Chapter 2

Title: Sorrow
Author: Anemone Frost
Email: Weepingwillow987@aol.com
Pairing: Pippin/Other; Pippin/Merry
Summary: 2/6 Merry summons the local Shire doctor to tend to Pippin.
Rating: PG-13
Feedback: Yes, please.
Warnings: Angst, blood, and implied death

Merry sat with his head between his knees on the wood floor. Across from him was a tiny room. Behind the shut door the local Shire doctor, Mr. Brombleburr, who was attending to Pippin's wounds. Although Merry had wanted more than anything to be in that room with his cousin, the doctor made him wait outside. He occasionally rose from his stiff seat to gaze out the window. Sam had been notified and now Merry was waiting for his arrival. The windowsill reminded him of time with Pippin, not too long ago.

Dark clouds billowed over the night sky, slowly drowning out the stars. The darkness increased over the land, bringing a chilling air. In the Shire the massive rows of Hobbit houses stood silent, all inhabitants sleeping peacefully in the warmth, save one. A shadowy figure stirred within, opened the shutters, and perched near the ledge. Embers of a dying fire glowed from behind. As the fire nearly went out a different form tossed another log in, feeding the dying flame.

"What is the point in staying up if you can't keep the fire lit, you foolish Took!" Merry chuckled.

Pippin remained silent, occasionally tapping his fingers on the windowsill.

"What ever is the matter with you Pippin?" Merry asked, moving next to his cousin. "You haven't been your cute, aggravating, energetic self lately."

"I don't know Merry," Pippin replied. "I have been thinking....."

"Oh, you, actually thinking?!" Merry laughed. "I hate to break it to you my dear cousin, but your brain isn't your strongest attribute! Just what were you pondering about?"

"Old times....with Frodo, Gandalf.... with everyone," Pippin sighed. "How long has it been since they have left?"

"Hmm, I guess I lost track as time went on," Merry answered, his eyes softening. "It has been a while since Frodo and Gandalf left. I also fear that Sam will be joining them shortly as well. Rose`s health is starting to fade."

"I never thought they would all leave so soon," Pippin said. "It's amazing how we can take our time here for granted. If I knew things would have passed so quickly ...I would have spent more time with Frodo. It just went by too fast....."

"There's no point in grieving over something you can't change, Pippin," Merry replied, wrapping his arm tightly around his cousin's shoulder, nestling his head in the nook of the other's neck. "Take comfort that they are in a better place! When our time comes we will leave this land and join the departed. Then, dear Pippin, we can spend all the time we want with our cousin and our friends."

"I suppose," Pippin said.

Merry glanced at Pippin's face intently. "You seem to have doubts cousin. Why is that?"

"I...I don't know. It is nothing I guess." He turned and walked toward the door. "Perhaps I'll try to lie down for a bit. I haven`t had a good nights rest in the past week."

"Yes, I am afraid that old age will do that to you Pippin!" Merry sneered. "You are getting up there in the years!"

"May I remind you Meriadoc Brandybuck that you are just as old as I am!" Pippin snapped. "Besides we still have a long time before we reach one hundred! The last time I kept count we were only thirty years old! Heaven forbid if we ever become senile at this young age!"

"Well, I don't know about myself, but as for you Pippin, I fear that you have already reached that mark!" Merry laughed.

"Oh, really," Pippin said, raising an eyebrow. "And just how long did it take you to figure that out? Goodnight Merry. Will you join me?"

"In a bit," Merry answered. "There are a few things I want to finish first. Goodnight.....cheer up Pippin! Remember that we still have many years here on Middle-earth. We should enjoy those days while we still can!"

The door quietly slid open and Merry rushed over to greet the doctor.

"Mr. Brombleburr, is he....will he be alright?" Merry stuttered.

A sad look formed on Brombleburr's face. "I am afraid his injuries are most grievous. A chill is spreading over his body, but I think I have contained that. He is covered with warm blankets next to a toasty fire. Pippin's cheekbone has been shattered to pieces, which will take months to heal, expecting he will survive till then...."

"What do you mean expecting he will survive?!" Merry cried, his eyes welding.

"The assault on the side of his rib cage was traumatic. The force was so powerful that two of his ribs were dislodged and driven into his right lung. For the past hour, he has been coughing up small amounts of blood, but I am frightened that the flow will increase over the days."

"You don't know that for sure!" Merry screamed, in disbelief. "How can you be certain?! Maybe he's just....just....."

"I have watched his breathing and it is very labored. Whenever he draws in a single breath, a moan of pain comes from him. I have also examined his rib cage and I can feel the two dislodged ribs. Look, there is nothing more I can do for him except give him herbs for the pain. I cannot guarantee on how much longer he has here. It could be a day or even a week, I do not know. Perhaps, he will survive, but it will take a miracle. I think it would be best if you sit with him now. He may wake up soon. If you want to tell him the news you are more then welcome to or I could return later to tell him myself. Take care Merry."

