Simple and Clean

Chapter Six

A/N: Ai me. This has taken a ridiculous amount of time to get updated. This is my fault for nitpicking at every little thing. I realized that in the last chapter I sort of screwed up the meeting with the Black Rider by moving it past the elves. Because of this, this chapter may be less in-canon than previous ones. Also, I was wondering: Is it getting boring, sticking so close to the book? Would you like me to venture off the path for a while? Obviously, some things happen in this fic that were not in the books, and I've tried to keep to places where these events could conceivably take place. What do you, my lovely reviewers, think? Is it getting boring seeing the events we all know being played out from a different point of view? Let me know!!

To the reviewers:

Bakemono: Of course I'm going to include old Tom eventually!! I'm a canon freak, after all. ^_^ And yes, Pip did ruin the moment. Fool of a Took!! ::glares at Pippin a la Gandalf:: Shame on you, frustrating the reviewers.

Shawntee: I think a good many people could say that about Pip. But we love him anyway, right? ^_^

Ce: Thank you!! And also, thanks for the lyrics to that song!! Woo!!

Pixie: Thanks very much!! I'm dreadfully sorry you had to wait so long for this chapter. I hope it was worth your wait!!

Violet Raven: Yes, computers are evil, aren't they. Mine is particularly foul.....But I'm glad you appreciate the details. I'm trying hard to make this fic unique in a sea of excellent writings.

ZoSo Gamgee-Baggins: ::chuckles:: Your reviews always make me smile. About the suspense part: there may be a little suspense in this chapter, I suppose. But have no fear; it will all work out in the end.

Seregon: I hope you realize how much I appreciate your reviews!! They're always very constructive, and you always manage to pull out exactly what I was trying to convey! About Pip, I'm not too sure why he is considered the most food crazed. I personally was influenced by this line:

Frodo: "And now leave me in peace for a bit! I don't want to answer and string of questions while I am eating. I want to think.

Pip: Good heavens! At breakfast?

I love that line in the books and was sad to see it not make the movie. Oh well, they made up for it in a few ways.

XxPerriwinkleHummingBrdXx: Welcome aboard the fanfiction.net train. Occasional crashes are to be expected, but all around you're in for a pleasant ride. Ignore the pop ups on the tracks, and try to stay away from passenger Ms. Mary Sue. She tends to be a little icky. Just kidding. I'm glad you like my fic and I hope you'll come back to review again!!

One last note: It is very late here and I'm quite tired, but I'm determined to post this tonight. Please excuse all grammatical and spelling mistakes caused by slipping onto the keyboard.

************************************************************************

Chapter Six

Trust

"It looks about to rain, Mr. Frodo, or I'm no gardener." Sam gazed up at the darkened sky. Night had fallen once again but there were no stars this night; nor any light of the moon. Thick and ominous rain clouds had rolled in earlier that day. A storm was coming.

At Sam's declaration Frodo, too, looked up at the heavens. With a sigh he readjusted his pack straps and brushed a stray lock of hair from his eyes. "We should hope we reach Crickhollow before the storm," he muttered.

Beside him Sam sighed. He knew the rain was good for the plants but he was no plant, and he did not particularly like getting wet. Pippin also mumbled something Frodo could not catch, but it was clear that the youngster was not pleased with the oncoming September storm. Pippin was also growing tired and was lagging behind his two elders. Frodo glanced back at him regretfully. Perhaps they should have taken a cart. The day had been long indeed.

"Don't fear, lads, we are almost to the ferry," Frodo chirped, trying to sound cheerful. "Merry should be meeting us there, Pip. I'd expect he would grow tired of waiting; we are a bit late you know. I would not be surprised if we met him even sooner than Bucklebury. "

At that Pippin was cheered a little, but Sam still looked melancholy. Frodo knew that Samwise was not fond of any water deeper than waist high. He also knew that the gardener had never been past the Brandywine; indeed, Frodo was not sure Sam had even gone as far as that. It struck Frodo that as frightened and worried as he was about his journey he was, at least for the present, going somewhere he was familiar with. Sam was already far from home. Frodo longed to say some words of comfort, but he could find none that did not seem ridiculous or out of place. "We're almost there," was idiotic; he had just said that to Pippin. "Do not worry," seemed rude; Sam hand' said he was worried about anything. "You'll like Crickhollow," seemed empty and false; something a mother said to a pouting child. "Perhaps the moon shall come out" was a ludicrous thing to say; it was obvious the lunar face would not shine that night.

