Dark Covenant

this was a stand alone bonus chapter attached to Emma's "Ring around the MErry" (www.geocities.com/aelfgifuemma/RATM)

All you need to know for this one is that Merry has broken Frodo, and Pippin is tettering on the edge between devotion to Ring-corrupted Merry, and Love for Frodo.

THis is written by the wonderful Celandine Goodbody.

Title: Dark Covenant (RATM Chapter 50 —alternate slash ending)
Author: Celandine Goodbody
Email: CelandineG@aol.com
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Graphic slash content, some nonconsensual situations, violence, angst
Pairing: M/P
Category: Slash, AU, angst
Feedback: Yes
Summary: Merry uses a diabolical agreement and sexual dominance to bring Pippin into line, once and for all.
Disclaimer: The author claims no legal rights to the characters, settings, situations, or other characteristics that are the property of the Tolkien Estate, Tolkien Enterprises, their licensees, or others and no copht iht infringement is intended. This story is for entertainment purposes only and no money or other remuneration is sought or received.
Copying: This fanfiction is available only for the private enjoyment of RATM readers. Please ask permission before copying or re-posting elsewhere.

A/N: This work contains graphic sexual scenes involving slash pairings and some non-con. Please don’t read it if this offends you. Many, many thanks to Emma, my light of Earendil, for her wonderful support and encouragement throughout this process—and for letting me *play*. –Celandine

*****

Brief summary from the first part of Chapter 50:

Still in his trance-like state, Frodo almost puts on the Ring while Merry is preoccupied, tending to Pippin. Merry stops him, terrified at the obvious ramifications, and with Pippin's help, gets Frodo to bed. He then sews up his shirt so he no longer has access to the Ring. Merry also tells Pippin to rest before the celebration feast to come that evening.

Merry then visits Samwise, tied in a chair. He is solicitous and unties Sam's arms. Merry even offers him a smoke but then has no compunction about threatening him with a knife when Sam tries to untie his feet. Merry tries to get Sam to buy into the idea of them all living together as a family under his rule. He offers Sam a substantial salary to work for him as Frodo's valet and doing general chores around the house. Stubbornly, Sam refuses to take any orders or money from Merry. In a rage, Merry reties Sam and storms out of them, sm, spitefully knocking over his chair.

DARK COVENANT
By
Celandine Goodbody

Pippin yawned as he stood in the doorway to Frodo's bedroom, watching the courtyard through the window. The early afternoon breezes were blowing brightly colored leaves in swirling patterns of gold, orange, and red. Pippin might have appreciated their beauty if his mind had not been so preoccupied. His shoulders stooped over like a 90-year-old hobbit and his spirits matched up well; indeed, every inch of him felt old and tired as he leaned against the doorframe. His beloved cousin, Frodo, lay on the beautiful four-poster, still and silent, his eyes staring up at the ceiling, and his mind--well, no one could know where that was or if his cousin still existed anywhere.

But Frodo was not the object of Pn'sn's main concern but rather it was his other cousin, sitting by the bed. He took a deep breath as he stared at Merry, whose chair was touching the four-poster and whose head was bent over on his arms, resting on the mattress, fast asleep. Pippin watched them for a long time, terrified about what might happen next. He was an intelligent lad and he knew that Frodo was very ill, maybe irrevocably so. Sam knew it too. If the gardener ever went to the authorities, if he ever took it into his head to lay charges against them, it could be very bad, criminal even, for both Merry and himself.

Pippin sighed as he listened to Merry's soft snoring, so in contrast to the absolute silence of Frodo's shallow breathing. There were dark plans now creeping into his mind--but he couldn't help it. Merry was asleep and Sam was only a few feet away, just down the hall. All Pippin had to do was walk a few paces, untie Sam, and they'd have Merry bound to a chair in two minutes.

It would be over.

They could bring in a healer for Frodo or maybe even find Gandalf. The wizard couldn't be as bad as Merry said, maybe Gandalf could even use magic to help Frodo recover.

Pippin flexed his young, strong muscles. He was stronger than Merry knew, strong enough to do what had to be done. He looked down the hall toward Sam's room, playing the scenario over and over in his mind, trying to work up the courage to do iBut But he knew it would take more than courage, for this would be a betrayal, a betrayal of the beloved cousin he had always worshiped. He grasped the doorframe, bending his head down to it, closing his eyes and praying that Merry would wake up quickly and take the decision out of his hands.

And his prayers were answered. Merry stirred and lifted his head, groaning as he stretched his arms, his back to Pippin. He took Frodo's hand and kissed it tenderly speaking to the other hobbit as if he was a sentient being.

"And how are you feeling this afternoon, Frodo-dear?" Merry stood and bent over his cousin, finger-combing his hair.

There was, of course, no response.

"I'm glad," said Merry quietly. "Yes, I'm sure the bath was very relaxing and you are most welcome, dear." Merry took out his comb and ran it through Frodo's silky hair, straightening out some tangles. "Are you looking forward to our dinner tonight?" Merry smiled. "I thought so. Pippin is going to the marketplace later and will buy everything we need for a wonderful feast. There will be a fine roast and fresh vegetables and I will tell him to be sure and get plenty of mushrooms from Maggot's stand. Of course not, Frodo, I know they're your favorite, and this party, after all, is to honor your homecoming. We will spare no expense."

Frodo lay without moving, his unblinking eyes staring up at the ceiling.

Merry turned and glanced out the window. "It's a lovely day, Frodo. Perhaps you would like to go for a walk before dinner? It's too windy right now but I think we'll have time later." Merry turned again to look out the window and this time he caught sight of Pippin in the doorway.

Merry let go of Frodo's hand and it fell off the side of the mattress, dangling in the air. He turned all the way around. "Pippin! What are you doing here?"

Pippin stared sadly at Merry, both relieved and despondent that the decision was now out of his hands. "Nothing, Merry. I just came to see where you were." He tried to smile but failed.

