One Day More: Silly Sisters and Pranks

A/N: Slowly but surely this story is kinda sorta back on it's feet. Please review! they make me realy happy and provide 99% of them motivation I need to just mcfreakin update

Disclaimer: Don't own anything affiliated with Tolkien's works.

Chapter One: Of Silly Sisters and Pranks

In which Amaryllis is introduced, two new acquaintances are made, and seeds of a friendship are planted.

Most hobbits in Hardbottle were surprised that Amaryllis Bracegirdle turned out as well as she did, considering that she had created more trouble as a child than every other hobbit lad and lass in the town put together. Her mother called it a miracle and her father called it sheer dumb luck, because somehow she managed to cast aside her adventurous tendencies and learned how to behave like a mature hobbit should by the time she exited her tweenage years of rebellion.

The Bracegirdles were long acknowledged as a line of fine tailors and seamstresses, and Amaryllis was no exception, happily settling into the family business quietly and without a fuss once her wild side extinguished itself. She wasn't of age like her two older sisters and therefore not permitted to actually work, and so contented herself with practicing mending and sewing her own clothes on quiet mornings and helping out with an odd job every now and then when her parents were feeling overwhelmed. It was on one such morning that her eldest sister Acacia burst into their modestly sized smial, bright-eyed and practically glowing with excitement.

"Mother! Mother, you won't believe what has happened!" she immediately exclaimed, causing Amaryllis to look up with mild interest from the handkerchief she was embroidering. It had a picture of a singing teakettle already in the works and was to become a present for her mother.

"Did April push you out of a tree again?" she asked, innocently keeping her eyes on her sewing when her sister glowered.

"Oh, grow up Lissie, that was ages ago," she snapped, more than a little reluctant to recall the incident. "As a matter of fact, that's not what happened today!" She pursed her lips as if expecting Amaryllis to beg her to divulge whatever exciting information she had to offer.

"You know I hate being called that," Amaryllis replied tonelessly, "And I can't deny I'm a little surprised no one tried to maim you while you were out. I know I want to half the time."

Acacia made a very unladylike hand gesture before promptly ignoring her youngest sister.

"Mother, honestly, you simply have to hear this!" she tried again. A moment later, Azalea Bracegirdle trudged wearily in the kitchen, finally unable to avoid seeing what the fuss was about.

Azalea was as good a mother as any, and as an extremely family-oriented hobbit she raised her three daughters the same way her grandmother raised her: Strong, well mannered, and not afraid of hard work. She herself was rather plain and had never learned to read or write, but she could work a needle and thread better than any other hobbit in Hardbottle, a skill she took great pride in.

"What is it this time, Acacia?" she asked with a sigh. "Another lad?"

Ever since she had come of age, Acacia had taken to walking down to Hobbiton when her work as a seamstress was done and flirting with every good-looking (and not so good-looking) lad she laid eyes on. Her mother accepted her new interest in romance like she did everything else; with weary resignation and a silent prayer that her two younger daughters would have a couple of more years before they became interested in such things.

"As a matter of fact, yes," Acacia said with a sniff. Amaryllis discreetly rolled her eyes. Here came another exaggerated tale. Sure enough, Acacia continued with much enthusiasm. "I was looking at some perfectly lovely hair ribbons when that wonderful Folco Boffin crossed my path. He offered to take me for a brief stroll and picked me some flowers." She proudly displayed a bunch of slightly crushed petunias. "He even said I may meet him tomorrow. Oh, mother, it was so romantic."

"That's what you said last week about the Proudfoot boy. And the week before about that other lad. Forgive me for not remembering the name, it's hard to keep track when there are so many," Amaryllis pointed out perhaps a little too snottily, for her mother cast her a reproachful glance.

"Amaryllis, please at least make an attempt to curb that tongue of yours." Turning back to her eldest daughter, she offered a warm smile. "I'm happy for you dear. It's wonderful that you're already thinking about settling down."

Acacia beamed proudly. "Well, I have been told I would make a lovely bride," she said. Amaryllis snorted.