Frodo glanced at Sam again. The gardener's face was shadowed in the darkness and his cloak swirled behind him like a river. But when Sam noticed Frodo looking at him Sam smiled faintly, chasing away any darkness from his face. Frodo was reminded of the elves from the night before, of how Sam had looked on them with wonder in his eyes, like a newborn child looking upon the world through blurry infant eyes.

Suddenly Frodo knew what to say. If anything could cheer Sam it was the elves, and since they were not there Frodo would have to substitute. His elvish was far from perfect, but he had been practicing and could string together simple sentences.

"Mornie lante," Frodo said softly, gaining Sam's attention. "Silalye....ve i eleni, Sam."

It had worked. Sam smiled to himself and blushed faintly red. He didn't understand the lovely words but that didn't detract from their quality; nor did the incomprehension stifle the meaningfulness of what Frodo said. Frodo spoke the language of the stars. One did not understand the words, but they knew the translation in their hearts.

Pippin watched from behind and smiled as the two drifted closer to one another and brushed hands just ever so slightly. They smiled at each other and Pippin knew. He didn't know what he knew, but he knew all the same, somewhere deep in the back of his mind. *Gandalf chose Frodo a good companion,* Pippin thought. *Good old Gandalf. I reckon he knows about everything. *

Frodo returned his gaze ahead happily. For several minutes passed and the threesome walked in comfortable silence , Pippin thinking about the stories he would have to tell Merry; Sam deep in thought, clumsily muttering the elvish words in an attempt to decipher them with his very limited knowledge of the speech; Frodo chuckling to himself quietly as he readjusted the weight of his pack. Perhaps the night would not be so awful after all.

They walked little more than another mile before a chilly breeze began to blow. Frodo shivered and pulled his hood over his head. "The storm is coming quick, it seems," he said, pulling his cloak tighter around himself. "We'd best pick up our feet a little more before we get caught in the rain, lads."

"If we pick up our feet anymore, Frodo dear, we shall be kneeing ourselves in the stomach," Pippin grumbled, pulling his hood on as well. Sam said nothing, but shifted his pack higher onto his shoulders and quicken his pace. He had no desire to be caught on the river if the storm was to strike then. Casting a sidelong glace at Frodo he noticed his master shiver.

"Are you warm enough, Mr. Frodo?" the gardener asked concernedly. Frodo started and gave his friend a small smile.

"Quite, Sam. This wind just cuts through so. Where on earth did it come from, I wonder."

"I'd reckon east. That's the way its blowin' from, leastways," Sam replied, trying to make light conversation to take his companions minds away from the cold air and the now unforgiving road beneath their feet.

Frodo nodded absently. Something felt off and strange, though he could not decide what it was. More than before he wished to reach to ferry and reach the relative safety of Buckland.

"Frodo...." something whispered suddenly in Frodo's ear. Startled, the hobbit looked around half expecting to see a dark shadowy figure the likes that Gandalf had told him about. Nothing. He took in a breath, and the voice came again. "Frodo..."

"Did you hear something?" Frodo asked, stopping suddenly and catching Sam's sleeve to halt him as well.

Behind them, Pippin came to a stop and sighed. "Hear something?"

"A sort of voice speaking." Frodo frowned. Now that he heard himself speak the words he realized how ridiculous they sounded. There was no one on the road besides the three of them; certainly, no hobbit would be out with a storm afoot. He was not the least bit surprised when both Sam and Pippin shook their heads.

"I haven't heard nothin' for a while now, sir. Its fair silent out," Sam said truthfully.

