I apologize if you keep getting this chapter! For some reason, when I
uploaded the revised version of this chapter, the original one showed up! I
hope this works right this time! Argh!
Sorry for the delay in the update! This weekend has been very busy! But here it is and hopefully you all will enjoy it. I posted this last night, but took it off this morning to make a few minor changes. So, if you read it already, sorry!
Thanks so much for all the wonderful reviews!
FrodoBaggins87: Well, I hope this is dramatic enough! I also hope this explains where Frodo was really coming from in his conversation with Gandalf. I took your advice and but in another line of ***! I hope that makes the story a little clearer! Thanks!
Gamgeefest: Well, Uzelle isn't in this chapter, but we're not entirely done with her yet! LOL! She really has done a number on poor Sam's self esteem!
Althea: Well, there is lots more to come (maybe too much)! He certainly is having a rough time (but if he wasn't it wouldn't be my story!).
Brownwyn: Maybe we can get poor Sam some prozac! That might help!
Laurajslr: Well, I figured it would take a lot to make Sam leave. He's not given to taking off on a whim, so I figured he needed a big push!
Szhismine: Hey! You OK!? Wake up! Here's the next chapter!
Sam: Well, poor Sam was in a rather fragile state of mind when he overheard Frodo. He was already feeling pretty low. Poor guy!
Lotr_and_potc: Thanks for reading and reviewing (I am also a huge fan of POTC)!
Crimson-dawn 123: Thank you so much for your kind words! I am always thrilled to hear someone has enjoyed reading my stories! I truly appreciate the reviews! I hope you will continue to read!
Saiyan: Thank you for your review! I'm so pleased you enjoy the story (and the cliff hanger! LOL!). I hope you continue to enjoy this one!
Chapter 4 Into the Void
In his bed, safe in his chamber, Frodo shook his head and sighed. "I honestly thought I could save Smeagol," he continued sadly looking up at Gandalf sitting quietly by. "Yes, he betrayed me more than once and Sam despised him, with good reason, but in the end, he saved us all. I couldn't destroy the Ring. It had completely taken me over by then. If Gollum hadn't taken it from me, all would have been lost." He absently played with the bandages still covering his left hand, replaying those last moments in Sammath Naur in his head. "Sam saved me then," he said distantly then gave a small laugh. "He rescued me more times than I can count!" He turned to the wizard beside him. "The best thing you ever did Gandalf, was to send Samwise Gamgee to watch out for me!" Frodo looked away again, gave a small sigh and closed his eyes. "In my mind, I think I will always hear Gollum's weaseling voice and see his horrid, leering face. He'll never truly leave me alone"
Gandalf smiled fondly at the Hobbit. "You have suffered through the most difficult journey of all, Frodo. But, I think in time, even Gollum will leave you in peace." He laid his hand gently on Frodo's arm. He turned suddenly as he felt a cold draft coming from the adjacent room. Standing, the puzzled wizard picked up a candle from the bedside and walked over to the door of the adjoining room. Quietly he stepped in and made his way over to Sam's bed. It was oddly silent in the room.
Frowning, Gandalf stared at the empty bed. Quickly looking around the room for any sign of the missing Hobbit, he noticed the open window. Gandalf immediately realized Sam must have gone out that way. The question was, why?
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Sam had no idea how long he stood there at the end of the causeway staring into the void below. The drizzle had turned into a torrent now. He was mesmerized by the lines of rain as they traced their downward paths, disappearing into the gloom below. Following them would be so easy, he though distantly. So easy. "Sam?" Sam blinked. A vaguely familiar voice called his name again, a bit more insistently. "Sam!" Startled, Sam whirled around and in surprise, spied an elf perhaps twenty feet away. Sam stared at him, then stepping backwards, he lost his balance as his feet slipped on the slick stones. With a gasp, he felt the brittle stone beneath his feet give way and without a word, he disappeared over the edge. "Sam!" he heard the voice cry again, only now it was full of fear. It was the last sound he heard.
Silence enveloped him and it was if everything around Sam had frozen in time. He could feel himself falling backwards into the void, with nothing to stop him. Sam realized what was happening as he felt the cool, moist air rush around him, yet he felt oddly detached, as if this had been inevitable and there was nothing he could do to stop it. He closed his eyes and surrendered to his fate. Then, an unexpected flash of sharp pain exploded in his side and he dimly realized he was no longer falling. Things were no longer peaceful and silent. The rain was drenching him in unbridled torrents now and he felt so cold. Thunder rumbled in the distance and again, he heard someone calling his name.