"Oh." Merry said absentmindedly as he turned and picked up Frodo's hand again, so carefully that it might have been a delicate crystal sculpture. With slow deliberation he placed it back alongside Frodo's staticure.ure.

He turned to Pippin. "He's so beautiful, isn't he, Pip?"

Pippin didn't want to look at Frodo anymore. It made him almost physically ill to be reminded of his cousin's state--and his own inescapable role in its creation. "Yes, Merry." He mumbled the words, staring at the floor.

Merry turned from Frodo and stared at his cousin, still standing in the doorway. He walked over quickly and lifted Pippin's chin with his fingers. "Look at him, Pip." The tons los low and menacing.

When Pippin didn't react, Merry grabbed his arm and dragged him to the bed. "Look at him!"

Frodo was still in his new clothes and Pippin stared at the green embroidered B as it moved up and down on Frodo's chest in rhythm with his quiet breathing. Pippin's eyes welled up with tears. "Merry, he needs an experienced healer, he needs medicine. Sam says that…"

Pippin's quiet words were cut off by Merry's firm grip on his arm. "What he needs, Pippin," Merry's voice hissed with rage. "What he needs, all he needs…is the love and support of his family. Do you understand?" Merry squeezed Pippin's arm harder making him wince in spite of his trying hard not to react.

"DO YOU UNDERSTAND!"

Pippin jumped but Merry held him fast.

"Yes, Merry, yes."

Merry let go anilediled, his voice soft and sweet. "Good." He reached up and tousled Pippin's hair, letting his hand run down his face affectionately. "Good."

Throughout this exchange, Frodo didn't move or react. Pippin stared at his comatose cousin in despair, truly at a loss of what to do.

Merry too, was looking at Frodo. He bent over the still figure and closed Frodo's eyes, his hand lingering on his forehead. "Frodo is going to take a nap now, Pip, and then he wants to go for a walk. I'll take him for a short one while you're at the marketplace. I think the sunshine will do him good." He straightened up and turned to Pippin. "Don't you?"

Pippin took a deep breath. "Yes, Merry, I'm sure it will."

Merry put his arm around Pippin's shoulder in a casual way and Pippin turned to look at him, his eyes sad and deeply conflicted. He could feel the heat of Merry's body standing so close to him and it made him feel good for a moment, safe sec secure.

"Oh, Pip," said Merry, staring intently at Frodo. "You'll see, everything will be all right." Suddenly he turned and looked into Pippin's eyes, putting his other arm around his cousin. He hugged him tightly, almost to the point of pain.

Pippin instinctively wrapped his arms around Merry. "Mer?"

Merry laid his head on Pippin's shoulder, still grasping him tightly. "You'll see, Pip, you'll see."

Suddenly his body started shaking and Pippin could hear quiet, ragged sobbing as Merry held him in a vice-like grip. Pippin's eyes grew wider as he held on to his cousin's shaking body. They stood like that for a few minutes by Frodo's bed and Pippin held on, not knowing what else to do, not daring to look at his cousin or say a word.

*****

Pippin was so taken by Merry's outburst that he hadn't noticed the sobbing had stopped. He was still holding on to Merry when his cousin shook him off and stepped back, smoothing out his shirtsleeves.

He sniffled a few times and then spoke with a quiet but firm voice. "I'm sorry, Pip."

Pippin was more shaken than he cared to admit. "Mer? Are you all right?" was all he could manage.

"Yes, yes, of course." Merry's voice was abrupt, but stronger, almost as if the emotion had removed a growing weakness in him. "Pippin-love," said Merry, running his hand along Pippin's cheek. "I have neglected you. With all of Frodo's schooling, I fear I overlooked the training that you were sorely in need of."

Pippin just stared at Merry, not sure of the appropriate response.

"Teaching, my dear Pippin," said Merry. "Education on how to think and behave." He clicked his tongue and frowned. "Healers indeed! I don't know where you get these notions. Next you'll be saying we should look for Gandalf!"

Pippin held his breath hoping that Merry could not read his mind.

Merry sighed. "But you are still so young and unaware of the ways of the world. And I know you have done your best."

Pippin nodded. "I have, Merry, I have."

Merry's eyes softened, their dark edges disappearing. "I know, love, and maybe it seems like I don't appreciate you sometimes…"

Pippin frowned. Well, that was true enough.

"But I have always treasured you, my sweet." Merry smiled now, as a doting mother up bel beloved child. He held out his arms. "And I still do."

Pippin stared at him, so wanting everything to be all right again. So wanting Merry to be his benevolent leader, so wanting Frodo to smile and laugh, so wanting even Sam to joke with him like they used to do at the Green Dragon. It seemed like a hundred years ago.

Pippin's eyes teared up as he put his arms around Merry and let his cousin hug him tightly. He even hugged back, wishing as hard as he could for times that were gone forever.

*****

Finally Merry broke the embrace and stood back, holding Pippin at arm's length. He shook his head. "You must believe that I love you, Pippin." There were the remnants of tears in his eyes as his voice dropped in pitch. "And I need you." Merry's tone had changed into something more complex.

Pippin could feel his heart beating faster and faster, his palms were hot and moist. "Mer?"

Merry stared at him. "I said that I need you, love…in many ways."

Pippin swallowed hard, his breathing was deeper and he could feel his skiowinowing warm all over.

"I need you," continued Merry evenly, his eyes shining, his voice growing in intensity "because you are kin, because you are loyal to me, because you…you wear my mark."

Pippin nodded stupidly.

Merry turned and looked at Frodo, then he turned back to Pippin, squeezing his shoulders. "Because you love Frodo and want the best for him." Merry's eyes blazed fire as they focused on Pippin. "And because you know that I am the only one who can bring him back to us."

Pippin's eyes widened in the realization that at that moment, at least, Merry knew exactly what Frodo's condition was.