"It's awfully late. I think you started dozing on your feet, Frodo old lad," said Pippin. He pushed past his cousin and Sam and walked on ahead, eager to get to Crickhollow. "There's no one out here, and even if there was I'm sure that they are just as tired and hungry as we are and will do us no harm. In fact, maybe they would be so kind as to lend us a ride the rest of the way."

That said Pippin continued on. Sam gave his master and uncertain look, but when Frodo sighed and started walking again, he did as well. They did not go far before Frodo heard another sound, this one dry and scratching, dead leaves over gravel. *Baggins....*

The chill wind blew again, this time straight to the center of Frodo's being. It was almost numbing and brought with it a great wave of unease. *Baggins......Baggins......*

He slowed down until he was a good deal behind the others. In his pocket, the ring felt as if it were buzzing, vibrating in its cloth hiding place. Frodo quickly put his hand over the pocket as if to hid the vibration. *Baggins....*

Sam, noticing his master had lagged behind, turned. "Mr. Frodo?"

*Baggins...*

"I think we should get off the road..." Frodo said, his voice struggling to stay even. Then from down the road, behind them it seemed, came a shriek, long, loud and piercing, carried on the breath of the wind. Frodo jumped, Sam gasped, and Pippin froze then spun around. All three of them stared down the path. It looked twisted and ominous in the gloom, and in the near distance they could hear the clip-clop, clip-clop of hooves. It was no hobbit pony, that much was obvious.

To either side of the road there was a little bit of a hill so that water would not flood the path. Pippin thought quickly and slid down the hill and into the rather nasty nest of brambles at the bottom. Frodo and Sam followed his lead and before long the three of them crouched in the darkness waiting for whoever the rider was. Sam fought the urge to fidget; his pack had moved to an awkward angle and it pulled uncomfortably at his shoulders. Laying down on the ground the way they were caused his shirt to scratch against his chest irritatingly. Not only that but the grass and dirt was beginning to make his skin itch. Still, the stout-hearted Gamgee did not move, fearing that somehow the approaching rider would h ear him.

Pippin did not have the same mentality as Sam. He flopped back and forth, trying to keep as much of himself off the ground as possible. How the twigs dug at him. As he picked another one out from under his belly Pippin made a mental note to steal one of Frodo's blankets that night as a reward for making him crawl through the mud like a serpent.

Frodo lay stiffly, his piercing eyes scanning the road back and forth through the brush. The sound of the hooves grew louder and closer. Frodo shut his eyes tightly. It was no good looking; it was too dark to see anything even with his keen eyes. He desperately wanted to seek out Sam's hand, to seek comfort in the strength of his friend; yet we he tried to do so he found that he could not force his hand to move. Something restrained him; something kept his hand down as if bolted to his chest. Frodo was suddenly painfully aware of the ring in his pocket. Gandalf's warning seemed absolutely absurd. Bilbo had used the ring before. They were still in the Shire, no less. All he need do was put it on and whoever this rider was would never find him, never pry into his business....

Suddenly Sam gasped and grabbed Frodo by the arm. Frodo's eyes snapped open and he tore his hand away from his chest. What on earth had he been thinking? Gandalf would not give him advice for no reason; why had he almost blatantly disregarded the wizard's council just then? He looked at Sam, who was looking up at the road with a pale face. There, silhouetted in the black of night was a mounted rider, cloaked from head to foot in flowing black robes. Its horse, too, was black and huge. The air around it froze. Frodo could see his breath and the breath of Sam and Pippin as well. The three hobbits froze, not daring to move. The black rider dismounted briefly and stooped close to the ground. Almost it seemed like a hound searching for a fox; it seemed not to be looking for them as much as smelling for them. After a moment, the rider apparently gave up for the moment and remounted its horse before spurring the beast on and taking off down the road.

The three of them stayed motionless for several minutes. Finally Pippin said, "Lets stay off the road. We can cut across the woods, I suppose. Lets stay off the road." He started to climb to his feet. Sam shuddered. "I hope I never see nothin' like that again. Are you alright, Mr. Frodo?" Sam, too, stood. Frodo took a deep breath, forcing the chill from his body.

