Sign in or 
Share this
~Pippin's Orc~
Pippin was bored. Bored, bored, bored.
Rivendell was fine and all but he was still bored.
He had been thrown out of Frodo's room more times than he could
count and now Merry had come down with a cold, so he was no fun
either.
"Please, Merry. It's just a game of cards", Pippin begged.
"Pip, I told you already. I don't feel well", Merry sighed irritably.
But at his cousin's downcast look, Merry smiled sympatheticlly.
"Perhaps later when I've rested", Merry offered.
"Alright, Mer", Pippin mumbled softly as he looked at his sniffling,
sneezing cousin. He walked to the door but then stopped and looked
over his shoulder. "I hope you feel better soon", Pippin said
politely before he walked out the door.
He made his way down to Frodo's room hoping that Gandalf and Elrond
would be gone. If they were, he knew he could talk Sam into letting
him in for a bit.
But his hopes were dashed when he knocked on the door and Gandalf
opened it. "yes, Peregrin?" Gandalf asked.
"Can I see Frodo now?" Pippin asked hopefully.
"May I see Frodo now?" Gandalf corrected the young hobbit.
Pippin sighed inwardly and resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
Getting fresh now would just get him tossed out of Frodo's room
again. "May I see Frodo now?" he dutifully repeated.
"I'm afraid now is not a good time", Gandalf said kindly.
"But, Gandalf", Pippin protested.
The door opened a little more then and Aragorn came into view.
"Is there a problem gentlemen?" Aragorn asked.
"I want to see Frodo", Pippin said boldly.
"I'm afraid not right now", Aragorn said. "Perhaps later".
"Everybody keeps saying not now", Pippin complained. "But if I keep
waiting for everything to happen later, my laters will be so full, I
won't have time for anything".
Both Aragorn and Gandalf had to fight hard to hold back their
laughter.
Just then, the door opened even farther still and Elrond was
suddenly frowning down at him.
"What is the meaning of this commotion?" Elrond asked sternly.
"I, I just wanted to see Frodo", Pippin stammered out faintly.
He couldn't explain why, but he was deathly afraid of Elrond.
"And what have you already been told?" Elrond asked in the same
stern tone.
"Everybody says not now", Pippin admitted unhappily.
"Then I suggest you wait untill later", Elrond informed him.
Then he bent low over the young hobbit. "Now why don't you go
outside into the fresh air and find something to do?"
"Alright", Pippin sighed as his shoulders slumped miseraly.
He turned then and wandered up the hall.
Pippin walked up the hall lost in his thoughts and didn't notice the
tall, blond elf untill they colided.
Pippin ran into the back of the elf and then backed up quickly.
"Oh, begging your pardon, miss", he appologized.
"Miss?" the elf said as he turned around to face the young hobbit.
"Oh, sorry", Pippin squeeked out in surprise. It was still a little
hard for him to tell the difference from behind between the male and
female elves.
Pippin turned then and ran out the nearest door leaving Legolas
standing and watching him.
Legolas laughed and walked away, shaking his head.
Pippin ran out into Elrond's gardens and then stopped and looked
around. He choose a path and wandered down it idly.
He soon stopped and sat down in the dirt.
He sat for a while stewing over his currant state of abuse.
"They just won't let me have any fun", he grumbled to himself.
As he sat there, he noticed a very big, very wet puddle.
Pippin studdied the puddle for a minute and then tapped his foot in
it. He was rewarded with a small splash, which delighted the little
hobbit.
He tapped his foot again, another splash.
He climbed to his feet and grinned. They had all been telling him to
find something to do. He looked around cautiously and then, with a
loud whoop, he jumped into the puddle, sending a large spray of
water all around. He jumped several more times before a roar of
outrage stopped him. Pippin froze and stared at the two, dripping,
wet dwarves.
"Have you taken leave of your senses?" Gimli roared furiously.
Pippin stared in shock for a minute more and then he whirled around
and took off running.
Gimli shook his head in disgust. "You woud never see a dwarf acting
that way", he snorted.
"That was not a dwarf", Gloin calmly reminded his son. "That was a
hobbit, and a very young one at that".
Pippin ran as fast as he could, hoping that neither of the dwarves
was persuing him. As he ran though, he didn't notice the large man
that was sitting on a stone bench, sharpening a knife, untill he ran
into his shield, knocking it down along with his sword and two long
spears. Pippin stared in shock at the scattered weapons around him.
"I, I'm sorry", Pippin stuttered out frightendly right before he
turned and tried to take off running again.
But Boromir caught Pippin by the back of his braces and pulled him
to a halt. "Just where do you think you're going?" Boromir asked.
"Away?" Pippin said hopefully.
Boromir shook his head though and reeled Pippin in to stand by his
knee. "I am Boromir of Gondor", Boromir said. "What is your name?"
"I, my name is Pippin", Pippin said nervously.
"Well, Pippin", Boromir said as he gestured around at his scattered
weapons. "Do you normally make such a mess as this and then leave it
to others to pick it up?"
"Um, no. Not normally", Pippin admitted.
"Well then, young hobbit", Boromir said as he tried to sound
stern. "I think you have a mess to clean up".
"Yes, sir", Pippin mumbled.
He started with the spears, thinking they would be the lightest.
He pulled one upright and drug it back over to the bench and leaned
it there. Then, he did the same thing with the second one.
After that, he moved on to the sword. He reached down and grasped
the handle and tried to lift it. But it quickly proved to be much
too heavy. He tried again and then noticed that Boromir was standing
over him. "I think", Boromir chuckled. "That this might be a bit too
heavy for you".
Pippin blushed and lowered his gaze.
Boromir grinned down at the youngster and then gestured to his
shield. "Finish up, little one". He bent then and delivered a gentle
swat to the hobbit's seat.
Pippin squeeked in alarm at the soft swat and scurried out of reach.
Boromir watched him for a minute, chuckling but then he noticed that
his hand was wet.
"Little one?" Boromir said curiously. "Why are you wet?"
"Cause I was jumping in a puddle", Pippin replied distractedly as he
studdied Boromir's shield, trying to decide the best way to move it.
Boromir's eye brows rose in surprise as he stared at the young
hobbit.
Pippin turned to look at Boromir and then he shrugged his shoulders
and returned his attention to the shield. He thought his answer made
perfect sense.
Pippin grasped the edge of the shield then and pulled. His feet
slipped though and he fell, sitting hard on the ground.
He scrambled to his feet and glared. He was sorely tempted to kick
the offending disk of metal, wood and leather.
"Try again", Boromir urged.
Pippin reached in and caught hold of the leather strap on the inside
of the shield and pulled as hard as he could.
