Title: Sneaky Snakes And Broken Bones
Author: Anso the Hobbit
Beta: Marigold
Characters: The Fellowship, Fermund (OC)
Timeline: Ithilien, SR 1419
Summary: On a walk with Beregond Pippin discovers a beautiful bit of woodlands just outside the camp site in Ithilien and he and Merry go exploring…
Note: Written for Marigold`s Challenge 18 where the starter was a “mystery starter” with these clues: Pippin falling and Merry breaking his leg when saving someone from harm. Enjoy! :)
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PART ONE: A Walk In The Woods

The soft sound of the breeze in the trees and the bustle of camp life and smells of food cooking not too far away woke Merry. He stretched and sat up, looking around the tent. He was alone and Beregond`s voice from somewhere outside told him that Pippin probably was close by too, as Beregond had whisked him away when Merry had come off duty and wanted a nap. Though he had some light duties, Pippin still spent a good deal of time in bed, but Beregond and his other friends always spent some time with him each day, just talking, or perhaps taking short walks.

Merry stretched a bit more, and smiled lazily. He`d had a lovely dream about picking strawberries with Frodo in Bag End`s garden and stuffing little Pippin with the lovely berries until they thought he would burst. He`d go sit with Frodo and Sam later but right now Merry needed a cup of tea and a walk. Merry`s duty this day had been to help review the condition of Rohan`s horses that had been injured in the battle as they soon were going back to Minas Tirith, and he`d been perching on a high chair in Éomer’s tent all day. He was looking at how the light shone on the tent to try to judge the time when the flap opened and Pippin entered.

“Hullo Merry,” Pippin said cheerfully, coming to sit down on his own cot, across from Merry.

Merry yawned. “Hullo Pip. Did you have a nice talk with Beregond?”

“Yes! He took me to see a lovely bit of forest on the other side of the stream,” Pippin said enthusiastically. “Ithilien reminds me so much of the Shire, Merry, even if it is so much further south.”

“Yes it is lovely.” Merry stood and put their little kettle on to make tea. “Maybe you can show me where it is. I think I napped too long and I`ve been sitting still all day so I need to move about a bit. Do you think you can manage?” Merry looked searchingly at Pippin. His cousin seemed happy and well and although he limped and favoured his right arm, he looked much better than he had not too long ago.

“Yes. I could easily manage some more walking. Beregond and I didn`t really enter the forest, we just sat down by the stream and talked. I`d like to explore it.

“That`s settled then,” Merry said. “Now, where is your mug?”

*****

“I forgot we could cross the stream here,” Merry said as they came to the softly rippling stream that was just on the edge of the plain where the camp was.

“Yes. And it`s not even deep, so if we miss the stones we can always wade over.” Pippin bent to roll up his breeches just in case.

“Well, that`s convenient,” Merry said and gingerly put his foot upon the first stepping stone that made a nice little walkway to the other side of the stream. He was a little worried if Pippin would manage with his injuries or if his own injured arm would make it difficult for him to keep his balance on the slippery stones, but the crossing went perfectly and soon they entered the lush forest on the other side.

“Oh, look!” Pippin exclaimed, stopping to look around him. The forest was beautiful and pristine, the sounds of the camp had been left behind, and both hobbits revelled in the silence. They went on and had been walking for a few minutes when they saw a lovely sight. A small glade appeared between the trees, covered in wildflowers.

“I wonder what all these flowers are,” Merry said, going into the glade. He started picking some of them to study more closely and ask Strider or Faramir about. Maybe Sam would know some of them too. Some flowers were of course familiar, and it was interesting to see them growing in this place so far from home. “This is definitely a place Sam will want to see. I wonder if any of them have any medicinal uses?”

“I don`t know.” Pippin sat down on a rock perfectly shaped for a hobbit to use as a resting place almost in the centre of the meadow and watched Merry pick flowers. Flowers were pretty, Pippin thought, but they were best enjoyed in a garden or the forest or sometimes in a vase on a lovely laid table. He could never understand Sam and Merry`s interest for them beyond them being pleasant to look at. Growing up with lasses had made Pippin see colours and decorations in a different light than some lads, but to take plants home to study for hours and write about them, was something he`d never understood. Though, of course, he was grateful for the uses they had, with the numerous tonics and teas he had been dosed with over the years. Despite his injuries and his need to rest, Pippin soon became bored with watching Merry pick flowers. He had a good-sized bouquet now, of many different types of blossoms. It was good to see Merry so interested in something besides how Pippin was feeling, or Frodo and Sam, and so Pippin tried very hard to be still until Merry was finished with his inventory of the flowers, but it was difficult.

“I`m sorry,” Merry said, contrite after hearing Pippin fidget on the rock behind him. “I`m done now. Let`s move on.”

Pippin stood up from the rock and together they walked out on the path again. The way was lined with tall, old trees on each side, winding downwards and soon getting narrower and looking unused. Roots were sticking up from the ground here and there and small stones were strewn about, making the hobbits walk single file, watching their step carefully.

Merry walked behind Pippin, seriously pondering if they should return to the camp. Pippin‘s limp was worse and he looked to be having trouble picking his way along the path. A noticeable falter in his cousin’s step made up Merry’s mind. “Pip,” Merry said decisively, “I think we should turn and go back. This path doesn`t look to have been used much.”

Pippin turned to answer, and lost his balance. He slipped and stumbled over his own feet, falling down. Merry was there in an instant, reaching out to help Pippin to his feet, taking a firm hold of Pippin`s arm. Unfortunately he let go too soon as Pippin stood and the sudden lack of support had Pippin sprawling on the ground again, the momentum of the fall sending him rolling down a steep slope.

“Pippin!” Merry shouted, springing down the hill after him. A large stone blocked his way, but he had built up too much speed and though he tried to slow so that he could go around it, he toppled over the rock instead and came to a jerking halt as his foot caught in a root, the flowers he had picked scattering about wildly. He stumbled to his feet but stood stock still as Pippin lay tense on the ground, not moving. At first Merry thought he was injured, but then there was a hissing sound and now Merry saw what Pippin was staring at through the high grass.

“It`s a snake,” Pippin whispered. “Merry, I`m scared.” Warrior though he might be, Pippin suddenly felt like a little lad again, faced with this slithering, hissing, and threatening creature he`d never seen before. Coming a bit more to his senses, Pippin very slowly reached for his sword, but the snake rose into the air, its head weaving from side to side in agitation. It hissed more fiercely, the split tongue going quickly in and out of its mouth.

“I know you’re scared, Pip. But don`t move.” Merry tried to stay calm and looked closely at the snake. It didn`t look like the grass snakes of the Shire and not like the adder which was the only dangerous snake Merry knew of. Merry had never met an adder close up, but he was sure this was a totally different kind of snake, much larger than he knew an adder to be, and much more aggressive. And possibly more poisonous as well. Pippin was still weak from his injuries, and Merry didn’t know if there was an antidote to its poison. And they were far enough from the camp that Merry did not know if he could get Pippin there in time, should he be bitten. He had to keep Pippin safe at all costs. Seeing that the snake wasn’t aware of him yet, Merry reached for his own sword and used all of his hobbit stealth to cautiously creep around behind it.

The ground was rocky and old trees with their roots above ground surrounded him, but Merry couldn`t risk taking his eyes from the snake and suddenly stumbled. In a flash the snake whirled, hissing and rising up higher, above the grass, swiftly flying at Merry. Merry threw himself to the side reflexively, slashing at the snake even as it twisted in the air to follow his movement. The snake struck him hard in the chest and Merry staggered, trying to keep from stumbling, but didn`t see the large root just beside him, catching his foot and twisting and falling down hard on his back, the body of the snake landing heavily upon him.

“Merry!” Pippin was on his feet in a flash despite the painful tumble and the healing injuries he still suffered from. His only thought was for his cousin and he ran to Merry ignoring the growing pain in his leg, and the throbbing ache in his ribs. He eyed the snake warily but it did not move and he saw that Merry had managed to sever the head, and he grabbed it and hurled it away from them. Then he threw himself down at his cousin’s side. Merry was awfully pale and his face was scrunched up in pain. He lay at an awkward angle, sprawled on his back, arms out to each side and one leg hooked in a root under him. Pippin stroked his face to get his attention and as Merry`s eyes opened tears leaked down his face and into his hair.

“Did I get it? Is it dead now?” Merry managed between clenched teeth.