Brombleburr patted him on the shoulder and left the hobbit hole. Merry was left standing in shock, uncertain what to do.


"Merry, are you around cousin?" a low voice asked.

Merry's eyes burned feverishly, but he fought back the tears as he walked toward the door. He nearly lost control at the doorway, but regained himself. For Pippin's sake, he had to remain calm. When he entered the room the battered hobbit gave a warm smile and beckoned Merry over.

"Well, are you going to sit by me?" Pippin asked. "You act as if I have the plague."

"It's good to see you awake cousin," Merry said, kneeling beside his bed. He took the hand next to him and kissed it. "Do you feel any better?"

"I feel a lot better from when I was in the woods!" Pippin chuckled, suddenly coughing. "I have an awful pain in my chest and it hurts to breath, but other than that I am fine. I want to know what the doctor said about my condition Merry."

Merry`s face became flushed and his eyes stung. "He said everything was going to be fine Pippin," he choked. "Everything will be fine in due time. You just need plenty of bed rest and you`ll be ok."

"Liar," Pippin solemnly whispered. "Meriadoc Brandybuck if it is one thing that you are atrocious at doing, it is lying to me! From what I can read from your face my time here will be cut short......"

"Mr. Brombleburr could be wrong!" Merry shot back. "You are a hardy little hobbit and I know that you can pull through this!"

"Perhaps," Pippin replied. "It`s my ribs, isn`t it? There is something wrong with my ribs." Merry nodded. "I thought as much. Every time I breathe I feel a sharp, stabbing pain in my lung. The herbs Mr. Brombleburr gave me help a little, but it doesn't take away all the misery."

An eerie silence swept over the room as the two sat next to one another. The calm silence was soon drowned out when Pippin began to violently hack. He turned away from Merry and pulled a bucket near the bedside. Merry was almost in tears at the sight. Blood was sliding down Pippin's chin and when he coughed, more blood drained onto his hands. Tears dripped from his eyes as he looked down at the mess.

"I am sorry Merry!" he sobbed. "I have ruined your sheets!"

"Do not worry about the sheets!" Merry cried. "I can easily replace sheets! It is you that I cannot replace!"

He buried his face in Pippin's shoulder and sobbed.

"Merry, where will I be buried?" Pippin asked. "I haven't picked a spot yet."

"Pippin, do be silent!" Merry snapped. "You will have no need for a grave! How many times do I have to tell you that you will be alright!"

"Merry, I am scared," Pippin whimpered.
"I don't want to die alone!"

"I am here with you and you are certainly not dying!" Merry growled, kissing Pippin's forehead. "Everything will be ok. Everything will be ok." Merry gently cradled Pippin in his arms, repeating his statement over and over.

Pippin`s eyelids slowly began to droop. "Will you stay with me for a bit?"

"Certainly," Merry replied, snuggling against Pippin. "Close your eyes and when you wake a new day shall begin."

"Yes, a new day," Pippin whispered, drifting off. "I love you cousin."

"I love you too, my sweet one."

Merry wrapped his arms around Pippin and kissed his neck. His tears stained the sheets as he too fell into a restless slumber. Merry's sleep was interrupted as soft hands shook him. When he awoke there was Sam hovering over him.

"I'm sorry for my lateness," Sam said. "The roads are awful from the rain. It wouldn't surprise me if the river flooded. My steed became stuck in the mud and as I pulled him loose, I became lodged too. I'm afraid that I have tracked mud all over your floors, Merry. Don't worry though. I'll clean them right up for you..."

"No, it is fine Sam," Merry said.
"You sit with Pippin for a bit and I will clean it up. I need a break to clear my head anyway."

"What did Mr. Brombleburr say about his condition?" Sam asked.

Merry's eyes became downcast. "According to him Pippin is dying. Two of his ribs have punctured his lung. I, however, believe that Pippin will pull through nicely. He has gotten himself into worse I suppose and....I just know he'll pull through. He has to."

"Yes, I'm sure," Sam replied quietly.

The hobbit left the room heading toward the kitchen. There he found a bucket of water and he proceeded to clean the mud from the floor. The rain hammered into the roof and thunder crashed in the distance. Merry didn't know how long he had been at work, but Sam came bursting from the door deathly pale.

"Whatever is the matter Sam?!" Merry cried.

"It's Pippin! He's retching a lot of blood and gaspin' for breath!"

Merry immediately ran into the room next to Pippin's side. He was still vomiting into the tiny bucket, which was now close to overfilling. His eyes were wide with terror, and he shook violently. When the vomiting ceased, he drew in a breath and cried out. Merry shook and glanced about trying to think over the panic that was rising in his mind.

"Sam, you stay with Pippin and I will fetch Mr. Brombleburr!" Merry ordered.

"Oh, Merry, don't leave me!" Pippin wailed, clamping on his cousin's hand.