Merry continued relentlessly. "Frodo's fate is in your hands, Pip, because I can't do it without you, without your support, without your loyalty, and yes, without your obedience--in all things." He dropped his arms and stepped closer to Pippin, his hot breath breakinghis his face. Without severing eye contact, he ran the back of his hand slowly along his cousin's cheek and down his neck. "Think about it," he said before turning on his heel and walking quickly out of the room.

*****

Pippin could hear Merry's footsteps echoing down the hall as he turned to his older cousin, still immobile on the bed. Oh, how he wished that Frodo would groan and sit up, yawn and say, "Good Morning, Pip," in his soft, melodious voice.

Like his cousin before him, Pippin picked up Frodo's hand, his eyes filling with tears as he held it to his cheek. "Oh, Frodo, please," he whispered hoarsely, "tell me what to do. I don't know what to do, Frodo, I don't know what to do!"

The other hobbit offered no advice whatsoever to his young cousin.

Finally, Pippin laid Frodo's hand down on the bed with as much care and reverence as Merry had. He backed away and wiped the tears from his eyes.

Oh, how he wanted to believe that Merry could bring Frodo back, that Merry knew what to do, that Merry truly was the only one who could help. Like a child clinging to its fairy tales, Pippin tried with all his heart, with an almost physical determination to believe, to believe…

The spell was broken, however, when he looked down at his cousin, still as death, his eyes dark and sunk down into their sockets.

Pippin turned and fled, running down the hall, no longer able to be witodo.odo. He ran to his own room and slammed the door, wanting desperately to be alone. It was a wish that was not to be granted.

Merry stood on the other side of the bedroom, his back to the door, staring out the window.

"Merry." Pippin spoke breathlessly.

Merry was smiling as he turned. "Pip," he said quietly, "I've been thinking about you." He gestured to the bed. "Come, sit down beside me."

His voice was so soft and reassuring, like the old Merry, the older cousin he had adored and admired so deeply. Pippin followed Merry to the bed and they both sat down, side by side. Merut hut his arm around Pippin's shoulder.

"Have you thought about what I said, love?"

Pippin didn't answer and the silence became uncomfortable.

"About Frodo," Merry continued finally, as he reached over with his other hand and began unbuttoning Pippin's shirt.

"I…don't know…Merry." Pippin's eyes watched Merry's hand with a detached expression.

"What do you mean, you don't know," said Merry, his intensity growing as he pulled Pippin's shirt off.

Pippin's chest was heaving as Merry ran his finger lightly down his nose, all the while smiling lightheartedly.

"Now pet, there is no need to be afraid, you care deeply for Frodo, just as I do. I need you. And Frodo needs you. But I also need to know that you trust me, Peregrin. Completely."

Pippin's eyebrows knitted in confusion. The words sounded familiar, like he'd heard them before. But his cousin grabbed the sides of his head, and before Pippin could remember anything more, Merry pulled him close, kissing his lips hungrily. It was a practiced kiss, intense and thorough, almost professional if kisses could be so described. Merry parted Pippin's lips as he shoved his cousin down on the bed, kneeling over him and thrusting his tongue deep inside with a power that could not be denied. He explored relentlessly, brutally even, teasing Pippin's tongue and opening his own mouth, inviting him inside.

It had happened so fast that Pippin's head was spinning. Merry's love and Merry's body had been his heart's desire once but his cousin hadn't touched him sexually in a long time. It was almost as if Merry had forgotten they had ever been lovers--if that was the right word for it. Pippin's deflowering had been a bittersweet experience for the young Took, a fulfillment of a long standing desire but a painful one both physically and mentally. Merry had taken him almost mechanically, like it was a formula to be followed for gaining ownership, not love. And he was not sure he wanted to repeat it.

Pippin turned his head and tried to pull away but Merry had the advantage. He moved his hands to Pippin's bare shoulders and held him down as he continued to ravage his mouth, breathing hard and sucking Pippin's tongue, pulling him in, forcing him.

Finally Pippin wiggled free. "Merry, wait a minute, please."

"Hush." Merry hissed as he sat up, letting go. "Are you not mine, Pippin dearest?"

Pippin lay still, breathing hard, looking up at Merry, his emotions in turmoil. He could not deny his growing excitement but it was not entirely to his liking.

Merry smiled automatically as he reached out and rubbed his fingertip over Pippin's brand, a sharp, clear B, healed and prominent on his shoulder. "You were happy when I gave you this, weren't you, love?"

Pippin nodded, his truthful nature unable to lie to Merry.

Merry's smile progressed into smugness as he traced his fingers along the rim of Pippin's shoulder and up his smooth neck to his face. Merry ran his fingertips over Pippin's lips, dipping inside briefly to moisten them before running them along the rim of Pippin's ears, up to their sensitive tips.

Pippin closed his eyes and whimpered as Merry lingered there with gentle but firm pressure, intensifying his ministrations until Pippin was twisting his head from side to side in helpless pleasure. As Merry finally removed his fingers, Pippin sighed loudly, releasing days of built-up tension and stress. The bed felt soft behind his head and Merry's hands were soft too, soft and caring as they rubbed up and down his arms. Pippin's whole body relaxed, melting in the warmth of his cousin's touch.

Merry leaned in and sensuously licked Pippin's lips, sucking on each one in turn and running his tongue inside, along the front of Pippin's teeth and gums. "Hmmmm." Merry squealed with delight. "You're good enough to eat, love." Then he plunged down into Pippin's mouth, again and again, brutally devouring his will until his young cousin could only react to the numerous sensations and the steel-gray eyes burning into his.

Finally Merry pulled out, panting, his forehead damp with perspiration. "I need to think…of yourself as part of me, Pippin. Part of…my heart. Part of my…soul." Merry smiled lovingly at his cousin.

Pippin shook his head, squinting his eyes. He had heard these words before, practiced and professional as they were. And then he remembered.

"I love you, you little peanut," Merry whispered lightly, rubbing the brand again. "You belong to me. All of you belongs to me."