But his feet slipped again and this time he fell forward and ended
up sitting in the curved part of the shield.
Boromir burst out laughing and earned a glare from the hobbit.
"I am sorry", Boromir appologized as he got to his feet and
approached his shield.
He lifted Pippin out and stood him on his feet. Then he slung his
shield on his back and returned to the bench he had been sitting on
earlier, motioning for Pippin to follow him.
"I couldn't move it", Pippin moped as he gestured at the shield. "It
was too heavy, just like your sword".
"Well,.....I didn't truly expect you to", Boromir said kindly. "I
knew everything would be too big and heavy for you".
Then he shook his head in disbelief. "I'm amazed that you were even
able to move the spears by yourself".
"If you knew that I couldn't, then why did you make me?" Pippin
demanded sulkily.
"Because I wanted you to at least try", Boromir said softly.
Pippin sagged despondantly. "Well...., I couldn't", Pippin moped.
"But you did some of it", Boromir encouraged.
Pippin thought about it for a minute and then his face lit up.
"I did. Didn't I?" he crowed.
"You did indeed", Boromir chuckled.
Pippin grinned delightedly up at the man but then he suddenly became
shy. "Am I done? Can I go now?" he asked timidly.
"Yes you are done and yes you may go", Boromir said regretfully.
He was charmed by the little hobbit and he would have spent a bit
more time with him.
Pippin turned and walked away, casting a quick, nervous glance over
his shoulder at Boromir as he walked away.
Boromir watched him go and shook his head. "What a strange child",
he murmured softly to himself.
Pippin would have been less than ammuzed if he had heard that
comment. But fortunately, at the moment, he was busy following a
brite, colorfull spark. "What a pretty, little bird", Pippin cried
out. And indeed it was. It was small, only about the size of
pippin's thumb and it was a brilliant blue and green with a patch of
vibrant red at it's throat.
Pippin followed the little bird as it flew along into a small wooded
area. Suddenly though, Pippin tripped and fell, losing sight of the
bird.
"Oh, bother", Pippin grumbled irritably. He sat up in the dirt and
looked around. "Oooh, a cave", he squeeled delightedly.
To his right was a small cave, just big enough for a man or elf to
stand up in, though it did seem to go quite far back.
Pippin rose to his feet and entered the cave. "Might as well see
where this goes", Pippin muttered to himself.
He was about two thirds of the way in when his foot struck something.
He heard a soft grunt and then a large, scaly hand grabbed his ankle.
Pippin cried out in fright and tried to pull free.
"Hush!" a gruff, gutteral voice ordered.
Hush? Pippin thought. What an odd thing for a monster to say. For
that is what Pippin thought it was. After all, what else would be
hiding in the dark like that?
"Sit down", the monster growled gruffly, then he gave a gentle yank
on Pippin's ankle and the young hobbit sat on the ground.
"Who, who are you?" Pippin asked frightenedly.
"I am Grugluk", the voice said. "What's your name?"
"My name is Pippin", the youngster answered.
"Strange name for an elf", Grugluk grunted.
"It's because I'm not an elf", Pippin replied. "I'm a hobbit".
"A hobbity, you say?" Grugluk said with sudden, keen interest.
"UH, huh", Pippin said. Then he frowned slightly. "What are you?" he
asked.
The sudden flair of a match and then a torch was lit and thrust into
the soft dirt of the ground, giving Pippin his first look at his
captor.
Pippin's eyes widened in alarm and he gasped.
"That's right", Grugluk sighed irritably. "I'm an orc".
"What are you doing here?" Pippin asked nervously.
"Hiding", was Grugluk's clipped answer.
"From the elves?" Pippin asked.
"Them too", Grugluk grunted painfully.
"Who else?" Pippin persisted.
Grugluk sighed. He was going to have a conversation with this very
inquistitive, young hobbit whether he liked it or not.
"I'm hiding from the other orc's that I was with yesterday", Grugluk
answered.
"Why?" Pippin asked.
"Because I have no wish to die this day", Grugluk replied.
"How do you know they want to kill you?" Pippin wondered.
"Cause I'm arrow shot, lad", Grugluk sighed.
"The other orc's shot you?" Pippin cried in shock. "Why?"
"Cause I wouldn't follow orders", Grugluk growled. "And because I
killed one of them", he admitted.
"Why did you kill him?" Pippin asked in a faint voice.
"Cause he was following orders", Grugluk said angrily.
Pippin drew away as far as he was able, causing Grugluk to smile
slightly. "Don't worry, lad. It's not you I'm mad at".
Pippin sighed in relief and scooted close again.
"Why'd you kill him? Wasn't he supposed to follow orders?" Pippin
continued his questioning.
"Do you know what our orders were?" Grugluk asked in despair.
Pippin shook his head. "No".
"Our orders were to destroy an entire man village", Grugluk admitted.
"Did you?" Pippin asked reluctantly.
Grugluk nodded. "And we were doin a right fine job of it to. Then I
went into this one, little house and hidin behind the door was a
little lad no bigger than you are".
Pippin swallowed thickly. "Did you kill him?"
Grugluk shrugged and nodded. "Yes and no".
Pippin frowned. "What does that mean?"
"When I saw that little boy, I just couldn't bring myself to kill
him", Grugluk smiled without humor. "The other orcs say I'm
defective. I guess they're right".
"What happened to the little boy?" Pippin wanted to know.
"Well....", Grugluk sighed. "I started motioning for the little boy
to hide under the bed in the room. At first he was too afraid of me,
but finally, he decided to trust me and he started for the bed.
That's when Gorbog came in. He's an evil sot", Grugluk sneered.
"Well, aren't most orcs?" Pippin pointed out.
"Do you want to hear this story?" Grugluk growled.
Pippin's eyes widened and he nodded.
"Then quit interuptin me", Grugluk said sharply.
"Sorry", Pippin mumbled, hanging his head and peeking shyly up at
the orc.
Grugluk chuckled and reached out to pat the hobbit on the head.
"It's okay, little hobbity. Just keep quiet till I finish my tale.
You're makin me lose my thought line".
"Please finish, mr. Grugluk", Pippin begged.
"Well, when Gorbog came in and saw that little boy, he raised up
that mighty war club of his and he hit that little boy in the head
and knocked him out. Then he started tellin me how we'd have fun
torturing that boy when he came to. I looked down at that little boy
and he had blood comin out of his mouth and ears and his nose. I
seen enough of that to know what it means. So I took out my knife
and I knelt down and cut the kids throat to end his sufferin.