"Yes. I'm fine, Sam. But I agree with you, Pip. Lets stay off the road."

************************************************************************

At long last (and with some help from Farmer Maggot) the three of them made it to the ferry and Crickhollow, relatively safe and sound, though the chill of the Black Rider was not forgotten.

~The travelers hung up their cloaks, and piled their packs on the floor. Merry led them down the passage and threw open a door at the far end. Firelight came out, and a puff of steam.

"A bath!" cried Pippin. "O blessed Meriadoc!"

"Which order shall we go in?" said Frodo. "Eldest first, or quickest first? You'll be last either way, Master Peregrin."

"Trust me to arrange things better than that!" said Merry. "We can't begin a life at Crickhollow with a quarrel over baths. In that room there are three tubs, and a copper full of boiling water. There are also towels, mats, and soap. Get inside, and be quick!"

Merry and Fatty went into the kitchen on the other side of the passage, and buried themselves with the final preparations for a late supper. They had supper in the kitchen on a table near the fire. After the telling of the story of the black riders, Merry said "I should think you were making it all up if I had not seen that black shape on the landing. What do you make of it all, Frodo?"

"Courin Frodo has been very close," said Pippin. "But the time has come for him to open out. "

"Well!" Frodo said at last, sitting up and straightening his back, as if he had made a decision. "I can't keep it dark any longer. But I don't know quite how to begin."

"I think I could help you," Merry said quietly. "By telling you some of it myself."

"What do you mean?" said Frodo, looking at him anxiously.

"Just this, my dear Frodo: you are miserable because you don't know how to say good-bye. You meant to leave the Shire, of course. But danger has come on you sooner than expected, and now you are making up your mind to go at once. And you don't want to. We are very sorry for you."......

"But I must go!" exclaimed Frodo. " It cannot be helped, dear friends. It is wretched for us all, but it is no use trying to keep me. Since you have guessed so much, please help me and do not hinder me!"

"You do not understand!" said Pippin. "You must go- and therefore me must, too. Merry and I are coming with you. Sam is an excellent fellow, and would jump down a dragon's throat to save you, if he did not trip over his own feet; but you will need more than one companion in your dangerous journey."

"My dear and most beloved hobbits!" said Frodo, deeply moved. "But I could not allow it.....I am flying from deadly peril into deadly peril."

"Of course we understand," said Merry firmly. "That is why we have decided to come. We know the Ring is no laughing matter; but we are going to do our best to help you against the Enemy."

"The Ring!" said Frodo, now completely amazed.

"Yes the Ring," said Merry. "My dear old hobbit, you don't allow for the inquisitiveness of friends......We formed our conspiracy." (The Fellowship of the Ring: A Conspiracy Unmasked)

It was a conspiracy, alright. Frodo was amazed at how his young cousins had managed to collect so much information. As the night wore on, and they explained everything to him, Frodo felt more and more moved, but also, more and more troubled. Could he allow his young cousins to accompany him on this journey when he was so unsure of the outcome himself? Certainly, the seemed determined to accompany him and Frodo had a notion that if he refused to allow them to they would simply follow him. In the end, all was settled. Merry and Pippin would accompany Frodo and Sam. Samwise seemed rather sad about the whole affair, and Frodo wondered if he was having second thoughts about going. If he changed his mind Frodo would not grudge him; now that Merry and Pippin were to go it seemed silly for Sam to go along as well.

After the long discussion was over, they prepared for bed. Frodo lay awake for a long while, thinking. What lay ahead for them now?.....

************************************************************************

There was nothing but the mist. The thin blanket of gray drifted out over the sea, cloaking the gentle waves that lapped at the white sandy beach. The mist swirled around the base of a huge mountain of a tower, hugging the building like a child clutching at its mother's knees. A bell tolled once...twice....The mist swirled up and outward, covering all, becoming all, until the eye could see nothing but the silver-gray blanket. The sound of the sea grew louder; the lullaby of the Earth as she rocked her children. Then finally the mist parted and in the distance a strip of radiant green could be seen, coming ever closer, looking inviting and welcoming....and yet ominous and lonely at the same time.