"This is your last warning before you lose afternoon tea, Amaryllis," her mother said in her no-nonsense voice. Amaryllis dutifully bit back a retort by chewing hard on her bottom lip. Her sister's bragging and boastings practically begged for a sharp comment.

"I'm sorry Acacia," she said in a monotone, hoping to regain some favor. Losing afternoon tea was a dreadful grievance for a young hobbit. "You would make a lovely bride," she added for good measure, complete with a sugary smile.

"Thank you, Lissie," Acacia said primly, and Amaryllis grit her teeth. "Oh mother, I simply must go back tomorrow and see him again. He said he may even buy me those hair ribbons I was admiring. They are the prettiest shake of pink! He said they'll match the roses in my cheeks perfectly."

"Of course you may dear, just as long as it doesn't take all day," their mother said agreeably. "Please be careful though. You're still young, you have plenty of time to find love."

Acacia waved a hand in dismissal. "Yes, yes, I know, but honestly, I'll be perfectly alright. Folco really is special, you know…" she breezed passed them and into the kitchen. "I'll be in my room. Tell me when it's time for tea."

Amaryllis let out a quiet chuckle as soon as her sister was out of earshot. Her mother sat down next to her with a huff.

"She's going to have her heart broken if she carries on like that," she said worriedly. "Please promise me I have a little more time before you start letting lads bark up your tree."

Amaryllis shuddered in horror. "I certainly hope so," she said fervently. "I can't imagine acting like that. Doesn't she know how silly she looks?"

"She's just eager to grow up," said her mother sadly. "She'll mellow as she gets older. At least you and April are still reasonably sensible."

As if on cue April came through the door, followed by their father, Hugo Bracegirdle. He removed his hat tiredly and mopped his ruddy face. Their mother stood up quickly to give him a chaste kiss.

"Long day?" she asked when they broke apart.

"I swear, those Sackville-Bagginses and their ridiculous requests will be the death of me. You ladies have your work cut out for you." Amaryllis rose to take her father's coat and hat, but was soon unable to speak when she was crushed in a rib-cracking hug.

"I made you something," April exclaimed when she broke away. She proudly presented a worn piece of parchment to Amaryllis, who winced as she massaged her chest. April was sturdier built than her two sisters, and her hugs had been known to cause severe bruising. Amaryllis squinted at the picture, making out an intricate design of carefully sketched flowers. April waited with baited breath in anticipation of her little sister's verdict.

"Excellent likeness," said Amaryllis, stroking her chin in faux-contemplation. 'The artist shows talent." April giggled happily.

"You like it then? I was going to draw some amaryllis blooms for you, but couldn't find any and they're much too hard to draw from memory."

"It's absolutely stunning, April," Amaryllis gushed. "Honestly, your drawings get more realistic every day. I'll bet I can embroider something pretty with a design like this." She sighed a little wistfully, feeling a twinge of envy. April was definitely the most talented of the three sisters with her excellent hand-eye coordination, and Amaryllis couldn't help but feel inferior in comparison. All she was good at was causing trouble and saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.

"I'm starving," said their father, his pleasantly rounded stomach emitting a large growl. "Where's Acacia?"

"Oh, up in her room daydreaming about another lad from Hobbiton," answered their mother, mouth twitching in amusement. "Folco Boffin this time."

"Ah, well, the Boffins are as good a family as any," their father said distractedly. "Will we be having tea soon?"

"I'll go prepare something," said their mother, and both of them bustled into the kitchen. "April, come and give me a hand," she called, and April went to join her parents. Amaryllis felt a twinge of hurt that they didn't want her help as well. Deciding she was in desperate need of fresh air, she headed outside.

Hartbottle was rockier than lush Hobbiton due to it being significantly to the North, but it was beautiful all the same. Amaryllis hiked her skirts up and plopped on the ground, breathing deeply. She could just make out the old oak tree she had once tried to build a tree house in. There hadn't been enough wood, and Amaryllis only realized she was desperately afraid of heights once she was faced with the prospect of climbing down to fetch some more. Her father had been terribly grumpy when he had to stop what he was doing to coax her down.