Gorbog got right mad about that, he really wanted to torture that
poor, little kid. He glared at me real mean like and then shot me
with an arrow so I stabbed him with my knife and took off runnin and
ended up here".
"Where are you shot at?" Pippin asked as he stared at Grugluk in the
dim, torch light.
"In my left shoulder", Grugluk said in a weakening voice.
"I could get Strider to look at that for you", Pippin offered.
"No!" Grugluk said sharply. Then his expression softened when he saw
fear on the young hobbit's face. "They'd kill me on sight", he
explained.
"But you're a nice orc", Pippin cried in protest.
"An orc by any other name is still as hated", Grugluk sighed.
"Well, in that case", Pippin said with forced cheer. "I guess I'll
be going now".
"Going?" Grugluk said in a dangerous voice. "What makes you think
you're going any where?"
At Pippin's panicked look, Grugluk frowned. "I can't let yuou go
lad. You'd bring them straight back here to me".
"Oh, I wouldn't. I promise", Pippin cried.
Grugluk stared at him for several long minutes and then snorted in
disgust. "Who am I kidding", he snorted. "I ain't keeping you, lad".
He released Pippin's ankle and allowed the young hobbit to rise to
his feet.
"I promise I won't bring anybody back here", Pippin said as he
turned to go.
"You go straight home, little hobbity. You hear me?" Grugluk growled.
Pippin nodded and ran from the cave.
Pippin knew what he had to do, but he needed a few things first.
He went straight to Sam's room, knowing that Sam wouldn't be there.
He went through Sam's pack and then pulled the blanket and pillow
from the bed. Sam wouldn't need them. He spent all his time in
Frodo's room anyway.
Pippin's next stop was Elrond's kitchen. He waited untill he saw the
cook leave and then he crept in. He found an empty basket and
quickly filled it with food and a jug of water.
Then, he carried it outside along with his plundered items from
Sam's room.
Pippin didn't notice that the cook had returned by then and was
watching him out the window.
Pippin made his way back to the cave and found Grugluk asleep.
"Mr. Grugluk?" Pippin called out softly as he gently shook the orc's
arm. "Wake up. I've brought some food for you".
Grugluk came awake with a sudden start and grabbed Pippin, bringing
a knife to his throat.
Pippin lay sprawled on his back across the orc's lap, frozen in fear.
Grugluk sagged in relief when he noticed who it was that he held.
But then he glared angrily.
"Didn't I tell you to go straight home, little hobbity?" he barked
out sharply.
"I, I wanted to bring you some food and some bandages", Pippin said
as he struggled to his feet.
Grugluk frowned and gestured across the small space. "Put your
basket there and then go back home".
Pippin sat the basket down and then began going through it.
"I brought bandages", he explained. "I'll bandage your wound and
then I'll go".
"Alright", Grugluk sighed. "Just be quick about it".
Pippin went to the orc's side and pulled aside his shirt. Then he
carefully cleaned and bound the wound.
Grugluk went along with this, all the while thinking, what good will
this do? What Pippin didn't know was that Gorbog had been using
poisoned arrows. And while it took a bit to kill an orc, they were
not immune to the poison. He had another day or two to live.
As soon as Pippin was done, he took Sam's pillow and slipped it
behind the orc's head and then shook Sam's blanket out over the top
of the creature.
"There", Pippin said cheerfully. "All done and now I'll get you
something to eat".
"You just leave the basket there", Grugluk ordered. "Just leave it
there and go on home like I told you already".
"Alright", Pippin sighed unhappily.
He left the cave and headed back to Elrond's house.
"Peregrin!" Gandalf called for what seemed like the hundredth time.
Frodo had awakened and called for his cousins.
Merry was sick and they couldn't risk exposing Frodo to him, but he
could see Pippin.
That is, he could see Pippin if the wizard could find him.
"Peregrin!" Gandalf called again. Still no answer. He drew in a
breath to call again. "Peregrin Took, where are ......", before he
could finish his sentence, Pippin suddenly appeared beside him.
"Where have you been?" the wizard scolded sharply. "I've been
looking all over for you".
"Well, you told me to go away and find something to do", Pippin
pouted. "So I did".
"Well, never mind that now", Gandalf said brusquely. "Frodo is awake
now and wishes to see you".
"Frodo?" Pippin cried in delight. "Yay! Let's go".
Pippin started to surge forward but Gandalf caught his shoulder and
stopped him. "Gently, my lad", Gandalf cautioned. "Frodo is still
quite ill".
Pippin calmed quickly at that and took Gandalf's hand and went
inside with him.
The visit was a short one. Frodo was quite weak and tired quickly.
"You can see Mr. Frodo again later", Sam promised as he ushered
Pippin and Gandalf to the door and then closed the door in their
faces once they were in the hall.
"Well, of all the nerve", Pippin huffed indignantly.
But just then, Elrond approached with an indignant look of his own.
"Young hobbit", he said in a disapproving tone. "My cook has told me
that a hobbit entered my kitchen this afternoon and took food with
out permission. Food that was meant for my lunch", Elrond added
pointedly.
"Um, what makes you think it was me?" Pippin asked nervously.
"There are five of us here, you know".
"Frodo and Merry are both ill and have been in bed all day", Elrond
said sternly. "Sam has been with Frodo the entire day and Bilbo is
much too old for this sort of thing. You are the only other one".
"Oh, uh. Yes", Pippin muttered uneasily. Then he peeked shyly up at
the elf lord. "Sorry", he mumbled.
Elrond nodded firmly. "Appology accepted. But in the future, you
will ask before you take anything. Is that clear?"
Pippin nodded quickly. "Yes, sir".
"Very well", Elrond said. Then he turned to Gandalf. "I would like
to speak to regarding Frodo's care".
Gandalf nodded and then looked at Pippin.
"Behave yourself, Peregrin".
Pippin nodded and watched as they walked away.
Later that night, Pippin decided to check on Grugluk.
It was dark and everyone was gathered in the great hall.
Even Frodo and Merry were there, although they were made to recline
on couches and rest.
"Gandalf", Pippin said as he approached the wizard. "Can I, I mean.
May I go outside for a little bit? I mean, just for a walk?"
Gandalf looked at the inky blackness outside the window and shook
his head. "No, I'm afraid not, my lad. It's much too late to go
roaming about now".
Pippin slumped unhappily but he would just have to wait.
"You wouldn't want to go far anyway", Aragorn cautioned. "There was
an orc attack not far from here. They attacked a villiage and killed
everybody in it".
"I'll wait till tomorrow", Pippin sighed.
Early the next morning, Pippin rose and went down to the kitchen.
This time he asked permission from the cook and he packed another
basket full of food, claiming that he was going on a picnic.