Frodo woke with a start and sat up in his bed, looking around with eyes still heavy with sleep. There was no island, no mist, no tower; there was only the bed, the dresser, the night-table, the washbasin, and the smooth wooden doors of his room at Crickhollow. It had been a dream. Of course it had been a dream. And an odd one, at that.

Frodo shivered and found that his blanket had slipped from the bed and was now a pile on the floor. Frowning, the hobbit rubbed sleepily at his eyes and reached for the blanket, deciding that once he had it he would return to sleep. Yet when at last the warm quilt was wrapped around his body Frodo found that he was wide awake. No amount of coaxing could convince his mind that he needed to sleep.

With a scarcely audible sigh Frodo drew his knees up to his chest and pulled the blanket tighter around his shoulders. The dream had seemed so........real, in a way. At least, the feelings of sadness that had accompanied it seemed real. The sorrow had been tremendous, but in the back of his mind Frodo had felt a tiny beacon of hope growing.

Frodo's hands were shaking. A feeling of unreality had set upon him suddenly. He looked at his trembling pale hands; they seemed distant and remote. Frodo had the sudden notion that he was outside of his body looking at himself, and that at any moment he would waver and fade like a reflection in broken water. And that voice, that faint yet persistent voice, began to whisper to him again.

*If you slip on the Ring...* it suggested. *It will all become clear. You'll understand, then. What is the harm. That cloaked rider is far away, by now....*

Frodo laid back down on the bed and childishly covered his ears. Still the voice persisted. *Just look at it. It would be wise to make sure it is still there.....*

Almost unwillingly Frodo's eyes drifted to his shirt where the ring still lay out of sight, or so he assumed. But how could he be sure? What if the ring had slipped from a hole in the pocket and rolled into a crack in the floor boards? What if someone had snuck in and taken it? He had to be sure, had to check....

Slowly, Frodo lowered his hands from his ears and swung his legs out from the warm nest on his bed and put one foot then the other onto the icy floor. Just one look to make sure the ring was safe and then it would be back to bed.

The bed creaked as Frodo stood. He winced, hoping none of the others had heard; but not a thing in the house stirred. Carefully, so as not to squeak any of the floorboards, the hobbit took one step towards the chair where his shirt lay. A pause. Then another step. The chair seemed so far away, though it didn't seem so cold anymore. A third step. Closer. One more step would do it. He'd see that the ring was still there and then go back to sleep. There, he'd made it. His hand reached out to open the pocket.

No. Frodo pulled his hand back quickly, as if he'd been burned. He did not know why, but he had the feeling that if he looked at that ring something awful would happen. What it was he didn't know; nor could he think of any logical reason for the feeling, but he decided all the same to trust his instincts. Still, it seemed to call to him.

*What if it is lost.....you'll have lost it, you'll have failed the task Gandalf gave you. What would Bilbo think....if you lost his ring...*

Frodo backed up, bumping the dresser. He could not stay in that room any longer, that much was certain. Ignoring the cajoling voice, Frodo stepped out of the bedroom and into the hallway, shutting the door behind him. Once the door was shut, he felt very foolish, standing around in the middle of the night in his pajamas. Vaguely he wondered if he was going mad. Now that he was out in the hallway, what was he to do? Well first of all, it was no good stumbling around in the dark. As quietly as he could Frodo made his way to the kitchen and looked around for a candle. After many unsuccessful attempts, he finally found one and after it was lit stood in the kitchen looking around aimlessly. Sighing, he sat down at the table.

"Yes, I am most certainly going mad," Frodo whispered to himself. He sighed again and propped up his head with his hand. How had he gotten here? How had he gone from a lonely, bookish lad to a hobbit well past his coming of age heading out onto a journey with his two young cousins and dear friend? What would he do if something were to happen to any of them? How would he explain to the Thain, to the Master, to the Gaffer?