“Yes.” Pippin stroked Merry’s curls soothingly.

“Good. Because I don`t think I can move.”

“What?” Pippin said, but already knew something was terribly wrong by the way Merry was lying. “Merry?”

“My foot. It’s stuck. And I’ve broken something, my ankle I think,” Merry managed. He tried to sit up but the white-hot pain was too much and he slumped back, closing his eyes and trying to stay conscious. “Help…help me get free. Then we’ll worry about what to do next.” Merry closed his eyes for a moment, the pain almost too much. “Can you lift me?”

Pippin nodded determinedly. His injuries hurt after the fall but he would lift Merry if that was what needed to be done. “Of course, Merry.”

“All right. Lift my shoulders and try to move me sideways so that my leg comes free…. ” Merry looked Pippin in the eye and nodded firmly, before closing his eyes again.

“But that will hurt you!” Pippin said. He wanted to try to go for help but couldn`t let Merry lie here in the forest unprotected and without being able to protect himself.

“I know, but it`s our only choice. We’re too far for anyone to hear us calling. It’s too tight and close around my ankle to use a sword to cut through it, and we can`t wait for someone to find us,” Merry said. He knew he was going to faint as soon as the leg was moved, and that was probably for the best. “When you`ve moved me, find something to splint it with. Don’t try to pull it straight, just splint it as it is.”

Seeing the determination in Merry`s eyes Pippin reached down and hugged him, trying to give as much comfort as possible before easing his left arm under Merry`s shoulders. The slight movement made Merry gasp and go even paler and Pippin blinked away the tears that threatened to fall as he lifted Merry up into a semi-sitting position.

“Good!” Merry managed, but now the pain was too much and he slumped senseless in Pippin`s arms.

“Merry!” Pippin cried openly now and he carefully hugged his cousin very tight to his chest, his tears dampening Merry`s hair. He gathered himself and with his free hand dried his tears on his sleeve and looked about. The root that trapped Merry`s foot was bent so that closer to the tree the root was higher from the ground and Pippin thought that if he moved Merry there, he`d be able to bend the leg and slide Merry free. But Pippin knew that moving Merry could be dangerous, no matter how gentle and cautious he was. He looked at the sky. They had left not long after tea and it would soon be dark. Someone should miss them soon.

Pippin filled his lungs with air and screamed as loud as he possibly could “HELP!” Because of all the trees and vegetation the cry didn`t reach far and after several desperate tries Pippin whispered more to himself than to the still unconscious Merry, “I`m so sorry. Please, someone come find us.” He could find the way back he knew, but he couldn`t let Merry lie here alone. What if wild animals were around or more of the dangerous snakes? If he could be swift he might risk it, but he knew from the pain he felt in his own leg that he would not be able to do more than hobble.

Pippin lay Merry down with great gentleness and went to kneel on his other side. He grasped Merry`s tunic and jerkin and after several tries, ignoring the increasing pain in his own arm and ribs, managed to pull him free. He pulled Merry completely away from the tree and squelched a sob when he saw exactly how bad the break was. Merry`s foot lay in a frighteningly awkward angle, and he was bleeding where the skin was cut and broken. For a moment Pippin was afraid that bone was protruding because that would have Merry bedridden for months, but as he peered closer he could see that the bleeding was caused by cuts Merry had sustained in his rush down the hill after Pippin. Pippin took a clean handkerchief from his pocket and gently tried to wipe away the blood and the dirt and grass, relieved that Merry wasn`t bleeding overly much and that the break probably was clean. Pippin found some fallen branches he could use as a splint and took off his surcoat and mail to rip pieces of his under tunic to bind the splint to Merry`s leg.

After carefully splinting his cousin’s leg Pippin looked Merry over again. Merry hadn`t said anything about being hurt other places, but to be sure Pippin started to feel down his cousin`s body, trying not to remember the similarity to when he`d found Merry walking the streets of Minas Tirith, dazed and numb. The memory hit him hard though, when he felt Merry`s right hand. It was cold. Pippin then took some bits and pieces of fallen wood he found and made a small fire to try and keep Merry warm, and hoped that perhaps someone would see the flame and soon find them. Pippin stood and removed his cloak and laid it over Merry before sitting down again and taking Merry`s head in his lap, stroking his hair and face, occasionally rubbing the cold hand, singing softly. Now and again he cried out for help but no one came and the sky became deep blue before night fell.

The pain and aches in his own body kept him awake. Merry never stirred.

TBC

PART TWO: Lost and Found

Frodo stretched and yawned as he came awake. Sam was not in the bed beside his but Frodo saw his silhouette through the tent canvas, and the smell of pipeweed close by told him that he wasn`t alone. Frodo looked at the canvas to see if Merry or Pippin was with Sam outside, but the only other person he saw was Gandalf`s familiar form. That was strange. No matter what his other duties Merry seemed to always be there when he woke up, and sometimes Pippin was there as well.

Frodo dressed and went outside to sit with the others by the fire. The sun had gone down and it was time for supper, Frodo thought, as he smelled food cooking. “Hullo,” Frodo said and sat down beside Sam. “Have either of you seen my cousins?”

“Not in a while, no,” Gandalf said. “I saw Peregrin this afternoon and Meriadoc was with Éomer earlier today.”

“Sam?” Frodo thought that maybe Merry had left when Sam woke up for some reason.

“No. Neither of them was with us when I woke up. Maybe they are in their tent?”

“On a fine evening like this? I don`t think so. Unless Pippin isn’t feeling well perhaps?” Frodo mused. “We should go and see.”

“I agree,” Gandalf said, rising slowly, suddenly getting a feeling of unease. He could often sense before seeing or speaking to one of the hobbits or the rest of the Fellowship if something was wrong or someone was hurt. The life-spark he knew as Pippin was shining quite persistently, almost nagging somehow, while Merry`s spark was quiet and not at all as bright and clear as it usually was. Hopefully the young hobbit was sleeping or resting, but the combination of the persistency of Pippin`s spark and the dullness of Merry`s told him that that might indeed not be the case.

“They`re not here,” Frodo said after peeking into Merry and Pippin`s tent. In fact the tent looked not to have been used for some hours. Merry always tried to keep their tent tidy and made the beds and washed their cups and teapot after use. Everything was neat and in its place, the brazier cold. Maybe both had been called on duty? Pippin didn`t have much duty yet and Merry had already been on duty that day. No, that was not it…

“They probably went to find something to eat,” Sam suggested, steering them towards the food tents.

Inside the main tent many of the soldiers were seated for their evening meal, and in a corner Gandalf spotted Legolas talking to Elfhelm and Gimli. Merry`s éored leader was talking animatedly and the elf and dwarf laughed heartily.

 “Have any of you seen Merry or Pippin?” Frodo asked when Elfhelm had finished his tale.

“No, I`m afraid not. Not since this morning at any rate,” Legolas said, thinking a little. He`d seen both hobbits earlier in the day, but that was many hours ago now.

“We can`t find them,” Sam said, stretching to stand on his toes to look around the spacious tent.

“We`ll come with you and look for them,” Gimli offered. “We`ll spread out and search much quicker that way. I`m sure those young rascals are hiding away somewhere. Perhaps some of the soldiers have invited them to taste some of their homemade brews?”

*****

Pippin was starting to get cold despite the fire, and the cold in Merry`s hand had started to creep up his arm, and he was clearly in the clutches of a dark dream. From what Pippin could see of his cousin`s face in the starry night Merry was ashen and his skin clammy and cold. Pippin was frightened, and the severity of Merry’s broken ankle was starting to seem pale next to this onslaught. He chafed Merry’s cold hand in desperation. Why would the Shadow attack Merry just now? Pippin remembered that Strider had said that the Shadow was only held at bay by Merry’s will, that it wasn’t gone. Perhaps it was only waiting for Merry to be tired or hurt, for any vulnerability that would enable it to overpower his cousin, perhaps irretrievably if Strider was not there to call him back. That would not happen though, Pippin told himself firmly. It could not happen, not now when the Quest was won. They would get back to camp somehow, and Strider would make poor Merry well again. He held Merry to him even more tightly.