Sam reluctantly opened his eyes and realized he had landed on a sharp outcrop of rock that protruded no more than a few feet from the sheer face of the cliff. However, the outcrop slanted dangerously to the side and he could feel himself starting to slide. Desperately, his fingers scrabbled for any purchase but it wasn't until his shirt caught on a rocky protuberance that his decent was halted. Panting, he moved gingerly and gasped at the pain in his ribs. Sam, fearing he would slip further from his precarious perch, remained as still as possible, not even daring to signal the person above he was alive. "Samwise Gamgee," he muttered angrily to himself, "You've gotten yourself into a real pickle this time and that's a fact!" However, that small, insidious voice inside him again asked what difference would it make if he did continue to fall? Wouldn't that solve everything? But the lassitude that had enveloped Sam earlier was gone. His instinctive desire to survive had taken over and now that he was in mortal peril, he had no wish to fall any further.
Legolas had spotted the small figure standing at the far end of the causeway and as he approached, was surprised to discover it was Sam. Why was the hobbit standing alone in the night, in the pouring rain, at the edge of a cliff? It made no sense! The elf hurried forward and called Sam's name. In horror, he watched helplessly as the startled hobbit whirled around, then stepping backwards, disappeared over the edge of the precipice. "Sam!" he cried in horror, sprinting to the cliff's edge. He skidded to a halt and peered into the abyss. "Sam!" he cried again even more frantically, trying to spot the fallen hobbit. How could this have happened!? Then, he saw him – a small figure precariously perched on a small outcropping of rock perhaps twenty feet below. Could he still be alive? Legolas could detect no movement, but alive or dead, he knew he must act quickly. Sam could easily slip from his treacherous position and Legolas was certain that if the hobbit wasn't dead now, falling further would certainly be the end of him. He had to hope Sam was still alive.
"Sam!" he called again, hoping the hobbit could hear him. "Hold on! I will return soon!" Legolas wheeled around and loped back towards the hall. He needed to find rope and some help if he were to rescue Samwise.
He returned a short time later with Gimli hurrying at his heels. "Are you sure he's not dead?" the dwarf asked gruffly as he spied Sam below.
Legolas shook his head as he tied the rope around the leg of a heavy stone bench. "It does not matter," he replied tying the other end around his waist. "I must retrieve him!" Gimli nodded, wiping the rain from his face. He then took firm hold on the rope and carefully lowered the elf down the face of the cliff. At the prearranged signal, the burly dwarf would pull them up.
Legolas soon made his way to Sam's position. He looked vainly for a secure place to set his feet. "Sam?" he cried against the roar of the heavy rain, "Can you hear me?" Legolas felt a great rush of relief when he saw Sam's head briefly nod. The elf studied their position. He was still a little ways above Sam. There was nowhere on the outcropping he felt was safe enough for him to stand. The outcrop slanted so much, that he wasn't sure what was keeping Sam from sliding off. This worried him greatly. The incessant rain made everything so slippery and he feared any sudden movement could prove disastrous. He signaled Gimli to lower him a little further until he was almost even with Sam, then he nimbly pushed himself so that he swung away to the side closest to Sam's head. He decided he would simply grab hold of Sam's shirt and pull him off the precipice. Once the hobbit was safely in Legolas' arms, Gimli could haul them to safety.
Sam's eyes were tightly closed. He hated heights and he knew if he looked down from where he was, panic would overcome him. His breathing came in short, pain-filled gasps and he was shaking uncontrollably now. He gave a small whimper when he felt the button on his shirt give way and he slid a few inches further until the last button caught. When that one was gone, there would be nothing to keep him from sliding off. He dug his fingers into the edge of the outcrop, but the fragile stone practically disintegrated under the least pressure. It would never hold him. In fact, the entire outcrop felt very unstable. He had all but decided his situation was hopeless when he heard a voice call out to him, "Sam? Can you hear me?" It was Legolas! Sam gave a small nod to indicate that he had heard the elf, then gave a small sigh of relief. That was all it took.
The last button on Sam's shirt snapped off and Sam felt himself sliding uncontrollably off the outcrop. He looked up and through the torrent, spied Legolas' swinging towards him, reaching out and just as Sam felt his body leave the relative security of the stone, the elf snagged the collar of Sam's shirt, halting his descent. "Hold on, Sam!" he heard Legolas cry. Then, with one powerful motion, Legolas was able to pull Sam up to him and enfolded the hobbit tightly in his embrace. Sam grabbed him tightly around the neck, now shaking violently. Legolas gave the signal, and slowly, the two rose to the top of the cliff.
