𝐋𝐎𝐓𝐑 𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐒

brave, true and cute [Merry]

[Published: 30.07.2020]

"What on earth--" (Y/N) could hardly supress her laughter, as the Brandybuck approached her in full apparel, carrying a sword. She meant not to be malicious. It was rather amusing, considering it was Merry. It didn't exactly help when he pouted beneath the helmet and crossed his arms like a child.

"Shut up! I'm going to be a great soldier of Rohan! I'll be a master of the sword, fearsome with my trusty blade! Orcs will revel at the name Meriadoc!"

"Dear Merry," she snickered. "You're brave and true, but most of all, you are cute,"

"Do not say that! Men in the presence of beautiful ladies are subject to misunderstandings!" though he laughed, a blush tainted his cheeks.

"Beautiful lady? I didn't take you for a sweet talker," she chuckled.

"It's not something I thought one of the big folk would fall for,"

"Ah, yes. The nickname for my race. Do you think humans are not won over by complements?"

Merry shrugged sheepishly, despite his face reddening. An answer had formed in his mind, but he did not think it appropriate to say aloud. He quickly jogged to her side, and sat down. "Well, Master Brandybuck? Excited for your first battle?"

"I wouldn't say excited...I would say I'm nervous, a little unsure, and quite possibly extremely scared," he said. He turned to her, eyes staring into each others souls, before shaking with laughter.

Bearing without Pippin had been near impossible. Merry found himself mourning for his friend's absence. He'd hear news of sieges and isolated battles, and he'd worry desperately for his old friend. Luckily, he had made new friends to bare the burden of loneliness. Éowyn, lady of Rohan had been a pleasure, assisting him with all sorts. Her presence had been soothing to him, but did not fill the void.

Then, there was (Y/N). Beautiful (Y/N). When he had first saw her, Merry mistook her for an elf, and had bowed down to her. He had then noticed her simplistic clothes, and realised she was a mere peasant of Rohan. It was evident to most that he had formed a crush on her. He would stared at her (E/C) orbs, day after day, wondering why he found them so beautiful. How could he become so infatuated? The way she laughed, the way she smiled at the little things, how she always curtseyed to him. He was yet to see her with a sword, but he was waiting for that day to come.

"Oh, dear Merry. It's okay to be scared. In all honesty, I think every man on this field is scared. We'd be fools if we weren't. But we're all here for a reason, and despite our fear, we have courage,"

"Aye. What do you fight for, (Y/N)?" Merry asked. The girl paused, contemplating. A sad smile settled on her lips. "I fight for my freedom. For all those who cannot fight, I fight for them too. For the unsung heroes. And you, Merry? What do you fight for?"

"For Frodo."

(Y/N)'s smile faded, her expression turning somber. She inhaled deeply, before grabbing Merry's helmet off his head. She chuckled as he pulled a face at her, reaching over to retrieve the piece. "Oi, that's mine! Get your own helmet!"

"Merry, you can't expect to sleep in your armour too!"

"Maybe I will! Maybe I want the full experience as a soldier!"

"Merry!" she laughed. Her laughter echoed, and Merry giggled at his own comment.

"Speaking of sleep..." Merry yawned.

"You've got a big day tomorrow, halfling. You should get some sleep,"

"Aren't you fighting with me?"