He took the basket down to the cave and quietly entered.
"Mr. Grugluk?" Pippin called softly, keeping his distance this time.
Grugluk came awake with a start and then frowned at the hobbit.
"What are you doing here, little hobbity?"
"I brought you more food and water", Pippin said cheerfully.
He sat the basket down and began pulling things out.
Grugluk watched for a minute and a fond smile began playing across
his face. This nosey, annoyingly cheerfull, little hobbit was
growing on him.
"You be a good, little hobbity and go back home now", Grugluk said
in what he hoped was a firm voice.
Pippin looked up and pouted. "I was going to change your bandages
for you".
"Oh, alright", Grugluk sighed weakly. "But then you go home".
Pippin changed the bandages and then began going through the basket
again. "What would you like to eat first?" he asked.
"You scoot back home now", Grugluk ordered. "Just leave the basket
there and go".
"But I was going to keep you company today", Pippin protested.
"Little hobbity", Grugluk sighed. "Just be good and go now".
"Alright", Pippin sighed as he straightened up.
"Um, before you go", Grugluk said suddenly."Could you do me a favor?"
Pippin turned back to face the orc.
"Yes?" he said.
"Could I have a hug?" Grugluk asked. "I've never had one before and
would like to know what it feels like".
In actuality, Grugluk knew he was about to die and it was his way of
saying goodbye. He just hoped that the young hobbit understood it
later.
Pippin drew close and threw his arms around the orc's neck.
Grugluk returned the hug weakly and then released the halfling.
"You go now", Grugluk ordered. "Go back home and stay there".
Pippin nodded somberly and left.
Pippin arrived back at the house and almost immediately, he ran into
Gandalf.
"Pippin, my lad", Gandalf said kindly. "Where have you been? I've
been looking for you".
Pippin was feeling miserable by then. Something just wasn't quite
right and he was feeling terrible about leaving Grugluk alone.
Gandalf studdied the youngster carefully.
He was pale and looked upset.
"Peregrin? Are you alright?" Gandalf asked gently.
"I'm fine", Pippin mumbled unhappily.
"You don't look fine", Gandalf decided. "You look as though you
don't feel well". He leaned down and pressed a hand to Pippin's
forehead. "Hmm. Well, you're not running a fever. But still, you
might be coming down with what Meriadoc has".
"I'm fine", Pippin grumbled as he tried to avoid more questioning
from the wizard.
"Well, just to make sure", Gandalf said. "I think you should lay
down and rest for a while".
"I'm not tired", Pippin protested. He was feeling a desperate need
to return to the cave by now.
"All the same", Gandalf said as he took Pippin by the shoulder and
steered him towards his room.
Gandalf took the young hobbit down to his room and ushered him
inside.
"I'll be back to check on you later", Gandalf promised.
Pippin waited untill Gandalf closed the door and then he simply
climbed out the window.
Gandalf had almost reached the great hall when he had a desire to
check on Pippin.
He headed back to Pippin's room and then stared in surprise when he
opened the door and Pippin wasn't there.
He left the room and the first people he came across were Aragorn
and Elrond.
"Have you seen Pippin?" Gandalf asked.
"He has gone missing?" Elrond asked.
"Yes, and he was acting strangely right before he went missing",
Gandalf replied.
"We shall help you look", Aragorn offered.
They were heading up the hall when they ran into Legolas and he
quickly joined in the search.
A little further along and they ran into Boromir.
"The little one has run away?" Boromir said in surprise. Then, he
too, volunteered to help search.
When they got outside, they met Gimli and Gloin.
"Have you seen Pippin?" Aragorn asked.
"Pippin?" Gimli asked. Then a knowing look crossed his face. "Wee,
little lad with big, green eyes?"
"That's him", Boromir said quickly. "Have you seen him?"
"I saw him a little while ago", Gimli said. "He went in the
dirrection of the woods".
"My thanks", Aragorn said abruptly as he and the others headed in
the dirrection Gimli had indicated.
Gimli and Gloin looked at each other and followed along.
Pippin reached the cave and went in.
"Mr. Grugluk?" he called out softly. "Mr. Grugluk. It's Pippin".
He drew closer and it was then that he realized that Grugluk had
died.
"No!" Pippin cried in anguish. Then he burst into tears and ran from
the cave. Then, he flung himself on the ground sobbing brokenly.
"I hear him", Legolas declared shortly after they entered the woods.
He began racing in the dirrection of the wailing and the others
followed close behind.
They came upon a peculiar scene when they arrived at the cave.
Pippin lay on the ground, sobbing heartbrokenly.
"No, he can't be dead", Pippin sobbed. "He just can't be. I tried so
hard and he still died".
Gandalf scooped the little hobbit up and held him close.
"Who has died, Peregrin?" Gandalf asked gently.
"Gr, Grugluk", Pippin wailed. "I tried so hard and he still died.
Gandalf looked in the dirrection that Pippin was looking and saw the
cave entrance for the first time.
Silently, Gandalf put Pippin on his feet and turned to face the cave.
Elrond and Aragorn drew near then.
"Who is Grugluk?" Aragorn asked.
"It sounds like an orc's name", Elrond murmured.
"The answer lies within", Gandalf said, pointing towards the cave.
Then he turned to face Pippin. "Wait out here, lad", he said softly.
"I will wait with him", Gloin offered as he gazed sympathetically at
the sniffling, sad eyed hobbit.
Gandalf nodded and then he and the others entered the cave.
They walked along untill they spotted a dim figure at the back of
the cave.
"Look", Legolas whispered as he started forward.
"Carefull, melon", Aragorn said as he caught the elf's arm.
"Whatever is back there might still be alive".
They went cautiously forward untill they could see a little more
clearly.
"It is an orc", Legolas said in surprise.
"And it is dead", Gimli said softly.
"I wonder how Pippin came to be involved with this creature",
Aragorn mused aloud.
"He probably came across him and decided to try and help", Gandalf
sighed. "Hobbits hearts are big and they don't always think things
out before acting on them".
"Let's take the little one back to his room and put him to bed",
Elrond suggested. "He must be exhausted from all this".
Gandalf nodded and then stopped and pointed at the orc, a small
smile gracing his face.
The others looked and they too smiled. For the orc's head rested on
a pillow and he was covered with a blanket.
"Leave it to a hobbit", Gandalf chuckled softly.
At the confused look on the others faces, Gandalf laughed again.
"Only a hobbit could make friends with an orc.
Rivendell was fine and all but he was still bored.
He had been thrown out of Frodo's room more times than he could
count and now Merry had come down with a cold, so he was no fun
either.