She absentmindedly plucked a dandelion from the chilled ground, blowing the seeds gently. They drifted away lazily, and Amaryllis watched as they danced on the breeze, unable to think of a wish. She had food, a roof over her head, and a family that loved her, and honestly, what more could a hobbit want? Amaryllis closed her eyes, appreciating the peace and quiet—

"Just what do you think you're doing?" Amaryllis' head snapped up, and she turned wearily to see Acacia's scowling face.

"Sitting. Thinking. Nothing. Whatever you want to call it," she answered. "I thought you were in your room?" Acacia sniffed haughtily.

"I was in my room, but I decided to help mother with the tea, noticed you weren't there and found you out here, blowing dandelions. You know you aren't supposed to do that, Lissie. Dandelions are weeds. If we spread the seeds they'll sprout up all over the place.

"What's wrong with having more dandelions?" asked Amaryllis. "More dandelions means more wishes. I like them."

"Yes, well, you like a number of silly things, don't you?" sniped Acacia. Amaryllis wanted to mutter something along the lines of "I don't like you and you're silly" but thought better of it. She liked her face how it was now, thank you very much.

"What do want anyway, Acacia?" she asked instead.

"I only thought that you would want to actually be useful for a change and actually help instead of sitting out here and spreading weeds," Acacia sniffed.

"I'm useful!" protested Amaryllis. "I clean up and cook sometimes. And mother says my embroidery is coming along nicely."

"I wouldn't exactly call what you do in the kitchen cooking," said Acacia. "I believe the last pie you tried to make ended up with zucchini in it instead of fruit. How you managed to mess the recipe up that badly, I'll never know."

"So you're going down to Hobbiton tomorrow to see Folco, right?" asked Amaryllis, eager to change the subject.

"Yes…" Acacia answered a little hesitantly. "And you can keep all your snippy comments to yourself because what I do really isn't any of your business…"

"Relax," Amaryllis said soothingly, "I wasn't going to say anything. I just wanted to ask if maybe I could go with you?" She really could use a change in scenery. Acacia looked mildly suspicious.

"Why? Are you up to no good again, Lissie? I swear, if this is a prank I'm going to—"

"I'm not setting up an elaborate scheme to humiliate you, calm down," Amaryllis reassured her. "Honestly, what kind of a sister do you think I am? Don't you trust me?" She flashed a dazzling look-how-sweet-I-am smile.

"No," said Acacia bluntly. "After all, it wouldn't be the first time you set me up for embarrassment. I suppose you may come, but only if you behave yourself and mother doesn't need you."

"Thank you Acacia," Amaryllis chirped. "I promise you won't regret it."

"Somehow I doubt that," Acacia said ruefully. "Come along now, it's time for tea." Tempted by the promise of seed cakes and other treats, the two hobbits headed inside.

The next day was lovely and bright and Amaryllis hopped out of bed with more enthusiasm than usual, dressing quickly and barely bothering to pull a comb through her hair before bounding into the kitchen. Acacia, April, and her parents were already seated at the table, eating breakfast.

"Well, you certainly look excited," her mother commented, barely looking up from a letter she was writing to some distant relation in Nobottle. Her mother's writing skills were rudimentary at best, and she had to painstakingly look everything over many times to make sure it made sense at all. Acacia gave her sister a skeptical once-over.

"Honestly Lissie, did you even brush your hair?" she asked exasperatedly. "It looks like a small rodent is nesting in there." Amaryllis glared.

"Small rodents are adorable. And I did brush it, as a matter of fact," she protested. "And don't call me Lissie." Acacia remained stubborn.

"Rats are adorable, then? Honestly Lissie, you're hopeless. No lad is going to give you a second glance if you run around looking like you just rolled out of bed. As soon as you're done eating I'm brushing your hair for you."

"Maybe I don't care if lads give me a second glance or not," Amaryllis pointed out. "They always smell bad, and all they ever talk about is farming." To her dismay, her mother sided with her sister.