Frodo's thoughts drifted back to the ring. He could not help it. He knew it lay in that bed room, but he could not be sure. What if he DID lose it? He knew how important it was; what if he lost it and......

Before he knew it he was walking back towards his bedroom, candle in hand, with a mind to check and make sure the ring was still there before he went utterly out of his mind wondering about it. Suddenly a door opened before him and Merry stepped out, blinking wearily and pulling on his robe. Frodo felt his face flush. At least Merry had had enough sense to pull his robe on before stepping out into the night.

"Frodo!" Merry exclaimed, surprised to see his cousin awake, and looking (in his opinion) rather frazzled. "What in the name of wonder are you doing awake? I was not going to wake you for another few hours, at least!"

Frodo tried to think of a decent excuse, but he could think of none. "I....woke up and could not fall back asleep. I suppose I am worried about leaving," he ended lamely. Merry studied him for a while then nodded slowly.

"You have a right to be, I daresay," Merry said at length. "But I wouldn't fret about it. After all, you won't be alone; you'll be with friends. We could turn it into a bit of a walking party, Pip and I."

Frodo smiled. He had no doubt that Merry and Pippin could turn any situation into an enjoyable one. Then he had a thought. "Why are you awake, Merry?"

Now Merry smiled. "I thought that I would wash up before all of you woke up. I had planned to get everything ready, after all. Fatty should be up in an hour or so, to ready the ponies. Its several hours to sunrise. You did say you wanted to 'away before the break of day,' did you not?"

Frodo nodded. "Since I'm awake, would you like me to help you, Merry? I could ready supplies, or something to that extent."

"What? Are you mad? You've been walking all day. Let the walkers sleep and the loungers work, I say. Try to go back to sleep, Frodo. You tend to be rather crabby when you are not rested," Merry joked. He took the candle from Frodo and gestured with his arm at Frodo's bedroom. "Go on. I'll wake you before the sun rises; be sure of that."

Frodo hesitated still. "Are you certain, Merry? You should not go outside alone, at any rate, not with those queer riders about-"

Merry put his hand on Frodo's arm. "Are you quite alright, cousin? You look rather...I can't say, but you don't look yourself."

Frodo felt ridiculous all over again. He shrugged off the uneasy feeling and said merely "I suppose I'm tired. I'll be fine, Merry. Just a little shaken from this evening."

"Still?" Merry cocked his head to the side and looked at Frodo quizzically. "You are getting older, Frodo. Why, I remember when little could frighten you, save Farmer Maggot's dogs. I know!" Merry snapped his fingers. "That shall be our quest, Pippin and my own. You and Sam shall have the big, all important one; Pip and I shall try to find a way to make you less close and more fun."

Frodo genuinely laughed and in doing so felt a weight lift from his shoulders. A little ways more down the hallway another door opened and Pippin's curly head peeked out. He looked rather cross. "As happy I am to hear you two having a grand time, I do wish you would be quiet. It is hard enough to sleep with Fatty's snoring. Please! Honestly!"

"Sorry, Pip," Merry said, lowering his voice.

Pippin frowned. "You had better let me sleep in, Merry Brandybuck, or when you come to wake me I shall bite your hand. And Frodo, since we will not be here long enough for me to sleep for three days straight I hope you shall oblige me one of your blankets on the next leg of this journey."

"You can have both, Pip," Frodo said apologetically. "Pleasant dreams!"

Pippin smiled slightly and ducked back into the bedroom, shutting the door none to softly behind him. Frodo and Merry laughed again, trying to suppress their voices. "Poor Pip!" Frodo whispered. "I suspect he is still rather cross with me for leaving him while Sam and I saw the elves."

"He'll get over it eventually, once he's had a decent night's sleep," Merry reassured. "Truthfully, Frodo, you really should get a good eight hours yourself, but you shall have to do with four if you go back to bed now. Good night! Before the break of day, Frodo, don't forget!"

"Good night, Merry," Frodo whispered. "Thank you."

