” he groaned to himself. “I’ll look like I’ve been gardening all day after walking across the Shire, and she’ll look…she’ll look beautiful. No doubt she has silks and all lovely clothes like that!” With a defeated sigh, Sam changed back into his regular clothes.

“Sam? Sam? Where are you?” a small voice called. The face of Marigold Gamgee, Sam’s youngest sister, appeared in the doorway of the room he shared with his brother Halfred. “There you are. What are you doing?”

“Hullo, Marigold,” Sam forced a smile. “Come in, come in. I was just trying out my party clothes.”

Marigold smiled broadly. “I cannot wait!” She blushed slightly. “The Cottons are invited to the party too, aren’t they?”

“Yes, of course they are.” Sam was quite aware that his younger sister had a fancy for Tolman Cotton, or Tom as he was usually known as. In fact, it was much like the fancy young Rose held for him. “And if you’re lucky, Tom might even ask you for a dance.”

“Oh, Sam, do you think so?” Marigold blushed, then said: “I mean, I don’t know what you’re talking about! By the way, I was looking for you. Mister Frodo came by earlier and said Mister Bilbo wants you to finish trimming the hedge at Bag End.”

“Of course, I completely forgot, what with me trying on my clothes and all.” Sam wanted to kick himself. He had always been so good when it came to the garden at Bag End, but since meeting Pervinca, he had been neglecting his duties far too much. “Oh, I will be in a spot of trouble!” He ran passed his sister and all the way to Bag End. 

Bilbo and Frodo were sitting outside with a large figure Sam immediately recognised as Gandalf the wizard. He must have arrived that morning.

“It’s about time you showed up, Master Gamgee,” Bilbo scolded, though he seemed to be in a much better mood than in previous days. “My garden can’t trim itself, you know.”

Sam bowed his head. “Sorry, Mister Bilbo. I was caught up trying on my party clothes and all.”

“Trying on your party clothes? I thought it was only lasses who did that!”

“Not at all Bilbo,” Frodo said, with a grin. “I’ve tried mine on and I caught you doing the same thing just last night.”

“Well, you have me there, Frodo-lad,” Bilbo admitted. “Off to work with you, Master Gamgee. The garden has waited long enough.”

Sam nodded and ran off to collect his gardening tools. It did not escape Frodo’s notice that something seemed to be troubling Sam. Something other than being on Bilbo’s bad side. He excused himself from Gandalf and Bilbo’s company and followed Sam. When he found the young gardener, Sam seemed lost in thought, absent-mindedly trimming the rose bush.

“Something bothering you, Sam?” Frodo asked, startling poor Sam.

“Mister Frodo!” Sam cried. “No, not at all. What would make you think that?”

“Well, firstly, you have that rake upside-down.”

Sam was quick to fix his mistake, but said nothing.

“Sam, what’s wrong? You’ve been acting strangely ever since yesterday morning, when Pippin and Pervinca were here…”

Sam blushed and said in a voice harsher than he meant to be, “But that had naught to do with anything!”

Frodo smiled knowingly. “My dear, Sam. You’ve developed a bit of a fancy for my cousin, haven’t you? I can’t say that I blame you. Pervinca is a very beautiful young lass.” Sam remained silent, so Frodo continued. “I suppose I understand why you’ve been acting so. It must be difficult; she is a Took after all.”

“Yes, and look at me,” Sam said quietly and sadly. “I’m just a gardener. I have nothing to offer her. Not to mention the fact that I already have someone who’s been lined up to marry me someday.”

“Rosie’s a pretty lass too. Poor Sam; you’ve captured too many hearts.” Frodo placed his hand on Sam’s shoulder and hoped that his words would comfort the very confused hobbit. “I know that there’s a good mind in that head of yours, despite what others may say. I know you’ll know what do to when the time comes.”

Sam was about to complain that Frodo’s words did not exactly help his situation, but he then realised that they had. Sam felt like a huge weight had been lifted. He no longer had to hold it all secret, and Frodo had not only listened to him, he had offered his support. Sam smiled. “Thank you, Mister Frodo.”

“Not a problem, my dear Sam. You had best get back to the gardening, and hope that Bilbo doesn’t catch you daydreaming about Miss Pervinca.” Frodo laughed as Sam blushed furiously.

But once Frodo had left, Sam smiled to himself. He was lucky to have a master that cared for him so much.

* * * * * *

Just a few days before the party, Pippin had discovered that Merry was going to stay the night after the party at Bag End. Apparently Bilbo had suggested it, believing that Frodo would need some assistance the day after. Pippin, being young, did not think it strange that Bilbo had not mentioned what he himself would be doing the day after.

Pippin complained bitterly at how unfair the whole situation was. His mother’s argument that he was too young was only met by more whining. “I’ve grown up now!” Pippin declared.