"Acacia's right, Amaryllis. What people think of you is important, and keeping a nice public appearance is good for our reputation." Amaryllis let out an exaggerated sigh.

"Fine. But she's only allowed to brush it, none of those silly pins and ribbons. I'm not a doll."

Soon the family finished eating and Amaryllis reluctantly permitted her older sister to fiddle around with her hair. After five minutes she grew fidgety, and ignoring her parents' sighs of how impatient she was, Amaryllis promptly dragged her sister out the door and on their way.

"Honestly, can't you slow down a little? You know I don't walk that fast, Lissie," Acacia chided, huffing unattractively. Amaryllis stopped in mid-skip and began to take exaggeratedly tiny steps. Sticking her nose in the air, she waved her hips the same way Acacia had taken to lately.

Her eldest sister didn't take kindly to being mocked. "I do not walk like that! Honestly, if you're just going to be rude we can turn around right now and head right back home…"

"NO!" shouted Amaryllis, frightening a flock of birds into the sky. "No. I'm sorry, I'll be nice." Giving her behind one last wiggle she resignedly straightened her spine and walked normally.

It was horribly frustrating having to walk at such a slow pace on a lovely spring morning, and Amaryllis could barely contain herself from sprinting or leaping into the air like she was a bird herself. Instead she remained content with appreciating the increasingly green scenery as they approached Hobbiton and happily breathing in the fresh air.

"Now, listen up Lissie," Acacia began with her typical air of superiority. "Folco and his family live in Bagshot Row, and after I meet him there we will be going for a walk. You aren't allowed to go anywhere I'm not, so do not wander off!"

"I know, I know," Amaryllis sighed wearily, "Can I at least provide an amusing commentary for you two lovebirds? It will liven the experience, I'm sure."

"No!" Acacia exclaimed adamantly. "Why do you always have to make things so difficult? This really isn't that hard, you know. All you have to do is stick by me and keep your oversized mouth shut. Sound too difficult?"

"My mouth is not oversized!" shrieked Amaryllis indignantly. "It's not nearly as big as yours with all that silly stuff you spew about boys and love and—"

"I rest my case," said Acacia smoothly. "Now if you would mind not frightening everything within a mile with your exceptionally powerful vocal chords, we're almost there."

Hobbiton was as bustling and cheerful as always, and Amaryllis found herself sorely wishing she could ditch her stick-in-the-mud sister and explore on her own. New places (well, not that new, but still a welcome change from Hardbottle) tended to bring out her dormant adventurous side, and Amaryllis was already scoping out exactly which trees she would love to climb if she didn't possess her silly fear of heights by the time they reached Bagshot Row.

Acacia's exaggerated walk had become ten times more noticeable as she approached her newest suitor's smial, and Amaryllis held back a giggle when several older hobbit women gave her an odd look as she strutted past. In a sudden stroke of luck, two fat farmers pulling a reluctant pig passed between the two sisters, temporarily blocking Amaryllis from view. Seizing the opportunity, Amaryllis pretended to trip over a stone, tumbling off the path and rolling down the grassy slope of the hill before landing with a small "oof".

For a second she just laid there, skirts bunched up all around her and looking thoroughly undignified. She could just make out her sister's worried calls from the path and felt a surge of satisfaction at her small rebellion. The grass was awfully soft, and the sky was such a pretty shade of blue that she really didn't want to move—

"What's this? A damsel in distress? Look here, Pippin, it seems we have stumbled upon a lovely lady!" Amaryllis snapped up at the sound of the voice, nervously smoothing her skirts. Looking up apprehensively, she saw a hobbit lad around her age smiling mischievously down at her. Warily, she played along with his words.

"I'm no lady and I am certainly not lovely, but I am in distress. I took a small tumble and seem to be separated from my dear sister," she said slowly, fighting to keep the sarcasm from her voice.

"Lost then? Well, you certainly don't look too upset about it, the way you were grinning. Would you like some help finding your sister?" the hobbit said, smiling knowingly.

"No!" Amaryllis exclaimed a little too quickly, causing the hobbit to raise an eyebrow. "I mean, I'm sure I'll be able to find her myself."