Gimli gave a sigh of relief as Legolas and Sam scrambled over the edge of the cliff and onto firm ground. He hurried over as Legolas lay Sam onto the grass. "Is he alright?" demanded Gimli kneeling by the hobbit's side.
"I...I'm fine!' coughed Sam weakly but immediately gasped in pain at the sharp pain in his ribs. Legolas and Gimli exchanged worried glances.
"Well, laddie," grunted Gimli, "I dinna know what you were doin' out here, but 'tis high time we got you out of the rain and somewhere warm and dry. I suspect you might have done a wee bit o' damage to those ribs of yours!"
Wincing at the pain and still shivering violently, Sam slowly sat up. He felt so stupid and his face was now burning with embarrassment. What must they think of him, standing out here in the pouring rain? And then to go and fall of the cliff! He buried his aching head in his hands. This was undoubtedly the very worst day of his life.
Legolas removed his Lothlorien cloak and carefully draped it about Sam's shivering shoulders. "You should not be out here, Sam" scolded Legolas shaking his head. "Come, let us return to your chamber." Legolas gently lifted Sam and carried him away from the dangerous ledge and towards the palace. With a worried glance towards the precipice, the Elf continued to speak to the silent Hobbit, hoping to get some response, but Sam remained mute. Legolas carried Sam through a pair of large doors and down a plain stone corridor. Gimli followed, wringing the water out of his bristling beard. As they came near the end, they could hear raised voices wafting from an open door. Light poured through the open doorway, inviting them in.
"Where could he be?" Legolas heard Frodo's voice rising in growing alarm. "Why would he run off?" Legolas looked down at Sam. He could feel the Hobbit still shivering uncontrollably, his face hidden by the hood of Legolas' cloak.
"Is this who you are looking for?" asked Legolas loudly. Frodo was standing in the doorway between the two rooms, red spots of excitement on his pale cheeks. Gandalf stood beside him. They both looked up as the Elf stepped into the room, a pale, shivering Sam firmly held in his grasp and Gimli just behind.
"Sam!" cried Frodo in both fear and relief, moving towards his friend. "Where have you been? Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Mr. Frodo," Sam mumbled, refusing to meet anyone's eyes. He looked fixedly at his hands. Gandalf glanced over at Legolas. The elf's troubled face sent a cold chill down the wizard's spine.
"I believe Sam may have injured some ribs in a fall," said Legolas simply. Gandalf's eyes narrowed, then nodding turned and led Legolas into the adjacent room. Legolas gently laid Sam on the bed, wincing slightly at Sam's sharp cries of pain. He and Gandalf stripped the hobbit out of his sodden clothing while Gimli brought in towels and more warm blankets. Frodo hovered worriedly nearby.
"Well," said Gandalf after carefully examining Sam's ribs, "I think you may have broken a few and cracked a few others. The rest are badly bruised. You will be more than a bit sore for the next few weeks, Master Gamgee!" Sam was shaking so badly that Gandalf decided that any questions would keep til morning.
"Frodo," said Gandalf quietly, keeping his eyes on Sam, "Will you please bring Sam some hot tea. We need to get this silly halfling warmed up." Frodo nodded slowly, returning a few moments later with a steaming cup. Gandalf took it from him and added a few drops from a vial he produced from the folds of his robes. "This should make him more comfortable and help him sleep. Make sure he drinks it all!" Frodo nodded again and sat down next to his friend. He was very confused!
Gandalf led the elf and dwarf into the next room, then turned to Legolas. "What happened? Where did you find him?"
Legolas fingered with his wet cloak absently. "I saw him standing on the very edge of the precipice overlooking the Pelennor Fields," he said quietly. "I called his name and saw him turn suddenly and then..." he hesitated, glancing over towards Gimli, "It looked to me as if he purposefully stepped off the cliff."
Gandalf just stared at him, his brow furrowed in concern. "Stepped off the cliff?" he repeated in shocked disbelief. "On purpose? Whatever gave you that idea?"
