In Edoras

(for Dana)

In Edoras

Merry lay on the soft pallet that the Rohirrim had laid out for him and stared at the shadows that danced on the smokestained ceiling of the great hall. He hadn't had so comfortable a bed since Lorien, but it felt empty, and cold. He'd fallen out of the habit of sleeping alone. Ever since they'd left Crickhollow, Pippin had been there beside him, stealing the blankets or yawning through his turn on watch. Without him close by, Merry scarcely dared to close his eyes. Without Pippin sleep was different, and dangerous.

He felt like he'd forgotten how to dream.

In Edoras

(for Dana)

In Edoras

Merry lay on the soft pallet that the Rohirrim had laid out for him and stared at the shadows that danced on the smokestained ceiling of the great hall. He hadn't had so comfortable a bed since Lorien, but it felt empty, and cold. He'd fallen out of the habit of sleeping alone. Ever since they'd left Crickhollow, Pippin had been there beside him, stealing the blankets or yawning through his turn on watch. Without him close by, Merry scarcely dared to close his eyes. Without Pippin sleep was different, and dangerous.

He felt like he'd forgotten how to dream.

Fandom number 16 – Hetty Wainthropp

It was like having grandparents, he supposed. He got tired of hot pot, but the thing about the Wainthropps was that he always knew that at least there'd be something on the table, even if it meant that all three of them had scant portions.

Once a week he got paid, and once a week he handed Robert a check for room and board in return, like an formal pantomime of employment. But paychecks or not, he never quite felt like an employee. Especially not at the breakfast table, when Mrs. Wainthropp generally asked whether he'd washed behind his ears.

Fandom number 16 – Hetty Wainthropp

It was like having grandparents, he supposed. He got tired of hot pot, but the thing about the Wainthropps was that he always knew that at least there'd be something on the table, even if it meant that all three of them had scant portions.

Once a week he got paid, and once a week he handed Robert a check for room and board in return, like an formal pantomime of employment. But paychecks or not, he never quite felt like an employee. Especially not at the breakfast table, when Mrs. Wainthropp generally asked whether he'd washed behind his ears.