Author's Note: As always, thanks so much for the great support. It's been so much fun posting this story. You guys have been great! I'm sad to say, there are only a couple more chapters left (I'm actually still writing the last one). Kind of makes me sad knowing I'm almost done. I'm glad y'all have been enjoying it!

Note to Irish F.F. Sam released the horse because it was too big for him to handle. If it had been a pony, I'm sure he would have kept it, but since it was so large, once he dismounted, he could never get back on!

Chapter 16 Pippin

Sam spent the night burrowed in the roots of a large oak tree. He covered himself with his Lothlorien cloak and hoped that if any orcs made it this far, he would remain undetected. He couldn't help but think of Damrod. The man had gone out of his way to help him. Sam vowed he would not be forgotten.

The next morning was drizzling rain. Sam ate some Lembas, drank a little of the Murok's elixir, then with renewed energy, he started on what he hoped would be the last leg of his journey. It was on the afternoon of the third day since Damrod's death that Sam finally caught his first glimpse of Minas Tirith. He had been steadily climbing when he came to a break in the trees. A wide plane opened before him and there, perched at the foot of a great mountain in the distance were the fabled seven tiers of the White City. Sam was in awe. The city seemed to glow in the golden afternoon sun and there were many pennants flying from the city's soaring spires. "That's it," whispered Sam, "The end of my journey."

He felt both excitement and fear. What would he find there? Was Frodo still alive? In his heart, he believed so, but still, he was afraid. What of Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli, and of course, Merry and Pippin? Sam did so want to see another friendly hobbit face. He was also very weary. He had finished the last of the Elixir and felt a heavy exhaustion settle over him like a blanket of lead. Every step was more difficult than the last and he felt flushed with fever. But, it didn't matter, he told himself stoutly, he was almost there and hopefully, rest and food would put him back to rights!

It was in the dark of the following evening that Sam finally found himself approaching the great city gate. He was confused, however. Outside the city were large numbers of men and even some elves. They all seemed to be in the midst of some great celebration. Sam could hear music coming from all around and he was startled by the unexpected explosions of fireworks overhead. What was going on? Many of the men eyed Sam curiously as he stumbled along towards the gates, but did not approach him. They seemed too immersed in their joyous merrymaking.

There was a small door situated beside the huge iron gate of the city and this is where Sam headed. He looked around uncertainly, then knocked. After a few moments, the door swung open and a large, laughing guard peered out. "Hello there!" he called out before glancing downward and spying the small figure standing before him. "Well, I'll be!" exclaimed the guard, starting in surprise, "It's a Halfling! Look Tiril!" he called to someone behind him, "It's another of them small folk!"

A second guard joined the first and shook his head in wonder. "I never would have expected to see a Halfling here! I wonder where he came from? Don't look too healthy to me!"

Sam stared at them, trying to comprehend what they were saying. Finally he croaked, "You know of Halflings?"

The first guard laughed again, "I should say we do! Don't we have a Halfling in the Tower guard!? Master Pippin is one of our own!"

Sam felt a wave of dizziness sweep over him at the mention of Pippin's name. "Hey now, young feller!" cried the guard in concern as he steadied Sam. "I think maybe you better come in and sit down for a bit!"

Sam grabbed the guard's arm urgently, "Pippin is here?"

The guard looked at him in surprise, "Aye, I think he's up at the king's wedding feast. He's a special friend of the king, so was given permission to attend. Do you know Pippin, then?"

"Yes! Oh yes!" cried Sam desperately, tears in his eyes, "Please, sir, could I see him? I know he'd want to see me if he knew I was here!"

The first guard exchanged puzzled glances with his friend, "Well, I guess Tiril could take you up to the Citadel where they're holdin' the big feast and see if Pippin will see you."

Tiril nodded his agreement and ushered the hobbit through the guard house to the streets. "Are you sure you're alright?" he asked Sam worriedly.