Merry paused, wondering if he should inquire what Frodo was thanking him for but decided against it and continued down the hallway, the candle light bouncing off the walls. Frodo sighed. He felt much relieved, but something still bothered him. He started for his room but instead continued past in and stood before the door to the room where Sam slept. Frodo paused a moment before turning the doorknob slowly and entering the room. It was dark in there, but the storm clouds had parted just enough to allow a little bit of moonlight to filter in to the room.

Frodo's breath caught in his throat as he gazed upon the sleeping figure, wondering what wonderful dream Sam was having; for the gardener's face was lit by a quiet joy, and his fingers curled tightly in the blanket. Perhaps he was dreaming about the elves. Now that Sam knew what they looked like no doubt his dreams were as vivid as ever.
With a sigh Samwise turned over and hugged the thick fabric of his quilt to his chest. Frodo told himself that it was not right to be watching a person sleep; what if he woke up, it would startle him to death. Yet Frodo found that despite his mind urging to look away he could not. His eyes remain fixated on the sleeping hobbit. Compassion burned in Frodo's chest; white fire to his cool soul. He felt both awake and in a dream; and he thought vaguely that perhaps he still WAS dreaming, that maybe he had not woken up from that first shivering dream. There was only one way to know that this angelic being, this creature shining with a light that the eyes could not see was in fact real. Frodo's mind fought against it, but his fingers knew how to answer the riddle.
Softly, softly his hand ran along Sam's forehead, brushing away the sun lightened curls. Sam did not stir, but his features relaxed into an oddly trusting face. Frodo froze a moment and nearly pulled back.
*Don't pull away just yet, Frodo Baggins,* his inner voice said. *This may be the last time you see him in safety. Do not pull away just yet. Who knows what may lie ahead.*
Nodding slightly to answer his own inner monologue, Frodo drew his hand along the curve of Sam's cheek. Sudden tears sprang to Frodo's eyes as if some forgotten memory or dark premonition had seized him. He indeed wanted to relish the moment. For some reason he felt he would need something to hang onto in the future.
Frodo knew what Sam would say if he knew Frodo was thinking such pessimistic thoughts. "Don't be thinkin' like that, sir. Its bad luck, that. You gotta keep thinkin' it won't take too long. We'll be back, later if not sooner."
Frodo swallowed and smiled as if Sam had indeed spoken. "Dear Sam...." he whispered, then bent and placed a soft kiss on the gardener's forehead. Sam stirred slightly, but did not wake. Frodo stole a last look at his loyal servant's face then removed his hand from his cheek.
"We'll be back, later if not sooner."

I can't deny my feelings

Growing strong

I try to keep believing

Dreaming on....

************************************************************************

A/N: Those lyrics were submitted to me by Ce!! Thanks Ce!! I'm sorry, I know I promised to have them arrive at Bree, but eventually I decided that this was a better stopping point. I was really not happy with this chapter for the longest time, which is why it took so long to be updated. School is almost out now, and with summer holiday comes more update time!! No promises, but I am planning to have the next chapter up far sooner than this one. If you want to know what's going on with this fic you can always check out my live journal. I put daily updates about how the fic is coming along on there, and also my inane ramblings about future fics. If you're interested, check out the link in my bio.

I also apologize if this chapter is not up to standard. I personally think its the worst chapter so far, and plan to fix it in the distant future, when I have the time (cursed finals!!) So I apologize for having you wait so long for such a short chapter and I hope you all don't abandon me!! You guys mean the world to me!! ::sob:: Better chapters are coming, I swear on my precious (i.e. Merry....she's glaring at me....silly dog..)

Translations:

Mornie lante: Darkness fall!

Silalye ve i eleni: Thou shinest as the stars.

Next chapter:

They really do reach Bree!! Frodo and Sam have a chat in the inn's parlor, and who's that shadowy figure? Aragorn son of Arathron, perhaps. Sam is suspicious and for the first time ever Frodo goes against Sam's advice. How will this play out? Also, a dream-like kiss in the moonlight under the white towers of the Gray Havens. Frodo's anguish continues....Merry and Pippin have a little too much ale...The drinking Song!! And more.....(It shall be better, by my word!!)