Author: Arinya
Rating:R
Summary: Sam is forced to retell all the things that happened after the Fellowship had succeeded in destroying the Ring. All the members of the Fellowship have their own problems. Darkness returns, and Love struggles to conquer all. But as the problems mount up to a peak, can they survive? And can Sam bear telling his audience the true story?
Chapter Two: Returning to Aragorn
"I have to go Sam...the wound that I recieved on Weathertop, it hurts so much. Life isn't the same for me anymore. I don't, I don't enjoy things anymore. The things that I once loved, like the sun Sam. And the wind, the air. Everything is weighed down. I don't feel joy as I once did."
Frodo said this very quietly as Sam listened.
"I understand Mr. Frodo" he said.
"I'm glad you do Sam...it makes me so sad to leave. Take my place...it's big enough for your entire family, and take care of the Shire well"
"You're going Mr. Frodo? Now?"
Sam's voice cracked as he realized what he was saying. Frodo was going to leave forever. He would never see him again, and it was breaking his heart. Frodo nodded to confirm what his answer.
"An elven ship is taking me there soon, Gandalf is to take me to the ship"
Sam, who could not take Frodo's calm about the matter and his own suppression of feelings, broke into tears and hugged Frodo. The dark haired hobbit was also crying as well.
"I'm sorry Sam. I'm so sorry" he repeated.
"It's all right" said Sam, his voice muffled.
"You take care of yourself Mr. Frodo" said Sam and they broke apart.
"Come now Frodo" said an elderly, and familiar voice.
The two looked up to see Gandalf. He was in white robes. His hair now a shining white, just like the robes. A curled bang fell over his left eye as he bent down to address Sam, looking very sad indeed.
"Goodbye Samwise" he said and patted his curly head gently.
Frodo followed Gandalf to Shadowfax and they rode off. Same blinked back tears and swallowed. He couldn't believe it. Frodo, gone. So quickly. Everything had happened so quickly.
Three days later, he had recieved news that Aragorn wanted to see him. He held the parchment in his hand, feeling odd and worried. Why would Aragorn call for him? He would be busy now, very busy, with the restoring of Gondor. But he made his mind to get to Aragorn. He kissed Rosie goodbye, packed provisions and sent a letter back saying he would arrive in a month.
In precisely one month, Sam arrived at Gondor and he was welcomed by the new Captain of the Guard, Gersorond.
"You are Samwise Gamgee?"
"I am he"
"The High King wishes to see you immediatly"
He escorted Sam into the Grand Chamber where Aragorn stood, waiting. He smiled warmly.
"Sam, it's good to see you"
"It's great to see you Strider!" said Sam.
His old friend was indeed old, his hair was slightly longer, much grayer, wrinkles more pronounced on his face. But they did not show weakness, only wisdom and experience. His blue eyes were still as bright as ever gave him a spark of life that was untouched by age.
"You want to know why I called you?"
Sam nodded.
"Yes I would"
"I am calling a council very soon, there is a dire matter"
Sam was worried.
"What happened Aragorn?"
"It is Galadriel...she has succumbed to the darkness"
Sam took a breath.
"But how? Sauron is dead, the Ring is destroyed...Mordor was burned and recked"
"No" said Aragorn slowly.
"No?"
"It was my fault, the realm of Mordor was not completely destroyed...there were still pools of blood, skeletons and bodies of orcs, elves, and men alike. Still, part of Barad-dur was standing...and that is how Galadriel turned. She failed her last and unseen test, she saw the ruins of Mordor and grew angry. She could see that it was power wasted. Power that could have been hers."
"Galadriel..." said Sam in quiet awe and horror.
The beautiful she-elf who had blessed him and the Fellowship as they passed through Lothlorien. The one who he was enchanted by because of her radiance and beauty, he was tricked, just like the rest of them.
"Don't blame her Sam. She was once good and pure, she did not betray everyone while knowing it"
"I thought all the bad things had passed Strider"
"So did I" he said and led Sam to a small room.
"This is where you will stay, old friends are returning, at least that is one good thing that has erupted from this incident"