Thank you to all the reviewers. I have done some reformatting on the text
and hopefully you will find it much easier to read. Enjoy!!!
The Road goes Ever on Chapter one: The Great Decision
It was March of 1421, shire-reckoning of course, and the shire was in the midst of the second most beautiful spring it had ever known thanks to Sam's hard work and Galadriel's gift. The Mallorn tree in the party field was quite tall now. Its silver trunk and long golden leaves shone like jewels in the sunlight. People were amazed at how much it had grown in just one year. Miraculous, some called it while some Hobbits like Mr. Sandyman just squawked
"It just Ain't natural, no good can come of Elven magic trees."
Most Hobbits just ignored him though, "Tis a true Miracle what Mr. Samwise has done to the Shire they'd say. Sam, held out a secret hope that next year they might again have another party of special magnificence for Frodo and Bilbo's birthday. Sam was constantly trying to think of things that might cheer his master up. He was always withdrawn and melancholy and spent far too much time inside working on writing his book.
"He needs to get outside in the fresh air more", Sam thought to himself.
Life had taken on normalcy again in the Shire and that's the way the hobbits liked it. Apart from the trees being shorter, Bag Shot row having both new buildings and a "new" name and an occasional glimpse of Merry and Pippin riding by in all their "finery" life was quiet again.
Sam Gamgee had Married Rosie Cotton in March of 1420 and they moved into Bag End with Frodo. Sam liked this arrangement quite well. He had the two dearest people in his life living under the same roof, and he could take care of Master Frodo. Something that Sam was certain Frodo could not accomplish on his own. Things were getting on just great at Bag End. Sam and Rosie were expecting their first child at the end of this month. There was much excitement and a constant stream of visitors in and out of the Smial. Frodo was sure that Sam would just burst with pride any day now. Frodo didn't mind all the visitors though and he tried to stay out of Sam and Rosie's way as much as possible. He wanted them to feel that Bag End was their home too. Frodo had even gone as far as spending a month up at Crickhollow with Merry and Pippin for Yule, partially to give Sam and Rosie time to be together and in part to have some time to himself. He found the days were growing longer and longer and could not seem to find real rest anywhere. He had hoped that his trip to Crickhollow would be a nice change of pace. However, it just left him feeling emptier. He felt strangely alone even in the midst of friends. Sam had Rosie, Merry and Pippin were still young and loved to talk about the "Glory days" and had each other for companionship. Frodo felt very alone but tried his best to hide it. He returned to Bag End in Early February and life went on much as it had the past year.
One Mid-March day Sam and Rosie sat at the Kitchen table discussing the arrival of the baby and eating breakfast. Frodo entered the kitchen and sat down. He did not look well. He was pale, drawn and looked tired.
"Good morning Mr. Frodo" Sam quipped trying to hide his concern.
"Good morning Sam, Good morning Rosie" Frodo managed to smile although he looked as if it pained him to do so.
"Let me get you some tea Frodo" Rosie said.
"No I'm all right Rosie but thank you". "It is I who should be serving you, seeing as the condition you're in. Its only a few days now till the baby comes now right?" said Frodo.
Rosie responded with a smile but could not hide her concern for Frodo. Sam jumped up from the table and said "if anybody's to be waitin' on anyone...I'm the one to be doin' the waitin"
Sam stopped short in his tracks when he realized what he just said didn't make much sense. Rosie giggled and Frodo smiled and said "that's our Sam not wanting to be out done by anyone." Really Sam I'm fine please don't trouble yourself. I don't feel much like tea this morning. In fact I think I will just go lie down for awhile."
Frodo moved to stand up steadying himself with his right arm on the table, it seemed his left arm was just about useless anymore. As he let go of the table and turned to go, his knees went weak and his legs buckled. Reaching out for the table to steady himself he missed and grabbed the tablecloth instead. He collapsed on the floor in a heap, dishes and cups crashing all around him.
