Worthy Of The Name

Beta by Llinos

“Here then, Merry, meet your new cousin!” Pippin carefully laid the infant in Merry’s arms. Merry flipped the blanket back expertly and took a good look at Pippin and Diamond’s newest little one. The baby seemed just as interested in his elder cousin, inspecting Merry with knowing, thoughtful eyes that were unusual for a child only two days old.

Merry blinked, surprised at the infant’s regard, and then grinned. “He actually reminds me of his namesake, Pippin. But I still say that you are unbelievably cheeky.”

“Nonsense, Merry! Our old friend deserves to have a namesake and I’ll wager my lad is worthy of the honour.”

“No doubt you do, being that he is your lad,” Merry said, making silly faces at the baby. “But what does Diamond think?”

Pippin looked innocent. “I may not have told her just exactly who I was naming him after. But she knows he’s named for a wonderful friend who’s far away and thinks it sounds rather grand and Tookish, so truthfully she didn’t object.”

“Well, it’s certainly grand, Tookish or not, and I must say it seems to suit him.” Beaming at the baby, Merry laughed and said, “Welcome to the family, Olórin!”

Note from Marigold – This little double-drabble was inspired by Llinos’ brand new grandson, Ellis, who really does have the knowing, thoughtful eyes described in my tale.