Finally, Eglantine had no choice but to give in to her young son. She told him that they would ask Bilbo at the party, and that if it was fine with Bilbo, he could spend the night at Bag End. Pippin then promptly demanded that Pervinca also be allowed, since her sisters had been so horrid to her lately. Eglantine gave in without a fight, as she did not have the energy to deal with yet another argument with her son.

“You are a right little brat, Peregrin,” Pervinca stated after the argument had been sorted out.

Pippin grinned. “That I am. But I learnt from the best.” And he looked a Merry.

Merry smiled. “Did it at any time occur to you that maybe I didn’t want you staying at Bag End? I’ll remind you that Frodo used to live at Brandy Hall with me. Like a brother he was.”

“So, like you are to me?”

“That’s right.”

“No it did not occur to me at all.”

Merry could not help laughing as he ruffled little Pippin’s hair. “You will be the death of me one day, Peregrin. I swear it.”

“I hope that’s not true,” Pippin said, quite solemnly for a small child. “For I don’t know what I’d ever do without you.”

* * * * * *

Translators note: In the Red Book, the Gamgees and the Cottons are not actually included in the list of guests at Bilbo and Frodo’s party. But I’m not sure if this list refers only to those who were part of the 144 present for the speech. I think it would make sense that the Gamgees, at least, would be invited, since they are close neighbours and almost friends to both Frodo and Bilbo. And it would hardly be fair that Sam, who managed to spread so many rumours about the party, was not invited. Besides, the Gaffer states in his conversation with Sandyman and others that “everyone’s invited”.

7: Controlling an Excited Took

With the party coming closer, it became more and more difficult for young Peregrin to control his excitement. On the 21^st of September, the day before the party, he would not sit down or be hushed.

“Can’t we leave today?” he begged his father.

“What would we do when we arrived, Peregrin?” Paladin replied. “I am sure Bilbo has enough on his plate today without having you running around Bag End. We are leaving first thing tomorrow morning.”

Pippin grumbled to himself: “I doubt that will happen. Pearl and Pimpernel will never be ready in time. Girls are so slow.”

It was Merry who earned the job of looking over his overly excited cousin, since all of the adults were busy preparing the transportation and everything else. Pearl and Pimpernel had promptly refused to watch their baby brother, but Pervinca offered to lend Merry a helping hand. Merry accepted, but only because Pippin had told him that Pervinca knew about the pranks they had planned for the party.

And so Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin and Pervinca Took spent the day before Bilbo Baggins’ famous party by the side of a pond. Pervinca had scored the role of lookout (since Merry doubted she wanted to get her clothes all wet and dirty). She was to call out if she saw anyone approaching, especially if it was Pimpernel. Hidden neatly in a bush were several jars, containing frogs, lizards and worms, and beside that, a small bag of rocks. Merry and Pippin had had a quite productive morning, but they still felt they could use a few more frogs.

“There’s one!” Pippin cried, pouncing after a small green and brown frog. He clasped his hands around it, but it was slippery and managed to jump out. Pippin grabbed at it several more times, each time missing, before he fell face first into the pond. Shaking his head free of muddy water, he cried to Merry: “Catch it!”

Merry ran after the frog, but tripped on a submerged branch and also ended up face first in the pond. Hearing the ruckus, Pervinca left her post to see what was going on. The minute she was in site, both her brother and cousin screeched at her: “Grab it, before it gets away!”

It took her a moment to realise that they were talking about a rather terrified frog, which had come to rest just inches away from her feet. In a lightening fast movement, Pervinca scooped the frog up in her hands and found a spare jar to store it in. Pippin and Merry grinned as they emerged from the pond.

“Fantastic job, Cousin Pervinca,” said Merry, patting Pervinca on the back with his very muddy hand.

“Merry!” she cried. “Don’t touch me! You’re all dirty!”

Merry grinned. “What was that, Pervinca? You want to go for a swim in the pond? Well, come on, Pip, let’s help her out!”

Pervinca screamed and ran from the two young hobbits, but she laughed as she did. Leaving the frogs in their hiding spot, Merry and Pippin chased Pervinca halfway around Tuckborough. Though she was having fun, Pervinca knew they would all be in BIG trouble when they returned home.

* * * * * *

True to Pervinca’s prediction, Eglantine was furious (though this was hardly an uncommon event when she had a son like Pippin), and even Esmeralda gave Merry a good scolding. She was usually quite forgiving to her son and only child. Pervinca was not immune to the screaming, for Eglantine thought she should have kept a better watch on “these two rascals”.

Luckily for all of them, Merry was an incredible liar, something that he had taught to both his younger cousins. Pervinca did not know how he managed to keep a straight face as he lied through his teeth. “We’re awfully sorry, Mother, Aunt Eglantine. I’m afraid we were having a bit of a game, which got out of hand. Pippin and I were chasing Pervinca – I thought it would be a good idea for Pippin to use up some of his excess energy – but we tripped and ended up in the pond. We shall clean up at once.”

