Chance Encounter, part 7, another interlude

[dreamflower]

We're checking on Legolas and Gimli again...

“I agree that it is probably not the kind of quality one would like to see in an instrument, Legolas,” said the Dwarf as they exited the shop. “But it was the only child-sized fiddle to be found in his stock.”

Legolas shrugged, and shifted the package he carried. “I realize that. I just wish that I’d the time to find something better.”

“Why did you not tell the merchant who it was for? Or better yet, why did Pippin not make the purchase himself? The shop owner would have bent himself over backwards to find something better.”

“Pippin had two reasons: first of all, he wanted to pay for it. You know that if he had come himself the merchant would have tried to give it to him. And secondly, he does not wish for Sam to find out.”

Gimli nodded. “Ah, yes.” He grinned.

“And *I* had a reason, most especially, for not saying anything. I am heartily tired of the way these Men take advantage of our small friends’ renown under the guise of gratitude.” The Elf made a disgusted sound. “The other day I passed by an eating house on the third level. There were actually people standing in a line to get in, and I overheard some of them talking. Seems word had got out that the Ernil i Pheriannath and his cousin, the Knight of Rohan, had taken a meal there.”

Gimli chuckled. “You cannot blame a merchant for trying to make a profit. It would be like blaming a fish for swimming or a bird for flying, Master Elf.”

Legolas sniffed. “I find it offensive. Our friends have been through enough. They do not need to be used that way. Merry and Pippin seem somewhat oblivious to it--they do not seem to understand the motives behind all the so-called generosity. But I can tell that it truly distresses Frodo and Sam.”

Gimli’s expression sobered. “A good deal distresses Frodo, especially gestures of gratitude. I am afraid his pain over what occurred at the Mountain is deeper than he would let anyone know.”

Legolas just nodded. So far, only the Fellowship truly knew what had happened. And only the King and Gandalf ever spoke to the Ringbearer of it.

****
hoppity...hoppity...hoppity...

Comments

[isil-elensar.livejournal.com]

*sigh* happy camper am i to see more Legolas (and Gimli)... ;-)

[dreamflower]

And we'll see even more as the story goes on, as well as Frodo, Sam, Aragorn and Gandalf. But we'll also get back to Merry and Pip and Menelcar...
(My bunny is hopping all over the City...)

[shirebound]

A lovely scene! These two are truly the most amazing friends, able to talk to one another about everything.

[dreamflower]

Yes, even when they disagree (truly and not just teasing) they can discuss it. You will notice Gimli is not nearly so upset with the merchants as Legolas is.

[(Anonymous)]

I do guess well, they were looking for something for Pip. Yes, Legolas is going to have a hard time finding something for him that is sized properly. Pip and Merry don't seem to mind so far except that they do want to pay for some things. They have the problem that "superstars" of our era do when it comes to that. LOL, think of the endorsements they could have in this era. Good thing they lived then. I can't wait to see if Legolas manages to find a good instrument for Pippin.

[dreamflower]

They are indeed looking for something for Pip, that he has asked Legolas to get for him. Pippin and Merry are a bit embarassed at never paying; they don't really seem to understand that as you put it, they are superstars, LOL! But the difference is that the merchants are not really asking them permission to use them for endorsements. They are just spreading the word that "the halflings shop here", and raking in the crowds. Legolas has a point.

[elenar.livejournal.com]

I loving the story more and more:)

[dreamflower]

Good, good! I'm glad you're enjoying it!