002 | [video]

[foolofatook]

[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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[foolofatook]

I will be well. We've been separated before.

[And then he was separated from Merry and did some real growing up.]

[inafadingcrown]

And hobbits are hardy folk, as I have learned.

[foolofatook]

Oh, yes! Especially those from Tuckborough!

[A pause.]

That is from where I hail.

[inafadingcrown]

[She chuckles a little] I am afraid the name means little to me. Perhaps one day I will see it for myself.

[foolofatook]

You would greatly surprise the Shire-folk, my lady! But as Tuckborough is the ancestral home of the Tooks, you would be warmly welcomed.

[While those other Hobbits would hide indoors until the Elf party passed by.]

[inafadingcrown]

I do not know much of your family. You said Master Baggins was your cousin, did you not?

[foolofatook]

Oh yes! He's my second cousin once removed on his mother's side, and my third cousin once removed on his father's. Most great families in the Shire are related several ways: Tooks, Brandybucks, Baggins, Hornblowers, Bolgers, and on and on.

[inafadingcrown]

It is oft the same with elves, in fact, though we may speak of it less.

[foolofatook]

Really? I confess, I do not know the stories of Elves as well as I do those of Hobbits. It was Frodo and Bilbo who knew more of your people.

[inafadingcrown]

Would you care to know more of the tales?

[foolofatook]

[If Pippin knew what fanboying was, he'd be doing it right now.]

Would I! Of course I would, my lady! If you would be willing?

[inafadingcrown]

I would, of course. It would be pleasant to tell a tale or two now and again.

[foolofatook]

Whenever you are willing, my lady, I shall be open ears!