I See the Moon and the Moon Sees Me

'Merry?' the little one says, head comfortably ensconced in the teen's lap as they gaze at the stars in wonder.

'Yes, Pip?' This one was graced with endless patience, perhaps in preparation to be older cousin to this younger one.

'Where does the moon go, when he's behind a cloud?'

'He's still there, Pip, the cloud's only hiding him.'

Reassured, the younger one smiles and falls asleep. Merry always knows the answer.

In the Houses of Healing, the younger cousin thinks on these words, as he sits and holds an icy hand. Merry's not gone, the Shadow's only hiding him...