Esmeralda looked at her son sceptically, but accepted the excuse none-the-less. “Off you go then.”

The children were all sent to bed rather early that night, so that they would “wake up bright and fresh” the next day. As Pervinca readied herself for bed, she could hear Merry and Pippin chatting happily, and she wondered how much sleep they would end up having. A soft knock on her door captured her attention.

“Pervinca, may I come in?” It was Paladin’s voice.

“Of course, Father,” she replied, as she finished combing her hair.

Paladin opened the door and smiled fondly at his youngest daughter. She sat on her bed and motioned for him to join her. “Sit down, Father.”

He nodded and sat next to her. “I wanted to talk to you, Pervinca.”

A look of horror showed clearly in Pervinca’s eyes. There was something in the tone of his voice.

“I spoke to Pearl and Pimpernel today, to find out what they had been talking about the other day. While you children were trying on your party clothes.” Paladin sighed. “It took me a while, but I finally managed to get them to talk. Is it true that you showed a fancy in Master Samwise, Frodo’s gardener?”

“Yes,” Pervinca replied, in a scarce whisper. “They confronted me about it…”

“Now I understand why you have seemed so distant these past few days. What did they say to you?”

“That because I was from a rich family, I could never marry a common gardener. And if I did, you would all disown me.” That was not completely true, but it was how Pearl and Pimpernel had made Pervinca feel.

“I would never allow that to happen, my sweet, no matter what happened,” Paladin soothed, softly. “But I do not know what your mother would think.”

“But I don’t think I want to marry Sam! I was just…curious…”

“Curious? Of course you are, Pervinca. It’s hardly surprising when you have two older sisters.” He lowered his voice. “Your Aunt Esmeralda was much like that when she was your age. Did Master Samwise return this curiosity?”

“I…I don’t know.”

Paladin nodded, but smiled. “I am glad to hear that you do not wish to marry Sam. As fine a fellow as he is, I do think that he would eventually break your heart. He is betrothed after all.”

“Betrothed?” Pervinca repeated. No one had told her that.

“As far as I know – from what Cousin Bilbo has told me – Samwise has been lined up to marry young Rosie Cotton since he was a small child. Her family is quite close to his, and it was decided when Rose was born, I believe.” Paladin stroked his daughter’s hair as this information sunk in. “But though I say that, I see no reason why you should not explore your curiosity, especially if Sam shares it. Deep friendships can often be formed from failed romances.”

Pervinca smiled and embraced her father. “Thank you, thank you so much.”

“Anytime, my sweet.”

She gave her father a strange look. “You haven’t lined someone up for me to marry someday, have you?”

Paladin laughed. “No, child, there is no need to fear that. Though betrothals are common in our family, your mother and I decided that you children should follow your own hearts. Though I will not hide it from you, Adelard Took has asked about you on many occasions. His youngest son, Everard, is close in age to you. And then of corse, there is young Merimas Brandybuck, and…”

“Father, stop!” Pervinca giggled, before her father could rattle off another twenty potential suitors. She hugged him again.

Placing a soft kiss on the top of her head, Paladin whispered, “To sleep now, Pervinca. We have a big day tomorrow.”

8: The Party and What Happened

It had finally arrived: September 22, Bilbo and Frodo’s birthday. Pippin had been excited the day before, but now he was ecstatic. He woke well before the sun had risen and made so much noise doing so that Merry, who was sharing Pippin’s room, and Pervinca, whose room was next to Pippin’s, were also woken. Once he was certain that his sister and cousin would not be tempted to return to bed, Pippin proceeded to wake the rest of the Smials.

There were a great many annoyed hobbits by the time the sun rose. Paladin Took was quick to scold his son.

A line of carriages waited outside the Smials and the Tooks filed into them. Pervinca and Pippin were to ride with Meriadoc, Saradoc and Esmeralda, much to Pippin’s joy. He knelt on his seat and looked out.

“Sit down, please, Peregrin, dear,” Esmeralda asked in a quiet voice. Pervinca noticed that Pippin obeyed his aunt’s request much quicker than he would have if it had been his mother.

The trip from Tuckborough to Hobbiton was a good hour or so, but Pippin was surprisingly well behaved. On several occasions he knelt on his seat once more and peered out of the carriage to see the carriage that his parents and other sisters were travelling in. Merry promptly made him sit back down every time.

Esmeralda seemed impressed by the maturity Merry was displaying, but really, Merry just wanted Pippin to sit down because he had some of the frog jars in his pockets. Merry was worried that if Pippin continued to jump around, he would drop one and they would be caught out.

The Tooks (and Brandybucks) arrived just before lunch. The first stop before Bag End was The Green Dragon, where most if the guests were going to stay.

