exsilium | 002 | [video]

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002 | [video]

[Pippin looks unusually somber today, so people should guess something is amiss before he even speaks. When he does, his voice is soft and sad.]

I believe I heard when one cannot find their friend's name written upon the tablet's list, that it means they have been returned home. This has happened to Frodo's name. Frodo Baggins. He is my cousin. But he no longer appears. He is home now.

[And this would be the part where most people would say, "But don't worry; home's a better place than here!" But no such empty words pass Pippin's lips. Frodo is going back to the Dead Marshes, and Cirith Ungol, and spider poison, and succumbing to power, and to a finger bitten clean off. He's going back to all that, and when the journey is over and done, he will dwell in the Shire where he grows weaker and weaker.

Finally Pippin shifts, clears his throat, and forces a smile. He tries to sound like himself again, voice a bit lighter, but there is little joy there.]

I was thinking of having an adventure outside this city. I wish to journey to the wild and have a bit of a look around. But worry not; I had heard of the creatures that lurk out there, and so I was curious if any would wish to accompany me? We could set a date that suits us all.

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[Oh, dear. Pippin finds Thorin rather intimidating. It's like meeting a character from a storybook, the way Bilbo would tell the tale. And talking to a figure such as Thorin makes Pippin want to reign in his propensity for being a fool.]

It is mainly a change in scenery I am after. The city can get quite stuffy. They say there is naught but wild beasts out there, and that may be true, but I should like to see for myself all the same.

[There is a breath pushed from his lungs that would've been a snort of laughter--if Thorin was a man inclined to laugh, or was even in the mood right now to do so.]

I would not believe you a hobbit to say such things. To go looking for danger in unfamiliar places.

[Pippin's only experience with Dwarvish laughter is Gimli's boisterous laugh, so he has no idea what that sound Thorin made indicates.]

Ah, but I am a Took! We are always in search of adventure, which most Hobbits are inclined to stay far from and never discuss, unless to say how ridiculous it is.

[Pippin had mentioned the Took name before, but only then does he remember the night they spent in the goblin cave, and the argument Bilbo had with Bofur.

Whether he is a Took or not, Thorin cannot say, still not caring about hobbit genealogy. But he was in no position to doubt the capabilities of a hobbit in the wild any longer.]

Very well. I would join you on your adventure, should you still require a hand.

[Pippin looks excited. He gets to go on a journey with the Thorin Oakenshield? And here he thought he'd be sitting about, moping over Frodo. Now he has something to look forward to.]

I thank you, Master Dwarf. You are most welcome to come and I'm sure we shall have quite the adventure.

Indeed. [Hopefully not so much of an adventure that their lives would be at risk. Not the kind of adventure that Bilbo's was shaping up to be, so far (before they even made it to the dragon).]

...And I am sorry about Master Baggins.

Yes. Thank you. But we have been parted before. I can bear it.

I am sure that you can. I would not wish it upon you, all the same.

You and Mister Baggins were the last of your kind in this city, were you not?

Indeed we were. But outside of our little party of travelers, there are few Hobbits who would wish to leave the Shire, so perhaps it is best that I am here, and not one of them.

Free to wander into the wilderness, as you please.

Quite right. Though wandering is always best when you have a few fellow travelers by your side.

Then it does not bother you, being the only hobbit in this city, Mister Took?

[Well he has experience being the only Hobbit in a city.]

I confess, it will be a bit lonely, but there are so many diverse people here. Yes, many are of the race of Men, but not all. And I have made friends here. They shall be a comfort to me.

[A dry snort.] Not all. Only the ones more preferable are Men.

You are a brave little soul, indeed.

[Is he detecting some Elf prejudice there?]

Bravery has come with experience, I must say.

[Elf + Dragon + That One Chick He Thinks is An Orc prejudice.

Thorin has enough hate for everyone.]

And you have plenty. [A very small glint in his eye, somewhere between shrewdly studious and amused.] You have surely hinted at this, enough.

[Oh, right. Dragons, man.]

I confess I have. My trip ended not many months ago, and is still fresh in my mind.

[Dragons everywhere.]

You will be hard-pressed to find a man of any race that has been to war and can easily place those memories behind him.

[Getting their stank dragon breath over everything.]

I know. A return to the life I once had isn't possible, even though a return to the location is.

[He was having an easier time of it than Frodo was, he knows. Sometimes he can forget for awhile. Maybe a whole afternoon goes by and he doesn't think of the Uruks whipping his heels or Ents on fire or a troll slashing at him. But it always comes back to him.]

[Licking all the gold so nobody wants to touch it anymore.]

[A long pause.]

There is something I wish to ask you about, Master Hobbit.

Of course! What is it?

What became of Bilbo Baggins when he returned to your home? [He knows that Bilbo was safe, that he wasn't killed by the dragon, and he told the young hobbits stories about their adventures. But he heard little else.] ...If you would be so kind.

Well, he mainly settled down into a quiet life and began to write the tale of his journey down for posterity, but Frodo knew the most about the writing, not I. Of course many thought him odd for disappearing as he did, and returning just as suddenly. He came back with riches, and he was always generous in the giving of gifts!

[He listens silently, and expressionless for the most part. At least his face doesn't change until the mention of riches, where his eyes widen and his mouth opens before the idea digests and any words even come to him.

It would be a lie to claim Thorin never wondered about the outcome of his quest, though he never brought himself to ask. But riches have to mean something. If Bilbo returned to the Shire wealthier than he left, could it be anything other than the payment they promised him when he was finished with his services? Could it mean anything aside from the death of the dragon waiting for him when he returned home?]

... [His head dips.]

Inform me when you have arranged a time for your quest, Master Hobbit.

[Oh, he sees he's surprised the Dwarf. Well, Pippin doesn't mind. He has said nothing (this time, at least) that would deserve reproach.]

I most certainly will, Master Dwarf! Until then!

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002 | [video]

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[video] (way to be adorable, Pippin)

[video] (this is like, the best day ever for him now)

[video] (he's really not that cool, Pippin. Just wait until he sees Lego-lass)

[video] (lol, i realized this yesterday and went "WELP." pip's putting them in time out.)

[video] (You two better pipe down or I am turning this adventure around!)

[video] (when pippin is the adult in a situation, you know it's bad)

[video] (getting psychologically battered by Gandalf prepared him for this day)

[video] (good training, yes)

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