Chapter 28
To Be Blessed
Sam slowly walked away from Bag End and went down the path that led to Bagshot Row. With each step Sam took it became harder as he sidestepped thick broken branches embedded into the ground. The dirt path had huge pocket holes, which made it difficult to stay on the road. Trees were knocked down and lay where they had fallen. The closer Sam walked on the path he could see charred blacken areas where fire had burnt down the majestic majesty of the lush green foliage that had once grew thick on either side of the path leading home and only increased the further he walked. The air had a charred smell of burnt grasses, trees and buildings that choked his senses with each breath he took. From where Sam stood he could clearly see Bag End where once it was impossible. Sam began to turn the curve in the path as it led directly into Bagshot Row. To the right there was low hills that gently caressed one side of the path, where once two hobbit holes for the poorest hobbits lived. Sam remembered the time he had repaired and painted their doors. Now the holes were caved in and black dirt and sod lay in huge dried out chunks. Their doors were lying on the ground broken and cracked. Sam could see a cradle that once had rocked an infant to sleep. Next to it he saw a charred broken table that lay on its side with two missing legs. There were no birds sings or rabbits making a dash into the nearest bush as was so common and etched deep in Sam's memory. The further he traveled he saw the Chestnut trees that Mr. Cotton had given him pulled out from the ground with their roots standing straight up. Thick black dirt packed deep into the base of the roots of the trees. Huge hole now lined the path where he had planted the trees. He looked at each one as he passed them. The tatter gardens where torn up and no more flowers grew in the field. It was dismal and black everywhere he looked.
Behind him on the other side of the downed Chestnut trees was number three. Sam closed his eyes as he slowly turned around and saying to himself, "Please, let it still be there."
When Sam opened his eyes and facing directly in front of what use to be number three was now a rubble of dirt and ash. Burnt down to its foundation. His heart sank as he looked at the huge tree that had fallen in the center of his home and still smoldered from the flames of that fire.
Sam walked to the ashen pile and stepped over what could have been the ceiling or walls that were charred piles of broken lumber and black piles of thick ash. Sam thought he was standing in what use to be his kitchen as he found a metal pan lying on top of the pile of debris. He walked over to it. Kneeling down, he sat on his heels. He began to dig in a thick patch of dirt and removed chunks of charred lumber. Under the pieces of lumber were the stones that once was the fireplace that kept his family warm. He picked up the stones and tossed it aside. Further down in the ash and dirt his fingers touched a metal round object as he pulled it up to look at it. It was a small tin cup and he rolled it over in his hands to knock the dirt from it. Placing it on a stone, Sam continued to dig deeper in the dirt. He had thought he found another pan or lid from the kitchen as he freed it. Picking it up he wiped his hand across the smooth flat surface and he turned it around in his hand. And carefully preserved in the dirt and ash was the picture of his mother that Frodo had given him. Sam ran his finger over the broken glass to clear away the dirt. He could see the warmth of his mother's smile and her bright eyes looking up at him. He clutched the picture to his heart as his tears fell down his cheeks. He placed his hand over his eyes as the memories of his mother came back to him. His body began to shake and his sobbing came pouring out from his heart.
Rosie looking for Sam knew where she could find him.
Rosie saw Sam on his knees sobbing as he held his hand tightly against his eyes. She knelt down to him, "Sam I am here," she gently spoken to him. Sam stopped his tears and looked up into her eyes. Rosie looked upon him as her eyes wandered taking the sight of him in. She saw in his eyes a weariness that she had never seen before. She saw the scares upon his skin of a harden existence that he endured. She grasped his hands into hers and she felt the calluses thick upon his palms, but most of all, she saw written all over his dear face, was the gentleness and kindness untouched by all that he had lived through. Here was her Sam, and he spoke to her saying, "I have not a stick to call a home, Rosie. I can not give you all that I have longed to." Rosie tried to stop him from talking, seeing the pain that poured out from him. But he continued, "I love you Rosie, I have always loved you. It was that love that warmed me when no blanket could have. When I felt empty and could not find the strength to take another step, longing to see you again gave me the strength to walk that one more mile home." Sam gently spoke with a quivering voice.
He touched her sweet face as the tears poured down from her eyes and she kissed his hand. He continued, "When I pulled Frodo away from the very fire that would have killed him with the last bit of strength left in me, feeling my own death at my coat tails. It was the desire to come home again. Not to Bagshot Row, but to you Rosie. You are my home, none of this means nothing Rosie, unless you are in my life. Marry me Rosie, without your love I can no longer breath and I shall finally die." Rosie melted into his arms and lips as she whispered, " Yes," kissing him.
