I think Sam's may be my favorite. It's the longest, but not by much, as there was a resticted length assigned to these things. His was the easiest to write by far; about half a sentence in I could swear I heard him talking in my head, and I just wrote down what he said. *grin* I have a weak spot for Sam, he's the greatest.



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This is Sam's thoughts on Strider and various other subjects when they first meet him at the Prancing Pony, when the three hobbits are talking to him in the private room.



This Strider is a pest, and a menace. He comes barging into our little group without so much as a by-your-leave, offering us advice and demanding to be taken along. The only good thing so far is that he hasn't demanded money; we'd have none to give him, in any case. But how can he expect us to trust him after simply a few minutes, when he has told us nothing about himself? How can we trust someone that looks that much like a rogue? A dirty and unwashed one, at that.

We all resent him somewhat for sticking his nose where it doesn't belong, but I have to admit that I can feel another reason. Whatever he looks like, this human is obviously good with weapons, and sharp in the eye. It is my job to protect Mister Frodo on this quest, and though I may be a simple hobbit I know what loyalty is. If Strider is really as well meaning as he claims, he'll try and take my position. And keeping Mister Frodo safe is my responsibility; I promised Gandalf all those months ago I'd never leave him for even the slightest part of a minute.

I know I'm not the brightest of hobbits. My father seems to think that listening to Mister Bilbo's fantastic stories has addled my brain somewhat, or maybe made me into an improper hobbit like some consider Mister Frodo to be. I never claimed I was the brightest, or the wisest. I just liked hearing about the elves and all the other things beyond the borders of the Shire. And except for wanting to meet the elves, I had no inclination to adventure whatsoever, no matter what my dad thinks. But when I heard Mister Frodo had to go away, I made it plainly clear that I was going to go with him. He would need a friend on that journey, and I could provide that, at least. And I promised both Gandalf and myself that I would keep him out of as much trouble as I could.

I am a little envious of Mister Frodo, him being so learned in things beyond the Shire. I realized I was long ago, when he could read out of Mister Bilbo's book as fast as a bird could fly and I was still struggling with the letters on their own. I wanted to know all he knew, even if I didn't wish for adventure, and I pushed the envy back as far as it could go. It's still there, a little, but I know that if I ever ask him something he will answer as well as he can. This is one reason why I respect him so much and why I refuse to leave him. There are several others, not the least of which being he is the kindest hobbit I have ever met. I can't let him go.

I can't compare to this new man we've met. He seems smart and fast and agile and everything else I'm not. If he really is telling the truth, about any of the subjects he's speaking of, it would be a good thing to have him with us. He seems to know about those dastardly black riders that have frightened all of us so, know more than Gandalf ever told us. If he's a decent sort he could be very valuable to our party. If he is a decent sort…

So I find myself resenting Strider, as he goes on about black riders and Mister Frodo's "accident". He'll take my place by Mister Frodo's side, even if he doesn't mean to. I took it upon myself to protect Mister Frodo. I am not going to be pushed out of that job just because someone new and better comes along.

But I do have one small comfort, which I keep hidden even more deeply than my resentment of Strider. Even if this man does become sort of a guard for Mister Frodo, I might still be needed because I am his friend.



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Thanks for reading everyone, and thanks for taking the time to review all of you who did. It means so much to hear I didn't completely screw up. See ya!