"Why search for her on your own when you have help? After all, it wouldn't be very chivalrous of us not to assist a lovely lady in need, would it Pip?" he asked with a grin, and the hobbit called Pippin came into view. He was sandy-haired and was sporting a goofy grin that made Amaryllis want to smile back.

"No it wouldn't, Merry," Pippin agreed. "Unless, of course, you don't want to find her." Amaryllis sighed, knowing there was no fooling these two.

"Yes, well, I at least have to pretend I'm missing her or I'll be in a ridiculous amount of trouble," she said resignedly. Both hobbits raised in eyebrow in union.

"Ah, so you purposely fell down a hill to escape your dreadful sister," said Merry. "I remember Pippin here doing the same thing on numerous occasions. But perhaps before we hear more, some proper introductions are in order? I'm Meriadoc Brandybuck, at your service." He gave a short bow. "Please call me Merry."

"And I'm Peregrin Took, at your service," said Pippin, and Amaryllis raised her eyebrows. Both the Tooks and Brandybucks were significantly more important families than the Bracegirdles. Indeed, Pippin must be the only son of the Thain, and Thain-to-be himself. Feeling more than a little self conscious, Amaryllis leapt to her feet.

"Amaryllis Bracegirdle," she said, offering a slightly clumsy curtsy. As an after-thought she added, "Please, don't call me Lissie or I may be forced to maim you." Fearing that they would be offended, she clapped a hand over her mouth, but her worry was unfounded as both hobbits laughed.

"Ah, you hear that Merry? She may maim us. I'm frightened, terribly frightened." Pippin fell in a fake swoon, leaving Merry to catch him as he stumbled backwards.

"Gee, Pip, how many bricks did you have for breakfast this morning?" he asked exasperatedly.

"Only seven," Pippin said with an ear-splitting grin. "I do have some self-control, Merry." Amaryllis giggled. She liked these goofy, relaxed hobbits.

"Well, Miss Amaryllis," Merry began, offering her his arm. "Would you mind accompanying us on a walk? You can tell us all about this sister of yours." Amaryllis hooked her hand on his elbow gladly. She couldn't help but think of how jealous her sister would be if she could see silly, trouble-making Amaryllis taking a casual stroll with a Brandybuck and Took.

"Well, my sister Acacia met a lad named Folco Boffin yesterday and wanted to see him again," she began. Merry's eyes lit up in recognition.

"Oh, I know Folco. He's a friend," he said. "He's not quite as devilishly handsome and charming as Pip and me, but he's a good bloke." Amaryllis gazed at him skeptically.

"Devilishly handsome, huh? More like devilishly arrogant," she sniped, and Merry chuckled. "Well, my sister seems quite taken with him, for all she's done since yesterday is blab on and on about how dreamy he is," she continued, rolling her eyes.

"Dreamy? I think that's taking it a little far," Merry laughed. "I should know, I'm the very definition of the word."

Amaryllis leaned over and whispered conspiringly to Pippin, "Is he always this conceited?"

"Believe me, most of the time it's worse," he said knowingly. "I don't know who he thinks he's fooling anyways. Everyone knows I'm the good looking one." Amaryllis shook her head in amused exasperation.

"Careful, if your head swells any more you could lose your balance. Anyways, I'm getting a little tired of constantly hearing her talk about how wonderful her life is now that she's found love. And when she's not doing that she's telling me to behave myself. I'm twenty years old, I can look out for myself!" Amaryllis couldn't help but whine a little now that she had found herself a couple of avid listeners. Thankfully, Merry and Pippin didn't seem to mind.

"She sounds like a bore," Merry commented. "A little too eager for romance, huh? I've met girls like that. They're dreadfully annoying."

"Yeah!" chirped Pippin. "I feel your pain. I have three older sisters; Pervinca, Pimpernel, and Pearl. Pearl's settled down with a couple of children now, thank goodness, but Nel and Vinca are constantly giggling and preening." Amaryllis winced. It was bad enough having one aggravating sister, but two was almost too horrifying to think about.