"Please, Merry. It's just a game of cards", Pippin begged.
"Pip, I told you already. I don't feel well", Merry sighed irritably.
But at his cousin's downcast look, Merry smiled sympatheticlly.
"Perhaps later when I've rested", Merry offered.
"Alright, Mer", Pippin mumbled softly as he looked at his sniffling,
sneezing cousin. He walked to the door but then stopped and looked
over his shoulder. "I hope you feel better soon", Pippin said
politely before he walked out the door.
He made his way down to Frodo's room hoping that Gandalf and Elrond
would be gone. If they were, he knew he could talk Sam into letting
him in for a bit.
But his hopes were dashed when he knocked on the door and Gandalf
opened it. "yes, Peregrin?" Gandalf asked.
"Can I see Frodo now?" Pippin asked hopefully.
"May I see Frodo now?" Gandalf corrected the young hobbit.
Pippin sighed inwardly and resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
Getting fresh now would just get him tossed out of Frodo's room
again. "May I see Frodo now?" he dutifully repeated.
"I'm afraid now is not a good time", Gandalf said kindly.
"But, Gandalf", Pippin protested.
The door opened a little more then and Aragorn came into view.
"Is there a problem gentlemen?" Aragorn asked.
"I want to see Frodo", Pippin said boldly.
"I'm afraid not right now", Aragorn said. "Perhaps later".
"Everybody keeps saying not now", Pippin complained. "But if I keep
waiting for everything to happen later, my laters will be so full, I
won't have time for anything".
Both Aragorn and Gandalf had to fight hard to hold back their
laughter.
Just then, the door opened even farther still and Elrond was
suddenly frowning down at him.
"What is the meaning of this commotion?" Elrond asked sternly.
"I, I just wanted to see Frodo", Pippin stammered out faintly.
He couldn't explain why, but he was deathly afraid of Elrond.
"And what have you already been told?" Elrond asked in the same
stern tone.
"Everybody says not now", Pippin admitted unhappily.
"Then I suggest you wait untill later", Elrond informed him.
Then he bent low over the young hobbit. "Now why don't you go
outside into the fresh air and find something to do?"
"Alright", Pippin sighed as his shoulders slumped miseraly.
He turned then and wandered up the hall.
Pippin walked up the hall lost in his thoughts and didn't notice the
tall, blond elf untill they colided.
Pippin ran into the back of the elf and then backed up quickly.
"Oh, begging your pardon, miss", he appologized.
"Miss?" the elf said as he turned around to face the young hobbit.
"Oh, sorry", Pippin squeeked out in surprise. It was still a little
hard for him to tell the difference from behind between the male and
female elves.
Pippin turned then and ran out the nearest door leaving Legolas
standing and watching him.
Legolas laughed and walked away, shaking his head.
Pippin ran out into Elrond's gardens and then stopped and looked
around. He choose a path and wandered down it idly.
He soon stopped and sat down in the dirt.
He sat for a while stewing over his currant state of abuse.
"They just won't let me have any fun", he grumbled to himself.
As he sat there, he noticed a very big, very wet puddle.
Pippin studdied the puddle for a minute and then tapped his foot in
it. He was rewarded with a small splash, which delighted the little
hobbit.
He tapped his foot again, another splash.
He climbed to his feet and grinned. They had all been telling him to
find something to do. He looked around cautiously and then, with a
loud whoop, he jumped into the puddle, sending a large spray of
water all around. He jumped several more times before a roar of
outrage stopped him. Pippin froze and stared at the two, dripping,
wet dwarves.
"Have you taken leave of your senses?" Gimli roared furiously.
Pippin stared in shock for a minute more and then he whirled around
and took off running.
Gimli shook his head in disgust. "You woud never see a dwarf acting
that way", he snorted.
"That was not a dwarf", Gloin calmly reminded his son. "That was a
hobbit, and a very young one at that".
Pippin ran as fast as he could, hoping that neither of the dwarves
was persuing him. As he ran though, he didn't notice the large man
that was sitting on a stone bench, sharpening a knife, untill he ran
into his shield, knocking it down along with his sword and two long
spears. Pippin stared in shock at the scattered weapons around him.
"I, I'm sorry", Pippin stuttered out frightendly right before he
turned and tried to take off running again.
But Boromir caught Pippin by the back of his braces and pulled him
to a halt. "Just where do you think you're going?" Boromir asked.
"Away?" Pippin said hopefully.
Boromir shook his head though and reeled Pippin in to stand by his
knee. "I am Boromir of Gondor", Boromir said. "What is your name?"
"I, my name is Pippin", Pippin said nervously.
"Well, Pippin", Boromir said as he gestured around at his scattered
weapons. "Do you normally make such a mess as this and then leave it
to others to pick it up?"
"Um, no. Not normally", Pippin admitted.
"Well then, young hobbit", Boromir said as he tried to sound
stern. "I think you have a mess to clean up".
"Yes, sir", Pippin mumbled.
He started with the spears, thinking they would be the lightest.
He pulled one upright and drug it back over to the bench and leaned
it there. Then, he did the same thing with the second one.
After that, he moved on to the sword. He reached down and grasped
the handle and tried to lift it. But it quickly proved to be much
too heavy. He tried again and then noticed that Boromir was standing
over him. "I think", Boromir chuckled. "That this might be a bit too
heavy for you".
Pippin blushed and lowered his gaze.
Boromir grinned down at the youngster and then gestured to his
shield. "Finish up, little one". He bent then and delivered a gentle
swat to the hobbit's seat.
Pippin squeeked in alarm at the soft swat and scurried out of reach.
Boromir watched him for a minute, chuckling but then he noticed that
his hand was wet.
"Little one?" Boromir said curiously. "Why are you wet?"
"Cause I was jumping in a puddle", Pippin replied distractedly as he
studdied Boromir's shield, trying to decide the best way to move it.
Boromir's eye brows rose in surprise as he stared at the young
hobbit.
Pippin turned to look at Boromir and then he shrugged his shoulders
and returned his attention to the shield. He thought his answer made
perfect sense.
Pippin grasped the edge of the shield then and pulled. His feet
slipped though and he fell, sitting hard on the ground.
He scrambled to his feet and glared. He was sorely tempted to kick
the offending disk of metal, wood and leather.
"Try again", Boromir urged.
Pippin reached in and caught hold of the leather strap on the inside
of the shield and pulled as hard as he could.
But his feet slipped again and this time he fell forward and ended
up sitting in the curved part of the shield.
Boromir burst out laughing and earned a glare from the hobbit.
"I am sorry", Boromir appologized as he got to his feet and
approached his shield.
