Pippin Took

This is Peregrin Took of the Shire. Everyone just calls me Pippin. (This is For Role Playing purposes, general fun and merriment).

[diamondoflongcleeve]

Diamond nodded, “It was a long journey.” She agreed with him, “But not nearly as hard as our journey home those years ago.” She swung their hands gently back and forth.

The elf turned back to glance over his shoulder, “You two are weary from the road.” He said with a smile, “I’ll speak with the cooks in the Hall of Fire.” He paused slightly to allow the hobbits to catch up with him. “I understand you halflings partake in various meals per day.” He phrased it as a question: Cirdan truly was quite curious.

[lotrrp-pippin]

"Right you are, my love," Pippin agreed, nodding his head emphatically. "And I can guarantee that our journey home won't be nearly as stressful. We won't have to worry about the weather, our parents' scorn, or the fact that you were heavy with child. No, compared to that, our journey home this time will be as easy as eating a piece of delicious cake." Pippin smiled at his wife, then at his elven companion who probably had no idea what Pippin was talking about, but Pippin didn't feel much like explaining. The tale was too long for such a brief encounter. Maybe he would tell the lad if he happened to ask once everyone was settled. 

"We do indeed," Pippin answered Cirdan with a proud smile. "Seven to be exact." He looked up at the sky to see the position of the sun. "It looks like we've already missed 1st and 2nd breakfasts. Elevenses should be coming up soon and we're mighty famished. We hobbits aren't accustomed to skipping meals, but we're a resilient group. We can get by." 

[diamondoflongcleeve]

Cirdian nodded and turned, beckoning for Pippin and Diamond to follow him. It only took one motion of his hand and two elves emerged from no where to begin tending to Sally and the hobbit's cart.

"I love it here." Diamond whispered. She reached out to entwine her fingers with Pippin's. "Gondor was lovely, like a diamond in the landscape. But here, everywhere I turn there is something new and different and equally beautiful to see. I fear of missing something to my right if I look to my left." She laughed and squeezed his hand.

"You are happy, my love."

[lotrrp-pippin]

"I'm glad you love it," Pippin said with a happy smile. He knew she would. There was absolutely no doubt in his mind that this beautiful place would not hold her affections. Unlike Minas Tirith with its wonderfully crafted stone walls of white, Rivendell was fully of rich, earthy colors and with the beauty of nature enveloping them at every turn.

"I am happy," Pippin said, his smile growing even wider. "How can I not? We're in one of the most beautiful places in all the land. And I'm so glad that I get to share this place with you. Besides, we'll be getting some much needed rest soon. That alone puts a smile on my face."

"Cirdian," Pippin called, "I know it's not part of your diet, but is there any way we could have a bit of a heartier meal tonight. We've come on a long journey and we need our nourishment."

[diamondoflongcleeve]

Diamond blushed again: Pippin seemed so confident and well spoken among the elves. Even more bold than usual with his complimenting of her. She wasn’t able to speak again and simply smiled shyly and looked down. She leaned against Pippin’s side with hers slightly.

Cirdan laughed a soft, fruity laugh. “Come friends, I shall call someone to tend to your horse and I shall bring you to Lord Elrond.”

[lotrrp-pippin]

"Very good then," Pippin replied to the elf in a chipper manner. He couldn't exactly tell why, but he was feeling unusually happy, even by his own standards. Perhaps it was the fact that they had finally reached their destination, or maybe that he was excited to show his wife the beauty of Rivendell, or perhaps the prospect that things could really return to normal for them. It certainly seemed to be heading that way. That in and of itself was something to be joyous over. Or perhaps it was simply a combination of all three. 

"What do you think of Rivendell so far?" Pippin asked. He could help but beam as he looked around at the familiar sights. It had been years since he had seen this elven paradise, but it felt just like yesterday. "It's lovely, is it not?"

[diamondoflongcleeve]

Diamond grabbed Pippin’s hand and in one graceful movement hopped out of the carriage with his help.

"Oh I believe you." The elf laughed now, and shook Pippin’s hand. "I am Cirdan." He smiled and inclined his head politely. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Peregrin Took of the Shire, and your lovely wife."

