Hi again everyone. Only two more chapters left after this one so I hope your all prepared for the ending.

Always with you

It had been nearly one week now since Frodo had taken a turn for the worse. Sam could see how weak he was getting. He slept for most of the day while Sam sat by his side. Rosie prepared meals for him which Sam brought to his bed. Frodo was finding it harder and harder to stay awake for long and hated it. He longed to get out of bed and take a walk around the garden but he wasn't strong enough.

"What's the weather like today Sam?" Frodo asked as he sat up in the small bed, surrounded by pillows.

"Well, it's sunny now." Sam told him. "But there are a few black clouds over there that I don't like the look of Mr Frodo."

"I wouldn't mind seeing them." Frodo informed his friend.

Looking into Frodo's eyes, Sam could see the blueness of the sky reflected there. Knowing that Frodo wouldn't be able to venture outside to see what the weather was like, Sam drew back the curtains to let light into the room. Frodo smiled his appreciation to his friend.

Both hobbits were amazed to find that they could still find anything to talk to about. It seemed like that was all they had been doing since Frodo had arrived back at Bag End. Yet, still they found stories to exchange and ways to make each other laugh.

Sam loved to talk about the many years Frodo had missed. The years in which his children had grown up, and Frodo enjoyed listening. He had really missed Sam but after hearing his many tales, he felt as though he had always been there with him.

To Sam it felt as though the part of him that had been missing all those years had finally returned, and now someone was threatening to take it away again and this time there was nothing he could do to stop it happening. He knew that once Frodo left him this time, he would never see him again.

*~*~*~*~*

Sam was now running out of ways to keep Frodo entertained in the few hours he was awake each day. He replaced the jar of flowers in Frodo's room every morning an they spent hours talking about the flowers Sam loved.

It was late one afternoon when Sam and Frodo were discussing a very bright red flower when there came a knock at the door. Sam, wondering who it could be, hurriedly went to answer it. Standing at the door was Merry and Pippin.

"Hello, Sam." Pippin greeted him.

"What are you doing here?" Sam asked him, a little surprised. "I mean, it's not that I'm not pleased to see, but you don't usually come without telling me first. Not that I'm complaining or anything...oh, please come in."

"We came to see Frodo again." Merry told him. "Sorry for not letting you know first."

"It's quiet alright Merry." Sam smiled. "Come and join us. Frodo should still be awake."

Merry and Pippin followed Sam into Frodo's room and Sam delighted in seeing the smile spread across his friend face when he saw that he has visitors.

"Hello, Merry, Pippin." Frodo smiled. "It's lovely to see you."

"You look terrible." Pippin told him in answer.

"Pippin." Merry nudged him before laughing. "You never were very subtle were you?"

The four hobbits spent a very enjoyable afternoon laughing and joking as they had done the first time Merry and Pippin had called around. Sam loved seeing Frodo happy for a short time at least and noticed how he seemed to be looking much better, if a little tired, by the time Merry and Pippin decided to leave.

"I think it's time we should be heading home." Merry told them all standing up. Pippin agreed and after hugging goodbye to Frodo they left the room with Sam.

Once outside the room Merry and Pippin turned to look at Sam. Pippin had tears in his eyes.

"What's the matter Pippin?" Sam asked.

"We're never going to see Frodo again are we?" He whispered. "We know how ill he is despite you trying to hide it from us Sam."

"I'm not doing a very good job of that am I." Sam bowed his head.

"Sam you are doing a wonderful job." Merry assured him. "We want you to know we are always here for you but we know Frodo wants to spend his last few days with you and we don't want to be in the way."

Merry had spoken of how they were they all feeling. Sam knew deep down that these were going to be Frodo's last few days and he also knew that today would be the last day that all four friend were going to all be together.

*~*~*~*~*

MichelleFrodo: I know what's been happening to all my reviews! Someone's been stealing them. And I know just who it is. It's that pesky lost penguin again. I just can't get rid of him. I'll have to have words and tell him he just can't keep running off with my reviews otherwise all those poor people out there won't get replies. Anyway, thanks for the review and I'll tell Pingu you're very unhappy with him.

Anastasia who: Aww. I am so glad you like this story. I was a little worried that everyone would hate it because I changed quite a few Middle earth rules to write it. Thank you for reassuring me that it is isn't that bad. And only two more chapters left now!

Tulip Proudfoot: Aww. I actually made you cry! That has to mean that I have at least done an alright job in writing this story. Thank you for reviewing and being supportive while I got there.

Breon Briarwood: Yes the end is very near now. Two more chapters after this and then it's all over. I will be so sad to see this story finish. Thank you for reviewing for me though.

nicólina : I'm glad you just stumbled across this story. It's nice to catch a few people by surprise sometimes and then find out that they actually like it. Thank you for reviewing and the end is very near now. Two more chapters!

ArionHalf-Blood : Aww. That was such a nice review. I am glad you like the story so far so much. It really made me smile to read how much you'd thought about what I'd wrote and how it made you feel. Thank you.

Thank you all soooooo much for reviewing so far. Not long to go now!