Pippin grew very impatient. It seemed to be taking far too long for his family to check into the Inn. He could hear the noise of the party and was anxious to be a part of the excitement.

“Patience, Peregrin,” Paladin laughed, placing a hand on his son’s shoulder. “We shall be there soon enough. And I am sure the real fun will wait for you.”

Paladin suspected that Merry and Pippin had some mischief planned. The cousins seemed to forget that their parents had once been young too. In his youth, Paladin had had quite a reputation for being a nuisance, and Saradoc had been the terror of Brandy Hall.

It also had not escaped Paladin’s attention that both Pippin and Merry’s pockets seemed to bulge a little, and they made a soft clinking sound when they moved.

Finally, the Tooks had finished checking into the Inn and they could leave for Bag End. It was close enough for Pippin to run and not have to wait for the carriages. Merry and Pervinca ran after him, but they only just arrived before the carriages.

“Uncle Bilbo!” Pippin greeted the much older hobbit with a big hug.

“Hullo, Peregrin,” Bilbo returned. “My, haven’t you grown. I’ll wager you’ll be a monster by the time you’re Frodo’s age. Welcome to my little party.” He handed Pippin a small wooden dragon. It was green, with detailed scales painted. Pippin’s eyes grew wide. When he pulled the dragon’s tail, its head reared up and its mouth opened. It was the greatest toy Pippin had ever seen.

Merry and Pervinca were not forgotten. Bilbo gave Merry a beautiful pipe, but was very quick to say, “You won’t be able to use it for a few years yet, my lad,” when he saw Esmeralda giving him a disapproving glare.

Pervinca received a pretty bracelet, gold set with diamonds. Pimpernel and Pearl were given identical bracelets. Bilbo had especially saved the jewels for the daughters of one of his favourite cousins.

After thanking Bilbo for his kindness, the children were ushered into the Party Field, so that others could receive their presents. Pippin was engrossed by his present, but Merry had smelt the delicious aromas as soon as they had came close to Bag End.

“I’m starving,” he stated. “Let’s get something to eat.”

“Half a moment!” Pippin complained. “Can we hide these jars somewhere? I’m not too fond of the idea of walking around with them in my pockets the whole day!”

Merry thought for a moment. “Fine, we shall store them in the hedge. I’ll keep the chisel with me, though.”

Merry had found a small chisel and hammer, which he planned on using to make a hole in the ale kegs. When he saw the kegs, he realised that he would not be able to fit beneath them. Pippin or Pervinca would have to do it, but as he turned to tell them this, he saw that Pervinca had gone.

“Where’s Pervinca?” he asked Pippin. But Pippin just shrugged. His new toy was far too exciting for him to have noticed that his sister had abandoned them the minute they had entered the field.

“I wonder where she went to,” Merry muttered, but it was to himself.

* * * * * *

Pervinca had not particularly felt like watching over her mischievous brother and cousin. She decided to wander around the field to find anyone that she might know. Paladin called her over to inform her that he had asked Bilbo if his youngest children could stay the night at Bag End. Bilbo had seen no problem at all. Pervinca assured her father she would tell Pippin when she saw him and continued on her way.

“Hullo, Pervinca,” a voice greeted.

Pervinca turned to see Frodo Baggins smiling warmly at her. “Oh, Frodo! You startled me. Happy birthday!”

“Thank you.”

“I think Pearl and Pimpernel have a present for you. I know it’s more traditional to give presents on your birthday, but this is such a special age; we thought you deserved a little something. It’s a shame I don’t where they are.”

“I am sure they will find me eventually. Would you like something to drink?”

Pervinca nodded and followed Frodo to where tables had been set up to imitate the bar of an Inn. Frodo ordered ale for himself and a glass of raspberry wine for his companion, since he knew she did not like ale.

“I was talking to my gardener, Sam, just the other day. Do you remember him?” said Frodo as they sipped on their drinks. Pervinca choked on her drink and blushed a deep red. Frodo looked at her, surprised. “Pervinca…”

“I think I should find Peregrin,” Pervinca lamely excused. “Thank you for the drink.” She stood up and started to walk away, but Frodo followed and called after her.

“Pervinca, please stop!”

Pervinca came to a halt and looked at her cousin. Her cheeks were still brightly flushed. “Yes, Frodo?”

He placed a hand gently on her shoulder. “My dear Cousin Pervinca. And here I was thinking Sam was a lost cause having a fancy for you!”

“I don’t know what you mean…” Pervinca sniffed, but then Frodo’s words sank in. “Sam…Sam has a fancy for me?”

“He does indeed and he’s in a bit of a spot because of it. I’d advise you to avoid Rose Cotton at all cost if she ever finds out. And let’s not even start on your admirers…” Pervinca noticed that Frodo had not mentioned the greatest barrier, their differing classes, but she was sure that he was quite aware of it.