Then as if the world had suddenly came together again in Sam's heart, Rosie simply whispered, "I love you."
~*~
Rosie held Sam's hand as they walked slowly back to her home. They began to make the plans for their wedding in the spring. Sam, Frodo and the Gaffer lived with the Cottons until their homes were rebuilt.
~*~
The next day, Sam returned back to Bagshot Row with a renewed spirit and strength. Just as he had done a year ago, he began work on Bagshot Row. He shifted through the ash and began to remove all the debris as the autumn morning sun shone brightly from above.
Sam heard a noise as he turned around to see groups of hobbits from the very young to the very old streaming into to Bagshot Row to begin cleaning up. First in a group of ten than twenty, they filed in. Soon thirty more came. Before Sam knew it the grounds were filled with busy hobbits all working together. The hobbits sang as they worked and laughed among each other. The woman folk brought tables and baskets of food that was taken out of the huts were Sauraman locked away from them. Before the day came to an end Bagshot Row was cleared of all the debris and now stood ready for building.
Just as the sun began to set, Sam took out Galadriel's gift and walked down to the where the party tree once stood and Sam ran his hand over the bark of the dead tree as it laid on its side.
He took out the seed that lye in the box and dug a hole next to where the Party Tree once stood. Sam hoped in his heart that the seed would be as special as where it had come from. He sprinkled just a small amount of dust on top of the seed and covered it with dirt. Taking his water can, he began to water the mound of dirt.
Frodo came out of Bag End as he waved to the hobbits that had helped clean his entire house. Frodo saw Sam standing by the Party Tree and he walked down to greet him. Frodo listened to Sam as he told him what he had planned to do with the rest of the dust that Galadriel had given him.
The Two walked back to the Cottons together until their homes were completely finished.
~*~
When Sam began to build number three, the hobbits cut the Party Tree into boards and they piled the lumber in their carts and drove it too Bagshot Row.
"Sam!" called Old Will Whitfoot the mayor, over to his cart. "We want to give you the wood of the Party Tree to build your home. There is not a finer piece of board than what we found in that old wonderful tree. It is the heart of the Shire and from our hearts we want you to have it."
Sam ran his hand over the smooth boards and became speechless with such a grand gift. "Thankee, Major Whitfoot and all of you for this wonderful gift. I know where I shall use it," said Sam.
As the months went on well into the winter months Sam had finished number three. However, he did save portions of the wood and built round doors for the very poorest hobbits that lived on Bagshot Row. The little girl that Sam fed on the side of the road wrapped her arms around Sam's neck when he put the door onto her new home.
Sam moved the Gaffer into number three as he began to prepare for his wedding day. Sam made a cradle from the Party Tree's wood, and he placed it next to his bed. Sam rocked the little cradle as the Gaffer walked in and watched him. "D' you think you be putting the cart before the horse there, Sam?"
"I was thinking that...perhaps...you know....that someday, maybe," said Sam shyly.
The Gaffer laughed as he messed up his hair. "Come now lad, there's a ale with my name on it sitting at the Green Dragon, you coming? They'll be plenty of toasting going on tonight seeing how it's your wedding tomorrow."
"I'll grab my pipe and be right with you," said Sam as he ran his hand across the edge of the cradle.
~*~
The warm spring day could not of been more perfect for Sam and Rosie's wedding. Every Hobbit in Hobbiton and round the countryside was coming. Even some of the Tooks from Tuckborough and Buckland were going to be attending this special affair.
The party ground was full of color with a beautiful array of flowers that now adorn the field. In the center a young Sapling grew tall as if it rushed a year into twenty for its size. It gave shade to all those who stood under it. Tables lined the green lush grass of the ground where the young Sapling grew.
Sam dressed in his finest greeted his guests with Frodo beside him. As they wandered through the crowd of hobbits, Sam caught a glimpse of Aunt May and he rushed to greet her. Behind her was Sam's sisters and they ran into his arms and hugged him. Sam felt a tap on his shoulder as he turned around.
"What don't you recognize your own big brother?" exclaimed Hamson with a beautiful hobbit women beside him. In her arms she carried a baby girl wrapped snuggly in a finely knit blanket. "This is my wife, Gem and our little girl, Rose."
Sam peeking into the blanket and touched the little hands of his niece and marveled how small she and cute she was.
