Merry used to sleep stretched out on his back, snoring gently. He’d burrow deep, get comfortable, and fall asleep instantly. He seemed hardly to move till morning.

Back from the Quest and living at Crickhollow, Merry has pushed his bed against the wall so that his back is protected. He often lies awake all night. Sometimes, when he does sleep, he wakes unsettled and seeks out Pippin, bringing his understanding and unresisting cousin back to his own bed to keep him safe, between himself and the wall.

On those nights, Merry sleeps, or doesn’t, facing outward, his sword to hand.

****************

Frodo had peculiar sleeping habits. He’d sometimes read and study into the wee hours, forgetting time existed, perhaps nap in the afternoon then stay up far too late again. Bilbo encouraged this only to a point, but eventually there was no one to shoo Frodo off to his bed. Sam often came to work of a morning to find his master asleep at his desk.

His Quest fulfilled, Frodo fights off sleep not because he’s lost in pleasurable pursuits, but from dread, fending off exhausted sleep filled with dark dreams until he can resist no longer, and he is claimed.

***************

Pippin always curled into a ball in the middle of the bed, safe in his nest under his blanket sanctuary, sleeping hard, warm, comfortable and dreaming of adventure. On the Quest he slept the same way, but not so comfortable, warm or safe, and trying to find sleep after actually living an adventure each day wasn’t easy, but he managed. Usually.

Pippin still curls into his ball under the blankets. No more a pleasant haven, it’s a shelter that hides him, and he wakes often. Wearily vigilant, he keeps watch from his nest for dark things abroad in the night.

***************

Sam always worked hard, and in return slept contented as a log till the earth came to life anew each morning, calling him back to his labours of love. He learned on the Road to wake instantly at need, at every possible threat, and then sleep again, every moment of rest precious and needed.

Now he again sleeps contented till dawn, Rosie’s nearness soothing his edginess, except when he senses some unrest of his master’s, and he awakens, instantly alert. Such is their connection that later, after Frodo crosses the Sea, sometimes Sam will wake, knowing Frodo thinks of him.