Disclaimer: Tolkien claims all, AiH claims none.
Sam Gamgee felt his heart was breaking. He'd had bad times before, like when Rosie Cotton ignored him for a week straight and flirted constantly with that idiotic Theo Chubbs. Of course, the horror of Frodo's being stabbed by the Black Rider on Weathertop would always be with him. But this, this pain that clutched at his heart and snatched his words way, this was infinitely worse.
Gandalf said Bill couldn't come, and he'd blessed him and promised Sam that the pony had as much chance of getting home safe as they had. In any other situation, Sam would have been the first to swear that Gandalf was always right. Not this time.
Tears spilling down his cheeks, Sam attacked the pony's packs with trembling fingers. He fumbled with the straps, each buckle a personal enemy to be overcome. Sam flung the packs to the ground. Nostrils wide, Bill swung his head around to watch Sam. His ears pricked forward, eyes bright and attentive, the pony seemed to be wondering what all the fuss was about.
Struggling to bring his emotions under control, Sam tossed the last pack down and led Bill off to the side while the others sorted through their supplies. The hobbit stood at Bill's shoulder. He stroked the pony's neck and sucked his teeth.
The whole time the wizard was racking his brain for the password into Moria, Sam brooded. He couldn't do this. Letting Bill go was murder, no matter what Gandalf said. Bill trusted him completely. How could Sam just abandon him with wolves and orcs and worse things around?
As if on cue, the howling of wolves filled their ears. Bill spooked and started. Sam rushed to catch up with him, taking the pony's halter. Still frightened, Bill nickered softly and nuzzled Sam with his nose. He was scared, but he'd stay with his master and hobbit friend.
Finally the door opened, and Gandalf made to step inside. Something snatched Frodo and pulled him down. Before Sam could fully register this, Bill neighed wildly and tore free. The pony galloped off along the lakeshore. Sam sprinted after him, but Bill dashed away, disappearing into the darkness. Falling, Frodo cried out.
Sam stopped, torn. Bill or Frodo? What should he do? Keep Bill from meeting the wolves or go aid his master? Frodo had the Fellowship; Bill had no one. Bill had chosen the wilds and wolves over Sam and Moria. Frodo was being attacked by some creature. Who did Sam go to, and who did he abandon?
Weeping and cursing, Sam swung around and ran back to help Frodo. Bill's hoof beats faded away into the night. Terrible as it was, the hobbit had made his choice.
Sam Gamgee's heart had broken in two.
Fin
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