"Mr. Frodo !"
cried Sam, nearly dropping the boiling teakettle on the floor. He set the kettle down and rushed to Frodo's side. Picked Frodo's crumpled body up off the floor and laid him in his lap. Sam was crying, Rosie was beside herself not knowing what to do. Sam just sat there holding Frodo and rocking him back and forth.
"What's happening? What's wrong with him?" asked Rosie.
Just then Frodo began to speak "Sam...Sam where are you."
"I'm here Frodo" Sam replied through his tears.
"Sam I can't see you. Darkness, there is darkness everywhere."
"I'm here Mr. Frodo right here!" It was then Sam realized Frodo could not hear him.
"It's so cold Sam they have taken everything, everything do you understand me? Wraiths Sam flying overhead they will see us, they will kill us. There is no hope we will die here together. Sam I'm too heavy, you can't carry me all the way up the mountain. I am sorry my friend, sorry for all that I have done to you. It is gone forever...All is dark and empty. Oh Sam."
Frodo was now quiet as he lay limply in Sam's arms his face was deathly pale and his breathing became labored. Sam gently picked him up, his lifeless left arm was dangling at his side and it was cold as ice. Sam carried his beloved Frodo down the hall to his bedroom. Sam and Rosie sat by Frodo's bedside for most of the night. "Oh how I wish I could take this burden from him." Sam cried as he gently held Frodo's cold lifeless hand. After what seemed like an eternity Rosie spoke up. "Sam, What happened to Frodo, and to you for that matter." You have never really spoken about your trip. I know that something dreadful has happened to both of you, to often I see you struggling on in darkness yourself. I am your wife won't you share your burden with me? I want to help." Sam looked deeply into Rosie's tear stained face and took her into his arms. "I am so sorry lass, I wanted to share with you so many times the details of our journey but they were too horrible to mention. I did not want to trouble you. I can see now that I was wrong, very wrong. In my trying to protect you I can see that I have only alienated you. If you are ready to listen I am ready to share." And with that Sam began to recount for Rosie the details of the great quest.
The next morning Frodo awoke in his bed, the fire in the fireplace was now just a pile of glowing embers. "How did I get here He thought to himself" then the events of yesterday came flooding back. " How he must have frightened Sam and Rosie" he thought." It was still early and perhaps Sam and not started breakfast yet. Frodo wished to do something for Sam for a change. He got up and quickly got dressed his left arm was much better today he could actually move it and it was warm again.
The House was quiet and still, Sam and Rosie were still sleeping and Frodo was glad. He went into the kitchen and began preparing breakfast. It would not be as fine of a meal as Sam would cook but it would be good. He made sausages, eggs, fried mushrooms and tried to make scones but they turned out to be something of a disaster. Just as he was preparing to place the food on the table and go call his "family" Sam cam busting into the kitchen. "Mr. Frodo what on the shire are you doing?! up and cookin' breakfast and just bein' sick yesterday and all! You sit down right now and let your ol' Sam fix breakfast. "
With that Sam gently walked over and took Frodo's left arm in is hand and looked at it grievously. He smiled when he realized that it was warm and that the color had returned to it. "I'm fine Sam" replied Frodo smiling. "I feel quite all right today Sam I promise." Sam just stared into Frodo's face trying to see if he was really all right.
With that Rosie walked into the kitchen. She placed her hand on Frodo's shoulder "Don't mind Sam, Frodo" she said "Sometimes I think he was born to be more of a mother than I was" She and Frodo laughed and Sam Smiled even though he knew they were laughing at his expense. "You gave us both quite a scare yesterday Frodo" she said "I am glad to see you are feeling better today" "Yes Rosie I feel just fine today Thank you." And with that they sat down to the meal Frodo had prepared.