The hand was pale and cold to touch. "I am not leaving you Pippin! I will back with Mr. Brombleburr! I won't be gone that long!"

"Please hurry Merry," Pippin coughed. "I can barely breath!"

Merry kissed Pippin's cheek and rushed out of the room heading out the door. The violent force of the wind nearly pushed him back, but he fought with all his strength. Freezing rain struck him across the face and he pulled on his cloak tightly. When he reached the barn he mounted the nearest pony and took off the down the road. The pony slipped over the mud, nearly tumbling to the ground on several occasions, but Merry pushed on. The pony struggled along the way as its feet sank into the path. Finally, the pony became stuck and Merry had to dismount.

"Come on you burden!" Merry snapped, tugging on the reins. "Put your back into it!" It was no use; the pony was stuck. "Fine, I'll walk the rest the way if I have to!"

He sloshed through the mud, struggling with each step. The wet dirt clung to his feet, adding more weight that he could barely handle. On one of the steps he slipped and fell face first. The mud caked onto his face and clothing.
`I have to keep moving for Pippin's sake!'

The rest of the way down the road he crawled, crossing over the speeding river, and finally coming to the tiny hobbit hole of Mr. Brombleburr. He rose up, pounding on the door.

"What is wrong?! Who is out there?!" Brombleburr yelled, yanking the door open. "Oh, it is you Merry. What is wrong? You are a complete mess!"

"It is Pippin. He is need of your help," Merry replied. "He has been vomiting too much blood and has difficulty breathing!"

"I will do what I can for him!" Brombleburr said.

The two were soon rushing down the road atop a new steed. A loud crash rang ahead, causing the pony to rear.

"What was that noise?! It sounded like thunder!" Merry yelled.

"That was no thunder!" Brombleburr cried. "I fear it has something to do with the bridge!"

Brombleburr dug his feet in the side of the pony and they continued. He suddenly stopped the pony and look of dread swept over his face.

"What is wrong?!" Merry asked.

"The bridge is out!" Brombleburr yelled.

Merry looked ahead to view the last portions of the bridge to be swept away in the current. The water rose over the bank flooding toward the pony's feet.


"We have to find another way around!" Brombleburr called. "We will have to take Woodshot Path!"

"Woodshot Path?!" Merry cried in alarm. "We cannot take that way! It is far too long!"

"Look, we do not have any other options!" Brombleburr snapped. "Besides, it is the quickest route besides the bridge!"

To Merry's dismay Brombleburr turned the steed in the direction of the path. For Merry, the time went agonizingly slow. The thoughts of poor Pippin struggling for breath ran through Merry's head.

`Hang on Pippin I am coming! You will be alright!'

The steed pulled up in front of Merry's house and the two dismounted. Pippin ran ahead of Brombleburr, bolting into the house. He rushed into the bedroom and he halted. Sam was at the foot of bed, weeping into the sheets. Merry raised his head and glanced at Pippin. His eyes were glazed over and his breaths were entering with less effort. Blood slowly trickled down his mouth. In a rush of agony, Merry stormed over and took Pippin in his arms.

"Pippin! I am here dear cousin!" Merry sobbed into his neck.

"Oh, Merry it is you!" Pippin whimpered. "I thought I would never see you again!"

"Now why would you think that you foolish Took!" Merry chuckled, wiping at his tears. "I have brought Mr. Brombleburr! He will help you!" Brombleburr took one look at Pippin and lowered his head. "Well, what are you waiting for?! Do something!"

"I am sorry," Brombleburr said. "There is nothing I can do for him."

Merry's cheeks flushed and tears spilled down his face. "How can you not do anything for him! There has to be something you can do!"

Pippin coughed spitting up more blood. His body convulsed and his eyes stared at Merry with an uncertain plea. The hobbit's chest rose high and dropped dramatically. A gurgle rose in his throat as he tried to speak.

"Don't talk Pippin," Merry whispered, stroking his cheek. "You need to save your strength."

Pippin's eyes closed and opened as he breathed heavily. A wheezing sound filled the room.
"You're going to be alright...." Merry said. A single tear streamed down Pippin's throat and his chest rose no more. "Pippin? Pippin?!" Merry broke out in racking sobs as he hugged his cousin's lifeless form. "Pippin, my Pippin! Don't leave me! Please! Please come back! Come back! Come back!" He extended his hand and slowly closed Pippin's eyes. "Please, you cannot leave like this!"

"Merry....." Sam tried to say.

Merry didn't wait for him to finish. He bolted out the door, running into the rain. How long he ran he did not know. When the pain in his side became too much he collapsed to the ground. The rain pounded into his back as he sobbed uncontrollably.

"Pippin! Pippin, why did you leave me?!
Pippin! What am I going to do without you?!"

He buried his face into the ground and wept.
Overhead, the thunder rolled.

To be continued.

Chapter 1
Chapter 3
Story Main page
Slash Stories Main Page
Fanfic page
Main Page