"I'll be fine," Sam assured him weakly. He knew he didn't sound convincing, but he didn't care. He had to see Pippin! They climbed through the levels of the city. There seemed to be celebrations and feasts going on everywhere. Sam recalled the guard mentioning the king's wedding and guessed the city must be toasting the king's nuptials. Sam began to feel a little apprehensive about interrupting the royal banquet. However, the need to see Pippin overcame any misgivings, so on they went. Several times Sam stumbled and would have fallen if Tiril had not kept a supporting hand on his arm.

"What is your name, Master Hobbit?" enquired the man as he helped Sam along. "Where have you come from?"

"My name is Samwise Gamgee," gasped Sam as they continued to climb, "And my home is in the Shire." He didn't feel up to a long explanation of where he had most recently been. He was having to focus all his of attention on just moving one foot in front of the other.

At last, they reached the top level of the city where Tiril led Sam through a courtyard surrounding a beautiful fountain. Sam was so consumed by his thoughts, that he paid little heed to his surroundings. At the end of a long corridor, they reached a tall door of polished metal. Sam could hear music and happy voices beyond the door. He felt his strength beginning to fail him and Tiril grabbed his arm as Sam's knees buckled. "Whoa now!" cried Tiril, "I think perhaps we'd better find some place for you to sit and rest while I go find Pippin!" So saying, he led Sam to a small antechamber off the paved hallway. Numerous people were coming and going along the corridor and the small room offered Sam an oasis of quiet. "You wait here!" said Tiril kindly and he disappeared through the door.

Tiril followed a footman carrying a large platter of food into the banquet hall. Numerous long tables had been set up around the room with musicians at one end. Many of the guests were dancing in the center. The room was full of color and excitement. The energy was almost tangible and laughter rang throughout the room. Tiril scanned the room, trying to spot Pippin in his Tower Guard uniform. At the head table sat King Elessar and his radiant bride, Arwen, along with Elrond and his sons, and Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. Frodo and the remaining members of the Fellowship also had seats there. But, Pippin and Merry were not to be seen. Tiril had to weave his way through the boisterous crowd constantly keeping an eye out for the Halfling. Finally, he spotted him. He was sitting at a table surrounded by fair young women. He was in the midst of some outlandish tale and the women were laughing with delight.

"Excuse me, Master Pippin," Tiril grinned, "I hate to pull you away from such a bevy of beautiful maidens, but might I have a word with you?"

Pippin sighed in mock dismay, "I am sorry, ladies, but duty calls!" The women laughed again and called for him to return soon. Pippin made a courtly bow and followed Tiril to a quieter spot in the room.

"What can I do for you, Tiril?" asked Pippin as he continued to smile and wave at his previous companions.

Tiril gave a short laugh and shook his head in amusement. "Well," he began trying to get Pippin's attention, "There's someone here who seems most anxious to see you. A Halfling, no less."

Pippin turned abruptly, frowning. "What did you say? Another hobbit?"

Tiril nodded. "Yes, a scruffy looking fellow. He said his name was, um, let me think, oh yes, Samwise Gamgee. Do you know him?"

Pippin stood frozen, his eyes wide. His face seemed to have lost all color. "Samwise Gamgee?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. "Are you sure?"

Tiril began to feel some concern. "Yes," he replied slowly. "He arrived a short while ago. Frankly, I think he would have better served going to the Houses of Healing first, but he was adamant about finding you. He's in one of the antechambers outside."

Pippin suddenly came to life. "Show me!" he cried urgently, grabbing Tiril's arm. "Take me to him right away!"

Tiril nodded, turned, then led Pippin out through the large doors and into the corridor. He stopped in front of a small door and swung it open, standing aside to allow Pippin to enter. Pippin stepped into the room, his heart racing. His eyes fell on a cloaked figure standing alone in the center of the room. The figure turned slowly, as if the simple movement required more energy than he possessed, then gently lowered his hood. Pippin stared disbelieving at the face before him and it was a moment before he recognized the pale, emaciated figure as his lost companion, Samwise Gamgee. "Sam?" he hesitated, "Is that you?"

Sam nodded, tears running down face, unable to speak. Without another word, Pippin charged into the room and caught Sam into a mighty bear hug. Sam joyfully hugged him back, feeling as if he would never let go.