"Do you have an extra hand to extend to your other brother," said Halfred. Sam stretched out his hand, and Halfred pushed it aside and gave him a warm hug. "You and Rosie were meant for each other, I'm as happy for you as I can be."
"Thankee, Halfred," said Sam with a big smile on his face. He laughed and joked with his brothers and sisters.
Old Mayor Will Whitfoot stood on the platform where Bilbo once said his final good-byes to the hobbits of the Shire. Sam and Frodo walked over to the platform and stood waiting for Rosie to join them.
May and Daisy opened the flap of the tent and Rosie walked out wearing a long white dress and flowers that were woven throughout the curls of her hair. Long, white silk ribbons fell from behind her hair and cascaded to the ground. As she walked they trailed behind her. In her hands she carried a single pink rose.
Sam could not take his eyes away from her as he watched her walk towards him. Rosie stopped before him and took his hands into hers as they faced each other. They promised their love to each other as Sam placed his ring on her finger while the Mayor pronounced them married. Sam taking Rosie in his arms kissed her saying, "I love you."
Loud cheers greeted them as they turned to greet their family, friends and neighbor as Mr. and Mrs. Samwise Gamgee.
When the party ended and Sam was going to take Rosie to Bagshot Row, Frodo turned to Sam and said, "Sam, Bag End is too big for just me to live in. I want you and Rosie to live with me. There are more rooms for your little ones once they come along. Please Sam and Rosie, say you will?"
Sam looked up at Bag End and then at Rosie as they both agreed.
~*~
The weeks passed by as Sam and Rosie moved their things into Bag End. Rosie taking out the troll doll that Bilbo had given her on his birthday a few years ago, placed it on the shelf by some of Sam's books. It caught Frodo's eye and he took it down to look at it, "Do you know what this is?" asked Frodo as he chuckled remembering the last time he had seen it when Bilbo placed it in with the gifts.
"No, not really. What is it?" Rosie asked as Sam stood by her side.
"This a troll doll from the dwarves. They believed that who ever owned and cared for this doll would be blessed with many children," said Frodo, as he laughed again.
Sam and Rosie looked at each other and giggled.
The End
Thank you all for your reviews..I greatly appreciate it! You all are so awesome!!!!
To Be Blessed
Sam slowly walked away from Bag End and went down the path that led to Bagshot Row. With each step Sam took it became harder as he sidestepped thick broken branches embedded into the ground. The dirt path had huge pocket holes, which made it difficult to stay on the road. Trees were knocked down and lay where they had fallen. The closer Sam walked on the path he could see charred blacken areas where fire had burnt down the majestic majesty of the lush green foliage that had once grew thick on either side of the path leading home and only increased the further he walked. The air had a charred smell of burnt grasses, trees and buildings that choked his senses with each breath he took. From where Sam stood he could clearly see Bag End where once it was impossible. Sam began to turn the curve in the path as it led directly into Bagshot Row. To the right there was low hills that gently caressed one side of the path, where once two hobbit holes for the poorest hobbits lived. Sam remembered the time he had repaired and painted their doors. Now the holes were caved in and black dirt and sod lay in huge dried out chunks. Their doors were lying on the ground broken and cracked. Sam could see a cradle that once had rocked an infant to sleep. Next to it he saw a charred broken table that lay on its side with two missing legs. There were no birds sings or rabbits making a dash into the nearest bush as was so common and etched deep in Sam's memory. The further he traveled he saw the Chestnut trees that Mr. Cotton had given him pulled out from the ground with their roots standing straight up. Thick black dirt packed deep into the base of the roots of the trees. Huge hole now lined the path where he had planted the trees. He looked at each one as he passed them. The tatter gardens where torn up and no more flowers grew in the field. It was dismal and black everywhere he looked.
Behind him on the other side of the downed Chestnut trees was number three. Sam closed his eyes as he slowly turned around and saying to himself, "Please, let it still be there."
When Sam opened his eyes and facing directly in front of what use to be number three was now a rubble of dirt and ash. Burnt down to its foundation. His heart sank as he looked at the huge tree that had fallen in the center of his home and still smoldered from the flames of that fire.
