Chapter 17 Together Again
Frodo was sitting at the head table feeling more relaxed and happy than he had in a long time. The wedding of Aragorn and Arwen had been a marvelous affair and all of Minas Tirith had turned out to watch and celebrate. Frodo was delighted to see the elves from Rivendell and Lothlorien, although he was disappointed Bilbo had not come. He had spoken with Elrond at length earlier in the day and felt better for it. He had also met briefly with the beautiful Galadriel when the elves first arrived. Frodo frowned slightly as he remembered their meeting.
"Do not grieve for your lost companion, Frodo Baggins." Galadriel said as she gave Frodo her serenely mysterious smile. "He will always be with you." She then gently touched his brow and continued on to rejoin Lord Celeborn and the others. "What exactly did she mean by that?" he wondered yet again. He did miss his friend desperately, although the sharp point of his grief had been slightly dulled. He thought how much Sam would have been overwhelmed by this jubilant celebration. Frodo's thoughts then strayed to another party from long ago - Bilbo's eleventy-first birthday party. It had been the start of all their adventures.
Frodo smiled as he remembered how reluctant Sam had been to ask the beautiful Rosie Cotton for a dance. Sam had been so awed by her, that he never seemed to realize she only had eyes for a certain shy gardener. Frodo gave a small sigh. She would have to find someone else now.
Frodo shook his head as if to dispel any further gloomy thoughts and turned his attention to the festivities going on around him. Gimli and Legolas were both trying to outdo each other as they described their exploits in battle to an amused Glorfindel. Gandalf had just returned with Merry from setting off an impressive display of fireworks for the entertainment of the city. Where had Pippin gotten to? he wondered. Frodo spotted him and laughed as he observed his young cousin surrounded by a group of charming young ladies. Trust Pippin to be the center of attention when it came to the girls! Just then, Frodo noticed a palace guard approaching Pippin. Pippin stepped away from the ladies with the guard, then obviously excited, hurried out of the ball room. "I wonder what that was about?" Frodo said to Merry who had just rejoined him.
Merry watched as Pippin slipped though the main door. "I haven't a clue," he replied as he reached for some of the roast chicken. "Probably heard there was more food outside!" Frodo laughed. The two hobbits sat companionably side by side, eating and watching the party. Gandalf had just joined them, when the clear, chiming of a bell rang through the room. Everyone quieted down and looked for the source of the sound.
Pippin stood by the main entrance as one of palace guards lowered the bell. The young hobbit stepped forward then climbed on a chair so as to be more visible. "Ladies and gentlemen," he cried in his loudest voice, "Honored guests! Your majesties, King Elessar and Queen Arwen! I would like to announce the long- overdue arrival of one more guest. He has traveled far and through great hardship to get here, but he couldn't bring himself to miss such an important occasion!"
Frodo and Merry exchanged puzzled glances as they chuckled at their cousin's audacity. Who could he be talking about? There was a low buzz of conversation as crowd asked each other the same question. Aragorn looked down the table at Frodo, who simply shrugged. This was a mystery to all.
Pippin continued. "I wish to announce the arrival of none other than our missing companion, one of most famous gardeners anywhere in Middle Earth and esteemed member of the renowned Fellowship of the Ring, our own Samwise Gamgee!" The room seemed frozen in time as the large door swung open on its silent hinges and a small, ragged figure stepped hesitantly into the room. Not a sound was heard as Samwise Gamgee made his way to Pippin's side. Sam couldn't believe the glittering crowd. He had no idea what Pippin meant to do when he told Sam to wait outside the door and now, all eyes were on him. However, he felt like he was in a dream. Sam scanned the room, desperately searching for the one face that really mattered. When his eyes finally locked with those of Frodo, it was almost as if a spark of electricity had passed between them.
"Sam!?" choked Frodo. He couldn't move, he couldn't think. Was that haggard creature truly his faithful Samwise back from the dead? Could it really be him? Frodo had dreamt so many times of Sam's return that he couldn't make himself believe it was actually happening.
"Frodo!" All the color had drained from Sam's thin face as he stared at Frodo across the room. It was really him! His master was alive! He could hardly breathe, his eyes wide. In the end, it all proved too much for the poor, exhausted hobbit and as the room began to spin around him, Sam slumped to the floor in a dead faint.