Again that smile, so smug and confident. Pippin took a deep breath and threw his cousin off. He sat up on the bed with his legs over the side and turned to Merry, who had ended up lying sideways. "By Eru, Merry, you could at least invent something different to say."

Merry shoved himself up to sit beside Pippin, his lips curling into a frown. He ran his fingers down his cousin's hair, entwining one in his chestnut curls. "Why, I don't know what you mean, love."

Something welled up inside of Pippin, some power that he didn't know he had, some strength that perhaps he had siphoned from the pallid hand of his beloved cousin, Frodo. He had asked for help and maybe, indeed, maybe Frodo had given it to him.

Deep inside his breast, his heart gave one strong beat of protest…and little Pippin found his voice. "Weeks ago, in this very room, Merry, you used the EXACT SAME WORDS. The same kiss, the same touch, the same seduction to twist little Peregrin around YOUR BLOODY FINGER. Well, it won't wash, Merry! I don't care what happens to me but Frodo is ill and he needs a real healer. He needs proper medicine and…"

Pippin was quick as a young fawn and this time he moved like lightening but he wasn't quite fast enough.

Merry viciously slapped his cousin across the mouth, cutting his lip in the process. "How DARE you speak to me like that! How dare you!"

Pippin had been flung into the headboard but he sat up again, with his head bowed, wiping the blood from his lip. He was hyperventilating as he turned to Merry, his eyes burning as brightly as his cousin's. Then Pippin raised his hand and brought it down hard, slapping his cousin full in the face and sending Meriadoc Brandybuck sprawling off the bed and onto the floor in a heap.

*****

Pippin wasn't breathing for a moment and he thought his very heart had stopped, as if every nerve in his body had fired at once in shock and terror. His hand tingled with the force of the blow, a constant reminder of his travesty, yet somewhere inside, he was proud of himself.

But that feeling stayed deep within his fragile psyche. What surfaced instead was the horror of seeing his beloved Merry beaten, with his face downwards on the floor and the inescapable knowledge that he was responsible.

The silence was deafening; still, Merry did not move. Pippin finally jumped up and knelt on the floor next to his cousin. "Merry, Merry, are you all right?" Pippin reached out and grabbed Merry's shoulders, pulling him up.

Merry sputtered and coughed but he allowed Pippin to lift him onto the bed.

"Oh, by Eru, Merry, I'm so sorry. I don't know what got into me, please forgive me."

Pippin held his breath and waited. He closed his eyes a little and steeled his face for whatever punishment it might have to endure. There was nothing else to do.

After what seemed like a very long time, Merry raised his head and stared Pippin straight in the eye, his gray eyes more alive than Pippin had ever seen them.

Merry rubbed his damaged cheek, a small smile creeping slowly across his face. "Well, well, Master Peregrin, finally you have indulged yourself. I take it that you have wanted to do that for a long time."

Pippin answered quickly. "Oh, no, Merry. Never."

Merry's smile curved around in a twisted manner as he licked his lips. "Come here."

Pippin breathed in deeply and moved closer. He was deflated by the brief violence and his current emotions were in a turbulent, ungovernable whirlpool. "I'm sorry, Merry," Pippin whispered, his voice a pitiful echo of its previous assertive stance. "I'm really sorry."

Aroused by the violence, Merry cupped Pippin's chin with his hand. His eyes held Pippin's prisoner and there would be no escape this time. Merry squeezed his face painfully and brought his cousin's lips to his own. He wound his arm around the back of Pippin's neck and held him in place, kissing him harder than he had ever done before. His hot breath thrusted deep inside, followed by his tongue which engaged Pippin's in a match of dominance that the younger hobbit could not hope to win.

The kissing, however, was short-lived and Merry soon withdrew. There was no smile this time as he glared at his young cousin. "Stand up." Merry's breaths were coming in deep inhalations and the bulge in his groin was growing.

Pippin stared at Merry, biting his lip. Slowly he slid off the bed and landed on his feet.

"Take off your trousers, Pippin."

Pippin's fingers made their way to his trouser buttons and he managed to unbutton some but others came off in his trembling hands. Soon he stood naked before Merry, and although his cousin had certainly seen him this way before, Pippin's face was red with embarrassment.

"Merry…"

"Quiet, Pip." Merry's voice was low and menacing. His face was flushed and Pippin could see that he was aroused in every way. Still hd nod nothing but stare at Pippin, whose own erection was well on its way.

Pippin stood first on one foot and then the other, his discomfort growing rapidly. Merry finally got off the bed and ran his fingers along Pippin's upper arm, feeling and then painfully gripping the young biceps. "It seems that you are stronger than I thought, love."

"Merry, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean…"

Merry backhanded Pippin across the face. "I told you to be quiet, Pippin. Or are you going to hit me again."

Tears welled up in Pippin's eyes, the pain adding to his growing guilt over his own act of violence. "No, Mer-ry. N-no." His voice was quivering and his hands were clenching and unclenching.

"Still," Merry glared at Pippin lustfully, massaging his cousin's arm, separating out the muscles with his strong fingers. "It was pretty interesting." Merry lifted Pippin's hand and rubbed it across his own red, tingling cheek, licking his lips, reliving the brief assault with warped excitement. "Very interesting indeed."

Merry leaned closer until his face was practically touching his cousin's shaking features. His voice was husky and full of passion. "I didn't think you had it in you, peanut." He bent his head and nipped at the base of Pippin's neck, licking and cutting with his teeth, dropping his hands to Pippin's groin, creating a see-saw of pain and pleasure that brought Pippin close to the edge. But not quite there.

Pippin shivered with tension as Merry suddenly stepped back. "Oh, Merry…"

"Quiet."

Pippin sighed and stood still, his hands at his sides, while Merry walked around him slowly, deliberately, surveying his lovely, perfect, young body. He stopped and ran his hand down Pippin's spine and slowly into his cleft, spreading the cheeks with his fingertips. Pippin flinched and stepped away but Merry grabbed him by the waist and pulled him back.