"Merry and I used to play horrible pranks on them. Cousin Frodo helped too, before his—" Merry made a silencing gesture and Pippin quickly shut his mouth, causing Amaryllis to look between them curiously.

"Never mind," he said quickly, "It's nothing to worry about. Anyways, we used to drive all three of them crazy. Once we managed to dye Nel's hair with some ink while she was asleep. It took a week to wash it out completely."

"And remember that time we caught all those grasshoppers and put them in Pearl's bed? I think every hobbit in Tuckborough heard her screams," said Pippin, chuckling appreciatively.

"I learned several useful words after that one," Merry said thoughtfully. "Asked Da what they meant later on he turned red as a tomato. It was a nice change. He's usually so serious." Amaryllis laughed, recalling her own tales of inflicting evil upon her eldest sister.

"I used to torture poor Acacia out of her mind," she enthused. "Once I spoiled one of my mother's best cherry pies by putting it right outside Acacia's door. She stepped in it the next morning and had to soak her feet for an hour to get rid of the juice. My parents were furious." Merry nodded appreciatively.

"I must say, it's a shame you didn't grow up in Brandy Hall. We never tried a pie prank before," he said. "New ideas are always appreciated."

"What are you doing in the West Farthing anyway, Merry?" Amaryllis asked, hoping she wasn't being too nosy. "A little far from Buckland, aren't you?"

"We were going to visit our dear cousin Frodo and his Uncle Bilbo, but he seems he thinks we are up to no good as always and said that he was busy," Merry explained.

"Bilbo? Bilbo Baggins?" Amaryllis had heard tales of old mad Baggins, mainly from her parents as they quietly discussed Lobelia Sackville-Baggins' spiteful gossip.

"The very same," Pippin said. "And please don't tell us you believe all those stories about Bilbo being cracked. He's a little odd, definitely, but he has plenty of marvelous tales to tell and he's as smart as a whip." Pippin's voice was reverent, and Amaryllis could see the respect he held for the old hobbit.

"I've heard the normal stories, but I never really took the time to decide whether I believed them or not," she answered with a shrug.

"Well then, we shall have to introduce you so you at least have some honest information to go on before you go thinking he's crazy like the rest of these silly hobbits," Merry said. "I bet you'll get along splendidly with cousin Frodo."

Amaryllis felt a little rush of excitement that he seemed to think they might be meeting again. It was nice being able to talk to two hobbits who didn't mind that she didn't behave perfectly every single second, especially since they weren't exactly on their best behavior themselves.

"We will be seeing each other again sometime?" she confirmed, and both hobbits smiled identical grins. They had looped back around and were a little ways south of Bagshot Row, which probably meant she should be off to face Acacia's wrath.

"Well, I would certainly hope so," responded Merry. "Or has our lovely walk together meant nothing to you?" He placed a hand over his heart and sniffed dramatically. Amaryllis rolled her eyes.

"I bet you say that to all the lasses." But she felt a twinge of sadness nonetheless that she had to leave so soon.

"I suppose I best be looking for Acacia. She's got to be around here somewhere," she said morosely.

"Hey, you can't ditch us that easily!" exclaimed Pippin. "We're staying with you until you find her." Grabbing her by both arms, they marched her up to the path. Merry struck a dramatic pose that made Amaryllis double over in giggles.

"Come Pippin, our quest has been set before us. We must return the fair Lady Amaryllis to her evil sister before the day is out!" He scanned the horizon before doing a double take. "Well, that's Folco. Is that your sister by any chance?"

Sure enough, Acacia was dragging poor Folco their way, her features fixed in a face that could curdle fresh milk. Folco looked like a nice enough fellow. He was plump and browned by the sun, like most hobbits, and had pleasant features. He looked rather frightened at the moment though, as Acacia's nails were digging into his arm and her face was about as red as the setting sun.

"Amaryllis Bracegirdle, where have you been?" she shrieked. Amaryllis took a step back, Merry and Pippin looking on in amusement.

"My, my, she looks rather worked up, doesn't she? Perhaps taking Miss Amaryllis on a lovely walk wasn't the best idea, Pip," Merry said.