That was all it took for the room to erupt into pandemonium. Cries of confusion and disbelief echoed through the room. As if freed from the spell holding him, Frodo scrambled across the table, scattering food and tableware in his wake, and charged through the crowd to the side of his beloved friend. He cradled Sam's head in his lap, "Sam!" Frodo cried over and over, tears streaming down his face, "Sam, you're alive!"
Sam's eyes fluttered open, "Master Frodo? Is that you?" He stared up at the smiling face above him, then grabbed Frodo's arm tightly. "It really is you, isn't it? You really are alive!?" Tears were now freely running down his face as well. He struggled to a sitting position, and the two hobbits embraced each other as if their very lives depended on it.
Aragorn and Gandalf forced their way through the excited crowd to Frodo's side. Aragorn knelt down and softly laid a hand on Sam's shoulder. Tears were in his eyes as he watched weeping hobbits before him. "I think we should take Sam someplace quieter, Frodo," he murmured, "There is too much excitement here." Frodo nodded, unable to speak and reluctantly let go of his friend. Aragorn gently lifted Sam into his arms and began to make his way from the room. Sam grabbed Frodo's hand again, refusing to lose contact for even a moment. Aragorn was forced to slow down so Frodo could keep up. All around them, the room was filled with excitement. The other members of the Fellowship were racing after Aragorn and the hobbits, none able to believe that Sam had returned. Gandalf kept shaking his head in disbelief. He had seen Sam disappear in the explosion of Mr. Doom and although it paralled his own unexpected return to the living, he couldn't belief Sam had managed to survive.
Aragorn took Sam to a quiet room in the royal apartments. He lay Sam on a down covered bed and sent for soap and water and clean clothing. He then asked everyone, with the exception of Frodo and Gandalf to wait outside and closed the door.
Sam had been so intent on Frodo that it was some time before he realized Gandalf was standing near his bed. He frowned, blinking rapidly as if to dispel some vision. "Gandalf?" he gasped uncertainly as he stared at the snowy white wizard. "Are. are you alive, too?"
Gandalf threw back his head and gave a warm, throaty laugh, "Yes, my dear hobbit, like you, I have made a miraculous return from the dead! Although, how you managed, I can not imagine. I am sure you will fill us all in on your journey in due course, but now is the time for rest!"
Sam just shook his head in disbelief. "This is more than a poor hobbit can handle!" he sighed. "First Mr. Frodo and now Master Gandalf!" He then turned to Aragorn who had been removing Sam's filthy, tattered garments. He suddenly noticed the golden crown adorning the king's head. "And Strider! Are. are you the king!?" This was almost the most surprising thing of all!
Aragorn smiled gently at Sam's amazement. "Yes, Master Gamgee, I am indeed the new king of Gondor and Lady Arwen is my queen. I hope perhaps you think a little more highly of me now than when we first met!" Aragorn's tone was light, but his heart sank as he saw the injuries and wounds that had been inflicted on the poor hobbit's person. He couldn't bear to think what Sam must have endured to reach them. He gently bathed Sam and tended his hurts, frowning whenever Sam flinched or gasped in sudden pain. Frodo and Gandalf looked on in dismay. Frodo continued to hold onto Sam's hand, refusing to let go unless absolutely necessary.
When Aragorn had finished, Sam was pale and covered with a cold sweat, but it felt so good to be clean again and in fresh attire. Sam lay back on the pillows and gazed at Frodo's healthy appearance. So different from the last time he had seen him on the slopes of Mt. Doom. "All this time, I kept hopin' you'd still be alive, Mr. Frodo" he murmured softly. "It was the only thing that kept me goin'."
Frodo smiled, tears running down his face. He gently squeezed Sam's hand. "I knew Gandalf said you were dead, that he had seen you disappear into the eruption of Mt. Doom, but deep in my heart, I simply could not believe it. I had dream after dream of you coming home. Sometimes I would stand on the battlements of the city just watching for you. I know the others thought I was crazy, but I simply could not lose you. You had to come back!"
Sam shifted his gaze to the ceiling. He was silent for a moment as dark memories of his journey flashed through his mind. "It was a hard journey, and that's the truth of it," he said finally. "Many's the time I thought o' just lyin' down and givin' up, but I kept thinking about you and what if you were still alive? I had to find out. If you weren't alive, well, then at least I could die among friends and not them vile orcs or Southrons. Someday, Mr. Frodo, I'll tell you all of it."