He lifted Pippin out and stood him on his feet. Then he slung his
shield on his back and returned to the bench he had been sitting on
earlier, motioning for Pippin to follow him.
"I couldn't move it", Pippin moped as he gestured at the shield. "It
was too heavy, just like your sword".
"Well,.....I didn't truly expect you to", Boromir said kindly. "I
knew everything would be too big and heavy for you".
Then he shook his head in disbelief. "I'm amazed that you were even
able to move the spears by yourself".
"If you knew that I couldn't, then why did you make me?" Pippin
demanded sulkily.
"Because I wanted you to at least try", Boromir said softly.
Pippin sagged despondantly. "Well...., I couldn't", Pippin moped.
"But you did some of it", Boromir encouraged.
Pippin thought about it for a minute and then his face lit up.
"I did. Didn't I?" he crowed.
"You did indeed", Boromir chuckled.
Pippin grinned delightedly up at the man but then he suddenly became
shy. "Am I done? Can I go now?" he asked timidly.
"Yes you are done and yes you may go", Boromir said regretfully.
He was charmed by the little hobbit and he would have spent a bit
more time with him.
Pippin turned and walked away, casting a quick, nervous glance over
his shoulder at Boromir as he walked away.
Boromir watched him go and shook his head. "What a strange child",
he murmured softly to himself.
Pippin would have been less than ammuzed if he had heard that
comment. But fortunately, at the moment, he was busy following a
brite, colorfull spark. "What a pretty, little bird", Pippin cried
out. And indeed it was. It was small, only about the size of
pippin's thumb and it was a brilliant blue and green with a patch of
vibrant red at it's throat.
Pippin followed the little bird as it flew along into a small wooded
area. Suddenly though, Pippin tripped and fell, losing sight of the
bird.
"Oh, bother", Pippin grumbled irritably. He sat up in the dirt and
looked around. "Oooh, a cave", he squeeled delightedly.
To his right was a small cave, just big enough for a man or elf to
stand up in, though it did seem to go quite far back.
Pippin rose to his feet and entered the cave. "Might as well see
where this goes", Pippin muttered to himself.
He was about two thirds of the way in when his foot struck something.
He heard a soft grunt and then a large, scaly hand grabbed his ankle.
Pippin cried out in fright and tried to pull free.
"Hush!" a gruff, gutteral voice ordered.
Hush? Pippin thought. What an odd thing for a monster to say. For
that is what Pippin thought it was. After all, what else would be
hiding in the dark like that?
"Sit down", the monster growled gruffly, then he gave a gentle yank
on Pippin's ankle and the young hobbit sat on the ground.
"Who, who are you?" Pippin asked frightenedly.
"I am Grugluk", the voice said. "What's your name?"
"My name is Pippin", the youngster answered.
"Strange name for an elf", Grugluk grunted.
"It's because I'm not an elf", Pippin replied. "I'm a hobbit".
"A hobbity, you say?" Grugluk said with sudden, keen interest.
"UH, huh", Pippin said. Then he frowned slightly. "What are you?" he
asked.
The sudden flair of a match and then a torch was lit and thrust into
the soft dirt of the ground, giving Pippin his first look at his
captor.
Pippin's eyes widened in alarm and he gasped.
"That's right", Grugluk sighed irritably. "I'm an orc".
"What are you doing here?" Pippin asked nervously.
"Hiding", was Grugluk's clipped answer.
"From the elves?" Pippin asked.
"Them too", Grugluk grunted painfully.
"Who else?" Pippin persisted.
Grugluk sighed. He was going to have a conversation with this very
inquistitive, young hobbit whether he liked it or not.
"I'm hiding from the other orc's that I was with yesterday", Grugluk
answered.
"Why?" Pippin asked.
"Because I have no wish to die this day", Grugluk replied.
"How do you know they want to kill you?" Pippin wondered.
"Cause I'm arrow shot, lad", Grugluk sighed.
"The other orc's shot you?" Pippin cried in shock. "Why?"
"Cause I wouldn't follow orders", Grugluk growled. "And because I
killed one of them", he admitted.
"Why did you kill him?" Pippin asked in a faint voice.
"Cause he was following orders", Grugluk said angrily.
Pippin drew away as far as he was able, causing Grugluk to smile
slightly. "Don't worry, lad. It's not you I'm mad at".
Pippin sighed in relief and scooted close again.
"Why'd you kill him? Wasn't he supposed to follow orders?" Pippin
continued his questioning.
"Do you know what our orders were?" Grugluk asked in despair.
Pippin shook his head. "No".
"Our orders were to destroy an entire man village", Grugluk admitted.
"Did you?" Pippin asked reluctantly.
Grugluk nodded. "And we were doin a right fine job of it to. Then I
went into this one, little house and hidin behind the door was a
little lad no bigger than you are".
Pippin swallowed thickly. "Did you kill him?"
Grugluk shrugged and nodded. "Yes and no".
Pippin frowned. "What does that mean?"
"When I saw that little boy, I just couldn't bring myself to kill
him", Grugluk smiled without humor. "The other orcs say I'm
defective. I guess they're right".
"What happened to the little boy?" Pippin wanted to know.
"Well....", Grugluk sighed. "I started motioning for the little boy
to hide under the bed in the room. At first he was too afraid of me,
but finally, he decided to trust me and he started for the bed.
That's when Gorbog came in. He's an evil sot", Grugluk sneered.
"Well, aren't most orcs?" Pippin pointed out.
"Do you want to hear this story?" Grugluk growled.
Pippin's eyes widened and he nodded.
"Then quit interuptin me", Grugluk said sharply.
"Sorry", Pippin mumbled, hanging his head and peeking shyly up at
the orc.
Grugluk chuckled and reached out to pat the hobbit on the head.
"It's okay, little hobbity. Just keep quiet till I finish my tale.
You're makin me lose my thought line".
"Please finish, mr. Grugluk", Pippin begged.
"Well, when Gorbog came in and saw that little boy, he raised up
that mighty war club of his and he hit that little boy in the head
and knocked him out. Then he started tellin me how we'd have fun
torturing that boy when he came to. I looked down at that little boy
and he had blood comin out of his mouth and ears and his nose. I
seen enough of that to know what it means. So I took out my knife
and I knelt down and cut the kids throat to end his sufferin.
Gorbog got right mad about that, he really wanted to torture that
poor, little kid. He glared at me real mean like and then shot me
with an arrow so I stabbed him with my knife and took off runnin and
ended up here".
"Where are you shot at?" Pippin asked as he stared at Grugluk in the
dim, torch light.
"In my left shoulder", Grugluk said in a weakening voice.