"Don't move, love, you know better than that." He leaned his hand into the back of Pippin's shoulders and bent him over to the floor.

"Merry, no, not like this, I don't…"

Merry grabbed Pippin's hair and pulled him up, twisting him around with his strong arms and throwing him onto the bed. "Pippin," Merry spoke as harshly as he had ever done. "I want you to leave Crickhollow."

The words didn't register. Pippin stared stupidly at Merry without a fraction of understanding.

"Don't you understand the Common Speech? I want you out of here. I want you out of Buckland. Now. And you are never to come back." Merry spoke calmly which was all the more terrifying to Pippin who did understand the Common Speech and who was finally beginning to comprehend the words.

"No." Pippin's eyes were the size of saucers. "No, oh no, Merry. Please, I told you I was sorry, I told you!" He was speaking louder and faster. "You can't, you can't, you can't."

Merry laughed at him. "Of course I can. I am in charge here and you have flaunted my authority for the last time."

Merry's words were sinking in deeper and deeper. Pippin's lower lip started twitching, his eyes moistening again. "No, no, NO MERRY, you can't mean it, we're cousins! I love Frodo, I love you!"

"That may be, Pip," said Merry calmly, "but I can't trust you. I can't trust you with Frodo or with Sam." He shrugged. "I can't trust you to obey me or to have faith in my decisions. You second guess my orders, you listen to Sam, now you see fit to strike me and even to resist my love."

"Me-rr-y, nnno."

"I have to sleep sometime, Pip and I have to know that this world is secure when I do, secure for Frodo. The fate of the Shire is at stake and I can't risk having you here. It will be hard but I can function without you. Now, get out!"

Pippin was weeping openly. His words were mumbled and hopeless. "Oh, noooo, Mer-ry, no!!"

Merry frowned and picked up Pippin by the hair. He pulled him off the bed.

"NOOOO! Pleeese!" Pippin howled as Merry dragged him by the hair, kicking and screaming out of the room and down the hall, his hands flailing up, trying to grab on to Merry's arm. "NOOOO!"

They reached the front door and Merry opened it, tossing Pippin by the shoulders, screaming and naked, down the steps and into the grass. Merry stood imperious in the doorway, glaring down at the young hobbit. By now he was also hysterical with rage.

"GET OUT OF CRICKHOLLOW, GET OUT OF BUCKLAND, AND NEVER COME BACK!" He punctuated his order by slamming the door so loud that the whole cottage shuddered.

Merry turned around and leaned up against the closed door, hyperventilating, yet he could not suppress a small smile as he listened to Pippin whimpering and sobbing in the grass. Still smiling, he walked down the hall and into the kitchen where he boiled water and made himself some tea. He picked up his cup and went to Frodo's room where his cousin had not moved from his place in the center of the bed. Frodo's eyes were open and unblinking but his mind's location was anyone's guess.

"Hello, Frodo," chirped Merry light heartedly. "How are you feeling?"

There was, of course, no answer.

Merry sat down in his chair by the bed and took a sip of tea.

"MERRY!" A pitiful cry came from the front yard accompanied by fists pounding on the hard wooden door.

Merry frowned. "You know, Frodo, Pippin has not been behaving." He rubbed his scarlet cheek. "I am beside myself to know what to do with the lad."

Frodo lay still, his eyes fixated on the ceiling.

"He has to be punished, you know. Our mission is just too important to tolerate his disobedience." Merry turned to his cousin, sipping his tea. "Well, I'm glad you agree with me, Frodo." He sighed. "Of course he's a good lad, deep inside, and I admit I have not spent as much time with him as I should. But you know how busy I've been."

"PLEASE, OH PLEASE, MERRY!!!" Pippin's pounding on the door was continuous now.

Merry grimaced as the pounding and screaming got louder. He shook his head. "Frodo, what do you mean, I should be merciful?" He sighed again.

"MERRY!!"

"Frodo, you may chastise me, but I think you are too lenient with the lad. Someone in this household has to enforce discipline or we will be undone."

"MERRY!!"

Merry stood, arms akimbo, and looked down at his supine cousin. "Well, Frodo, I don't know. Of course I would do anything for you but…"

"MERRY, OHHH, NOOOO, MERRY, MERRY, MERRY!!"

Merry leaned over and picked up Frodo's hand. "Oh Frodo, do you really think so?" He sighed again. "Now don't call me Meriadoc, Frodo, I don't want you to be angry with me. But it is not easy to run this household, you don't realize how hard I work for you." He kissed Frodo's hand and sighed even more heavily.

"MERRRRRRRY!!!!" The sound of bare knuckles on the door was even louder.

Merry leaned over and kissed Frodo on the forehead, then he stared into the vacant blue eyes. "An agreement? You mean like a covenant, Frodo?" He rubbed Frodo's cheek with great tenderness. "Now, that is a very good idea. All right, Frodo-dear, if you insist. knowknow I would do anything for you." He bent down and kissed him on the lips. "I do love you so."

Merry straightened up and stood for a minute, looking down at his cousin with great adoration. Then he turned and walked into the hallway where the screaming and pounding was much louder. He hesitated a few minutes beside the front door, his eyes unfocused, thinking hard. Finally he reached for the handle and opened it wide.

Pippin fell at his feet, naked and bleeding from his knuckles and other parts of his hands. His face was red with strain, he was hyperventilating, and tears were streaming down his cheeks. He looked up, speechless for a change, and Merry stared down at the pitiful wreck, his eyebrows knitted with a look of stern judgement. His voice was low and menacing. "What do you want?"

Pippin was heaving. "Merrrrry, pl-ea-se, let me innnnnn."

Merry grabbed his arm and dragged him inside the threshold. Pippin looked up. "What can I do to make you forgive me?"

Merry smiled in a way more diabolical than mirthful. He dragged Pippin further inside the hall and closed the door. "Get up."