Legolas sighed. "He was but a pace or two from the edge. When I first approached him, I called him by name. He did not respond, but stood as one mesmerized, staring down at the drop. When I looked upon his face, I felt my heart grow cold. A bleaker expression I cannot recall. Sam looked as if every loved one he had ever known had been ripped from him. It was a look of utter despair! I called him several more times before he finally looked at me. I am not certain he even realized who I was at first. Then, he stepped backwards over the edge. If he had not miraculously landed on a small outcrop, he would most certainly be dead."
Gandalf slowly sat down, shaking his head. "What did he say?" he finally asked, looking up at the elf. "Did he say why he was there?"
Legolas shook his head. "No." he replied grimly, "He barely said a word." He stood silent for a moment, then spoke again. "Gandalf, I truly believe that he intended to step off that cliff. I do not believe it was an accident."
Gandalf ran his fingers through his snow white hair. This made absolutely no sense at all! Hobbits were not known to commit suicide. That just wasn't their way. Besides, what on earth would drive Sam to such a drastic act? He and Frodo had both returned from Mordor alive. Merry and Pippin were well, as were the remaining members of the Fellowship. Gandalf was at a loss as to why Sam would even consider such a drastic act. Perhaps he was still in shock from his experiences in Mordor. Somehow that made the most sense. He would have a private talk with Sam as soon as he got the chance.
**************************************************
After Sam was securely tucked into bed and had finished his tea, Frodo stood before him, hands on hips. "Whatever did you think you were doing, Samwise Gamgee?" he demanded angrily. "What happened? Why did you crawl out of the window like a common thief? "
Sam couldn't bear to look at his master. His thoughts were so confused and the pain from his ribs clouded them further. However, he certainly didn't want Frodo to know that he had overheard his and Gandalf's conversation. He thought fast. "I.. I don't rightly know what I was thinking, Mr. Frodo," he mumbled through chattering teeth. "I guess I was having some kind of dream. I don't even remember climbing out that window.'
Frodo stared at him with a worried frown he wasn't sure he entirely believed Sam's story. Frodo would ask Legolas about what happened later. Right now, Sam just needed rest. "How do you feel now?" he asked more gently.
"Oh, I'm fine now!" Sam hastily assured him trying not to wince. "It was naught but a bit of sleep walking. Probably from too much rich food and all! My ribs hardly hurt at all!" Frodo nodded slowly, but was not entirely convinced. He was certain that all was not right with his friend.
Sorry for the delay in the update! This weekend has been very busy! But here it is and hopefully you all will enjoy it. I posted this last night, but took it off this morning to make a few minor changes. So, if you read it already, sorry!
Thanks so much for all the wonderful reviews!
FrodoBaggins87: Well, I hope this is dramatic enough! I also hope this explains where Frodo was really coming from in his conversation with Gandalf. I took your advice and but in another line of ***! I hope that makes the story a little clearer! Thanks!
Gamgeefest: Well, Uzelle isn't in this chapter, but we're not entirely done with her yet! LOL! She really has done a number on poor Sam's self esteem!
Althea: Well, there is lots more to come (maybe too much)! He certainly is having a rough time (but if he wasn't it wouldn't be my story!).
Brownwyn: Maybe we can get poor Sam some prozac! That might help!
Laurajslr: Well, I figured it would take a lot to make Sam leave. He's not given to taking off on a whim, so I figured he needed a big push!
Szhismine: Hey! You OK!? Wake up! Here's the next chapter!
Sam: Well, poor Sam was in a rather fragile state of mind when he overheard Frodo. He was already feeling pretty low. Poor guy!
Lotr_and_potc: Thanks for reading and reviewing (I am also a huge fan of POTC)!
Crimson-dawn 123: Thank you so much for your kind words! I am always thrilled to hear someone has enjoyed reading my stories! I truly appreciate the reviews! I hope you will continue to read!
Saiyan: Thank you for your review! I'm so pleased you enjoy the story (and the cliff hanger! LOL!). I hope you continue to enjoy this one!
