[Ithaeliel]

Ardo sighed woefully. He was tired indeed from all the riding. He was not accustomed to such a very large pony, and the point of the leather scabbard that held his short sword kept jabbing him in the knee! What did he have to do for a bit of comfort? Ardo Baggins, you tomfool, stop complainin', he thought to himself. Ye've got too long a way to go yet before you ought to say anything about comfort. And you have to set a good example for young Pippin there.

Ardo sighed again. His inner voice was right, as it usually was anyways. Looking over at Pippin, he saw the lad's head was bobbing freely, for he also was very tired. His pony was one of the smoothest rides in the bunch, but they had been riding a bit too long even for Pip.

Smiling, Ardo reached over to put a hand on his companion's shoulder. "You all right, lad?"
Pippin looked up, and desperation shone in his eyes. "I'm fine... just tired."
"It'll be all right, Pippin. I'm a bit tired meself, but that ain't no reason to give up just yet. We'll be resting soon, don't worry."
Pippin lifted his head a little and gave a wry smirk as he voiced Ardo's thoughts. "That sword looks to be makin' you mighty uncomfortable, Mister Baggins. Why'd you bring it along, anyway."
Ardo shrugged. "Just in case we happen to find ourselves in any of those wild situations that you mentioned earlier, Pip."
Pippin's eyes went round and Ardo laughed mirthfully. "Don't worry, lad! We probably won't."

[ September 08, 2002: Message edited by: Ithaeliel ]