Pippin stood slowly, rubbing his sore hands, still bleeding from their altercation with the solid wood door. His earlier defiance was gone as he stared at the floor and Merry could just discern a slight tremor in his hands. "You're quite fortunate, Peregrin, your cousin has intervened for you."

"Frodo?!" Pippin's voice was suddenly enthusiastic and bright as he looked up at Merry for the first time. "You mean he's…" He stopped speaking as he connected with Merry's glinting eyes and immediately knew that his hopes for Frodo were non-existent. "Oh," he muttered dejectedly.

"Follow me," Merry said as he turned and started walking.

Pippin followed quietly, dogging behind his cousin but instead of returning to Pippin's room, Merry continued down the hall.

Pippin stopped. "Merry, I need to put on some clothes."

Merry turned and grabbed his arm, his harsh voice unrelenting. "You will cover yourself when I give you permission." With that he grabbed his cousin's arm and dragged him into the sitting room and up to the desk. There he pulled out a piece of paper, an inkstand, and a quill. "Sit down and write what I tell you."

Pippin bit his lip and swallowed hard. Having no alternative, he sat, his bare bottom feeling strange to be touching the hard wood of the chair. He picked up the quill and dipped it into the ink, letting the solution soak into it. He looked up at Merry's face and his fear increased ten times, if that was possible.

Merry stood over him, his hands folded across his chest. "I, Peregrin Took…" He waited for Pippin to write the words. "Of Tuckborough, West Farthing…only son of Thain Paladin II…and by all legal covenants and Shire traditions…the future Thain of the Shire…and Master of the Shire-Moot…and Captain of the Shire-Muster… do ordain and declare…that upon the day of my ascendancy…to the high office of Thain…"

Pippin stopped writing and looked up. "Merry, by Eru, what are you talking about?"

Merry didn't move. "Write, Pippin, or this time I will throw you out on the road, naked, and I will lock the gate on you, for good this time, no matter what Frodo says."

Pippin took a deep breath and dipped the pen in the inkwell.

Merry continued in an even voice, "To the high office of Thain…I will cede all territory owned by the Took Family…including its stewardship of Tuckborough…and all responsibilities of the office of Thain in their entirety…"

"WHAT!"

"Write, Pippin." Merry's tone brooked no argument.

Pippin sighed and continued to write.

"In their entirety… to the Master of Buckland to be held in perpetuity by the Brandybuck family…and…"

This time Pippin put down his pen and looked up. "You must be MAD, Merry! I can't do that or anything like it."

"My dear Pippin," said Merry, pedantically. "I have no intention of enforcing this covenant. But I will have it in my possession to assure your obedience during this time of Shire crisis. Once Frodo is well and this danger is past, I promise you on my honor and the honor of my family, that I will throw it into the fire. But if you disobey me or question me in anything, if you interfere with Cousin Frodo's progress, if you talk to Sam without my permission, I swear to you, by the Valar, Pippin, I will enforce this covenant to the last letter of the law!"

For a moment neither of them moved, almost as if they were frozen in time. Finally, slowly, the future Thain of Tuckborough picked up the pen and wrote down the words his cousin had dictated.

"What else," Pippin said, defeat coloring his voice.

"And to this Agreement and covenant, I duly swear, by all the powers of Valinor and the sacred honor of my family."

Pippin bent his head and wrote.

"Sign it."

Pippin looked up with tears streaming down his face. He opened his mouth but Merry cut off any further protest with his harsh, cold voice. "You have lost my trust, Pippin, and you have struck me; either you sign this covenant or I will cast you out of here forever and I further promise you, I PROMISE YOU, that you will never see Frodo again. It's your choice, Master Peregrin."

Pippin took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. Then he signed the document at the bottom, Peregrin Took, of Tuckborough, West Farthing, The Shire.

Merry took the pen out of his hand and pressed Pippin's bleeding knuckles into the paper next to his signature. He then shoved Pippin thumb into the blood, leaving a fingerprint on the paper. "There, now you have signed it in blood, Cousin." Merry picked up Pippin's sore hand and kissed the dark bruises. He sighed. "I love you, Pippin, but you must learn the ways of the world."

Pippin stared down at the horrid document. "I think I have, Merry."

Merry smiled, pulling Pippin out of the chair. "Not quite yet, love. Obedience on a piece of paper is one thing but I want you to show me now, in reality, that you will honor our covenant. That you will be obedient to me in all things, just like your Cousin Frodo. He pulled Pippin out of the chair and reached into his groin, down through the forest of dark hair to grasp his shaft.

Pippin closed his eyes and shivered as Merry's other arm encircled his shoulders and pulled him close. "Oh, I do love you, Pippin, and I need you so much, in so many ways." He kissed him sensuously on the lips, parting them with his tongue and devouring is cousin's mouth once again in a way that spoke more to ownership than love. At the same time he was running his other hand along his cousin's firm penis, stroking it expertly and encouraging Pippin's helpless eren. n. When he was finished, he pulled out of his cousin's mouth and steered him over to the sofa.

Merry was panting with excitement as Pippin sat down passively, his erection almost fully developed. It was not something he could ignore as he watched Merry unbutton his weskit and shirt, dropping them on the floor. Merry's body was truly beautiful, more muscular than Frodo's, with darker, tanned skin due to his love of working outside with the ponies owned by his family. In spite of himself, Pippin's eyes drank in the dark, erect nipples and heavy biceps. He remembered seeing Merry out in the corrals at Brandy Hall, shirtless, breaking ponies with a whip in his hand. He took a deep breath, suddenly knowing just how those animals must have felt.

Merry quickly removed his own trousers, kicking them halfway across the room. He then grabbed Pippin's shoulders and shoved him down on the velvet sofa, crawling on top of him with an uncontrollable hunger in his eyes. Pippin could only see the tops of Merry's curls as his cousin dropped down upon his pink nipples with a voracious hunger. He licked them erect in short, hard bursts, steadying Pippin's shaking body with hands at his shoulders.

