I watch the Lady Galadriel's eyes wonder around the circle, studying each of the Fellowship. No one can hold her gaze for long and I don't understand why. Not until her eyes rest on me.
Welcome, Samwise Gamgee of the Shire, she says. Wait. She's not saying anything to me, she's thinking it. Her voice is inside my head. It makes me nervous and I start to shake a little.
Thank you, Ma'am, I think back to her. It sounds clumsy and foolish. I wish I was better with words.
You are tired, Sam. You are hungry.
The shoots to the top of my mind too fast for me to stop it. It's funny. Suddenly I feel ten times hungrier and ten times more tired than I did before she pointed it out to me.
Why do you continue this quest, Sam?
Because I made a promise to protect Mr. Frodo and I haven't got a choice, I snap back at her.
But you do have a choice.
I think back. I'm confused now. Confused and rattled. I know it's exactly what she wanted and I don't like it.
I am powerful, Sam. I could help you get back home.
Back to the Shire? I blurt out. Instantly, I'm furious. You made a promise! I scream at myself. You made a promise to protect him, Sam Gamgee!
Yes. Back to the Shire. And I could give you your own little hobbit hole with a garden in front. Why not go back, Sam? Frodo has all the protection he needs. He has seven others willing to protect him with their lives. You don't need to stay. Why not go back and live peacefully with nothing to worry about except how much water to put on your plants?
As she thinks that to me, I start trembling so hard that I can barely stand up. A sweat breaks out on my forehead. My face turns hot.
Suddenly, I can't stand it . I jerk my eyes away from hers. Look away, I plead. Look at anything but me. Don't tempt me anymore. I feel her eyes on me for a moment longer, but they soon move on.
I relax with a shudder. My breathing is ragged. I feel like I've just run a thousand miles. But in a way, it feels good. Like I've passed a very important test. Which I have, really. I know that I'm not invincible. That I could be tempted to leave Mr. Frodo and forget my promise. But I also know that I can outlast the temptation and come back to him stronger than I was before. I'm grateful for that. That knowledge could make all the difference in the near future. As Galadriel finishes testing the remaining members of our Fellowship, I lock eyes with her.
Thank you, my lady, I think.
You are welcome, Sam. You are very loyal. Frodo could not have a better friend. Which makes me feel warm right down to my toes.