"Now," interrupted Aragorn as he brought forth a steaming mug, "Sam needs some nourishment and some rest." He handed the mug to Sam. "I want you to drink all of this, Sam" he commanded, "In addition to providing you with nourishment, it is also contains healing herbs that will aid in your recovery." On the table next to Sam's bed, Aragorn place a bowl of hot water and steeping athelas leaves, knowing that their fumes would also help heal the ailing hobbit. Sam took the mug without protest and finished it off quickly. He had been parched with thirst and the brew seemed to be the most delicious beverage he had ever tasted. He felt very drowsy and for the first time in longer than he could remember, safe and content. Sam took one more lingering look at his beloved master, squeezed his hand, and quietly slipped into a peaceful sleep.
Frodo gazed down at his sleeping friend, the tears still glistening on his cheeks. "Sleep well, Sam," he murmured, "I'll watch over you like you did for me so many times in Mordor. You're safe now." He gently tucked the covers more securely around Sam's sleeping form, and sat back in his chair, determined to stay by Sam's side as long as needed.
Aragorn stood quietly in the doorway watching the two Hobbits. He had seriously considered putting Sam into a healing sleep such as he had used on Frodo after his rescue from Mordor, but quickly decided that what Sam needed more than anything was to simply be with his friends. Frodo's presence alone would probably affect a cure more efficiently than any medicine. Arwen appeared silently beside Aragorn and gazed upon the scene before them. "How is he?" she asked quietly.
Aragorn turned and smiled gently at his beautiful wife. "Well, if he were anyone other than a Hobbit, I would say we should be planning for his funeral!" He shook his head in bemusement, "But I have seen Merry and Frodo both survive attacks by Ringwraiths, poor Pippin nearly flattened by a troll and Frodo rescued from the fiery slopes of Mt. Doom. All of them survived. Now, poor Sam has returned to us. It is apparent he has been badly treated. The scars and injuries certainly attest to that. Physically, he is quite ill and weak, but I believe he will recover in time. Now that he is back among his friends, I think we will see rapid improvement!"
Arwen laughed quietly. "Yes," she said staring at Sam's peaceful countenance, "I think you are right. It seems to me that Sam and Frodo both look better already!"
Frodo was sitting at the head table feeling more relaxed and happy than he had in a long time. The wedding of Aragorn and Arwen had been a marvelous affair and all of Minas Tirith had turned out to watch and celebrate. Frodo was delighted to see the elves from Rivendell and Lothlorien, although he was disappointed Bilbo had not come. He had spoken with Elrond at length earlier in the day and felt better for it. He had also met briefly with the beautiful Galadriel when the elves first arrived. Frodo frowned slightly as he remembered their meeting.
"Do not grieve for your lost companion, Frodo Baggins." Galadriel said as she gave Frodo her serenely mysterious smile. "He will always be with you." She then gently touched his brow and continued on to rejoin Lord Celeborn and the others. "What exactly did she mean by that?" he wondered yet again. He did miss his friend desperately, although the sharp point of his grief had been slightly dulled. He thought how much Sam would have been overwhelmed by this jubilant celebration. Frodo's thoughts then strayed to another party from long ago - Bilbo's eleventy-first birthday party. It had been the start of all their adventures.
Frodo smiled as he remembered how reluctant Sam had been to ask the beautiful Rosie Cotton for a dance. Sam had been so awed by her, that he never seemed to realize she only had eyes for a certain shy gardener. Frodo gave a small sigh. She would have to find someone else now.
Frodo shook his head as if to dispel any further gloomy thoughts and turned his attention to the festivities going on around him. Gimli and Legolas were both trying to outdo each other as they described their exploits in battle to an amused Glorfindel. Gandalf had just returned with Merry from setting off an impressive display of fireworks for the entertainment of the city. Where had Pippin gotten to? he wondered. Frodo spotted him and laughed as he observed his young cousin surrounded by a group of charming young ladies. Trust Pippin to be the center of attention when it came to the girls! Just then, Frodo noticed a palace guard approaching Pippin. Pippin stepped away from the ladies with the guard, then obviously excited, hurried out of the ball room. "I wonder what that was about?" Frodo said to Merry who had just rejoined him.