Sam walked to the ashen pile and stepped over what could have been the ceiling or walls that were charred piles of broken lumber and black piles of thick ash. Sam thought he was standing in what use to be his kitchen as he found a metal pan lying on top of the pile of debris. He walked over to it. Kneeling down, he sat on his heels. He began to dig in a thick patch of dirt and removed chunks of charred lumber. Under the pieces of lumber were the stones that once was the fireplace that kept his family warm. He picked up the stones and tossed it aside. Further down in the ash and dirt his fingers touched a metal round object as he pulled it up to look at it. It was a small tin cup and he rolled it over in his hands to knock the dirt from it. Placing it on a stone, Sam continued to dig deeper in the dirt. He had thought he found another pan or lid from the kitchen as he freed it. Picking it up he wiped his hand across the smooth flat surface and he turned it around in his hand. And carefully preserved in the dirt and ash was the picture of his mother that Frodo had given him. Sam ran his finger over the broken glass to clear away the dirt. He could see the warmth of his mother's smile and her bright eyes looking up at him. He clutched the picture to his heart as his tears fell down his cheeks. He placed his hand over his eyes as the memories of his mother came back to him. His body began to shake and his sobbing came pouring out from his heart.
Rosie looking for Sam knew where she could find him.
Rosie saw Sam on his knees sobbing as he held his hand tightly against his eyes. She knelt down to him, "Sam I am here," she gently spoken to him. Sam stopped his tears and looked up into her eyes. Rosie looked upon him as her eyes wandered taking the sight of him in. She saw in his eyes a weariness that she had never seen before. She saw the scares upon his skin of a harden existence that he endured. She grasped his hands into hers and she felt the calluses thick upon his palms, but most of all, she saw written all over his dear face, was the gentleness and kindness untouched by all that he had lived through. Here was her Sam, and he spoke to her saying, "I have not a stick to call a home, Rosie. I can not give you all that I have longed to." Rosie tried to stop him from talking, seeing the pain that poured out from him. But he continued, "I love you Rosie, I have always loved you. It was that love that warmed me when no blanket could have. When I felt empty and could not find the strength to take another step, longing to see you again gave me the strength to walk that one more mile home." Sam gently spoke with a quivering voice.
He touched her sweet face as the tears poured down from her eyes and she kissed his hand. He continued, "When I pulled Frodo away from the very fire that would have killed him with the last bit of strength left in me, feeling my own death at my coat tails. It was the desire to come home again. Not to Bagshot Row, but to you Rosie. You are my home, none of this means nothing Rosie, unless you are in my life. Marry me Rosie, without your love I can no longer breath and I shall finally die." Rosie melted into his arms and lips as she whispered, " Yes," kissing him.
Then as if the world had suddenly came together again in Sam's heart, Rosie simply whispered, "I love you."
~*~
Rosie held Sam's hand as they walked slowly back to her home. They began to make the plans for their wedding in the spring. Sam, Frodo and the Gaffer lived with the Cottons until their homes were rebuilt.
~*~
The next day, Sam returned back to Bagshot Row with a renewed spirit and strength. Just as he had done a year ago, he began work on Bagshot Row. He shifted through the ash and began to remove all the debris as the autumn morning sun shone brightly from above.
Sam heard a noise as he turned around to see groups of hobbits from the very young to the very old streaming into to Bagshot Row to begin cleaning up. First in a group of ten than twenty, they filed in. Soon thirty more came. Before Sam knew it the grounds were filled with busy hobbits all working together. The hobbits sang as they worked and laughed among each other. The woman folk brought tables and baskets of food that was taken out of the huts were Sauraman locked away from them. Before the day came to an end Bagshot Row was cleared of all the debris and now stood ready for building.
Just as the sun began to set, Sam took out Galadriel's gift and walked down to the where the party tree once stood and Sam ran his hand over the bark of the dead tree as it laid on its side.
He took out the seed that lye in the box and dug a hole next to where the Party Tree once stood. Sam hoped in his heart that the seed would be as special as where it had come from. He sprinkled just a small amount of dust on top of the seed and covered it with dirt. Taking his water can, he began to water the mound of dirt.
Frodo came out of Bag End as he waved to the hobbits that had helped clean his entire house. Frodo saw Sam standing by the Party Tree and he walked down to greet him. Frodo listened to Sam as he told him what he had planned to do with the rest of the dust that Galadriel had given him.
The Two walked back to the Cottons together until their homes were completely finished.
~*~
When Sam began to build number three, the hobbits cut the Party Tree into boards and they piled the lumber in their carts and drove it too Bagshot Row.
"Sam!" called Old Will Whitfoot the mayor, over to his cart. "We want to give you the wood of the Party Tree to build your home. There is not a finer piece of board than what we found in that old wonderful tree. It is the heart of the Shire and from our hearts we want you to have it."