"Ahhh," Pippin's soft cry was accompanied by a shudder as Merry's hand reached into his groin and fastened itself around his firm balls. Pippin's legs bent at the knees and languidly spread as Merry reached underneath and ran his fingertips between Pippin's legs. Pippin cried again with pleasure as Merry found just the right spot.

"Hold tight, Pip," panted Merry, lightly squeezing the base of Pippin's organ. "I know you're young but you can do it."

"No…Merry, please." Pippin was shivering all over with excitement.

Merry reached out and slapped him hard. "There, does that take the edge off?"

Pippin was weeping again. "I…I don't know what to do, Merry."

Merry smiled, his voice benevolent once again. "Just as I tell you, of course. Do you want your Merry, love?" Merry reached down and tweaked one of Pippin's sore nipples hard, causing him to cry out again.

"Is that yes?"

"Merry, please…"

"Please what, dearest." Merry tweaked the other nipple, harder this time, causing Pippin to cry out loudly.

"I don't…want to…"

"Now that's an irrelevant statement. Open your mouth, I need to catch up."

Pippin sighed but he did what he was told and Merry lost no time thrusting inside. He wrapped his fingers in Pippin's thick curls and guided his head as he thrust deeper and deeper, scraping the back of Pippin's throat until it was sore and throbbing. "Suck, love…suck hard." Merry gasped between heaving breaths.

Pippin complied, trying his best to obey, grabbing his breaths when he could. He could not abandon Frodo, whatever it took, whatever it took, he would stay and do what Merry wanted--for as long as he wanted.

Merry withdrew, fully erect now, his chest glistening with sweat. This time he had no verbal orders; instead he grabbed Pippin by the shoulders and turned him over the large, curving velvet arm of the settee. Pippin was still gagging from lack of oxygen and having Merry half way down his throat. There was no fight in him anymore as Merry knelt between his legs and spread them wide, pinching his bottom cheeks with his fingernails until they were red and glistening.

Merry bent down and planted a wet kiss at the base of Pippin's cleft, letting his tongue trail down into its depths as his hands splayed his cousin wide.

Pippin could feel Merry's hot breath on his rear. He grabbed onto the velvet sofa, pulling the lush material, cringing at was in store. "Merry," he squeaked pitifully.

Panting with lust, Merry lifted his head and quickly ran a finger along Pippin's ears, flicking the tip teasingly. "Yes, love."

Pippin was also breathing hard, both from his fully aroused state and the knowledge that he would soon be screaming in pain. "Oi-llll…oh, please, Merry."

There was silence for a moment and then Merry climbed off his cousin. He stood by the sofa and ran his fingers through Pippin's curls. "All right, love. You are being very good. In fact, this is the kind of behavior I want to see from now on."

The only answer he got was Pippin's rapid breathing.

"Just to be nice, I'll go get the oil but I don't what you to move a muscle. Not a muscle until I return."

Pippin nodded as Merry walked across the room and into the hall. He stopped for a moment and then turned around and tiptoed back to the doorway to watch his cousin. Pippin lay on the purple velvet sofa, his waist bent over the large, curved arm, more or less on his knees, fully aroused, with his pure white buttocks thrust high into the air. It was a beautiful, erotic sight and Merry lingered in the doorway unobserved by his cousin, partly just to enjoy it and partly to see if Pippin would obey him.

Pippin lay still, his chest heaving, occasionally wiping tears from his eyes, but otherwise he didn't move a muscle. Merry would have loved to stand there forever but his own need was becoming more and more urgent. Regretfully he turned and quietly padded down the hallway to his own room and retrieved the lavender oil. Carrying the carved amethyst container, he crept silently into the parlor doorway and again smiled to see Pippin lying just where he had been left in exactly the same position. "Beautiful," Merry whispered to himself.

Quickly he crossed the room, covering his fingers with the sweet, scented oil. He rubbed them against Pippin's ear rims again, smiling as his cousin sighed with pleasure, whether he wanted to or not. Without further ado, Merry dripped the fragrant oil into Pippin's cleft and watched as it seeped inside. Unable to contain himself any longer, he crawled on top and spread Pippin's cheeks, thrusting a finger deep inside him.

Pippin squeaked at the sensation and Merry slapped him hard on his buttocks, causing him to yelp out loud.

"Quiet, love. Not a peep and that's an order." He leaned over and whispered in Pippin's ear. "Don't worry, Pip, your Merry loves you."

Pippin nodded and a sniffle escaped him. MerrMerry slapped him again, even harder. "I said, not a sound."

Pippin dug his fingers into the side of the sofa and was quiet while Merry thrust two fingers inside and quickly spread Pippin's opening wider. Soon it was three fingers and Pippin had closed his eyes tightly and was biting his lip so hard it was bleeding.

By this time, Merry was thinking of no one but himself as he pulled the opening wider and wider, thrusting his fingers in as deeply as he could. Finally he grabbed the bottle again and rubbed it on his erect penis, feeling himself shimmering on the edge. Without further warning he positioned himself at the widened opening and thrust inside as hard as he could.

Pippin's teeth bit harder into his lip and his hand grasped at the upholstery seam, tearing off a part of the velvet but he didn't utter a sound as Merry began thrusting, his hands steadying his cousin for a minute, grabbing his waist.

"Your doing great, Pip, just stay still, control yourself until I tell you." He reached underneath and grabbed Pippin's throbbing organ, expertly quieting it down as he thrusted deeper, his ballballs banging against Pippin's thighs. "Ohhh, so nice, Pip." Merry whispered as he continued, taking care to hit the small raised spot over his cousin's prostate. As he did so, he squeezed his cousin's balls, warning him.

Pippin breathed in deeply as his whole body seethed in pleasure but outside the noise of heavy breathing, not even a miniscule sound escaped his lips.