The next week was a very exciting one and a day that Frodo shall remember forever. He was sleeping early in the morning when Sam burst into Frodo's room screaming "it's Time!!!" Good grief thought Frodo it's awfully early to be having breakfast and you don't need to shout about it. Then Frodo realized what Sam was talking about. The baby! The baby was coming! "Oh my goodness its time!!" Shouted Frodo rushing out into the parlor. "Sam, Sam where are you?? Sam!!" Frodo shouted again. Then Sam rounded the corner and ran right into Frodo the two of them sprawled out on the parlor floor. "What do we do now" cried Frodo? "I guess I'll go get the midwife" shouted Sam. "I'll go get her said Frodo and for Goodness sake stop shouting you'll frighten Rosie."
With that Frodo grabbed his old brown coat and headed out the door, not even realizing he was still in his nightshirt. Frodo returned fifteen minutes later with the midwife and he and Sam were promptly escorted out of the bedroom. After what seemed like days, although it was only hours they heard a tiny cry coming from the bedroom. The midwife came out and told Sam "It's a fine little girl, you may go in now."
Sam stood up swelling with pride and entered the bedroom. A few minutes he reappeared and asked Frodo if he wanted to meet his daughter , Frodo wanted to more than anything. He walked into the room and there lay Rosie cradling in her arms the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He bent down to get a close look. Rosie said "would you like to hold her?" Frodo just stared as Sam picked the baby up and placed her in Frodo's arms.
"We had been fixn' on calling him Frodo but it's not a him it's a her and now we don't know what to name her. "How about Elanor. Sam you remember that beautiful flower we saw in Lothlórien." And It was Settled the First born child of Samwise Gamgee and Rose Cotton was named Elanor.
The next few months went by quickly. Sam and Rosie settled into a busy life of taking care of little Elanor they didn't notice much that Frodo began to grow more distant and that he had started giving away a lot of his things. One day a letter came in the mail for Frodo and Rosie noticed that it looked like it was written in Elven characters. She didn't pay much attention to it however after all hadn't Mr. Frodo been traveling all over Middle Earth. He lots of friends and many of them Elves. She never gave it another thought.
About mid-September Frodo approached Sam and said "Well Sam I want you to see Rose and find out if she can spare you for a while, so that you and I can go off together. You can't go for long of course. I am going to take a trip and I want you too see me off part of the way anyway."
Frodo knew he was getting sicker every year. Every October and March the illnesses became worse. If he stayed much longer he would surely die. He had to leave in hopes of finding peace and wellness. He wanted Sam to take him to the Grey Havens but did not want Sam to know where they were going. Frodo feared Sam would talk him into staying.
Frodo then went through his papers and set things in order. He handed Sam the keys to Bag End and the big red book. "It's your job to finish the book" said Frodo. "My chapters are done." The next week Frodo and Sam set off on what would be their last journey in Middle earth together. It was a nice journey and Frodo knew that he would hold the memories of this trip with Sam in his heart forever.
At the Grey Havens Frodo kissed Merry, Pippin and lastly Sam. He had not the heart to say what he felt he needed to. He just turned and quickly boarded the Ship never looking back.
Sam, Merry and Pippin rode home together quietly. None of them talking much at all Merry and Pippin rode on to Buckland and Sam to Bag End. When he arrived he tied up Bill the pony and went inside. Rose met him at the door, ushered him to his place at the table and placed little Elanor in his lap. She then pulled out an envelope and handed it to Sam. He instantly recognized Frodo's firm flowing script on the envelope. He opened it up and read the following words.
My dearest Sam, I do not know where to begin this letter. The top is always a good place I guess so I'll start there.
Sam Chuckled as he thought of Frodo saying those words.
Sam, You will always be the dearest and most precious thing in my life. You were my light in the darkness, my calm in the storm, my anchor in the sea. I can never begin to thank you enough for being my companion on life's journey. You are the true Ring bearer you are the true "savior of Middle earth". I meant it when I said "Frodo wouldn't have gotten far without Sam."
I leave you now to have a wonderful life. Please do not worry about me I know I will be fine. I want you to be whole and happy for always.
I hope that someday not too far in the future you will be able to join me on the other side. I will be waiting for you Samwise the brave.
I love you my Brother,
Frodo. And with that Sam closed the letter placed it back in the envelope, held Elanor and thought to himself "Samwise the brave".