Merry watched as Pippin slipped though the main door. "I haven't a clue," he replied as he reached for some of the roast chicken. "Probably heard there was more food outside!" Frodo laughed. The two hobbits sat companionably side by side, eating and watching the party. Gandalf had just joined them, when the clear, chiming of a bell rang through the room. Everyone quieted down and looked for the source of the sound.
Pippin stood by the main entrance as one of palace guards lowered the bell. The young hobbit stepped forward then climbed on a chair so as to be more visible. "Ladies and gentlemen," he cried in his loudest voice, "Honored guests! Your majesties, King Elessar and Queen Arwen! I would like to announce the long- overdue arrival of one more guest. He has traveled far and through great hardship to get here, but he couldn't bring himself to miss such an important occasion!"
Frodo and Merry exchanged puzzled glances as they chuckled at their cousin's audacity. Who could he be talking about? There was a low buzz of conversation as crowd asked each other the same question. Aragorn looked down the table at Frodo, who simply shrugged. This was a mystery to all.
Pippin continued. "I wish to announce the arrival of none other than our missing companion, one of most famous gardeners anywhere in Middle Earth and esteemed member of the renowned Fellowship of the Ring, our own Samwise Gamgee!" The room seemed frozen in time as the large door swung open on its silent hinges and a small, ragged figure stepped hesitantly into the room. Not a sound was heard as Samwise Gamgee made his way to Pippin's side. Sam couldn't believe the glittering crowd. He had no idea what Pippin meant to do when he told Sam to wait outside the door and now, all eyes were on him. However, he felt like he was in a dream. Sam scanned the room, desperately searching for the one face that really mattered. When his eyes finally locked with those of Frodo, it was almost as if a spark of electricity had passed between them.
"Sam!?" choked Frodo. He couldn't move, he couldn't think. Was that haggard creature truly his faithful Samwise back from the dead? Could it really be him? Frodo had dreamt so many times of Sam's return that he couldn't make himself believe it was actually happening.
"Frodo!" All the color had drained from Sam's thin face as he stared at Frodo across the room. It was really him! His master was alive! He could hardly breathe, his eyes wide. In the end, it all proved too much for the poor, exhausted hobbit and as the room began to spin around him, Sam slumped to the floor in a dead faint.
That was all it took for the room to erupt into pandemonium. Cries of confusion and disbelief echoed through the room. As if freed from the spell holding him, Frodo scrambled across the table, scattering food and tableware in his wake, and charged through the crowd to the side of his beloved friend. He cradled Sam's head in his lap, "Sam!" Frodo cried over and over, tears streaming down his face, "Sam, you're alive!"
Sam's eyes fluttered open, "Master Frodo? Is that you?" He stared up at the smiling face above him, then grabbed Frodo's arm tightly. "It really is you, isn't it? You really are alive!?" Tears were now freely running down his face as well. He struggled to a sitting position, and the two hobbits embraced each other as if their very lives depended on it.
Aragorn and Gandalf forced their way through the excited crowd to Frodo's side. Aragorn knelt down and softly laid a hand on Sam's shoulder. Tears were in his eyes as he watched weeping hobbits before him. "I think we should take Sam someplace quieter, Frodo," he murmured, "There is too much excitement here." Frodo nodded, unable to speak and reluctantly let go of his friend. Aragorn gently lifted Sam into his arms and began to make his way from the room. Sam grabbed Frodo's hand again, refusing to lose contact for even a moment. Aragorn was forced to slow down so Frodo could keep up. All around them, the room was filled with excitement. The other members of the Fellowship were racing after Aragorn and the hobbits, none able to believe that Sam had returned. Gandalf kept shaking his head in disbelief. He had seen Sam disappear in the explosion of Mr. Doom and although it paralled his own unexpected return to the living, he couldn't belief Sam had managed to survive.
Aragorn took Sam to a quiet room in the royal apartments. He lay Sam on a down covered bed and sent for soap and water and clean clothing. He then asked everyone, with the exception of Frodo and Gandalf to wait outside and closed the door.
Sam had been so intent on Frodo that it was some time before he realized Gandalf was standing near his bed. He frowned, blinking rapidly as if to dispel some vision. "Gandalf?" he gasped uncertainly as he stared at the snowy white wizard. "Are. are you alive, too?"
Gandalf threw back his head and gave a warm, throaty laugh, "Yes, my dear hobbit, like you, I have made a miraculous return from the dead! Although, how you managed, I can not imagine. I am sure you will fill us all in on your journey in due course, but now is the time for rest!"