“He just seems like such a sweet hobbit,” Pervinca whispered. “He’s so dedicated to you, and to Bilbo. That’s what I admire about him the most. I suppose I just wish I had someone that dedicated to me…”

Frodo lightly squeezed her shoulder. “You do. In fact, there are many who are that dedicated to you, and I’m sure there will be many more to come. But if you’d like to try and earn the dedication of a certain gardener, I can tell you that he’s sitting near the bandstand.”

Pervinca grinned at Frodo. She gave him a quick hug in thanks before she ran off, clearly in the direction of the bandstand.

9: A Dance to Remember

Sam sat with Tom and Jolly Cotton close to the bandstand and dancing area. Much to their displeasure, they had been asked to keep an eye on the youngest Cotton, Nibs. Nibs was close to Pippin’s age, and, though not quite as much of a handful, he was not the most desirable of company for the three older hobbits.

“You should’na be drinkin’ all that ale, Jolly,” he declared, feeling that if he was not old enough to drink ale, than neither was his brother. “I’ll tell Dad, I will.”

“Shut your mouth, Nibs,” Jolly returned angrily. As if to prove his point, he took a large swig from his mug.

Sam quickly took the mug from Jolly. “Now, now, that’ll do. I certainly don’t want to be explaining to Mrs. Cotton why you can’t walk in a straight line.”

“Sam’s right, Jolly,” said Tom. “When I said you could have some ale, I only meant a little. And you’ve had your fair share by now.” Jolly scowled, but did not protest. Nibs just smiled smugly.

With that settled, Tom returned to what he had been doing – scanning the party for lasses. His eyes fell upon his sister and Marigold, who were standing near by, whispering and giggling to one another. Sam saw this and grinned.

“You know, my Marigold has quite a fancy for you, Tom,” he stated.

“And my Rosie for you,” was Tom’s reply. Sam flushed, but said nothing. Tom looked at him. “I’m sure she’s just waiting for you to ask her for a dance…”

“Maybe later,” Sam said abruptly, looking into his mug.

Jolly smiled a little and Nibs snickered, but Tom looked at his friend in concern. He leant in close and whispered, “Is something wrong, Sam? Only last month you were telling me how much you wanted to dance with Rosie at this party? Has something changed?”

“No, nothing’s wrong. Nothing at all…” Sam trailed off. He had just caught a glimpse of the face he had secretly hoped to see. What’s she doing over here? Shouldn’t she be in that special pavilion? His face flushed even more. Tom followed Sam’s line of sight.

“Now she’s a pretty one,” he whistled, quietly. “Do you know her? That’s a mighty fine dress she has on. Must be one of them rich folk.”

“Her name is Pervinca Took. She’s Mister Frodo’s cousin, Mister Pippin’s older sister.” Sam didn’t need to explain any further. The name Took meant “too good for either of us”. Tom now understood Sam’s strange behaviour.

Pervinca saw Sam and smiled. She came over to him, something which Rose noticed. Jealously flared up in the young lass, and she grabbed Marigold by the hand and dragged her over to the merry group.

“G-good evening Sam,” Pervinca stammered, as she gave a clumsy curtsy.

“Hullo, Miss Pervinca. How lovely to see you here,” Sam replied, no less nervous, especially since he had seen Marigold and Rose approaching from the corner of his eye. “Miss Pervinca, I’d like to introduce you to my friends. This is Tolman, Wilcome and Carl Cotton, or Tom, Jolly and Nibs as they’re more often known.”

“Aren’t you going to introduce us, Sam?” Rosie asked, icily.

“Oh, Rosie! I didn’t realise you were there. Miss Pervinca, this is Rosie Cotton and my sister Marigold.”

“I am very pleased to meet you,” Pervinca said, politely. She had been taught proper manners and etiquette since she was a small child.

Rose, obviously, had not. “What kind of a name is ‘Pervinca’?”

“Rose Cotton!” Tom scolded. “Watch your tongue! This is Miss Pervinca Took, cousin of our good host. Show her the proper respect.”

Rosie was silenced for a moment. She had guessed that Pervinca was from one of the richer families from her beautiful gown, but one of the Tooks? Rosie felt utterly ashamed and defeated. How could she compete for Sam’s affections against one of the richest girls in the Shire? She murmured some form of apology before running off.

“Rose, Rose come back!” Jolly called after his twin sister. He looked at his brothers. “We’d best go after her.”

Tom nodded, sensing that Sam probably needed some time alone with his Tookish friend. Much to Marigold’s delight, he took her hand and led her away. Sam looked at Pervinca, sheepishly. “You’ll have to excuse young Rosie. She likes me, you might say, and well, I suppose she was a little jealous seeing me talking to you, and all…”

“It’s all right, Sam,” Pervinca said, with a smile. “Frodo spoke to me and warned me about the fury of Rose Cotton.”