Diamond blushed and peered up at the elf with starry eyes. She barely remembered to mind her manners and quickly curtsied and bowed her head. “Pleased to meet you.” Her voice came out in a breathless rush and Cirdan had to stifle a small chuckle at her obvious bewilderment.

[lotrrp-pippin]

Pippin smiled happily at Cirdan. "Well, it's very nice to make your acquaintance, Cirdan. I always enjoy meeting a new elven friend." Pippin bowed his head respectfully, then squeezed Diamond's hand. "And she is quite lovely, isn't she?" He responded with a smile as he gave his wife a playful wink.

"No need to be so shy, love," Pippin whispered to her quietly, noticing her bewilderment. "These are nothing but friends. Let them see just how lovely you are." He squeezed her shoulder affectionately, then smiled back up at the tall elf.

"Well, sir elf," he began, "After such a long journey, we're quite hungry. Would you mind showing us where we may procure so food?"

[diamondoflongcleeve]

Diamond leaned in against Pippin and enjoyed the sights. There was so much to see - even to smell! There were fragrant flowers and lovely trees… Not to mention the smell of exotic food wafting on the wind.

"How did you ever leave this place?" She glanced up at Pippin, wondering how he could return to the Shire after all he had seen.

The elf inclined his head in greeting, “Suilad mellon.” He said with a melodic tone. “What brings Shire folk out this way?” He took a step back and regarded the cart with two hobbits, a bemused smile dancing about his lips.

[lotrrp-pippin]

"When I left, I didn't much have a choice," Pippin told his wife, his smile flickering a bit as he remembered the circumstances surrounding his arrival and eventual departure from Rivendell and the trials and journeys that happened afterword. But he wasn't going to dwell on them, not when this was supposed to be a happy time. So, with that, he perked back up and listened to the elf greet them in the elvish language. 

Pippin flashed the elf a good-natured smile. "We're here to visit, is all," he answered simply as if hobbits visiting Rivendell was a common occurrence. "I count myself as a friend of Lord Elrond's. If you don't believe me, you can take me to him. He'll recognize me." He winked at the elf, then hopped out of the carriage, bustled over to the other side and helped Diamond out as well. 

"Oh!" he exclaimed, shuffling hurriedly over to the elf, who had to have at least two feet on him, and shook his hand. "How rude of me. I should have introduced ourselves from the start. I am Peregrin Took and this is my lovely wife Diamond." He gestured over to Diamond with a wide smile. 

[diamondoflongcleeve]

Diamond giggled and bumped Pippin’s shoulder back with hers, “You know me so well.”

It was so overwhelming: everywhere Diamond looked there was something to be seen, and it felt as though if she was looking one way, that she missed something in the other direction.

She reached over and squeezed his knee lovingly, though she dared not tear her eyes away from all the beauty around her.

"I don’t know." She turned to face him breathlessly, "I thought I was tired but there is so much to see!" She tucked a messy curl behind one ear. "I suppose I’m hungry…" She thought for a moment, "Eat, then exploring until we can’t keep our eyes open!" She laughed.

[lotrrp-pippin]

"That sounds like a fine plan!" Pippin approved excitedly, happy that she seemed so wholeheartedly enthused with everything. He was happy that she was happy, though he really had no doubt that she would be fascinated by Rivendell. How could she not? The place was absolutely stunning to behold and held many attractions that the Shire lacked. However long their stay would be in this elven realm, they would never run out of things to do or places to see. 

As Sally galloped along, they came closer and closer to Rivendell's entrance and soon enough, they found themselves at the front steps leading into the city. Greeting them was a tall, thin, elf with bright blue eyes and long, silky black hair. Had he not have broad shoulders and a pronounced chin, Pippin might have mistook him for a woman. Pippin smiled happily at the elven stranger who bowed his head a bit in response. "Good mornin'!" Pippin yelled, waving from his seat. 

[diamondoflongcleeve]

Diamond felt her heart skip at Pippin's announcement. She watched his face intently and occasionally glanced to the road ahead.