Pippin made himself a mental note to watch more carefully for signs of Merry getting overtired after they got back to camp. His cousin took so much upon himself, worrying and watching over Frodo, Sam, and Pippin himself. His cousin had difficulty sleeping and Pippin was aware that Merry awoke and checked on him several times a night. Merry had always been loving and protective of those he cared about, it was his nature, but his own health had always been good, and so could better take the strain and stress when things were amiss with those he loved. Now he was a recovering invalid himself, and he was neglecting his own health out of care for the others. It was heart wrenching to see his cousin like this and Pippin didn`t know if he could take much more of it, though he knew that he must. He couldn’t let Merry down, he needed to be strong for his cousin. Oh, please, Pippin thought, his voice raw from shouting for help, someone find us soon. In Pippin’s arms, Merry stirred, and whimpered in distress. Pippin stroked his curls and, trying to soothe him, began to sing softly.

*****

It was a beautiful night and taking a leisurely walk after watching the camp`s borders all day was exactly what Fermund needed. Even if the war was over, orcs were scattered here and there and trolls and evil Men were still about and the time was not yet come when they could afford to lower their watchfulness completely. Fermund had been born in the Westfold and been a Rider of Rohan for many years, but after marrying and moving to Gondor to be near his wife’s family he had become a Ranger under the command of Faramir. He was walking through what in daylight probably was a lovely little bit of wood, when he saw a small fire flickering through the trees. He heard a slight shifting noise and what sounded like a quiet sob, followed by the faint sound of singing. He stopped and listened keenly. It sounded like a child. Maybe a child had ventured out in the forest to pick berries or flowers, the Ranger thought, but the only children here were the few pages that had come with the ships from Minas Tirith, and they were not allowed outside the camp perimeters unless accompanied by an adult. Maybe one of them had ventured out anyway and was lost and couldn`t find his way back?

He stood still for another minute. Aside from the soft sounds coming from the direction where he had heard the sob the wood was silent and no animals could be heard or sensed close by. Slowly and stealthily he ventured closer. There was a little opening in the trees and he clearly saw the child now, the back turned to him. The lad was holding another lad in his arms. Fermund could only see the top of one lad’s head and by the look of things he probably was hurt as the other child was rocking him to and fro in his arms, singing softly. He came closer and was only a few feet from where the lads were when a small twig snapped under his feet. The lad cradling the other was on his feet, a sword in his hand and standing protectively over the other one almost faster than Fermund could blink. Fermund clearly saw the White Tree of Gondor on the child`s chest and he recognised that this was no child at all but the Ernil i Pheriannath.

“Who are you? Declare yourself” Pippin said, determined to defend Merry, but hoping that this was one of their own men from the camp.

“I`m Fermund, a Ranger of Ithilien, and I know who you are, my lord. What happened?” Fermund nodded his head to Merry.

Pippin let his guard down a little and surveyed the Ranger carefully. He wore the same type of clothing that Pippin had seen Faramir in. “You are one of Faramir`s men?”

“Yes,” Fermund confirmed. “I was with Captain Faramir when we found the Ring-bearers.”

Pippin lowered his sword and sank down beside Merry again, his own injured leg throbbing. “Then I am very glad to see you. Merry is hurt and I can`t move him and now he`s unconscious. We`ve been out here since before dark. I am very frightened for him, and need to get him to Str…the King Elessar at once.”

Fermund knelt down beside Pippin and looked at Merry in the firelight. He`d seen him before too, at the campsite. “What happened?” He repeated.

“A snake threatened me and my cousin tried to save me, coming behind it to try to kill it before it could strike at me. The snake whirled at him and trying to avoid being bitten, Merry stumbled and caught his foot in a tree root. He broke his ankle badly as he fell,” Pippin said. “He did manage to kill the snake though!” Pippin was quite proud of Merry`s actions.

Fermund took the cloak off Merry and started to assess the injuries. He felt along Merry`s body and was shocked to feel his cold right hand and arm. The Ernil i Pheriannath’s kinsman looked pale even in the warm light of the fire and he was chilled and seemed caught in some foul nightmare. The ankle was clearly broken, but the splint that had been applied would be adequate until they reached the camp. The halfling was shivering and Fermund quickly replaced the cloak and added his own.

“He`s so cold!” Fermund exclaimed and felt for Merry`s pulse, feeling the beat beneath his fingers. How could this come to pass? He took Merry`s small hands in his, the one ice cold and the other warm, but nothing aside from his leg seemed to be hurt. Fermund knew only of one thing that could do this. He looked at Pippin. “The Black Breath lies heavily on him,” Fermund whispered. The Black Breath was nothing to jest with.

Pippin nodded sadly. “Yes. He helped to slay the Witch-king and was hurt when he stabbed him. He is still suffering from the effects of that blow.”

Fermund looked from Merry to Pippin and back to the unconscious hobbit. He had heard of the valiant deed that killed that hideous creature of course, and was quite impressed by what he had heard, though some of it seemed hard to countenance. Now, feeling the hobbit`s cold hand made up his mind that the tale had to be true. Still, this child-sized person and a woman…? Astounding. He shook his head then looked at Pippin. “I have heard told the tale of what happened that day and your kinsman was very brave to strike at that creature.”

“Yes,” Pippin said, shivering just thinking of that day. Merry had been very brave and Pippin was incredibly proud of him, but now Pippin longed with all his being for Merry to be awake and well and wished for Frodo and Sam and home.

Fermund nodded gravely. He knew of tall and doughty soldiers who`d succumbed to the Black Breath. He looked to Merry again. The little one needed to be tended to as soon as possible. “We`d better get back to the camp.”

“Yes, at once please, and thank you for your aid,” Pippin said, happy that Merry finally was getting help. He staggered to his feet and limped as they started walking back.

“I wish that my aid were not needed, but you have it gladly. Are you also hurt?” Fermund asked, looking closely at Pippin as he matched his pace to the young lord, carrying the injured halfling as carefully as he could, trying not to cause him even more distress.

“Not to speak of. I tumbled down that hill over there, that`s how we ended up in this predicament. I`m a little achy but that is all,” Pippin lied, trying to force himself to hobble faster, so that Merry could be brought more quickly to Aragorn.

Pippin thought the walk back would take forever. Each step hurt but he wouldn`t take time to rest now that they finally were on their way back to camp. Pippin tried to forget about his own injuries and how each step jarred the healing ribs and sent pain shooting up through his leg and he concentrated instead on watching the Ranger closely as he carried Merry, the man carefully trying not to jolt the broken bone. It was not long though before they came to the stream and Fermund carefully waded over. Pippin came right behind him.

Shortly after they crossed the stream they were back in the camp, and a Captain of Guards who was speaking to the honour guards stationed outside Frodo and Sam`s bower saw them and came running towards them. “It is good to see you! Everyone has been searching every bit there is of the campsite for you!” He looked at Merry in Fermund`s arms and his expression changed from relief to distress. “Sir Meriadoc is hurt! I`ll take you to the King at once.” Several people had gathered around them now and the Captain turned to one of the other soldiers. “Alert the King that the esquire to Éomer King is hurt and needs his attention!” The soldier nodded and ran off to find Aragorn.

*****

Aragorn had set Riders and soldiers of Gondor to search in and around the campsite as soon as he heard that the hobbits were missing and was just about to send parties into the woods when the soldier brought the news that they had been found and Merry was injured. He set the soldier to boiling water, and began to prepare himself for whatever Merry might require of him. Soon Pippin entered, limping badly, followed by a Captain of Guards and a Ranger carrying Merry. “Thank you,” Aragorn said, gently taking Merry from Fermund’s arms.  “I thank you for finding my friends. Please present yourself tomorrow for more adequate thanks.” He looked down at Merry in his arms. “I have no doubt that Merry here will want to see you also.”

Pippin had breathed a sigh of relief as soon as he saw Aragorn. Now he too turned to Fermund, looking earnestly at him. “Thank you, Fermund, for finding us and bringing Merry to safety.”

Fermund blushed a little at all this attention. He`d only been taking a walk and stumbled upon the Halflings by chance. By the sincere thanks the King had bestowed upon him, he guessed that the injured Halfling – all of the Halflings – were held high in esteem by the King. He`d seen the respect with which the King treated the Ring-bearers, and knew that he had spent many hours battling for the life of the valiant Ernil i Pheriannath, but he hadn`t had the opportunity to watch him interact with the Ernil i Pheriannath and the esquire to Éomer King before now. “It was my pleasure(,)” he managed, awed by their regard.