“Mister Frodo…spoke…and…and did Mister Frodo say anything else, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Pervinca looked at her feet. “He said that you were in a ‘bit of a spot’ because of me. I am sorry if I have caused you trouble.”

“There’s no need to be sorry at all, Miss Pervinca! I can’t be blaming you for anything.” Sam took Pervinca’s hand and, not knowing what else to do, kissed it. “Miss Pervinca Took, would you allow me this dance?”

“Of course, Master Gamgee,” Pervinca replied. She curtsied to him again, but this time she was far more graceful.

Sam led her to the middle of the dancing area. He knew that they must have looked like a very odd pair; Pervinca with her beautiful pale green gown, and he with his well worn best pair of breaches. But for the moment, he didn’t care. He lost himself in Pervinca’s smile and glittering green eyes, and for a brief time, he felt as if they were the only two beings in the entire world. No one else existed.

From the edge of the dance area, three hobbits looked on. Pearl and Pimpernel had found Frodo and given him the presents they had bought. When they had asked if he had seen either of their younger siblings he had led them to the bandstand.

“I have not seen Pervinca so happy in a long time,” Pearl said. She felt ashamed of her earlier behaviour, especially since their father had given she and Pimpernel a stern talking to.

“We should not have been so horrid to her,” Pimpernel sighed. She looked at Frodo. “But we simply trying to look out for her. I know that Sam is lovely and very loyal, but he cannot provide for our sister.”

“Did it ever occur to either of you that her intents were never marriage?” Frodo asked, with a raised eyebrow.

“Well…no…”

“She has two older sisters, who have countless amounts of suitors. It’s hardly surprising at all that she would start to find an interest in lads. It just so happens that Sam was the first she felt a strong connection to. Neither of you married the first hobbit you fancied.”

“I never thought of it like that,” Pimpernel admitted. She looked at Frodo slyly. “When did you become so clever, Master Baggins?”

Frodo grinned. “I have many hidden talents, Mistress Took. And I wondered if you would give me the honour of showing you another. May I have this dance?”

Pimpernel looked at Pearl, but Pearl simply nodded. She did not mind if Pimpernel left her while she danced with Frodo. With both sisters’ permission, Frodo led Pimpernel to a spot near Pervinca and Sam.

Pearl smiled as she watched her two younger sisters dance, but she was not to be left alone for long. A young hobbit came up to her and shyly stammered, “Excuse me, Miss, but would you allow me this dance?”

She looked at him in shock. He was very handsome. “I…I…I would love to.”

The hobbit took her hand. “By the way, my name is Orlando Burrows.”

“Pearl Took.”

Pervinca looked over and saw that her two sisters had also started dancing. She smiled happily, and knew that she would have to forgive them for their earlier behaviour.

“Having fun?” Sam asked.

Pervinca nodded. She hugged Sam. “Thank you.”

“W-what for, Miss Pervinca?”

“Just for being you.” Pervinca looked up at Sam and he was blushing. Her heart fluttered, and she wondered if maybe she had been fooling herself along with everyone else when she said she had no intention of marrying Sam. Aside from his lower class, he was everything a lass could want in a husband.

As she thought of this, a memory worked itself into her brain. It was from when she had been about Peregrin’s age, and Pearl’s first suitors had appeared. Pearl had loved the attention she received from as many as ten admirers at one time. Pervinca could remember Pearl asking their mother about marriage while Eglantine had been brushing the girls’ hair. Eglantine had admitted that she had had many suitors too when she was a young lass, but she had known that Paladin was her one true love when he first kissed her. She had said that during that kiss, it was as if she could see her whole life ahead of her. A life with Paladin. Pervinca, of course, being only very young, had screwed up her nose. She had hated any talk about lads and kisses, but Pearl and Pimpernel had loved the story and were convinced that they would know their own true loves from their first kiss.

Pervinca made up her mind. She cleared her throat. “Sam, I have a strange favour to ask of you.”

“Anything you wish, Miss Pervinca.”

“Would you…would you kiss me?”

Sam gasped, but quickly returned to looking at his feet. “Well, to tell you the truth, I’d been thinking about much the same thing. You look so pretty and all tonight. I wanted to ask if you’d mind me giving you a little kiss, but I didn’t think it’d be at all proper.” He smiled at her. “But since you asked…”

Pervinca took a deep breath and closed her eyes as she moved her face closer to Sam’s. At the moment of soft contact, a strange feeling took over Pervinca. She thought that perhaps this was what her mother had meant – she was about to see her life with Sam. But that was not what she saw. Instead, she saw a young hobbit who looked remarkably like her brother, but different at the same time. She thought she could see something of herself in his grin. With him, she saw a hobbit-maid with beautiful golden curls. This amazed Pervinca, since golden hair had always been very, very rare in the Shire. The lass looked like Rose, but she had Sam’s deep brown eyes, complete with the undying devotion.