Sam ran his hand over the smooth boards and became speechless with such a grand gift. "Thankee, Major Whitfoot and all of you for this wonderful gift. I know where I shall use it," said Sam.
As the months went on well into the winter months Sam had finished number three. However, he did save portions of the wood and built round doors for the very poorest hobbits that lived on Bagshot Row. The little girl that Sam fed on the side of the road wrapped her arms around Sam's neck when he put the door onto her new home.
Sam moved the Gaffer into number three as he began to prepare for his wedding day. Sam made a cradle from the Party Tree's wood, and he placed it next to his bed. Sam rocked the little cradle as the Gaffer walked in and watched him. "D' you think you be putting the cart before the horse there, Sam?"
"I was thinking that...perhaps...you know....that someday, maybe," said Sam shyly.
The Gaffer laughed as he messed up his hair. "Come now lad, there's a ale with my name on it sitting at the Green Dragon, you coming? They'll be plenty of toasting going on tonight seeing how it's your wedding tomorrow."
"I'll grab my pipe and be right with you," said Sam as he ran his hand across the edge of the cradle.
~*~
The warm spring day could not of been more perfect for Sam and Rosie's wedding. Every Hobbit in Hobbiton and round the countryside was coming. Even some of the Tooks from Tuckborough and Buckland were going to be attending this special affair.
The party ground was full of color with a beautiful array of flowers that now adorn the field. In the center a young Sapling grew tall as if it rushed a year into twenty for its size. It gave shade to all those who stood under it. Tables lined the green lush grass of the ground where the young Sapling grew.
Sam dressed in his finest greeted his guests with Frodo beside him. As they wandered through the crowd of hobbits, Sam caught a glimpse of Aunt May and he rushed to greet her. Behind her was Sam's sisters and they ran into his arms and hugged him. Sam felt a tap on his shoulder as he turned around.
"What don't you recognize your own big brother?" exclaimed Hamson with a beautiful hobbit women beside him. In her arms she carried a baby girl wrapped snuggly in a finely knit blanket. "This is my wife, Gem and our little girl, Rose."
Sam peeking into the blanket and touched the little hands of his niece and marveled how small she and cute she was.
"Do you have an extra hand to extend to your other brother," said Halfred. Sam stretched out his hand, and Halfred pushed it aside and gave him a warm hug. "You and Rosie were meant for each other, I'm as happy for you as I can be."
"Thankee, Halfred," said Sam with a big smile on his face. He laughed and joked with his brothers and sisters.
Old Mayor Will Whitfoot stood on the platform where Bilbo once said his final good-byes to the hobbits of the Shire. Sam and Frodo walked over to the platform and stood waiting for Rosie to join them.
May and Daisy opened the flap of the tent and Rosie walked out wearing a long white dress and flowers that were woven throughout the curls of her hair. Long, white silk ribbons fell from behind her hair and cascaded to the ground. As she walked they trailed behind her. In her hands she carried a single pink rose.
Sam could not take his eyes away from her as he watched her walk towards him. Rosie stopped before him and took his hands into hers as they faced each other. They promised their love to each other as Sam placed his ring on her finger while the Mayor pronounced them married. Sam taking Rosie in his arms kissed her saying, "I love you."
Loud cheers greeted them as they turned to greet their family, friends and neighbor as Mr. and Mrs. Samwise Gamgee.
When the party ended and Sam was going to take Rosie to Bagshot Row, Frodo turned to Sam and said, "Sam, Bag End is too big for just me to live in. I want you and Rosie to live with me. There are more rooms for your little ones once they come along. Please Sam and Rosie, say you will?"
Sam looked up at Bag End and then at Rosie as they both agreed.
~*~
The weeks passed by as Sam and Rosie moved their things into Bag End. Rosie taking out the troll doll that Bilbo had given her on his birthday a few years ago, placed it on the shelf by some of Sam's books. It caught Frodo's eye and he took it down to look at it, "Do you know what this is?" asked Frodo as he chuckled remembering the last time he had seen it when Bilbo placed it in with the gifts.
"No, not really. What is it?" Rosie asked as Sam stood by her side.
"This a troll doll from the dwarves. They believed that who ever owned and cared for this doll would be blessed with many children," said Frodo, as he laughed again.
Sam and Rosie looked at each other and giggled.
The End
Thank you all for your reviews..I greatly appreciate it! You all are so awesome!!!!