Chapter 4 Into the Void
In his bed, safe in his chamber, Frodo shook his head and sighed. "I honestly thought I could save Smeagol," he continued sadly looking up at Gandalf sitting quietly by. "Yes, he betrayed me more than once and Sam despised him, with good reason, but in the end, he saved us all. I couldn't destroy the Ring. It had completely taken me over by then. If Gollum hadn't taken it from me, all would have been lost." He absently played with the bandages still covering his left hand, replaying those last moments in Sammath Naur in his head. "Sam saved me then," he said distantly then gave a small laugh. "He rescued me more times than I can count!" He turned to the wizard beside him. "The best thing you ever did Gandalf, was to send Samwise Gamgee to watch out for me!" Frodo looked away again, gave a small sigh and closed his eyes. "In my mind, I think I will always hear Gollum's weaseling voice and see his horrid, leering face. He'll never truly leave me alone"
Gandalf smiled fondly at the Hobbit. "You have suffered through the most difficult journey of all, Frodo. But, I think in time, even Gollum will leave you in peace." He laid his hand gently on Frodo's arm. He turned suddenly as he felt a cold draft coming from the adjacent room. Standing, the puzzled wizard picked up a candle from the bedside and walked over to the door of the adjoining room. Quietly he stepped in and made his way over to Sam's bed. It was oddly silent in the room.
Frowning, Gandalf stared at the empty bed. Quickly looking around the room for any sign of the missing Hobbit, he noticed the open window. Gandalf immediately realized Sam must have gone out that way. The question was, why?
*************************************************
Sam had no idea how long he stood there at the end of the causeway staring into the void below. The drizzle had turned into a torrent now. He was mesmerized by the lines of rain as they traced their downward paths, disappearing into the gloom below. Following them would be so easy, he though distantly. So easy. "Sam?" Sam blinked. A vaguely familiar voice called his name again, a bit more insistently. "Sam!" Startled, Sam whirled around and in surprise, spied an elf perhaps twenty feet away. Sam stared at him, then stepping backwards, he lost his balance as his feet slipped on the slick stones. With a gasp, he felt the brittle stone beneath his feet give way and without a word, he disappeared over the edge. "Sam!" he heard the voice cry again, only now it was full of fear. It was the last sound he heard.
Silence enveloped him and it was if everything around Sam had frozen in time. He could feel himself falling backwards into the void, with nothing to stop him. Sam realized what was happening as he felt the cool, moist air rush around him, yet he felt oddly detached, as if this had been inevitable and there was nothing he could do to stop it. He closed his eyes and surrendered to his fate. Then, an unexpected flash of sharp pain exploded in his side and he dimly realized he was no longer falling. Things were no longer peaceful and silent. The rain was drenching him in unbridled torrents now and he felt so cold. Thunder rumbled in the distance and again, he heard someone calling his name.
Sam reluctantly opened his eyes and realized he had landed on a sharp outcrop of rock that protruded no more than a few feet from the sheer face of the cliff. However, the outcrop slanted dangerously to the side and he could feel himself starting to slide. Desperately, his fingers scrabbled for any purchase but it wasn't until his shirt caught on a rocky protuberance that his decent was halted. Panting, he moved gingerly and gasped at the pain in his ribs. Sam, fearing he would slip further from his precarious perch, remained as still as possible, not even daring to signal the person above he was alive. "Samwise Gamgee," he muttered angrily to himself, "You've gotten yourself into a real pickle this time and that's a fact!" However, that small, insidious voice inside him again asked what difference would it make if he did continue to fall? Wouldn't that solve everything? But the lassitude that had enveloped Sam earlier was gone. His instinctive desire to survive had taken over and now that he was in mortal peril, he had no wish to fall any further.
Legolas had spotted the small figure standing at the far end of the causeway and as he approached, was surprised to discover it was Sam. Why was the hobbit standing alone in the night, in the pouring rain, at the edge of a cliff? It made no sense! The elf hurried forward and called Sam's name. In horror, he watched helplessly as the startled hobbit whirled around, then stepping backwards, disappeared over the edge of the precipice. "Sam!" he cried in horror, sprinting to the cliff's edge. He skidded to a halt and peered into the abyss. "Sam!" he cried again even more frantically, trying to spot the fallen hobbit. How could this have happened!? Then, he saw him – a small figure precariously perched on a small outcropping of rock perhaps twenty feet below. Could he still be alive? Legolas could detect no movement, but alive or dead, he knew he must act quickly. Sam could easily slip from his treacherous position and Legolas was certain that if the hobbit wasn't dead now, falling further would certainly be the end of him. He had to hope Sam was still alive.
"Sam!" he called again, hoping the hobbit could hear him. "Hold on! I will return soon!" Legolas wheeled around and loped back towards the hall. He needed to find rope and some help if he were to rescue Samwise.
He returned a short time later with Gimli hurrying at his heels. "Are you sure he's not dead?" the dwarf asked gruffly as he spied Sam below.