With a gasp, Pervinca pulled away from the kiss.

“I’m sorry, Miss Pervinca,” Sam cried, not understanding her reaction. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No, Sam…” Pervinca replied, in a state of confusion. What had she just seen? Her eyes finally focussed on Sam. Words spilt from her mouth that she did not understand. “Well, maybe you did. Maybe we both did. It is not yet time. It is not our place.”

“Pervinca…?”

“I have to go.” Pervinca ran away. She did not know where she was going. All she knew was that she had to get away.

* * * * * *

Translators Note: Yeah, sorry this was a full chapter of Pervinca and Sam! The next one will be Pippin and Merry centred. Oh, and the hobbit that dances with Pearl is her husband it one of my other stories. He’s not actually from The Lord of the Rings, but I found his name in The History of Middle-Earth!

10: A Failed Plan

Merry stood in front of an ale keg, attempting to hide the pair of small feet that jutted out from beneath it. He hissed to his companion: “Hurry up!”

“Well, you try doing it,” Pippin’s voice hissed back from beneath the keg. A moment later he slid out. His shirt was drenched with ale and had been since he had chiselled a hole in the base of the first keg. They now only had two to go, at least in this area of the field.

“I already told you that I can’t!” said Merry. “I wouldn’t be able to fit beneath the kegs.”

“Well, it’s not my fault that you’re so fat,” Pippin shot back.

“You had better take that back, Peregrin Took.”

“Or else you’ll do what? You need me to carry out your stupid idea. My idea was always so much better, and we have yet to break any of the chairs.”

“We’ll get to that next!” Merry snapped, as he practically shoved his cousin beneath the next ale keg.

Less than a moment later, a voice called to him, which Merry instantly recognised as Pearl’s. He turned to face his cousin and saw Pimpernel was also with her, and they were both carrying bags. “Merry! Have you seen Frodo anywhere?”

“Not yet,” Merry answered, mentally begging Pippin to keep quiet. Pearl and Pimpernel would be sure to tattle on them if they discovered the plan. “Why?”

“We have presents to give him,” Pimpernel replied, holding up the bag she was carrying.

“But it’s his birthday, not yours.”

“It is a very special birthday, though, so we thought he should at least get something. We already gave Bilbo his.”

“Well, I have no idea where Frodo is, sorry.”

“Not to worry, have fun.” Pearl and Pimpernel started to walk away, but Pearl stopped after only a few paces and turned back. “Where is Pippin? Was he not with you?”

“He was…” Merry shuffled to cover Pippin’s protruding feet from Pearl’s new view. “But…he…uh…he went somewhere with Pervinca. And I do not know where.”

“All right then, Merry. Thank you.”

With his two cousins finally gone, Merry let out a sigh of relief and leant against the keg. “That was too close, wasn’t it, Pip?” There was no reply from the young Took, so Merry prodded one of the feet. “Come on, Pippin. You can come out now if you’re done. They have gone, I promise.”

There was still no answer from Pippin, though Merry thought he heard a muffled giggle. He knelt down and peered under the barrel. The shadow covered much of Pippin’s face, but Merry could still see that ale was trickling from the keg onto his cousin’s face. Merry paled, grabbed Pippin around the ankles and yanked him out.

“Pippin! Speak to me!” Merry begged. He was terrified that Pippin had drowned in the ale that he had released.

“Oh, hullo, Merry,” Pippin slurred in reply. His eyes did not seem to focus properly and he was swaying slightly.

“Pippin, how much of that ale did you drink?”

“Lots…none at all…” Pippin giggled stupidly as he quoted his favourite story of Bilbo’s, when he had been captured by trolls.

“Can you stand?” Merry asked, anxiously. He knew he was responsible for his young cousin, and if his aunt saw her son in his current state, he would be in deep trouble.

Pippin did not even try to stand, much to Merry’s annoyance. He had found his dragon toy again, and now it was even more exciting. Pippin looked at it as if he was seeing it for the first time all over again.

“Peregrin Took, on your feet this minute!” Merry cried in his best grown-up voice.

To Merry’s distress, Pippin just laughed. “You sounded just like Uncle Sarry then. Can you impers…imperson…copy anyone else?”

Merry did not know what he should do. He could not leave Pippin alone – he was sure to do something stupid. But Merry also could not look after his cousin by himself. He needed someone to help him, but someone that would not turn them in for the prank that had caused all the trouble.

Just at that moment – as if the Valar had answered Merry’s prayers – Pervinca walked by quickly. Merry hissed her name, and she turned. Her eyes were red and she looked like she had been crying, but Merry had no time to ask her what was wrong.

“Pervinca, I need your help!” he pleaded. There was a tone in his voice that Pervinca could not refuse.