Sam just shook his head in disbelief. "This is more than a poor hobbit can handle!" he sighed. "First Mr. Frodo and now Master Gandalf!" He then turned to Aragorn who had been removing Sam's filthy, tattered garments. He suddenly noticed the golden crown adorning the king's head. "And Strider! Are. are you the king!?" This was almost the most surprising thing of all!
Aragorn smiled gently at Sam's amazement. "Yes, Master Gamgee, I am indeed the new king of Gondor and Lady Arwen is my queen. I hope perhaps you think a little more highly of me now than when we first met!" Aragorn's tone was light, but his heart sank as he saw the injuries and wounds that had been inflicted on the poor hobbit's person. He couldn't bear to think what Sam must have endured to reach them. He gently bathed Sam and tended his hurts, frowning whenever Sam flinched or gasped in sudden pain. Frodo and Gandalf looked on in dismay. Frodo continued to hold onto Sam's hand, refusing to let go unless absolutely necessary.
When Aragorn had finished, Sam was pale and covered with a cold sweat, but it felt so good to be clean again and in fresh attire. Sam lay back on the pillows and gazed at Frodo's healthy appearance. So different from the last time he had seen him on the slopes of Mt. Doom. "All this time, I kept hopin' you'd still be alive, Mr. Frodo" he murmured softly. "It was the only thing that kept me goin'."
Frodo smiled, tears running down his face. He gently squeezed Sam's hand. "I knew Gandalf said you were dead, that he had seen you disappear into the eruption of Mt. Doom, but deep in my heart, I simply could not believe it. I had dream after dream of you coming home. Sometimes I would stand on the battlements of the city just watching for you. I know the others thought I was crazy, but I simply could not lose you. You had to come back!"
Sam shifted his gaze to the ceiling. He was silent for a moment as dark memories of his journey flashed through his mind. "It was a hard journey, and that's the truth of it," he said finally. "Many's the time I thought o' just lyin' down and givin' up, but I kept thinking about you and what if you were still alive? I had to find out. If you weren't alive, well, then at least I could die among friends and not them vile orcs or Southrons. Someday, Mr. Frodo, I'll tell you all of it."
"Now," interrupted Aragorn as he brought forth a steaming mug, "Sam needs some nourishment and some rest." He handed the mug to Sam. "I want you to drink all of this, Sam" he commanded, "In addition to providing you with nourishment, it is also contains healing herbs that will aid in your recovery." On the table next to Sam's bed, Aragorn place a bowl of hot water and steeping athelas leaves, knowing that their fumes would also help heal the ailing hobbit. Sam took the mug without protest and finished it off quickly. He had been parched with thirst and the brew seemed to be the most delicious beverage he had ever tasted. He felt very drowsy and for the first time in longer than he could remember, safe and content. Sam took one more lingering look at his beloved master, squeezed his hand, and quietly slipped into a peaceful sleep.
Frodo gazed down at his sleeping friend, the tears still glistening on his cheeks. "Sleep well, Sam," he murmured, "I'll watch over you like you did for me so many times in Mordor. You're safe now." He gently tucked the covers more securely around Sam's sleeping form, and sat back in his chair, determined to stay by Sam's side as long as needed.
Aragorn stood quietly in the doorway watching the two Hobbits. He had seriously considered putting Sam into a healing sleep such as he had used on Frodo after his rescue from Mordor, but quickly decided that what Sam needed more than anything was to simply be with his friends. Frodo's presence alone would probably affect a cure more efficiently than any medicine. Arwen appeared silently beside Aragorn and gazed upon the scene before them. "How is he?" she asked quietly.
Aragorn turned and smiled gently at his beautiful wife. "Well, if he were anyone other than a Hobbit, I would say we should be planning for his funeral!" He shook his head in bemusement, "But I have seen Merry and Frodo both survive attacks by Ringwraiths, poor Pippin nearly flattened by a troll and Frodo rescued from the fiery slopes of Mt. Doom. All of them survived. Now, poor Sam has returned to us. It is apparent he has been badly treated. The scars and injuries certainly attest to that. Physically, he is quite ill and weak, but I believe he will recover in time. Now that he is back among his friends, I think we will see rapid improvement!"
Arwen laughed quietly. "Yes," she said staring at Sam's peaceful countenance, "I think you are right. It seems to me that Sam and Frodo both look better already!"