Legolas shook his head as he tied the rope around the leg of a heavy stone bench. "It does not matter," he replied tying the other end around his waist. "I must retrieve him!" Gimli nodded, wiping the rain from his face. He then took firm hold on the rope and carefully lowered the elf down the face of the cliff. At the prearranged signal, the burly dwarf would pull them up.
Legolas soon made his way to Sam's position. He looked vainly for a secure place to set his feet. "Sam?" he cried against the roar of the heavy rain, "Can you hear me?" Legolas felt a great rush of relief when he saw Sam's head briefly nod. The elf studied their position. He was still a little ways above Sam. There was nowhere on the outcropping he felt was safe enough for him to stand. The outcrop slanted so much, that he wasn't sure what was keeping Sam from sliding off. This worried him greatly. The incessant rain made everything so slippery and he feared any sudden movement could prove disastrous. He signaled Gimli to lower him a little further until he was almost even with Sam, then he nimbly pushed himself so that he swung away to the side closest to Sam's head. He decided he would simply grab hold of Sam's shirt and pull him off the precipice. Once the hobbit was safely in Legolas' arms, Gimli could haul them to safety.
Sam's eyes were tightly closed. He hated heights and he knew if he looked down from where he was, panic would overcome him. His breathing came in short, pain-filled gasps and he was shaking uncontrollably now. He gave a small whimper when he felt the button on his shirt give way and he slid a few inches further until the last button caught. When that one was gone, there would be nothing to keep him from sliding off. He dug his fingers into the edge of the outcrop, but the fragile stone practically disintegrated under the least pressure. It would never hold him. In fact, the entire outcrop felt very unstable. He had all but decided his situation was hopeless when he heard a voice call out to him, "Sam? Can you hear me?" It was Legolas! Sam gave a small nod to indicate that he had heard the elf, then gave a small sigh of relief. That was all it took.
The last button on Sam's shirt snapped off and Sam felt himself sliding uncontrollably off the outcrop. He looked up and through the torrent, spied Legolas' swinging towards him, reaching out and just as Sam felt his body leave the relative security of the stone, the elf snagged the collar of Sam's shirt, halting his descent. "Hold on, Sam!" he heard Legolas cry. Then, with one powerful motion, Legolas was able to pull Sam up to him and enfolded the hobbit tightly in his embrace. Sam grabbed him tightly around the neck, now shaking violently. Legolas gave the signal, and slowly, the two rose to the top of the cliff.
Gimli gave a sigh of relief as Legolas and Sam scrambled over the edge of the cliff and onto firm ground. He hurried over as Legolas lay Sam onto the grass. "Is he alright?" demanded Gimli kneeling by the hobbit's side.
"I...I'm fine!' coughed Sam weakly but immediately gasped in pain at the sharp pain in his ribs. Legolas and Gimli exchanged worried glances.
"Well, laddie," grunted Gimli, "I dinna know what you were doin' out here, but 'tis high time we got you out of the rain and somewhere warm and dry. I suspect you might have done a wee bit o' damage to those ribs of yours!"
Wincing at the pain and still shivering violently, Sam slowly sat up. He felt so stupid and his face was now burning with embarrassment. What must they think of him, standing out here in the pouring rain? And then to go and fall of the cliff! He buried his aching head in his hands. This was undoubtedly the very worst day of his life.
Legolas removed his Lothlorien cloak and carefully draped it about Sam's shivering shoulders. "You should not be out here, Sam" scolded Legolas shaking his head. "Come, let us return to your chamber." Legolas gently lifted Sam and carried him away from the dangerous ledge and towards the palace. With a worried glance towards the precipice, the Elf continued to speak to the silent Hobbit, hoping to get some response, but Sam remained mute. Legolas carried Sam through a pair of large doors and down a plain stone corridor. Gimli followed, wringing the water out of his bristling beard. As they came near the end, they could hear raised voices wafting from an open door. Light poured through the open doorway, inviting them in.
"Where could he be?" Legolas heard Frodo's voice rising in growing alarm. "Why would he run off?" Legolas looked down at Sam. He could feel the Hobbit still shivering uncontrollably, his face hidden by the hood of Legolas' cloak.
"Is this who you are looking for?" asked Legolas loudly. Frodo was standing in the doorway between the two rooms, red spots of excitement on his pale cheeks. Gandalf stood beside him. They both looked up as the Elf stepped into the room, a pale, shivering Sam firmly held in his grasp and Gimli just behind.