"I know you like my cooking dear," she chuckled - she had been cooking for him since before they were wed in Gondor. "But it certainly will be nice to have more ingredients to cook with. Those coneys you caught were such a treat - and now I'm looking forward to 6 square meals and generous portions." She sighed happily. She imagined that she and Pippin were two of only a handful of hobbits who could go for any length of time on little food.

As they rode on, Diamond saw darkness flicker across her husband's face. Of course, he had darker memories of this place. Ones she couldn't imagine - she kept silent. He would tell her if he wanted someone to share the memories with if they grew too painful.

Then all of a sudden, they rounded a bend and Diamond was met with the most beautiful sight she had ever seen - even more lovely than the White City, she was certain.

"Oh-oh Pippin." Was all she could say as she let out a shaky breath of air. Her entire body quivered with excitement.

[lotrrp-pippin]

Pippin beamed at Diamond's reaction. "I knew you'd like it," he told her with a smile, playfully bumping his shoulder with hers. "And this is just the outside view. What till you get closer." With that, he lightly snapped Sally's reigns, urging her to move forward once more.

As they proceeded across the bridge, the beautiful sight that was Rivendell became more and more lovely as they grew closer. The sounds of happy birds chirping and water flowing further filled him with excitement. He was glad to be back in this place and very grateful that his return was under much happier circumstances.

"What would you like to do once we get there?" he asked with a smile, momentarily taking his eyes of Rivendell which was quite the difficult task to accomplish. "Eat? Sleep? Explore?"

[diamondoflongcleeve]

Diamond nodded, "I must confess that I am excited to be wherever it is you are." She smiled, every day was good as long as she was by her husband's side.

"We can finally eat well again," Diamond sighed happily. It was no secret that she found him too thin and was trying to make him a more respectable hobbit weight... Along with that, she was quite hungry herself. The rations had run quite low. But! She thought- at least she was not with child, as it had been on the road when she was pregnant with their first child. She found herself constantly hungry then.

Diamond held fast to Pippin's arm as she quavered with excitement tovar Rivendell - a long awaited sight.

[lotrrp-pippin]

Pippin smiled down at her excitedly, then looked back on the road ahead, all tiredness now replaced by excited giddiness. They were so close. The weeks of traveling on the road were about to end and now they were going to be able to relax for a while before hitting the road once more for their trip back home. 

"I miss proper meals," Pippin answered, pouting playfully. "Not that what you've made while on the road has been poor. You're a wonderful cook, no matter the circumstances. But, I miss having a nice warm meal where I can truly eat my fill." He laughed, then sighed thinking of the good meals he would eat while in Rivendell. To be fair, the diet of the elves wasn't exactly as hardy as that of the hobbit diet, but it would certainly beat eating beans and soup almost every night for two weeks. 

Soon enough, things began looking familiar to Pippin. Memories flashed in his mind forcing him to recall his first visit to Rivendell. Thankfully, the his second trip to the elven home was under much more happy circumstances. As they continued on, the excitement he felt increased more and more. His stomach began clenching and his heart began pounding. And then, the rounded a corner and all of Rivendell suddenly faced them. Only a bridge was separating them now.

With a huge smile, Pippin tugged on Sally's reigns, forcing her to stop. "This is Rivendell, Diamond," he announced, taking in the splendid view. "What do you think?"

[diamondoflongcleeve]

Diamond blinked and then sat bolt upright at Pippin's voice. Had she fallen to sleep after all? No- she remembered the past miles...

Or did she? "I'm sorry, Pippin!" She turned to him and kissed his cheek firmly. "I fell to sleep, didn't I? I didn't mean to, love."

[lotrrp-pippin]

"Never you fret, my dear," Pippin chuckled, suddenly finding that the sight of the sun had given him a second wind. "It's quite alright." In truth, Pippin hadn't even realized his wife had drifted off. He had been too focused on staying awake and keeping watch on the road to notice. 

"We're so close, I can practically hear the waterfalls," he mused, closing his eyes as if to listen to the sound of the water. "We'll be there within an hour or two. Are you excited?"

[diamondoflongcleeve]

Diamond sighed softly: Pippin was so stubborn! "My love," she began gently. "Shall I take the reins?" She gauged the road for a moment, "If I simply must follow the path, you know I can get us there."