“What has happened, Meriadoc?” she asked, with a sigh. She knew that nothing that he had to say was bound to be good. But at least Merry’s problem would take her mind off the hurricane of thoughts that had been plaguing her since Sam’s kiss.

“It’s a bit of a long story I’m afraid, and before I even start, we need to get Pippin away from the ale kegs…”

“Pippin? Ale kegs? Merry!” Pervinca pushed past her cousin to where Pippin was still sitting, playing with his toy and smiling stupidly. “Peregrin!”

“Pervinca! How lovely of you to join us,” Pippin replied.

“Merry, what happened?” Pervinca demanded, and there was a tone in her voice that Merry could not refuse.

“Well…uh…” Merry stammered. He had no time to think of a good lie, so the truth would have to do. “Pip was making holes in the bottom of the ale kegs…”

“That stupid prank that you came up with? Why was Pippin doing the hole-making?”

“I could not fit beneath the kegs! Pippin was small enough to, and he was doing a wonderfully good job, until…”

“Let me guess. He drank the ale that came out of the hole?”

“Your guess is as good as mine,” Merry replied. “It would not surprise me. He managed to spill ale on him at every other keg.”

“Have you seen Sam yet, Pervinca?” Pippin asked.

“Peregrin, be quiet,” Pervinca commanded, but her voice wavered. Merry wondered what Pippin was talking about and why Pervinca had blushed so much. But he had no time to ask, for Pervinca had pulled Pippin to his feet, something which Merry had not thought of in his panic. “Well, what are you waiting for, Meriadoc?”

“Excuse me?”

Pervinca sighed in frustration. “You did say that we need to get my brother away from these ale kegs?”

“Oh, yes, yes I did.”

“Then why don’t you help me do it?”

Merry knew that he deserved Pervinca’s anger, but he had never seen her in a mood like this. He decided it would be to his advantage to hold his tongue and simply help his cousin. He looped Pippin’s right arm around his shoulders. He wrapped his own left arm behind Pippin’s back. Pervinca did the same thing on Pippin’s other side.

With absolutely no help from Peregrin, Merry and Pervinca walked the intoxicated young hobbit to a secluded corner of the field. A young couple fled from the corner when they saw the poisonous look on Pervinca’s face.

“Pathetic, aren’t they?” Merry joked. Pervinca just frowned at him. She was in no mood for jokes.

Pippin let out a gurgling moan. Both of his companions looked at him in concern. His face had turned a rather interesting shade of green. Merry and Pervinca’s eyes widened in horror.

“Oh, no,” was all Merry managed to say before Pippin brought up his breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses and what lunch he and Merry had eaten while carrying out their pranks.

“He didn’t get any on his clothes, did he?” Pervinca asked, frantically.

Merry grabbed Pippin before he fell face first into the vile puddle in front of him. A quick check revealed that Pippin had somehow managed to avoid vomiting on himself, aside from the small trickle at the side of his mouth. Merry pulled out a pocket-handkerchief and wiped his cousins mouth. “He’s clean,” he told Pervinca.

“Well, that was lucky.” Together, they dragged Pippin away from the mess he had made.

Pippin moaned again. “I feel awful.”

“You don’t look too good either, Pip,” Merry replied. “You’re far too young for ale!”

“It tastes disgusting! Why does everyone like drinking it?”

“I suppose it’s something you start liking when you’re older, like pipeweed and lasses.” Merry gave Pervinca a lop-sided grin. “At least he’s awake now.”

“You don’t feel like you’re going to be sick again, do you?” Pervinca asked, ignoring Merry.

“I don’t think so,” Pippin said, though he still looked rather green. “I am thirsty though.”

“Merry, get him a drink of water!”

Merry nodded and quickly scampered off to find Pippin some water before Pervinca murdered him. He had never seen her so angry. Meanwhile, Pervinca sat next to Pippin. He seemed less stupid now that he had gotten rid of most of the ale from his body. He groaned and rested his head on her shoulder.

“I am never going to drink ale again!” he declared.

“I cannot wait to see how you feel in the morning. From what Pearl tells me, that is the worst part of all.” Pervinca remembered her father’s message. “Oh, and Father said that we may spend the night at Bag-End.”

“Really? Well, that, at least, is good news. Have you spoken to Sam yet?” Pippin sat up. “Did I already ask you that?”

“Yes, you did. But Merry was here. You haven’t told him about Sam and I, have you?”

“Of course I haven’t! I promised that I wouldn’t. You know I never break my promises.”

Pippin was not lying. He may have been a brat, who could cause more trouble than five lads twice his age, and he had an uncanny ability to get out of that trouble, but he always held true to his word.

“I spoke to Sam, yes. We danced. And he kissed me. Something strange happened; I think I had a vision or something…” Pervinca stopped and smiled. She should have realised Pippin was no longer listening when she said that Sam had kissed her and he did not respond. Pervinca kissed her brother’s head, and let him sleep against her shoulder.