"Sam!" cried Frodo in both fear and relief, moving towards his friend. "Where have you been? Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Mr. Frodo," Sam mumbled, refusing to meet anyone's eyes. He looked fixedly at his hands. Gandalf glanced over at Legolas. The elf's troubled face sent a cold chill down the wizard's spine.
"I believe Sam may have injured some ribs in a fall," said Legolas simply. Gandalf's eyes narrowed, then nodding turned and led Legolas into the adjacent room. Legolas gently laid Sam on the bed, wincing slightly at Sam's sharp cries of pain. He and Gandalf stripped the hobbit out of his sodden clothing while Gimli brought in towels and more warm blankets. Frodo hovered worriedly nearby.
"Well," said Gandalf after carefully examining Sam's ribs, "I think you may have broken a few and cracked a few others. The rest are badly bruised. You will be more than a bit sore for the next few weeks, Master Gamgee!" Sam was shaking so badly that Gandalf decided that any questions would keep til morning.
"Frodo," said Gandalf quietly, keeping his eyes on Sam, "Will you please bring Sam some hot tea. We need to get this silly halfling warmed up." Frodo nodded slowly, returning a few moments later with a steaming cup. Gandalf took it from him and added a few drops from a vial he produced from the folds of his robes. "This should make him more comfortable and help him sleep. Make sure he drinks it all!" Frodo nodded again and sat down next to his friend. He was very confused!
Gandalf led the elf and dwarf into the next room, then turned to Legolas. "What happened? Where did you find him?"
Legolas fingered with his wet cloak absently. "I saw him standing on the very edge of the precipice overlooking the Pelennor Fields," he said quietly. "I called his name and saw him turn suddenly and then..." he hesitated, glancing over towards Gimli, "It looked to me as if he purposefully stepped off the cliff."
Gandalf just stared at him, his brow furrowed in concern. "Stepped off the cliff?" he repeated in shocked disbelief. "On purpose? Whatever gave you that idea?"
Legolas sighed. "He was but a pace or two from the edge. When I first approached him, I called him by name. He did not respond, but stood as one mesmerized, staring down at the drop. When I looked upon his face, I felt my heart grow cold. A bleaker expression I cannot recall. Sam looked as if every loved one he had ever known had been ripped from him. It was a look of utter despair! I called him several more times before he finally looked at me. I am not certain he even realized who I was at first. Then, he stepped backwards over the edge. If he had not miraculously landed on a small outcrop, he would most certainly be dead."
Gandalf slowly sat down, shaking his head. "What did he say?" he finally asked, looking up at the elf. "Did he say why he was there?"
Legolas shook his head. "No." he replied grimly, "He barely said a word." He stood silent for a moment, then spoke again. "Gandalf, I truly believe that he intended to step off that cliff. I do not believe it was an accident."
Gandalf ran his fingers through his snow white hair. This made absolutely no sense at all! Hobbits were not known to commit suicide. That just wasn't their way. Besides, what on earth would drive Sam to such a drastic act? He and Frodo had both returned from Mordor alive. Merry and Pippin were well, as were the remaining members of the Fellowship. Gandalf was at a loss as to why Sam would even consider such a drastic act. Perhaps he was still in shock from his experiences in Mordor. Somehow that made the most sense. He would have a private talk with Sam as soon as he got the chance.
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After Sam was securely tucked into bed and had finished his tea, Frodo stood before him, hands on hips. "Whatever did you think you were doing, Samwise Gamgee?" he demanded angrily. "What happened? Why did you crawl out of the window like a common thief? "
Sam couldn't bear to look at his master. His thoughts were so confused and the pain from his ribs clouded them further. However, he certainly didn't want Frodo to know that he had overheard his and Gandalf's conversation. He thought fast. "I.. I don't rightly know what I was thinking, Mr. Frodo," he mumbled through chattering teeth. "I guess I was having some kind of dream. I don't even remember climbing out that window.'
Frodo stared at him with a worried frown he wasn't sure he entirely believed Sam's story. Frodo would ask Legolas about what happened later. Right now, Sam just needed rest. "How do you feel now?" he asked more gently.
"Oh, I'm fine now!" Sam hastily assured him trying not to wince. "It was naught but a bit of sleep walking. Probably from too much rich food and all! My ribs hardly hurt at all!" Frodo nodded slowly, but was not entirely convinced. He was certain that all was not right with his friend.