[lotrrp-pippin]

Pippin smiled a bit, honestly touched by his wife's offer. It was certainly tempting. If she took the reigns for a bit, that would allow him to take a bit of a nap before they got to Rivendell and oh how he wished to just close his eyes and sleep! He opened his mouth, preparing to accept, but then he decided against it. It wouldn't be right for him to sleep when she hadn't. He would just have to find a way to tough it out and keep going. Slowly, he nodded his head. "I'll be alright," he told her gently, "I promise. We'll be there soon enough." Giving Diamond a final smile, Pippin returned his view to the road.

They traveled for what felt like hundreds of miles and thousands of hours through the dark woods that only seemed to be the same few trees over and over. But then, they began to thin and through the thinning trees, he could see the dark sky begin to lighten. "We're almost there, Diamond," Pippin told her, his voice scratchy from tiredness, "Look. The sun is coming up. It's not far now."

[diamondoflongcleeve]

Diamond nodded her head "Of course I can." She blinked the sleepiness from her eyes and rested her head against Pippin's chest. "How much longer did you say again?" She mumbled her words slightly and reached out to squeeze Pippin's knee just in case he was falling to sleep.

[lotrrp-pippin]

Though he gave a valiant effort, he couldn't help but feel his eye lids grow ever heavy and drop. Just before they closed, he felt his wife's dainty hand pinch his knee, instantly shooting his eyes back open again. "Hmm?" he asked, barely aware that she had even asked a question. "It'll be a few more hours yet." He smiled down at her, hoping she couldn't see how tired he was. They had to persevere. It was too late to stop now and once they got to Rivendell, they could sleep as long as they wanted. Just a few hours more.

[diamondoflongcleeve]

Diamond stood with Pippin's help, though before she set to gathering up the dinner dishes, she wrapped her arms around his waist. “Well, when we are in a proper bed, I shall give your back a proper rub.. Perhaps that will make the aches of the road more tolerable.” She peered up at him and smiled. Then she set to work preparing the carriage alongside him.

She made her way to a nearby stream to wash their dishes. By the time she had finished, Pippin was ready and the set off.

Diamond leaned against his side for most of the ride. She watched the scenery go by, enjoying the last of the day’s sun upon her face as the carriage lulled her into a sleepy state. When the sun had slipped behind the trees, Diamond nearly slipped into sleep along with it, but Pippin’s voice called her back.

"No." She said, trying to sound as though she was wide awake. "I will stay up with you and keep you company. It isn’t fair that I should sleep while you and Sally are just as tired.

[lotrrp-pippin]

Pippin looked down at his wife with blurry eyes and smiled. "You're too kind, love," he told her, stroking her cheek. Wrapping an arm around her shoulder, he pulled her a bit closer to him. "I won't mind if you sleep. We'll be there soon enough. I'll be able to sleep when we get there. It shouldn't be too much longer." 

Though he said it, he knew it would still be hours before they reached Rivendell. He didn't know how much longer he could stay awake. If it weren't for the occasional bump in the road keeping him awake, who knows how long he could keep going. "I'll tell you what," he finally said, looking down at Diamond again. "If you're so dead set on staying awake, make sure you pinch me if I should drift off. Do you think you can do that?"

[diamondoflongcleeve]

Diamond reached up to touch his cheek softly, "You're not that old!" Her lips curled into a slight grin at the edges. Was he? Pippin was five years her senior. Would she soon start feeling the effects of age as he did?

Diamond bit her lip, "Let's clean up our dinner.." She glanced around at the dirty pots and pans."Then we can head out. I do not desire to sleep on the ground again."

[lotrrp-pippin]

"Then it's settled," Pippin said with a smile. He got to his feet, brushed the dirt from his trousers, then helped his wife to hers. "My back is longing for a proper mattress." He leaned back a bit, his back popping much as it had done before. "These weeks spent lying on the ground have done nothing but give me back troubles." 

Frowning slightly, he helped Diamond gather the pots and pans and whatever the had to prepare for the final leg of their journey. Finally everything was set. Sally was ready to go and Diamond and Pippin were in their usual seats. Pippin smiled at Diamond, then sighed. "To Rivendell." 