The Road goes Ever on Chapter one: The Great Decision
It was March of 1421, shire-reckoning of course, and the shire was in the midst of the second most beautiful spring it had ever known thanks to Sam's hard work and Galadriel's gift. The Mallorn tree in the party field was quite tall now. Its silver trunk and long golden leaves shone like jewels in the sunlight. People were amazed at how much it had grown in just one year. Miraculous, some called it while some Hobbits like Mr. Sandyman just squawked
"It just Ain't natural, no good can come of Elven magic trees."
Most Hobbits just ignored him though, "Tis a true Miracle what Mr. Samwise has done to the Shire they'd say. Sam, held out a secret hope that next year they might again have another party of special magnificence for Frodo and Bilbo's birthday. Sam was constantly trying to think of things that might cheer his master up. He was always withdrawn and melancholy and spent far too much time inside working on writing his book.
"He needs to get outside in the fresh air more", Sam thought to himself.
Life had taken on normalcy again in the Shire and that's the way the hobbits liked it. Apart from the trees being shorter, Bag Shot row having both new buildings and a "new" name and an occasional glimpse of Merry and Pippin riding by in all their "finery" life was quiet again.
Sam Gamgee had Married Rosie Cotton in March of 1420 and they moved into Bag End with Frodo. Sam liked this arrangement quite well. He had the two dearest people in his life living under the same roof, and he could take care of Master Frodo. Something that Sam was certain Frodo could not accomplish on his own. Things were getting on just great at Bag End. Sam and Rosie were expecting their first child at the end of this month. There was much excitement and a constant stream of visitors in and out of the Smial. Frodo was sure that Sam would just burst with pride any day now. Frodo didn't mind all the visitors though and he tried to stay out of Sam and Rosie's way as much as possible. He wanted them to feel that Bag End was their home too. Frodo had even gone as far as spending a month up at Crickhollow with Merry and Pippin for Yule, partially to give Sam and Rosie time to be together and in part to have some time to himself. He found the days were growing longer and longer and could not seem to find real rest anywhere. He had hoped that his trip to Crickhollow would be a nice change of pace. However, it just left him feeling emptier. He felt strangely alone even in the midst of friends. Sam had Rosie, Merry and Pippin were still young and loved to talk about the "Glory days" and had each other for companionship. Frodo felt very alone but tried his best to hide it. He returned to Bag End in Early February and life went on much as it had the past year.
One Mid-March day Sam and Rosie sat at the Kitchen table discussing the arrival of the baby and eating breakfast. Frodo entered the kitchen and sat down. He did not look well. He was pale, drawn and looked tired.
"Good morning Mr. Frodo" Sam quipped trying to hide his concern.
"Good morning Sam, Good morning Rosie" Frodo managed to smile although he looked as if it pained him to do so.
"Let me get you some tea Frodo" Rosie said.
"No I'm all right Rosie but thank you". "It is I who should be serving you, seeing as the condition you're in. Its only a few days now till the baby comes now right?" said Frodo.
Rosie responded with a smile but could not hide her concern for Frodo. Sam jumped up from the table and said "if anybody's to be waitin' on anyone...I'm the one to be doin' the waitin"
Sam stopped short in his tracks when he realized what he just said didn't make much sense. Rosie giggled and Frodo smiled and said "that's our Sam not wanting to be out done by anyone." Really Sam I'm fine please don't trouble yourself. I don't feel much like tea this morning. In fact I think I will just go lie down for awhile."
Frodo moved to stand up steadying himself with his right arm on the table, it seemed his left arm was just about useless anymore. As he let go of the table and turned to go, his knees went weak and his legs buckled. Reaching out for the table to steady himself he missed and grabbed the tablecloth instead. He collapsed on the floor in a heap, dishes and cups crashing all around him.
