Climbing Lesson

Pippin needed a boost to reach the lowest branches, but after that he proved himself to be an excellent climber, not once faltering or wobbling. Nonetheless Frodo kept one hand hovering at Pippin’s back as he followed behind, ready to steady his cousin if necessary.

When they climbed as high as Frodo dared (which was daringly high for most hobbits) they perched on a sturdy branch, the sun warming their faces and their legs swinging in the breeze. Pippin tucked himself close against Frodo’s side and looked down in awe at the thin ribbons of smoke curling into the sky from the chimneys below and the small shapes moving along the road before they disappeared into the trees.

At last Pippin smiled and turned to Frodo. “It didn’t seem like we had climbed all that way,” he said, “when we were climbing.”

“That’s what I always think,” Frodo laughed. “All right, Pippin. Are you ready now for your next lesson?”

“Oh, yes,” Pippin nodded eagerly. “What is it, Frodo?”

Frodo grinned. “How to climb down.”