With that, they set off, following the dirt path in front of them. Hours passed and the sunny sky was replaced by the moon and the stars. More hours still and Pippin could feel fatigue beginning to set in. "If you need to sleep, go ahead and do so," he told Diamond gently. "We should be there at daybreak." 

[diamondoflongcleeve]

Diamond chuckled, "What happened to my rash, child-like husband?" She teased. Pippin had always been worried when it came to her well-being, though in the past he had been a bit more quick to make decisions, "Married life has matured you I suppose." She laughed softly and finished the rest of her soup.

She placed the bowl down, stretched, and then laid back against Pippin. She laid her head in his lap and peered up at him, "A few more moments here, my bones are weary from the cart: Rivendell can wait another minute or two."

[lotrrp-pippin]

"Alright," Pippin chuckled, gently moving a strand of hair out of her face. "If that's what you so desire." He smiled at her, then bent down the best he could to place a kiss on her forehead, his back popping in the process. "Ow," he said with a grimace, rubbing the offending area. "I suppose I really am getting old." Sighing, he smiled a bit down at his wife. "Are you sure you want to continue on through the night? We could stay the night on the road one last time."

[lotrrp-pippin]

Diamond’s lips crooked into a small, half-smile. 

"I always take you by surprise." She chuckled.

There always seemed to be a shy or a bewildered look upon her husband’s face: especially when she kissed him or started crying. “I cry too much, don’t I?” She glanced up at him, her eyes sparkling from the “happy tears”.

"No! No!" Pippin reassured her, pulling her into a hug. "You don't cry too much. I just worry too much. In my old age, I think I've become somewhat of a worrywart." He chuckled, then smiled down at his lovely wife, planting a small kiss on her lips. "No more crying, though," he told her, pretending to be stern. "Let's eat and hit the road. Rivendell's so close, I can practically taste it! Or it might just be this rabbit stew, which is delicious by the way."

[diamondoflongcleeve]

Diamond looked up at her husband and beamed, “Hmmm.” She grinned. “Well, you can enjoy this dinner I have prepared for us.” She tilted her head to the side and then smiled coyly. She leaned over to lay a small kiss at the side of his lips. 

"You’re so brave." She murmured, "I’m proud that you’re my husband." She suddenly felt tears welling up in her eyes - all those months that they had gone barely speaking… It was as if on this journey they had fallen in love all over again.

"I’m so happy."

[lotrrp-pippin]

"That I can do, m'lady," Pippin assured her with a smile, enjoying the kiss that she had given him. He blushed a bit when she complimented him. He never really thought himself as brave. He only did what he needed to do, no more, no less, but the compliment felt good nonetheless. But his smile immediately faded when tears began forming at his wife's eyes. It was odd and sudden and Pippin rapidly searched for reasons in his mind as to why she would be crying so. But before he could even ask, she answered for him. She was happy, which made Pippin smile a tiny bit.

"Then why are you crying, my love?" he asked, stroking her tears away. "I'm happy too."

[diamondoflongcleeve]

Diamond turned to the sound of Pippin’s voice and beamed at him when she realized what he was saying and what was in his hands.

"Thank you love." She grinned and jogged up to him, then laid a long kiss upon his cheek. "I can take it from here, my brave rabbit catcher." She winked at him and took the coney over to where her cook fire and utensils were. She murmured a small ‘thanks’ to the tiny creature as she prepared it for the stew. 

There was a lot more meat than she initially expected and she dropped each bit of meat on to her skilliet that crackled over the fire. Once the meat was sufficently cooked she mixed it in with the stew.

"This will be so delicious, Pip, thank you." She called over her shoulder.

[lotrrp-pippin]

"You're welcome," Pippin replied with a small smirk as he sat down next to her cooking pot. He couldn't help but feel at least a little bit proud of himself. He was never all that good at hunting. Most hobbits preferred caring for their gardens than hunting meat, though there were certainly hobbits with that skill. Pippin just wasn't one of them. So, the fact that he had successfully captured a rabbit to make a good supper, he was quite proud. It made him feel good to provide for his family.

"Anything else I can help with?" he asked, still smiling.