Acacia continued to rant. "I gave you specific instructions to stay next to me and not cause trouble, and yet you still wandered off! With two strangers, by the looks of it!" She glared at Merry and Pippin, chest heaving in anger.

"They were actually trying to help me find you, Acacia," Amaryllis said. "I'm sorry I got separated from you, but I tripped and fell down a hill. If it weren't for Merry and Pippin here, I'd probably still be wandering around searching for you." She smiled innocently and hoped her two companions wouldn't blow her cover.

"Is that true?" she asked skeptically, well accustomed to her sister's cover-ups.

"Indeed it is, Miss Acacia," Merry confirmed, and Amaryllis shot him a grateful smile. Acacia frowned.

"Who are you two anyways?" she asked, looking them up and down. She obviously took note of their more expensive waistcoats and nicely pressed shirts, smoothing the folds of her skirt and brightening considerably.

"Meriadoc Brandybuck," Merry said with a bow, "Though I do prefer Merry."

"And Peregrin Took, at your service," Pippin jumped in with his characteristic goofy smile. "But you can call me Pippin or Pip." Acacia looked rather taken aback that a Brandybuck and a Took had willingly accompanied and conversed with her silly little sister.

"Acacia Bracegirdle. A pleasure, I'm sure," she finally said with a polite curtsy that was significantly more graceful than the one Amaryllis had attempted to execute earlier. "Thank you for looking after my sister. Now that we've found each other though, we really should be heading home."

"Can we stay a bit longer?" Amaryllis asked. "It's not even that late." Acacia gave her superior look.

"In case you have forgotten, Lissie, Mother needs help mending that horrid Lobelia's dress and we certainly have no business standing around and socializing when there's work to be done," she said snottily.

"You were the one that wanted to come here and socialize with Folco in the first place," Amaryllis pointed out.

"Yes, and we had a splendid time," Acacia replied, not taking the hint. Standing on her hairy toes, she gave Folco a wet kiss on the cheek. He flushed a spectacular shade of maroon, and Amaryllis wrinkled her nose in disgust. Acacia glared.

"Jealous?" she asked, and Amaryllis muttered something rude under her breath. Merry raised his eyebrows.

"Strong language for a lady, Miss Amaryllis," he said loudly, causing her to elbow him discreetly in the gut. He let out a pained gasp. Pippin backed away, fearing for his own safety.

"Well, it was a pleasure meeting both of you," he said to the two sisters. "Hope to see you again sometime soon," he said, this time only to Amaryllis. Merry, now recovered, nodded.

"Hopefully you will be feeling a little less hostile next time, one can hope," he said, dodging her retaliation nimbly.

"Lissie!" Acacia exclaimed in horror. "You can't just go around hitting lads you've only just met!"

"If they make smart comments I can," Amaryllis responded defiantly. Pippin vouched for her.

"It's alright, Merry deserves a good knock now and again. Helps deflate his extremely large head." Merry crossed his arms and scowled.

"I would say what I'm thinking but for the continued well-being of my ribs I think it's best just to leave." Pippin nodded in agreement.

"Goodbye Amaryllis," he said cheerfully. "Look for us the next time you're in Hobbiton." And with that, the two hobbits ran off, laughing gleefully.

"Honestly, Lissie, you befriend the strangest sorts," Acacia said with a shake of her head. "Well, come along now. No excuse to linger here now that those two are gone. Goodbye Folco! It was wonderful walking with you!"

She kissed him once more, grabbed Amaryllis by the hand and dragged her away, leaving Folco standing mutely, still rubbing the place where her lips met his cheek and looking thoroughly star-struck.

A/N: Well, what do you think? Good? Okay? Worst thing you've ever read? Feel free to tell me in a review. If I got any geographical facts wrong, please inform me and I'll fix it. Tolkien never specified whether Hardbottle was in the North or South Farthing so I'm having it be North for the purposes of this story. I'm perfectly open to constructive criticism as long as it's polite, so please, please, please review! Thanks for reading!