Aragorn turned to the soldier. “Go find Mithrandir and the Ring-bearers and tell them that the hobbits have been found, and that I am tending them in my tent, Also, send one of the healers to assist me.“ The soldier bowed deeply and left the tent like an arrow from the bow. Aragorn turned to the other men. “Captain, take this worthy Ranger and draw for him an extra measure of wine by my order.”

“Yes, my lord.” The Captain and Fermund bowed and left behind the soldier.

Aragorn lay Merry down carefully on his own bed and unwrapped him from the blanketing cloaks. He lit several lamps and took Merry`s face in his hands, trying to sense where Merry wandered. His skin was clammy and cold and Merry did not respond. Aragorn loosened Merry`s clothing and listened to his shallow but even breathing. He then started to feel along Merry`s arms and when he felt the cold right hand he quickly took two leaves of athelas and breathed upon them, then crushed them into a bowl of hot water Pippin had poured out for him, anticipating his need.

Pippin then hobbled over to sit on a chair by Merry`s head, his bad leg trembling and weak. The athelas felt reviving. He`d been awfully tired and worried and aching but felt refreshed now that the athelas started to work. Merry lay unmoving though, and Pippin hoped the athelas would soon take effect on him too.

Aragorn had watched as Pippin hobbled to and fro with the water and turned away from Merry for a moment to kneel in front of him as Pippin sat down. “Are you all right? Your leg is paining you. How are your injuries treating you today?” He cocked his head a little to the side and looked the hobbit in the eye.

“I`m just a bit achy, Strider,” Pippin said.

Aragorn nodded. “I`ll have a closer look at you later, but first we need to take care of Merry. What happened?” Aragorn turned to lay an athelas infused cloth on Merry`s brow and moved to take a closer look at his broken ankle while Pippin told him about the snake and the tumble and Merry`s stumble and twisting fall as he slashed at the snake.

“What kind of snake was it?”

“I don`t know. It wasn`t anything I`ve seen before, or want to see again. It was at least as long as I am tall, and black and sort of glittery and at least as thick as my arm. Maybe a funny green underneath, it was hard to see in the shadows of the trees.“

Aragorn gasped. “Did it bite either of you?” His voice was sharp with worry.

“No.” Pippin shook his head, feeling a cold lump of fear in his belly at Strider’s reaction.

“That is very fortunate.” Aragorn raised his eyes up from examining Merry and looked Pippin earnestly in the face. “What you describe sounds like a very deadly species of snake that has apparently escaped from the destruction of the Black Land and I am very happy Merry managed to kill it. You were both very lucky. Had it bitten one of you…” His grim voice left no doubt as to the outcome of such a bite. There was no antidote to the poison from snakes from the Black Land.

Pippin blanched a little at hearing this. “Oh.”

Aragorn called for his esquire and told him to inform the Rangers and the guards on watch to look out for more of the deadly black snakes and that no one was to leave camp until further information was given. He didn`t want to frighten people, and it was doubtful that there would chance to be any others, but it was best to be cautious.

Aragorn gently took away the splint from Merry`s ankle. Merry had still not made any signs of awakening but a whimper had Pippin leaning over the bedside and Aragorn taking Merry`s face in his hands again, hoping to reach him. “Merry? Merry, can you hear me?” Merry whimpered again but fell silent and lay as still as he had done only a moment ago. Pippin sighed and tried to keep the tears that threatened to fall at bay.

“That must have been quite a fall,” Aragorn said, more to himself than Pippin as he saw the awkwardly twisted leg and the broken ankle.

“I hope he`ll wake up soon,” Pippin said, adjusting the cloth a little.

“Yes, but it is for the best that he sleeps at the moment,” Aragorn said, “Though I would wish that it was a more natural sleep. His stillness is worrying. I`m also worried by the grip the Black Shadow has on him.” He looked at Pippin. “You did well in splinting the break,” Aragorn said. “It looks like this is something you`ve done before?”

Pippin blushed a little. “Merry told me how to do it,” he said. “He knew just what I should do.”

Just then the other healer came and under Aragorn’s direction he held Merry`s leg still while Aragorn examined it more closely and cleaned several cuts and abrasions. The break was clean but some dirt had got into the other wounds and Aragorn made certain to get it all out. Even so he hoped that Merry wouldn`t get an infection. He dressed the wounds in poultices and with the help of the other healer he set the bone and splinted Merry`s leg again. Aragorn then prepared some herbal tea to prevent infection and to make Merry sleep more peacefully. After feeding it carefully to the unconscious hobbit, Aragorn wrapped him warmly, then turned his attentions to Pippin.

PART THREE: Healing hobbits

“Now, let`s have a look at you.” Aragorn said as he finished examining Merry and turned to Pippin. “No, don`t get up.” Aragorn said as Pippin started to rise.

Pippin nodded and slowly sat back again on the chair beside Aragorn`s bed where Merry lay. Aragorn examined Pippin closely and when he was satisfied that the hobbit hadn`t taken any serious damage he helped him up while supporting the hobbit so he didn`t have to put too much weight on the injured leg. Pippin hunched over a bit as Aragorn steadied him, trying to lessen the pain in his healing ribs.

Aragorn felt along Pippin`s legs now and satisfied that Pippin hadn`t jarred his injured bones too much he prepared a pain reducing tea and ordered the hobbit to not move about more than absolutely necessary.

*****

Gandalf sighed deeply and sat down wearily on a conveniently upturned barrel by one of the supply tents. He`d searched the camp with the others and when there was no sign of the missing hobbits, he decided to search for them in his mind. Pippin`s persistent life spark had stopped nagging, but it was still shining brightly. Gandalf couldn`t tell if the young hobbit was physically closer than he had been when he first felt for the spark, but the long ages of men that he had spent in Middle-earth told him that such might be the case. Merry`s spark was

still dull and that worried Gandalf more than he liked. If Merry had merely been sleeping he should have woken up by now.

“Mithrandir!”

Gandalf returned his thoughts to the world around him again when a young soldier came running towards him. “Yes?”

“The missing Halflings have been found. They are in the King`s tent! I was sent to inform you of this and tell you that the King wishes that you and the Ring-bearers join him there.”

Gandalf thanked the soldier and went to find Frodo and Sam. A short while later the three entered Aragorn`s tent.

Frodo was overjoyed to learn that Merry and Pippin had been found but the cry of joy died on his lips as he saw Merry lying on Aragorn`s cot and Pippin sitting stiffly by the bed, clearly in discomfort.

“Pippin!” Frodo ran to embrace Pippin and was hugged just as warmly back, then both cousins turned to the bed where Merry lay so still. Frodo couldn`t help but gasp as he saw how pale and still Merry was.

“Merry!” Frodo released Pippin and reached for Merry`s hand, patting it and calling his name. When he didn`t get a reaction, he turned to the healers. “Strider?” Frodo demanded.

“I`m sorry, Frodo, but Merry has broken his ankle.”  Aragorn said when Frodo looked at him inquiringly.

“I can see that,” Frodo said, gently caressing Merry`s good leg “but why is he so still and pale? This pallor and stillness is caused by more than a broken bone.” Frodo moved to Merry`s head and stroked his cheek. “He`s cold!”

“Yes,” Aragorn said, coming over to kneel in front of the hobbits. Sam and Pippin stood by Frodo now too, both keeping a steadying arm around him. “Frodo, Merry suffers too from a much graver affliction. It`s the Black Breath.”

“Black Breath?” Sam said, interrupting. “That`s some of what Mr. Frodo suffered from after that dreadful creature stabbed him on Weathertop!”

“Yes,” Gandalf said. He`d come in with the others but hadn’t spoken as yet, not wanting to interrupt Frodo’s reunion with Pippin, and himself shocked at Merry’s appearance. He went to the bed and gently touched Merry`s face, while closing his eyes, trying to find the hobbit`s wandering spirit.

All the hobbits had told some tales of what had happened to them since they wer separated, but many things lay still in the dark and Frodo understood that this was a good time to bring some of them out into the light. “I know Merry was touched by Shadow in Bree, but I have not heard of him being touched by it since.”

“All of you were touched by Darkness on Weathertop though only you, Frodo, took a wound then. The others were merely stunned.” Gandalf said. He too crouched down in front of the hobbits now, gently patting Merry`s hand as he lowered his stiff and old body down to hobbit eye level. “What do you know of Merry`s deeds on the Pelennor?”

