CHAPTER 10

Merry was knocking on the door and a young Hobbit lass answered the door.

"Estella?" Merry began. "I, uh... came by these flowers and I... was thinking of you. Will you accept this banquet as a token of my apology?"

Estella Bolger seemed to be a little puzzled. "Apology? For what?"

"Walking out on you to run around outside the Shire when I should be... I forgot what it was now," Merry answered.

"Well, you were a little distant for awhile there, Meriadoc," Estella said as she took the banquet. "But at least you haven't forgotten about me, so that's quite enough."

"Actually, I came here for help," Merry said rather somberly.

"Wow. This is like the first time you've ever asked me for that. What's the occassion?"

"Remember the Elf and the Dwarf in the Company I told you about?"

"Vaguely. Merry, what is this about?"

"I'll spare you the details, but those two have recently been wounded and might need some of your... attention. But it's important not to tell it to the rest of the Shire. Understand?" Lotho learning about it was bad enough already.

Back in Brandy Hall, Legolas was sitting in a tree again. According to Aragorn, he should be in bed so his wounds could heal. But the Elf had much rather preferred the outside light. Deep inside, he wasn't sure if he wanted to survive another night of visions, but at least this time he had Gimli by his side. Everything would be okay. But still, the torture at the hands of the sorcerors still troubled him. It also troubled him that one of his longknives was stolen. How was he going to get it back?

All Legolas knew right now was that Aragorn had gone somewhere but didn't tell him or Gimli why. The Hobbits were planning on getting back at Lotho for the trouble he caused earlier back at the Green Dragon. What were Legolas and Gimli going to do? One thing was sure: Legolas didn't want to be cooped up back in bed, and he had hoped Aragorn didn't go to do something rash.

Legolas saw Merry arriving back.

"Now how long are you gonna be up there?" Merry asked.

"Just breathing fresh air," Legolas replied. "Besides, my Elf eyes are needed for lookout."

"And what about the rest of you?"

"They'll heal."

"Not while you're out walking around they won't!"

"Meriadoc, if you don't give wounds some air, how are they gonna heal with just bandages on them?"

Before an answer can be said, Merry kept scratching his itchy hair. "You know, to make any pretty Elf happy, I should go and wash my hair."

Legolas didn't comment on that, however. He was worried about something else. "You're going to confront Lotho, aren't you? Revenge will not solve anything."

"Hey, he was the one whole stole your knife," Merry replied, "not to mention he tried to stab me only for Sam to take a hit. That bastard's gonna pay one way or the other. Anyway, I've spoke with one of the locals to look after you two lugs."

"Thanks, but we can pretty much look after ourselves."

"Just... be good, alright?"