"I could get Strider to look at that for you", Pippin offered.
"No!" Grugluk said sharply. Then his expression softened when he saw
fear on the young hobbit's face. "They'd kill me on sight", he
explained.
"But you're a nice orc", Pippin cried in protest.
"An orc by any other name is still as hated", Grugluk sighed.
"Well, in that case", Pippin said with forced cheer. "I guess I'll
be going now".
"Going?" Grugluk said in a dangerous voice. "What makes you think
you're going any where?"
At Pippin's panicked look, Grugluk frowned. "I can't let yuou go
lad. You'd bring them straight back here to me".
"Oh, I wouldn't. I promise", Pippin cried.
Grugluk stared at him for several long minutes and then snorted in
disgust. "Who am I kidding", he snorted. "I ain't keeping you, lad".
He released Pippin's ankle and allowed the young hobbit to rise to
his feet.
"I promise I won't bring anybody back here", Pippin said as he
turned to go.
"You go straight home, little hobbity. You hear me?" Grugluk growled.
Pippin nodded and ran from the cave.
Pippin knew what he had to do, but he needed a few things first.
He went straight to Sam's room, knowing that Sam wouldn't be there.
He went through Sam's pack and then pulled the blanket and pillow
from the bed. Sam wouldn't need them. He spent all his time in
Frodo's room anyway.
Pippin's next stop was Elrond's kitchen. He waited untill he saw the
cook leave and then he crept in. He found an empty basket and
quickly filled it with food and a jug of water.
Then, he carried it outside along with his plundered items from
Sam's room.
Pippin didn't notice that the cook had returned by then and was
watching him out the window.
Pippin made his way back to the cave and found Grugluk asleep.
"Mr. Grugluk?" Pippin called out softly as he gently shook the orc's
arm. "Wake up. I've brought some food for you".
Grugluk came awake with a sudden start and grabbed Pippin, bringing
a knife to his throat.
Pippin lay sprawled on his back across the orc's lap, frozen in fear.
Grugluk sagged in relief when he noticed who it was that he held.
But then he glared angrily.
"Didn't I tell you to go straight home, little hobbity?" he barked
out sharply.
"I, I wanted to bring you some food and some bandages", Pippin said
as he struggled to his feet.
Grugluk frowned and gestured across the small space. "Put your
basket there and then go back home".
Pippin sat the basket down and then began going through it.
"I brought bandages", he explained. "I'll bandage your wound and
then I'll go".
"Alright", Grugluk sighed. "Just be quick about it".
Pippin went to the orc's side and pulled aside his shirt. Then he
carefully cleaned and bound the wound.
Grugluk went along with this, all the while thinking, what good will
this do? What Pippin didn't know was that Gorbog had been using
poisoned arrows. And while it took a bit to kill an orc, they were
not immune to the poison. He had another day or two to live.
As soon as Pippin was done, he took Sam's pillow and slipped it
behind the orc's head and then shook Sam's blanket out over the top
of the creature.
"There", Pippin said cheerfully. "All done and now I'll get you
something to eat".
"You just leave the basket there", Grugluk ordered. "Just leave it
there and go on home like I told you already".
"Alright", Pippin sighed unhappily.
He left the cave and headed back to Elrond's house.
"Peregrin!" Gandalf called for what seemed like the hundredth time.
Frodo had awakened and called for his cousins.
Merry was sick and they couldn't risk exposing Frodo to him, but he
could see Pippin.
That is, he could see Pippin if the wizard could find him.
"Peregrin!" Gandalf called again. Still no answer. He drew in a
breath to call again. "Peregrin Took, where are ......", before he
could finish his sentence, Pippin suddenly appeared beside him.
"Where have you been?" the wizard scolded sharply. "I've been
looking all over for you".
"Well, you told me to go away and find something to do", Pippin
pouted. "So I did".
"Well, never mind that now", Gandalf said brusquely. "Frodo is awake
now and wishes to see you".
"Frodo?" Pippin cried in delight. "Yay! Let's go".
Pippin started to surge forward but Gandalf caught his shoulder and
stopped him. "Gently, my lad", Gandalf cautioned. "Frodo is still
quite ill".
Pippin calmed quickly at that and took Gandalf's hand and went
inside with him.
The visit was a short one. Frodo was quite weak and tired quickly.
"You can see Mr. Frodo again later", Sam promised as he ushered
Pippin and Gandalf to the door and then closed the door in their
faces once they were in the hall.
"Well, of all the nerve", Pippin huffed indignantly.
But just then, Elrond approached with an indignant look of his own.
"Young hobbit", he said in a disapproving tone. "My cook has told me
that a hobbit entered my kitchen this afternoon and took food with
out permission. Food that was meant for my lunch", Elrond added
pointedly.
"Um, what makes you think it was me?" Pippin asked nervously.
"There are five of us here, you know".
"Frodo and Merry are both ill and have been in bed all day", Elrond
said sternly. "Sam has been with Frodo the entire day and Bilbo is
much too old for this sort of thing. You are the only other one".
"Oh, uh. Yes", Pippin muttered uneasily. Then he peeked shyly up at
the elf lord. "Sorry", he mumbled.
Elrond nodded firmly. "Appology accepted. But in the future, you
will ask before you take anything. Is that clear?"
Pippin nodded quickly. "Yes, sir".
"Very well", Elrond said. Then he turned to Gandalf. "I would like
to speak to regarding Frodo's care".
Gandalf nodded and then looked at Pippin.
"Behave yourself, Peregrin".
Pippin nodded and watched as they walked away.
Later that night, Pippin decided to check on Grugluk.
It was dark and everyone was gathered in the great hall.
Even Frodo and Merry were there, although they were made to recline
on couches and rest.
"Gandalf", Pippin said as he approached the wizard. "Can I, I mean.
May I go outside for a little bit? I mean, just for a walk?"
Gandalf looked at the inky blackness outside the window and shook
his head. "No, I'm afraid not, my lad. It's much too late to go
roaming about now".
Pippin slumped unhappily but he would just have to wait.
"You wouldn't want to go far anyway", Aragorn cautioned. "There was
an orc attack not far from here. They attacked a villiage and killed
everybody in it".
"I'll wait till tomorrow", Pippin sighed.
Early the next morning, Pippin rose and went down to the kitchen.
This time he asked permission from the cook and he packed another
basket full of food, claiming that he was going on a picnic.
He took the basket down to the cave and quietly entered.
"Mr. Grugluk?" Pippin called softly, keeping his distance this time.
Grugluk came awake with a start and then frowned at the hobbit.
"What are you doing here, little hobbity?"