"Mr. Frodo !"
cried Sam, nearly dropping the boiling teakettle on the floor. He set the kettle down and rushed to Frodo's side. Picked Frodo's crumpled body up off the floor and laid him in his lap. Sam was crying, Rosie was beside herself not knowing what to do. Sam just sat there holding Frodo and rocking him back and forth.
"What's happening? What's wrong with him?" asked Rosie.
Just then Frodo began to speak "Sam...Sam where are you."
"I'm here Frodo" Sam replied through his tears.
"Sam I can't see you. Darkness, there is darkness everywhere."
"I'm here Mr. Frodo right here!" It was then Sam realized Frodo could not hear him.
"It's so cold Sam they have taken everything, everything do you understand me? Wraiths Sam flying overhead they will see us, they will kill us. There is no hope we will die here together. Sam I'm too heavy, you can't carry me all the way up the mountain. I am sorry my friend, sorry for all that I have done to you. It is gone forever...All is dark and empty. Oh Sam."
Frodo was now quiet as he lay limply in Sam's arms his face was deathly pale and his breathing became labored. Sam gently picked him up, his lifeless left arm was dangling at his side and it was cold as ice. Sam carried his beloved Frodo down the hall to his bedroom. Sam and Rosie sat by Frodo's bedside for most of the night. "Oh how I wish I could take this burden from him." Sam cried as he gently held Frodo's cold lifeless hand. After what seemed like an eternity Rosie spoke up. "Sam, What happened to Frodo, and to you for that matter." You have never really spoken about your trip. I know that something dreadful has happened to both of you, to often I see you struggling on in darkness yourself. I am your wife won't you share your burden with me? I want to help." Sam looked deeply into Rosie's tear stained face and took her into his arms. "I am so sorry lass, I wanted to share with you so many times the details of our journey but they were too horrible to mention. I did not want to trouble you. I can see now that I was wrong, very wrong. In my trying to protect you I can see that I have only alienated you. If you are ready to listen I am ready to share." And with that Sam began to recount for Rosie the details of the great quest.
The next morning Frodo awoke in his bed, the fire in the fireplace was now just a pile of glowing embers. "How did I get here He thought to himself" then the events of yesterday came flooding back. " How he must have frightened Sam and Rosie" he thought." It was still early and perhaps Sam and not started breakfast yet. Frodo wished to do something for Sam for a change. He got up and quickly got dressed his left arm was much better today he could actually move it and it was warm again.
The House was quiet and still, Sam and Rosie were still sleeping and Frodo was glad. He went into the kitchen and began preparing breakfast. It would not be as fine of a meal as Sam would cook but it would be good. He made sausages, eggs, fried mushrooms and tried to make scones but they turned out to be something of a disaster. Just as he was preparing to place the food on the table and go call his "family" Sam cam busting into the kitchen. "Mr. Frodo what on the shire are you doing?! up and cookin' breakfast and just bein' sick yesterday and all! You sit down right now and let your ol' Sam fix breakfast. "
With that Sam gently walked over and took Frodo's left arm in is hand and looked at it grievously. He smiled when he realized that it was warm and that the color had returned to it. "I'm fine Sam" replied Frodo smiling. "I feel quite all right today Sam I promise." Sam just stared into Frodo's face trying to see if he was really all right.
With that Rosie walked into the kitchen. She placed her hand on Frodo's shoulder "Don't mind Sam, Frodo" she said "Sometimes I think he was born to be more of a mother than I was" She and Frodo laughed and Sam Smiled even though he knew they were laughing at his expense. "You gave us both quite a scare yesterday Frodo" she said "I am glad to see you are feeling better today" "Yes Rosie I feel just fine today Thank you." And with that they sat down to the meal Frodo had prepared.
The next week was a very exciting one and a day that Frodo shall remember forever. He was sleeping early in the morning when Sam burst into Frodo's room screaming "it's Time!!!" Good grief thought Frodo it's awfully early to be having breakfast and you don't need to shout about it. Then Frodo realized what Sam was talking about. The baby! The baby was coming! "Oh my goodness its time!!" Shouted Frodo rushing out into the parlor. "Sam, Sam where are you?? Sam!!" Frodo shouted again. Then Sam rounded the corner and ran right into Frodo the two of them sprawled out on the parlor floor. "What do we do now" cried Frodo? "I guess I'll go get the midwife" shouted Sam. "I'll go get her said Frodo and for Goodness sake stop shouting you'll frighten Rosie."
