"You are mine, Frodo Baggins, and always will be. You are weak, powerless, hardly even a hobbit." A great red eye rose up in front of Frodo, with a pupil so black it seemed to numb the poor hobbit's very soul. "Men have died for you, sacrificed everything, just so you could fail them at the last moment. You will always be a slave to me, Frodo. Always".
The world spun around as the hobbit tossed and turned in his sleep. Since his return to the Shire, nightmares had plagued him every night; this night proved to be no different.
Flames rose up all around Frodo, his eyes widening in terror as a Balrog roared and charged towards him. He looked around wildly, but to his horror he was barricaded in with no escape. The great beast grew ever closer…
Frodo gave a low moan, clutching his pillow.
Suddenly, Samwise appeared in front of Frodo, sword in hand; gesturing wildly.
" You go on, Mister Frodo, I can hold him off!" The heat was becoming unbearable; he fancied he was trapped in a massive oven.
"No Sam!" he yelled. "I won't let you die for me, not like this!"
But alas, it was too late. Sam charged valiantly forward, only to be swallowed up by the great Demon.
"Sam no!" Frodo cried. "Sam! Sam!
"Sam!" He screamed, bolting upright.
His eyes scanned the room, his breath coming out in short gasps.
"I'm right here, Mister Frodo, it's all right." Sam had appeared beside his bed, his eyes scanning Frodo worriedly. He had been staying with Frodo for the first week since they returned to The Shire.
"Having them nightmares again?" Frodo could only nod in silence. That particular dream had shaken him to the core.
"Why don't you tell me about it then," Sam sat expectantly on the edge of the bed. Frodo recounted parts of his dream, his face becoming troubled.
"Well now, he's not here, anymore Mister Frodo. E's gone, you destroyed him, and nothing can change that."
Sam said moving to grasp his friend's hand. "You're the bravest hobbit I ever knew, and if it wasn't for you, neither of us would be here right now. "
Frodo's eyes began to water. "Oh Sam, you never realize how much you've truly done for me. Brave Master Samwise, they'll say, and a loyal and steadfast friend, he was too."
"You don't mean that", Sam looked away. "Oh Sam," Frodo said, and embraced the hobbit.
"I mean that more than anything in the world. You're one of the most important things to me in my life."
"More important than pipeweed? Or even mushrooms?" Sam asked.
Frodo chuckled "I would give up all the mushrooms in the world, Sam."
Sam smiled and gestured to Frodo.
"Well come on then, Frodo. It's nigh time for second breakfast already!"