"I brought you more food and water", Pippin said cheerfully.
He sat the basket down and began pulling things out.
Grugluk watched for a minute and a fond smile began playing across
his face. This nosey, annoyingly cheerfull, little hobbit was
growing on him.
"You be a good, little hobbity and go back home now", Grugluk said
in what he hoped was a firm voice.
Pippin looked up and pouted. "I was going to change your bandages
for you".
"Oh, alright", Grugluk sighed weakly. "But then you go home".
Pippin changed the bandages and then began going through the basket
again. "What would you like to eat first?" he asked.
"You scoot back home now", Grugluk ordered. "Just leave the basket
there and go".
"But I was going to keep you company today", Pippin protested.
"Little hobbity", Grugluk sighed. "Just be good and go now".
"Alright", Pippin sighed as he straightened up.
"Um, before you go", Grugluk said suddenly."Could you do me a favor?"
Pippin turned back to face the orc.
"Yes?" he said.
"Could I have a hug?" Grugluk asked. "I've never had one before and
would like to know what it feels like".
In actuality, Grugluk knew he was about to die and it was his way of
saying goodbye. He just hoped that the young hobbit understood it
later.
Pippin drew close and threw his arms around the orc's neck.
Grugluk returned the hug weakly and then released the halfling.
"You go now", Grugluk ordered. "Go back home and stay there".
Pippin nodded somberly and left.
Pippin arrived back at the house and almost immediately, he ran into
Gandalf.
"Pippin, my lad", Gandalf said kindly. "Where have you been? I've
been looking for you".
Pippin was feeling miserable by then. Something just wasn't quite
right and he was feeling terrible about leaving Grugluk alone.
Gandalf studdied the youngster carefully.
He was pale and looked upset.
"Peregrin? Are you alright?" Gandalf asked gently.
"I'm fine", Pippin mumbled unhappily.
"You don't look fine", Gandalf decided. "You look as though you
don't feel well". He leaned down and pressed a hand to Pippin's
forehead. "Hmm. Well, you're not running a fever. But still, you
might be coming down with what Meriadoc has".
"I'm fine", Pippin grumbled as he tried to avoid more questioning
from the wizard.
"Well, just to make sure", Gandalf said. "I think you should lay
down and rest for a while".
"I'm not tired", Pippin protested. He was feeling a desperate need
to return to the cave by now.
"All the same", Gandalf said as he took Pippin by the shoulder and
steered him towards his room.
Gandalf took the young hobbit down to his room and ushered him
inside.
"I'll be back to check on you later", Gandalf promised.
Pippin waited untill Gandalf closed the door and then he simply
climbed out the window.
Gandalf had almost reached the great hall when he had a desire to
check on Pippin.
He headed back to Pippin's room and then stared in surprise when he
opened the door and Pippin wasn't there.
He left the room and the first people he came across were Aragorn
and Elrond.
"Have you seen Pippin?" Gandalf asked.
"He has gone missing?" Elrond asked.
"Yes, and he was acting strangely right before he went missing",
Gandalf replied.
"We shall help you look", Aragorn offered.
They were heading up the hall when they ran into Legolas and he
quickly joined in the search.
A little further along and they ran into Boromir.
"The little one has run away?" Boromir said in surprise. Then, he
too, volunteered to help search.
When they got outside, they met Gimli and Gloin.
"Have you seen Pippin?" Aragorn asked.
"Pippin?" Gimli asked. Then a knowing look crossed his face. "Wee,
little lad with big, green eyes?"
"That's him", Boromir said quickly. "Have you seen him?"
"I saw him a little while ago", Gimli said. "He went in the
dirrection of the woods".
"My thanks", Aragorn said abruptly as he and the others headed in
the dirrection Gimli had indicated.
Gimli and Gloin looked at each other and followed along.
Pippin reached the cave and went in.
"Mr. Grugluk?" he called out softly. "Mr. Grugluk. It's Pippin".
He drew closer and it was then that he realized that Grugluk had
died.
"No!" Pippin cried in anguish. Then he burst into tears and ran from
the cave. Then, he flung himself on the ground sobbing brokenly.
"I hear him", Legolas declared shortly after they entered the woods.
He began racing in the dirrection of the wailing and the others
followed close behind.
They came upon a peculiar scene when they arrived at the cave.
Pippin lay on the ground, sobbing heartbrokenly.
"No, he can't be dead", Pippin sobbed. "He just can't be. I tried so
hard and he still died".
Gandalf scooped the little hobbit up and held him close.
"Who has died, Peregrin?" Gandalf asked gently.
"Gr, Grugluk", Pippin wailed. "I tried so hard and he still died.
Gandalf looked in the dirrection that Pippin was looking and saw the
cave entrance for the first time.
Silently, Gandalf put Pippin on his feet and turned to face the cave.
Elrond and Aragorn drew near then.
"Who is Grugluk?" Aragorn asked.
"It sounds like an orc's name", Elrond murmured.
"The answer lies within", Gandalf said, pointing towards the cave.
Then he turned to face Pippin. "Wait out here, lad", he said softly.
"I will wait with him", Gloin offered as he gazed sympathetically at
the sniffling, sad eyed hobbit.
Gandalf nodded and then he and the others entered the cave.
They walked along untill they spotted a dim figure at the back of
the cave.
"Look", Legolas whispered as he started forward.
"Carefull, melon", Aragorn said as he caught the elf's arm.
"Whatever is back there might still be alive".
They went cautiously forward untill they could see a little more
clearly.
"It is an orc", Legolas said in surprise.
"And it is dead", Gimli said softly.
"I wonder how Pippin came to be involved with this creature",
Aragorn mused aloud.
"He probably came across him and decided to try and help", Gandalf
sighed. "Hobbits hearts are big and they don't always think things
out before acting on them".
"Let's take the little one back to his room and put him to bed",
Elrond suggested. "He must be exhausted from all this".
Gandalf nodded and then stopped and pointed at the orc, a small
smile gracing his face.
The others looked and they too smiled. For the orc's head rested on
a pillow and he was covered with a blanket.
"Leave it to a hobbit", Gandalf chuckled softly.
At the confused look on the others faces, Gandalf laughed again.
"Only a hobbit could make friends with an orc.
PropertyOfFrodo |
Latest page update: made by PropertyOfFrodo
, May 1 2008, 6:54 PM EDT
(about this update
About This Update
Edited by PropertyOfFrodo
4908 words added view changes - complete history) |
|
Keyword tags:
Peregrin
Pip
Pippin
Rainbowmist7
Took
More Info: links to this page
|
There are no threads for this page.
Be the first to start a new thread.
