Chapter Eight
The eight hobbits sat in the dining hall of Rohan, eating and talking fondly with the King, remembering times long past, and relaying events of new importance.
"I'm Master of Buckland now," Merry said proudly.
"And I'm Thain of the Shire!" Pip spoke up, not wanting to be outdone.
"I'm the mayor," Sam said smugly, apparently believing he'd beaten them all.
"Such noble guests," Eomer said, smiling at their attempts to outrank the others. "I have heard this news from King Elessar. He said that you were these, or would be becoming these, titles very soon. And so, as they say, I come bearing gifts."
At this three servants walked in. One held a magnificent sword, shining and pure, that was like none they had ever seen. The other held a book and a quill, of the finest stature, and the other held a box, the contents of it as of yet unknown.
"Such splendid gifts, your Majesty!" Merry said in awe.
"The sword is for you, Master Merry, to protect all your loved ones," Eomer said with a smile. "And I am not your majesty - you hold rank above all men."
Merry took the shining blade and waved it about. "This is wonderful!"
"The book and quill are for you, Master Pippin," said the King. "I know how you love poems and songs, and I figured you might like to write some of your own, or perchance keep a record of events in the Shire."
"These are most welcome," said Pip, taking them gratefully.
"And for you, Master Samwise," said Eomer, "I give this."
Sam took the little box and opened it. Inside lay a necklace with a ring on it, very similar to Frodo's. There was a note with it, in Frodo's handwriting.
Congratulations Sam!
I always knew you would do well in life! Mayor! Who would've thought, dear Sam! And I hear of great things from Merry and Pippin too! I miss you all.this letter is getting to you by way of.well.actually I'm not sure. I gave it to Gandalf, who said you were traveling to Rohan, and he said he would see to it that the King got it and gave it to you. Gandalf said something else about it, but he speaks in riddles I cannot understand. Things are great here, and I expect you will join me someday, Sam. Yes, you. You will not be allowed to come till the proper time, but you will come then, and we can reminisce of days gone past. How I long to see you, all my dear friends, again! Though I must say, I do love it hear.I hope this letter makes you glad and does not weigh on your heart. Trust me, you will see me again.
With great love for you all, Frodo Baggins
P.S. This ring is in no way magical, trust me.I wanted something for you to remember me by. It's made of the finest elvish gold.
A tear came to Sam's eye. "I.I am truly touched. Thank you, Eomer. Ye are a great friend."
Eomer smiled. "Anytime, Master Sam. Now, the hour grows late, and it is time for all good hobbits to head for bed. Aragorn said he would like to see you soon, and though I would like to spend more time with you, it'll have to wait for the return trip. You must leave in the morning, at Aragorn's request."
"That's all right," said Merry. "We shall return."
"Aye you shall," Eomer said. "Now get a good nights rest. You've got a big day ahead of you."
The eight hobbits sat in the dining hall of Rohan, eating and talking fondly with the King, remembering times long past, and relaying events of new importance.
"I'm Master of Buckland now," Merry said proudly.
"And I'm Thain of the Shire!" Pip spoke up, not wanting to be outdone.
"I'm the mayor," Sam said smugly, apparently believing he'd beaten them all.
"Such noble guests," Eomer said, smiling at their attempts to outrank the others. "I have heard this news from King Elessar. He said that you were these, or would be becoming these, titles very soon. And so, as they say, I come bearing gifts."
At this three servants walked in. One held a magnificent sword, shining and pure, that was like none they had ever seen. The other held a book and a quill, of the finest stature, and the other held a box, the contents of it as of yet unknown.
"Such splendid gifts, your Majesty!" Merry said in awe.
"The sword is for you, Master Merry, to protect all your loved ones," Eomer said with a smile. "And I am not your majesty - you hold rank above all men."
Merry took the shining blade and waved it about. "This is wonderful!"
"The book and quill are for you, Master Pippin," said the King. "I know how you love poems and songs, and I figured you might like to write some of your own, or perchance keep a record of events in the Shire."
"These are most welcome," said Pip, taking them gratefully.
"And for you, Master Samwise," said Eomer, "I give this."
Sam took the little box and opened it. Inside lay a necklace with a ring on it, very similar to Frodo's. There was a note with it, in Frodo's handwriting.
Congratulations Sam!
I always knew you would do well in life! Mayor! Who would've thought, dear Sam! And I hear of great things from Merry and Pippin too! I miss you all.this letter is getting to you by way of.well.actually I'm not sure. I gave it to Gandalf, who said you were traveling to Rohan, and he said he would see to it that the King got it and gave it to you. Gandalf said something else about it, but he speaks in riddles I cannot understand. Things are great here, and I expect you will join me someday, Sam. Yes, you. You will not be allowed to come till the proper time, but you will come then, and we can reminisce of days gone past. How I long to see you, all my dear friends, again! Though I must say, I do love it hear.I hope this letter makes you glad and does not weigh on your heart. Trust me, you will see me again.
With great love for you all, Frodo Baggins
P.S. This ring is in no way magical, trust me.I wanted something for you to remember me by. It's made of the finest elvish gold.
A tear came to Sam's eye. "I.I am truly touched. Thank you, Eomer. Ye are a great friend."
Eomer smiled. "Anytime, Master Sam. Now, the hour grows late, and it is time for all good hobbits to head for bed. Aragorn said he would like to see you soon, and though I would like to spend more time with you, it'll have to wait for the return trip. You must leave in the morning, at Aragorn's request."
"That's all right," said Merry. "We shall return."
"Aye you shall," Eomer said. "Now get a good nights rest. You've got a big day ahead of you."