“I know that he and the Lady Éowyn slew the chief Nazgûl,” Frodo said. “And that he hurt his arm in some way that day.” He shook his head. “He`s been very reluctant to give away much detail of what happened, and Pippin has not revealed what Merry would not. I begin to understand better now I think. When Merry stabbed the Witch-king he too was hurt.”

Gandalf nodded. The hobbits needed to talk about these events between themselves and in their own time, but being under the spell of the Shadow was no light ailment and hard as it might be to hear the other hobbits needed to know what ailed their dear one.

“But, sirs,” Sam said. “That evil is destroyed now. How can Mr. Merry still be suffering from that… that thing!”

“The evil may be conquered, but the Shadow is of such a nature that once it has taken hold of someone, it is a difficult fight to hold it back. Merry has fought valiantly, but he has been weakened by this new injury, and the Shadow is quick to seek a hold when it may. It is not Merry’s ankle that I am most concerned about at the moment.” Aragorn said.

As if hearing his name, Merry twisted his head a little on the pillow and all the others turned as one to face him. There was no doubt the hobbit was in great discomfort. “Have you not given him anything to reduce the pain?” Gandalf asked.

“I feared giving him too much with the Black Breath upon him so heavily, and I also hoped that the pain might rouse him from the darkness the Shadow has cast upon him. I will give him something stronger now.” He moved to prepare a tonic from several phials on the table by the bed and then administered it to Merry as the others watched worriedly. Frodo and Pippin huddled together by Merry`s head and Sam stood anxiously on the other side of the bed, all of them keenly watching Aragorn`s every movement.

“Have you not called him back?” Gandalf said, looking from the King to the hobbit suffering hobbit.

“Yes I did, but his mind is wandering far. I brought him then from the brink, but could not awaken him, even with athelas. It is not safe for him to wander so long, and I was about to try again when you arrived.  I will try now. I`m afraid that if his mind wanders for too long it might wander too far for me to reach him.”

“Oh!” Frodo and Pippin huddled closer together and Sam moved over to the other side of the bed, laying a comforting hand on Frodo`s arm. Aragorn looked from one to the other. “I do not mean to frighten you my friends, and I will give another attempt now.”

“Why didn`t the athelas work the first time?” Frodo asked.

Aragorn sighed. “As I said before, this isn’t the first time Merry has been touched by Shadow and he is still weak from his old injuries in addition to this new one. One could think that Merry would learn to fight against the Shadow more easily the more he is touched by it, but he is not as strong as the he was. He may gain that strength again, and I have no doubt that he will, but for the moment he isn`t strong enough to withstand the force of Shadow. Also, the Shadow knows him and his weakness.

Frodo nodded at this. That made sense. Still, he was frightfully worried for his cousin and if Aragorn hadn`t stopped him, he`d climbed up on the bed with Merry and gathered him in his arms. Instead he tightened his hold on Pippin and watched as Aragorn leaned over Merry again. Frodo had seen Merry injured before but he stillness of his cousin and the cold hand scared him. Getting answers to his questions didn`t make it less frightening to see Merry so. Aragorn had also said that a gentle touch and the familiar voice of a loved one might help Merry back into the Light, and Frodo understood that, from his own experience. Still, it wasn`t easier being the one who comforted and soothed when he knew something of how it was to be under that wretched spell. And Merry had been exposed to it not once, but three times, and had actually set blade to the foul creature. What terrible darkness must hold his cousin in its icy grip? He knew of the nightmares and the struggle and how hard it was to fight back. Whatever could he do? What had the others done for him when the lure of the Ring became too much or when he`d been so wretched with cold and dreams after he was stabbed?

He couldn`t really remember, but they were all there for him, in their different and equally important ways. Sam with his practicality and constant flow of blankets and food and other little things that made it possible to go on, made it a bit easier to continue, and to take just one more step closer to Mount Doom. Pippin, his cheerful little cousin who despite, or rather because of his penchant for mischief and trouble-making, always made him smile and laugh, easing the road with talk of home and food and keeping him light-hearted with memories. And Merry, sweet Merry, practical and dependable, yet in different ways than Sam. Always ready with a shoulder to cry on or with a bit of advice or solution to a problem. Merry, who loved maps and books just as much as Frodo himself and who was a willing and eager student if Frodo had something to teach him. Baby cousin, wise peer, and valued friend, all at once.

Frodo sighed, and brushed a stray lock away from Merry`s face. He wished he could teach Merry how to fight off the Shadow, but he wasn`t sure he had the answer to it. The only thing he knew was that he couldn`t have managed it without his dear cousins and friends.

Frodo sat like that for a while, thinking and remembering as Aragorn again tried to call Merry back. Pippin was equally engrossed in his own thoughts.

Pippin hadn`t seen Argorn call Merry back in the Houses of Healing as he and Gandalf had arrived just after and the only thing he had seen Aragorn do was touch Merry`s eyes and draw a hand through his curls before calling his name.

Aragorn sat down on the cot and took Merry`s face in his hands. He leant in and concentrated on pouring energy and life into the injured hobbit again. Finally Aragorn sensed the Shadow retreating as the hobbit struggled toward Aragorn’s voice and the Light. After struggling for several minutes Merry took a deep breath, then slowly opened his eyes.

“Merry!” Three hobbits, a Wizard and a Man slowly came into focus. At first Merry didn`t know anything but a bone chilling cold that numbed everything in a painful way and utter darkness, but slowly another sort of pain entered his world. Anxious faces looking at him. What had he been dreaming? And what was this pain that seared through his body. Merry thought it might emanate from his leg but he wasn`t sure. As the faces slowly came into focus the anxiousness that had covered them gave way for genuine smiles and so Merry tried for a smile of his own.

“Welcome back Meriadoc.” Gandalf said as Merry`s eyes fastened upon him, before closing in proper sleep this time.

*****

They moved Merry to his own cot and Legolas and Gimli joined them there. The companions ate a late supper and Pippin told the rest of the company what had happened in the woods. The hobbits and Gandalf sat down to watch over Merry, a tonic ready for him if he should wake up before the morning. Aragorn had examined Merry once more and was now ready to leave with Legolas and Gimli when there was a sound by the tent entrance.

“My lord!” The soldier standing there said. “We`ve found another.”

“Another what?” Demanded Gandalf.

“Another snake, sir. We searched the campsite and found no snake that matched the description we got but as we were to finish the search a Guard found one close to the stream. It was killed but I was told to come get the King at once if we found another snake.”

“Thank you.” Aragorn said and hastily left the tent with the elf and the dwarf. “I gave him herbs for the pain but he will likely still be in discomfort when he wakes,” Aragorn said. “Do not hesitate to send for me if there is any change.”

*****

“Another snake?” Pippin didn`t feel very comfortable at that thought. He had hoped that the one he and Merry had stumbled upon was the only one. He was glad this new one was dead now though, and hoped that the Man who killed it didn`t get hurt.

“Yes, the Dark Lord has many ways of spreading his poison.” Gandalf said, glumly. It would still be some time before all of Sauron`s servants were killed. “You are safe here though. Do not let the troubles of others burden you. Watch over your cousin and try to not worry too much about other things. You are all still weary.”

Frodo and Pippin sat down on either side of Merry`s cot, both watching keenly for any sign of Merry wakening or being in pain. Hours passed before Merry suddenly started muttering and tossing his head from side to side. Frodo and Pippin leant over the cot and Sam looked up from where he`d been making a bracing cup of tea for all of them. Pippin lay his hand on Merry`s cheek to try and calm him and drew back in surprise. “He`s hot! Gandalf!” Pippin tugged on Gandalf`s robes and the Wizard knelt down and lay a large, but gentle hand on Merry`s brow.

“Yes indeed!” Gandalf said just as surprised as Pippin. He`d seen how carefully Aragorn had washed Merry`s wounds and dressed them. The sudden heat in the young hobbit`s skin couldn\t be caused by infection? “Sam fetch a basin and some water, Pippin find some clean cloths. Frodo you stay beside him. I`ll go and get Aragorn. I fear he might injure himself further if he continues to toss about like that.”

“What about the Shadow?” Pippin asked. “Can that have come back? He can`t get a fever from having a nightmare? Can he?” Pippin knew all too well that nightmares haunted also Merry`s sleep also and shuddered a little at the thought. He could still remember his own most recent nightmare, only a couple of night ago.

