“Umph!” The small hobbit tackled Merry excitedly, tumbling them to the ground. “I win again, Merry!” Pippin squealed. “That’s three for me and two for you.”

“You win then, Pip, I am worn out.” Merry hugged him close, Pippin panting, his heart thumping. No more today then. They’d raced between the oak and pump five times. Merry couldn’t let Pippin win every time as he was no fool, but a year ago Pip wouldn’t have been able to run so far once!

Pippin was getting stronger and Merry would keep pushing him, for his lad was too precious to lose.