Merry was pleased. He ran his fingers along the base of Pippin's organ, feeling the pre-cum dripping from its tip. The penis reacted predictably as Pippin began to orgasm.

"Shhhh, love, not a sound." Merry warned as he felt his cousin's whole body shiver in ecstasy. He thrust even deeper than before, filling Pippin with more pure sensation and pleasure than he had ever experienced.

Pippin thought he was going to bite completely through his lip and his palms were also bleeding where he had dug into them with his fingernails. It was the hardest thing he had ever done in his life but he was determined to obey Merry's order, to please him at all cost.

The memory of being deserted, naked, and alone outside the smial was too raw and alive inside him. As for the covenant, he could not let it stand, even if it meant his death. But above these things and foremost in his mind was his beloved cousin, Frodo. The thought of being separated from him forever was absolutely unbearable. Thus for Pippin, the world had truly narrowed now--into a small, confining prison with the name of Meriadoc Brandybuck over the door.

His mind blurred again, even from those ramifications as his cousin thrusted so hard that Pippin felt his insides tearing apart, his throat clamping shut, and then more blood running down his lip, diluted by his tears. Just as he thought he could bear it no longer, Merry climaxed deep inside, burning him hot and raw, digging his fingernails into his back, and crying out so loudly that it made Pippin's silence seem all the more profound.

Merry collapsed on top of his cousin, breathing so hard that he couldn't talk. He lay like that for a long time, his flaccid organ still inside, nibbling little kisses on Pippin's back. Finally he pulled Pippin down from the arm of the sofa and lay with him on the velvet settee, his arms around him loosely and his fingers tracing circles lazily on Pippin's flesh.

"Oh, Pip, you are slicilicious, I think I will make love to you every day from now on." Merry's voice was breathy and soft with exhaustion. "Did you enjoy it, love?"

Pippin said nothing, just nodded his head, which caused a big smile to fill Merry's face.

"You may speak." He said with a smirk.

Pippin breathed in the sultry air, laced with lavender and heavy with their own scent. He let out a loud, audible sigh, as if the pent up sounds of pleasure were finally escaping all at once.

"Did you enjoy it, love?" Merry repeated in a louder voice as he feathered kisses over Pippin's damaged lips. At the same time he rubbed some fragrant oil into the raised pink brand on his cousin's shoulder, reinforcing once and for all the powerful message it conveyed.

"Yes, Merry, " his cousin whispered, his voice flattened in defeat, but if the truth were known deep inside, it was not entirely a lie.

*****

After they had dressed and had some tea, Merry took Pippin's hand and led him down the hall to retrieve his cloak for his trip to the marketplace. He placed it on his cousin's shoulders, smoothing out the wrinkles with great care. Merry then dropped a sack of coins in Pippin's hand, along with a piece of paper.

"Here's the shopping list and remember, love, nothing but the finest quality goods for our dear Frodo's party tonight." Merry leaned over and gave him an affectionate peck on the cheek.

Pippin's head was still reeling from his heady experience in the parlor. "Yes, Merry," he said meekly.

"And pick up enough supplies to last us for a time." Merry hesitated for a moment. "I haven't told you this before, Pip, but there are some, well, some unsavory folk who might be looking for us. We mustn't leave Crickhollow anymore than necessary; in fact, it is imperative that we keep our presence here secret for a time. Very secret. Understand?"

Pippin nodded.

"So don't speak to anyone at the market, not a word about where we are or who is here, do you understand?"

"Yes, Merry, whatever you say."

"Good lad." Merry took Pippin's hand. "Now come in and bid goodbye to your cousin."

They walked into Frodo's bedroom and stood, hand in hand, in front of their cousin's bed, watching the quiet figure stare at the ceiling.

"Frodo," said Merry cheerfully, "you will be pleased to hear that your young cousin, Pippin, has seen the error of his ways and has come back to our family for good. He has promised his obedience to me, just as you have done so beautifully, dear." Merry squeezed Pippin's hand affectionately as he pulled his head close, kissing him sensuously on the lips.

Frodo lay unmoving, staring blankly up at the ceiling.

"Oh, Frodo," Merry continued enthusiastically, "we are finally a real family, one that will never be dissolved, and now we can use your gift to safeguard the Shire from its enemies. It has been worth all the pain and we have succeeded." He cleared his throat with emotion. "Now, Pippin is going to the marketplace for our celebration feast tonight. Is there anything you want him to pick up, Frodo? Apples? All right, love. For an apple pie; of course, dear, why didn't I think of that."

He turned to Pippin. "Don't forget Frodo's apples, love."

Pippin's eyes had moistened as he listened to the strange, one-sided conversation. Hope was lost to him now, buried in a piece of paper on Merry's desk, and he despaired of any happy ending to this surrealistic nightmare. He was, however, determined to play his part, to buy some time for Frodo. Perhaps, perhaps someone else…

"Give your cousin a kiss, dear, before you leave," said Merry, his voice brimming with happiness. "I know he would appreciate it." Merry smiled at Frodo and then at Pippin, his eyes now bursting with joy. "You are so sweet, Pippin, and we both love you so much." He trailed his hand down to Pippin's rear and squeezed it lightly, pushing Pippin toward the bed.

Pippin stared down at Frodo with all the love in his heart. He leaned in close to his face, his cloak falling in folds around him. "Oh, Frodo," he whispered. "I don't know what will happen but I promise to do whatever I can to help. I love you and I will never leave you…alone with him." With that he bent down and kissed his cousin gently on the lips.

As Pippin slowly raised his head, he was drawn suddenly into Frodo's beautiful blue eyes. He wasn't certain but he thought they might have blinked and for a split second focused on him; then Pippin saw, and this time he was sure, that Frodo's lips had curved into a very small, very sweet, smile.


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end

Like this-read the original tale at www.geocities.com/aelfgifuemma/RATM
ring around the MErry-in which MErry keeps Frodo captive at Crickhollow for the salvation of the Shire.