“I doubt it” Gandalf said. “Still, I will take no chances.” He hurried out of the tent.

Frodo tried to wake Merry but didn`t get any response. He took Merry`s face in his hands in an effort to stop his thrashing in the grip of a fevered nightmare. “Merry! Come back to us, please!” Pippin was weeping soundlessly and hovered over Merry from the other side of the cot. Sam took one of the cloths Pippin had found and wet it before handing it to Pippin so he could soothe Merry`s warm skin before moving to the foot of the bed, trying to immobilize the injured leg.

When Aragorn arrived with Gandalf a few moments later, the other three hobbits were more or less up on the cot with the unconscious Merry, trying to reassure him, cool him or keep the injured leg still.

“Strider!” The hobbits said all at once.

Aragorn moved Frodo and Pippin gently to the side and the two hobbits clung to each other, both crying freely now. Sam tried not to cry and choked down a sob as he kept careful hold of Merry`s foot, not letting go until he was asked to. For a few minutes there was a frenzy of activity before Aragorn decided he had done what he could for the moment. He didn`t understand where the fever came from at first but after unbinding Merry`s leg with Sam`s help, found that one of the wounds he`d so carefully cleaned had become a little infected. He rinsed and cleaned the wound again before wrapping Merry`s leg up again in poultices.

Merry slept obliviously now after being given another sleeping draught. Aragorn stayed with them the rest of the night, continuously monitoring Merry`s pulse and temperature. Sam and Frodo fell reluctantly at last to sleep in their chairs, and Gandalf carried them to lie on Pippin`s cot. Pippin stayed awake as long as he could, but eventually fell into an exhausted doze, curled up in a ball on the foot of Merry`s Man-sized cot.

*****

The sun was high in the sky when the first stirrings of life came from the hobbits. Sam stretched and rose, not at first remembering where he was and looked about wildly for a moment before understanding that he was in Pippin and Merry`s tent.

“Good morning, sirs. How is Mr. Merry?” Sam rose and splashed a little water in his face to clear his head.

“Meriadoc is sleeping and Aragorn has gone to fetch more healing herbs,” Gandalf said, and just then the tent flap opened and Legolas came in, holding the flap to the side so Aragorn could enter with a tray full of herbs and bandages and other medical items. Behind him Gimli came carrying a tray groaning with food enough for an army or a few hungry hobbits.

Aragorn went straight to Merry and started to check him over. He had a low fever and the sword arm was still cold, but the injured ankle was no worse and the Shadow didn`t seem to have taken a new hold of him. To be on the safe side Aragorn took a few leaves of athelas and steeped them in hot water before wringing out a cloth and placing it on Merry`s brow. Frodo and Pippin woke then, revived by the refreshing scent of athelas and very hungry. They refused to eat though until Aragorn had seen to Merry.

The athelas also woke Merry up and he scrunched up his face in pain and closed his eyes tightly. “Ow! What have I done?”

“And good morning to you too.” Aragorn said, smiling and helping Merry when he tried to sit up, propping pillows behind his back and lifting him slightly.

“Merry!” Frodo and Pippin were at his side in an instant. “You`re finally awake! How do you feel?”

“Finally awake, eh? Have I slept over something of importance since you`re all so enthusiastic to see me wake?” Merry said, trying to jest. Something was wrong, but his cousins and friends looked so worried that he couldn`t help but try to lighten their moods. There was a smell of athelas in the air and something hurt fiercely but he was too muddled to figure it out just now. He turned his head a little. “Sam, you haven`t celebrated your birthday and let me sleep right through the party, now have you?”

“No, Mr. Merry, I wouldn’t think of it!” Sam beamed, relieved that Merry seemed to be nearly his old self. Merry had been teasing Sam about celebrating his birthday doubly since he had slept right through it, but there had been too many banquets and formal celebrations of the Ring-bearers to have a proper hobbit party yet.

“Merry?” Aragorn tapped Merry on the shoulder to get his attention again. “How do you feel?”

Merry thought a little. “I am not sure. My leg hurts.” It all came back to him now – the forest, the tumble and the snake. He had no clue on how he had managed to get back to camp though. Still muddled and suddenly very tired again Merry yawned and closed his eyes. “And it feels like I`ve been working awfully hard. I`m tired...” He slid down a little deeper under the covers, his eyes refusing to remain open.

“Yes, you have, terribly hard,” Pippin said clasping Merry’s hand tightly. “But the Shadow is gone for now. Rest and sleep Merry and we`ll be here when you wake up.“

*****

When Merry woke next Frodo was sitting on a chair by his bed and Pippin was sleeping peacefully on his cot. Sam and Aragorn could not be seen, and Gandalf was not there either.

“Good afternoon!” Frodo said and handed Merry a cup of tea and placed a tray on his lap with enough food for them both and some to spare. “Eat, Merry. You`ve slept over both breakfasts and elevenses.”

“I have?” Merry said and tried to eat the lunch of chicken soup and bread but didn`t really feel too well and soon pushed the tray aside. He was hot and lethargic and wanted only to rest and sleep and his foot hurt despite the drought Frodo also had pressed upon him. “What happened?” Merry asked, sipping the tea instead.

“What do you remember?”

Merry thought a bit. “I fell when trying to fend off a snake and my leg twisted. I can`t remember much after that. How did I get back here?” He looked at Pippin`s sleeping form. “Pippin didn`t carry me, did he?” Merry hoped Pippin hadn`t tried to do that as he was not well himself and to support Merry`s weight would only make his injuries worse.

“No, he didn`t. Your ankle was badly broken. Pippin splinted it and then watched over you and kept you warm for several hours until you were found. A Ranger from Ithilien happened to find you on his way back to camp. He carried you back here. Aragorn tended you in his tent and then you were brought here.” Frodo looked Merry in the eye for some time. “Merry…” His voice broke and he caught Merry`s right hand between his own, rubbing it slightly. “You were under the spell of the Shadow for a long time and at first the athelas didn`t work on you.”

Merry opened his eyes wider at that and sat up, putting his other hand on Frodo`s. “I…” What could he say? He could still feel the Shadow lurking at the edge of his consciousness but he wouldn`t give in as long as he had anything to say in the matter. But because he had been overwhelmed by the pain of the broken ankle he had let his guard down. And now he had scared the others too. “I`m sorry,” Merry finally said.

“Don`t be silly Merry. It certainly wasn’t your fault, any of it.” Frodo sat on Merry`s bedside and hugged him tight. “I`m just glad you came back to us.”

Merry hugged Frodo tightly, relishing the feeling of holding close the cousin he`d been so worried about for so long now safe at last. Both of them were crying now. They`d lost too much to not feel grateful for what they had.

At last Frodo pulled back and wiped away his own and Merry`s tears with trembling fingers. Merry`s skin was a little hot and he looked tired.  “Go back to sleep now. I`ll sit with you. You`re still a bit feverish I think.” He gently pushed Merry back down onto the pillows and went to the washstand to wet a cloth and washed Merry`s face with it before wetting it again and putting it on his cousin’s brow.

TBC

PART FOUR:

Pippin woke to the sounds of quiet talk and turned over on his cot. Gandalf and Aragorn were having a whispered conversation in the far corner of the tent. Merry slept and Frodo and Sam were having a cup of tea and some bread. Seeing Pippin waking up, Frodo poured out a cup of tea for him and made him a plate with bread and jam. “Strider says you are to stay in bed, Pippin,” Frodo said.

”King`s orders,” Aragorn said with a smile.

Frodo produced a covered cup from the table and held it out to Pippin. “And you`re to drink this.”

Pippin hesitated. He wasn`t the one needing draughts today, now was he? “Come now,” Frodo said. “It`s just a tea with a few herbs to help your aches and pains and I personally saw to it being sweetened with honey.” It was the only way for Pippin to take a nasty tea. Merry however would rather drink the bitter brew down and would scrunch his face up in disgust at the very thought of honey in his tea.

Setting the mug down, Pippin tucked into his bread and jam. “How`s Merry?” he asked between bites.

“He`s been sleeping since lunch. He tried eating a little but he wasn`t feeling all that well. He still had a bit of fever and was tired and still in pain.”

Pippin had barely finished his tea when the guard standing outside the tent looked inside. “The Ranger who found the Halflings is here now,” he said when Aragorn acknowledged him.

“Bid him enter,” Aragorn said. “I`m afraid Merry is still asleep though.”