With that Frodo grabbed his old brown coat and headed out the door, not even realizing he was still in his nightshirt. Frodo returned fifteen minutes later with the midwife and he and Sam were promptly escorted out of the bedroom. After what seemed like days, although it was only hours they heard a tiny cry coming from the bedroom. The midwife came out and told Sam "It's a fine little girl, you may go in now."
Sam stood up swelling with pride and entered the bedroom. A few minutes he reappeared and asked Frodo if he wanted to meet his daughter , Frodo wanted to more than anything. He walked into the room and there lay Rosie cradling in her arms the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He bent down to get a close look. Rosie said "would you like to hold her?" Frodo just stared as Sam picked the baby up and placed her in Frodo's arms.
"We had been fixn' on calling him Frodo but it's not a him it's a her and now we don't know what to name her. "How about Elanor. Sam you remember that beautiful flower we saw in Lothlórien." And It was Settled the First born child of Samwise Gamgee and Rose Cotton was named Elanor.
The next few months went by quickly. Sam and Rosie settled into a busy life of taking care of little Elanor they didn't notice much that Frodo began to grow more distant and that he had started giving away a lot of his things. One day a letter came in the mail for Frodo and Rosie noticed that it looked like it was written in Elven characters. She didn't pay much attention to it however after all hadn't Mr. Frodo been traveling all over Middle Earth. He lots of friends and many of them Elves. She never gave it another thought.
About mid-September Frodo approached Sam and said "Well Sam I want you to see Rose and find out if she can spare you for a while, so that you and I can go off together. You can't go for long of course. I am going to take a trip and I want you too see me off part of the way anyway."
Frodo knew he was getting sicker every year. Every October and March the illnesses became worse. If he stayed much longer he would surely die. He had to leave in hopes of finding peace and wellness. He wanted Sam to take him to the Grey Havens but did not want Sam to know where they were going. Frodo feared Sam would talk him into staying.
Frodo then went through his papers and set things in order. He handed Sam the keys to Bag End and the big red book. "It's your job to finish the book" said Frodo. "My chapters are done." The next week Frodo and Sam set off on what would be their last journey in Middle earth together. It was a nice journey and Frodo knew that he would hold the memories of this trip with Sam in his heart forever.
At the Grey Havens Frodo kissed Merry, Pippin and lastly Sam. He had not the heart to say what he felt he needed to. He just turned and quickly boarded the Ship never looking back.
Sam, Merry and Pippin rode home together quietly. None of them talking much at all Merry and Pippin rode on to Buckland and Sam to Bag End. When he arrived he tied up Bill the pony and went inside. Rose met him at the door, ushered him to his place at the table and placed little Elanor in his lap. She then pulled out an envelope and handed it to Sam. He instantly recognized Frodo's firm flowing script on the envelope. He opened it up and read the following words.
My dearest Sam, I do not know where to begin this letter. The top is always a good place I guess so I'll start there.
Sam Chuckled as he thought of Frodo saying those words.
Sam, You will always be the dearest and most precious thing in my life. You were my light in the darkness, my calm in the storm, my anchor in the sea. I can never begin to thank you enough for being my companion on life's journey. You are the true Ring bearer you are the true "savior of Middle earth". I meant it when I said "Frodo wouldn't have gotten far without Sam."
I leave you now to have a wonderful life. Please do not worry about me I know I will be fine. I want you to be whole and happy for always.
I hope that someday not too far in the future you will be able to join me on the other side. I will be waiting for you Samwise the brave.
I love you my Brother,
Frodo. And with that Sam closed the letter placed it back in the envelope, held Elanor and thought to himself "Samwise the brave".