“Not any more,” a groggy voice said, and Merry struggled to sit up, rubbing his hands through his curls so they stood about wildly.

“That is good to hear as you have a guest,” Gandalf said and moved to help Merry sit up properly without jostling his foot.

“I have?” Merry looked curiously at the Ranger still standing in the opening of the tent.

“I come to see how you are faring Sir Meriadoc. I was quite worried when I found you and your cousin in the forest yestereve.”

“It was you who found us?” Merry smoothed his curls down and straightened his blankets a little in an attempt to make himself a bit more presentable. “I`m afraid I`m a bad host, trapped in this bed as I am.”

“I would have found it quite extraordinary if you weren`t,” the Ranger said, bowing. “Allow me to introduce myself. I`m Fermund, a Ranger of Ithilien.”

Merry introduced himself in the proper way then said, “But you are so fair, I would have thought you a Rider of Rohan if it weren`t for your garb.”

“And right you would be in doing so. My family come from the Westfold but I moved to Gondor some years back when I married.”

“Ah, I see.” Merry smiled. This man was a bit of all the new worlds he`d come to love – Rohan, Gondor and Ithilien. “Please sit.” He gestured to a chair beside the bed. Everything was man-sized here so Merry didn`t have to worry about asking his guest to sit on the floor.

“Thank you,” Fermund said and sat down. One of the Ring-bearers offered him a cup of tea and Fermund received it with more thanks and much humility. Fermund knew that he was in debt to these small persons and not the other way around. They had saved Middle-earth and what deeds he had done were pale in comparison. He looked at the little hobbit in the overlarge bed. Sir Meriadoc – no, Merry, as he had told Fermund to call him when he formally introduced himself - was fully awake now and looked much better than he had the previous night. The injured foot was propped up on a pillow and Merry was still pale and favoured his right hand but seemed bright and cheerful, quite suited to his name, Fermund thought. Pippin had given him a thorough account of their family trees yesterday as they had walked and he knew that Meriadoc also was a cousin to one of the Ring-bearers and that the other Ring-bearer was considered a very good friend of all three cousins.

“I am forever in your debt. Thank you again,” Merry said gravely. It suddenly occurred to him that he could have died out there in the forest if it hadn`t been for Pippin and the Ranger. Merry looked to Pippin sitting up in the cot next to his and held out his hand. “Thank you, Pippin. For taking such good care of me until Fermund found us.” His thanks and love shone in his eyes and he squeezed Pippin`s hand. They`d talk more later. If he had been able, Merry would have gone to Pippin`s cot and hugged his dear little cousin as tight as he could manage, but the squeeze had to do for now.

Merry looked back to Fermund. “How did you happen to find us and bring us back?” he asked.

“I was out taking a stroll when I saw the Ernil… Pippin`s small fire and that`s when I found you. Pippin was cradling you in his arms and had wrapped you in his cloak to keep you warm. I was quite astonished by his fierce protection of you.” Fermund turned to smile at Pippin. “His own injuries were clearly hurting him, yet he shot to his feet ready to do battle in your defence should I prove to be an enemy.”

“That`s my Pip,” Merry said fondly.

“Thank you for finding my cousins and bringing them back to safety,” Frodo said, bowing from his place on the other side of Pippin`s cot, following the conversation but not interrupting before now.

Sam looked up from where he had been pouring more water into the kettle. “Thank you, sir, for finding Mr. Frodo`s cousins.”

Fermund turned to the other hobbits and went down on his knees in front of Frodo and Sam. “It is I – and all of Middle-earth – that should thank you for all you have done. Had it not been for you,” he included Pippin and Merry in his gaze, “all of you, then we would have been lost.”

Merry looked at Frodo and Sam, seeing the discomfiture in their eyes. Poor Frodo! All this unwanted attention. What could he say? Suddenly feeling tired again, Merry yawned and inched down everso slightly in the bed. Gandalf saw it though and winked to Merry before he cleared his throat. Merry’s life spark was dulling again and Pippin's had also lost some of its brightness. “Now then,” Gandalf said, “this is a healing tent and I do believe the King has some patients to see to. We are all very grateful for your assistance to Peregrin and Meriadoc, good Fermund.”

“I shall take my leave,” Fermund said, rising and turning to leave.

“Wait!” Merry sat up a bit straighter. “Frodo, would you mind giving me my pack?” Merry nodded to where his and Pippin`s packs lay on the other side of Pippin`s cot.

Aragorn, who had watched the conversation in silence, turned from where he had been sorting out supplies for re-bandaging Merry`s foot, curious to what the hobbit intended. He watched as Frodo got Merry`s pack and handed it to his cousin.

Merry nodded his thanks and started digging through the contents. “Ah, here it is. I knew I had one somewhere.”

Fermund watched as Merry dug through his pack and looked with curiosity when Merry retrieved a pipe and a small pouch. “It`s not much, but I want to give you some token of appreciation for saving my life, Fermund,” Merry said. “Please, take it.”

Fermund sat down on the chair by Merry`s bed again. “Thank you, Merry, but that is not necessary. Both Kings extended their thanks to me earlier today.” He patted his surcoat pocket. “King Éomer gave me a pouch of gold coins, and King Elessar has promoted me to Captain of the Ithilien Rangers as Lord Faramir now is Steward.” He looked gratefully at the new King.

Merry was surprised by this. Gold and a promotion for finding him and Pippin? He looked at Strider and arched an eyebrow. Aragorn nodded firmly. “You are both held high in esteem both in Rohan and Gondor, Merry. I would do no less.”

“Say thank you,” Frodo whispered, kicking Merry`s good leg softly from where he sat beside Pippin.

“Thank you,” Merry said, still quite dazed and trying to take in this information. He knew Aragorn was fond of the hobbits and Merry considered Éomer a very good friend… What would he himself give if Frodo or Pippin were lost to have them returned to him safe and sound? He knew the answer instantly of course, he would give his life to have Pippin and Frodo safe. He knew that Aragorn would do the same, for all of them, had always known it, but suddenly seeing this evidence of his worth in Aragorn’s eyes, and Éomer’s, made him feel a bit queer, though in a good way. He looked at Fermund again.

“Well, it is not nearly so grand as gold or a promotion, but please, take it. I know it`s not worth a lot but it`s a little something from the Shire and I have carried it with me all the long miles from home. The weed,” Merry nodded to the pouch, “is courtesy of Saruman I`m afraid as the weed I brought with me is long since gone, but it was grown in the Shire and is one of our finest pipeweeds. Though, how Saruman came upon it I still haven`t figured out.”

Fermund looked at the long-stemmed wooden pipe and the leather pouch with interest. Weed? The Rangers of the south didn`t smoke, but he had seen Mithrandir and King Elessar smoke from a long-stemmed pipe on occasion, in fact, the old Wizard was puffing on his this very moment, although the pipe wasn`t lit. He opened the pouch carefully and sniffed the contents. It was quite pleasant. “I will treasure it always,” Fermund said gravely. “Though, I do not know how to use it.”

 “That can easily be amended,” Merry said. “If you were to come back tomorrow afternoon perhaps we can go outside and have a smoke.” He looked at Aragorn questioningly.

Aragorn looked closely at Merry. “That is far too soon for you to move about Merry. In four days time perhaps.”

Merry put on a beseeching look that would have done Pippin credit, and countered with, “Two days?”

Aragorn considered, then replied, “Three days and we have a bargain. Assuming that I am satisfied with your progress.”

“All right.” Merry turned back to Fermund. “I`ll see you in three days time then?”

“Thank you. I will be looking forward to that,” Fermund said then bowed and left the tent.

“Now, then,” Aragorn said, “I do think I will have another look at that ankle of yours, and you are still tired. Rest is the best thing for you right now.”

*****

Merry had slept for a good bit in the days since Fermund had paid his visit, just waking up long enough to have a bite now and again, and then soon falling asleep once more. Waking up in time for first breakfast on the third day he was feeling refreshed and much better for the rest, and instantly sat up, but gasped a little as pain shot through his leg.

Frodo sat beside Merry on the chair by the bed, his feet contently propped up on the edge of the bed and his hands folded over his stomach. He leaned forward. “Is everything all right? Are you in pain?”

“No, no.” Merry started to remove the covers and was about to swing his good leg over the side of the cot but a new onslaught of pain had him flopping back onto the pillows, out of breath even before Frodo could stop him. Carefully he slid the good leg in under the covers again and lay still.

“Merry! You can`t get up yet, not until Aragorn says that you may. Your ankle is badly broken and far from healed, Aragorn said so himself, and…” Frodo trailed off. How much should he tell Merry?

“And what?” Merry demanded, sitting up again, this time very slowly and without moving his bad leg overmuch. Frodo stood and fluffed the pillows so Merry could sit more comfortably.

“You did have a hard fight with the Shadow," Frodo gently reminded Merry.

“Yes, but I’m better now. I feel fine Frodo. I want to get up and move about a little. And Aragorn said “maybe“ I could today, didn`t he? He looked about the tent. “Where is Pippin?”

“He said he would see about it. Maybe isn`t a yes, Merry. And Pippin is with Gimli and Legolas.”

Pippin arrived just then with Legolas and Merry started fishing through his pack for clean clothes, not paying any heed to the protests from the others about his not being allowed to get up. “It’s no harm in being prepared,” Merry said, but he had to admit defeat as just trying to change from his nightshirt into an ordinary shirt jostled his leg too much.

 “I`ll tell you a story,” Pippin offered, taking the shirt from Merry and sitting down on the edge of Merry's cot. “I know some good ones that I learned in Minas Tirith and I`m sure you haven`t heard them.”

“Thank you, Pip, that might actually get my mind of this dratted leg.”

When Pippin was finished with his story, Merry remembered that Pippin had only been allowed up for short periods of time now, and wondered aloud why he had been out and about when Merry had awakened. He didn’t want Pippin overdoing because he himself was sleeping too much and not taking proper care of his cousin.

Pippin blushed as the attention was turned to him. “I… well, Legolas carried me outside, just for some fresh air, and I haven`t walked much.”

“Pippin is correct,” Legolas said with a smile.

Merry nodded in approval. Legolas wouldn't let Pippin hurt himself.

*****

As the four hobbits were about to finish second breakfast Aragorn finally arrived together with Gandalf and Gimli. Aragorn was carrying a long, thin package, wrapped in green cloth. He laid the package aside and knowing better than to try to come between a hobbit and his meal waited patiently for them to finish. Then he poked and prodded at Pippin, pronouncing him completely recovered from this latest adventure, and then he examined Merry`s foot intently. At last he rewrapped the bandages around the splint, and smiled. “You are healing nicely, Merry, and I think you will soon be back on your feet again.”

“That is good news!” Pippin said, from where he and Frodo and Sam were still sitting on Pippin`s cot.

“Yes it is.” Aragorn patted Merry`s good knee and sat down in the chair beside the bed to have a look at the rest of the hobbit. Merry`s hand and arm felt warm again, although he still hadn`t regained his former use of it, and his grip was very weak. “I have something here to make your grip stronger, Merry,” he said,

“You mean something other than writing all those letters? I know you were behind that you know. Why else would Éomer suddenly need to write so many letters?”

Aragorn laughed. “It is not a pen, no. And I do admit I had something to do with it. Although, a new King has many letters to send, informing his folk and friends about this and that and Éomer really did need you to serve as his scribe.”

Aragorn retrieved the mysterious package from where it lay on the bedside table. It was too long to be a hobbit-sized sword, and besides, Merry had got his sword back after a fashion – Gimli had forged a new blade for the hilt of Merry’s own sword, all that had been left of the weapon after he had struck his blow to the Witch-king. Merry had looked at this curious item and tried to think what it could be while Aragorn examined him, but he could not think what it was.

“Why don`t you open it?” Aragorn lay the package in Merry`s lap and the others crowded close; all the surviving Fellowship was gathered about him and had the other three hobbits not been sitting on Pippin`s cot it would have been hard to fit them all in the little tent.

Merry looked at them for a moment before untying the strings around the package and stared at the contents in pleased surprise. “A walking stick?” He said, amused but happy that he might soon have the opportunity to be able to walk about again.

“A very fine one.” Gandalf nodded, “It was made so you can walk around a little while your ankle still is healing.”

Merry looked at each and one of them in turn, pondering whom to thank. “Thank you,” he finally said to them all.

“Oh, don`t thank us, it`s Fermund who made this,” Gimli said.

“Fermund? He made this for me?”

“Yes. He`s quite skilled when it comes to working with wood,” Aragorn said. “He offered during my meeting with him to make this gift for you.”

“How kind of him,” breathed Merry, admiring the craftsmanship. The stick was the perfect length for Merry and the handle was carved in the likeness of a horse`s head and neck and wound about the length of the stick was the same pattern that edged Merry`s livery cloak. The bottom was bound with a ferrule of silver on which were etched the banners of Éomer’s household. “This is beautiful!” Merry held the stick with both hands and looked at it admiringly. “But what`s this?” At the top, as the winding pattern widened out to meet the handle, runes in Westron proclaimed that the stick belonged to Sir Meriadoc, Holdwine of the Mark, but there was also written something in elvish. Merry recognised one of the words immediately. “Alasseo?” Merry said in wonder. “Legolas, did you have something to do with this?” Merry looked at the rest of the text. “And what`s this? Elen Sila Lύmenn' Omentielvo?” He stumbled a little over the pronunciation but Frodo looked at him proudly.

“Don`t you remember your elvish, Merry? Frodo laughed. “You should know enough to translate what it means.” He smiled fondly at his cousin.

“Frodo!” Merry said. “It was you!”

“No, it was I,” Legolas said. “Fermund came to me and asked if I would help him with writing an elvish text upon the stick. He had heard that an elvish blessing is said to bestow special luck.”

Merry smiled at Legolas. “Thank you!”

“You`re very welcome.” Legolas smiled back, resisting the urge to ruffle Merry`s curls. Instead he squeezed his shoulder. “Can you translate it? Frodo tells me you know some elvish.”

“Let`s see. I know Alasseo at least. It is the first elvish word that Frodo ever taught me.”

“What does it mean?” Pippin asked.

“It means “merry”, Merry answered, smiling.

“Oh, that`s perfect!” Pippin said, all but bouncing on the cot.

“Yes it is. Frodo, you have to help me with the rest. It`s something… something about a star I think, yes, a star that shines, and something about to see, no, meet?”

“Yes that`s right. Very good! It says “Merry - a stars shines upon the hour of our meeting”.”

“That`s beautiful!” Merry felt tears pricking in his eyes. He didn`t deserve such a gift from the Ranger. “Where is Fermund? I must thank him for this at once. How kind of him!”

“I am here,” Fermund said, from where he was standing, hidden behind Gandalf. He had come in quietly when Aragorn had presented Merry with the gift and had watched the whole exchange. “And it is true. A star did shine upon our first meeting, and will continue to do so whenever we meet.”

“Indeed it will!” Merry said. “Thank you so much! This is wonderful and I will never forget your thoughtfulness. How did you manage to make this so quickly?”

“I had a bit of help,” Fermund said, pointedly nodding at Legolas and Gimli.” Our friend Gimli here provided the ferrule, and Legolas as you know assisted me with the elvish characters. Thanks to our combined skills it was finished but an hour ago.”

Merry beamed up at them all, grateful and happy to have such friends. “Thank you. All of you,” he said. He felt his eyes fill with tears and hurriedly wiped them away.

“You`re very welcome young hobbit, ” Gimli said gruffly, his own eyes suspiciously bright.

“Strider? Can I try it, please? I`m sure I`ll be able to walk a few steps if I have something to lean on and this is just perfect!”

“All right, Merry. But be careful.” Aragorn helped Merry rise and put the walking stick in his hand. The grip fit his hand perfectly. “Careful now.”

Merry swayed just a bit and many pairs of hands reached out to help him. Then he found his balance and placed the stick firmly on the ground and it held him upright as he leaned on it. Tentatively he took a step and he found that he could hobble a bit, not easily, but the effort was not too much for him to manage. He walked around the bed and went to stand in front of Fermund. “Thank you again.” He shot a glance at Aragorn before he continued. “Now, would you like to accompany me outside for a smoke? I believe I promised to teach you how to properly smoke Longbottom Leaf.”

“I would indeed!” Fermund said and took Merry’s other hand to support him.

THE END

A/N: Apparently I am not the first to think Merry’s first Elvish word would be "Allaseo". Marigold thought it up before me and it is first mentioned in Baylor's story "I Always Know You."