Well, Sam's misery marches on. Here is the next installment in his unhappy
life!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review!
FrodoBaggins87: Here, take this Kleenex! I hope it helps!
Laurajslr: Thanks for reviewing! I like some good angst myself and I swear, this story is just dripping with it!
Merry lad: Thanks for the kind words and encouragement! This story still has a ways to go. I hope you continue to read and enjoy it!
Vana E: I guess I'm just a Sam fan myself. I have read a few Legolas stories, but my heart belongs to Samwise! I might consider putting this one on your site after it's all done. Thanks for the invititation!
Bronwyn: Yeah, Sam is building a pretty big wall around himself! As for his departure, it won't be long now!
Rabidsamfan: Yes, there is light at the end of the tunnel (I think!).
Sam: I felt Sam needed a little something to soothe his aching spirit and a small garden seemed like the best thing!
Lotc_and _potc-rule: Thanks again for reviewing my story! I hope you continue to like as it meanders along!
Frodo16424: Thanks for reviewing! What fun would this story be if Sam didn't have lots of pain to work through! That's what makes angst so much fun (if angst can be called fun!)
Crimson_dawn123: Thank you for your wonderful and encouraging review! I decided when I first tried writing a fanfic that I would not post a story unless I knew I could finish it. I have started reading so many wonderful stories that just disappeared and I vowed not to do that! I have been doing a lot of revising with this story (a lot of it was already written, but since I wrote it some time ago, I've wanted to change things as we've gone along). Anyway, I hope I can maintain the level you've enjoyed so far (and hope I don't make too many gaffes by forgetting to coordinate changes in later chapters!)!
Gamgeefest: Sam does know something is very wrong and is extremely dubious of Sam's "sleep walking" story. He just doesn't know what to do about it since Sam refuses to talk.
Chapter 6 The Coronation Ball
It was dark by the time Sam made his way back to the uppermost level of the city. He was puzzled by all the frantic activity that seemed to be going on. People were bustling everywhere. He had noticed similar activity farther down in the lower levels as well, but he remained out of view by keeping to shadows. No one seemed to notice him as he quietly crept along. Now that he was near his room, he was forced to step out into the open in order to reach the building's entryway. Almost immediately, someone grabbed his arm and cried, "There you are!"
Confused and panicked, Sam struggled to get out of the man's grasp, but the man's grip was like iron. Sam craned his head around trying to get a view of his captor and was surprised to see it was one of Lord Faramir's rangers. "Calm down!" the man said soothingly, "I'm not going to hurt you! Everyone has been searching for you all day!" Sam immediately stopped his struggles and gaped at the man. It had never occurred to him that anyone would be looking for him! The man studied him carefully. "Are you injured?" he asked turning Sam around to face him.
"N..No!" stuttered Sam absently. Why did it not occur to him that being gone all day would stir things up? Now he'd be lucky to ever get any time alone! "I'm fine! I..I just fell asleep, is all." The man stared at him a moment longer, then satisfied Sam wasn't bleeding from some hidden wound, or nursing a broken limb he released the hobbit and stood back.
"Everyone has been worried sick about you, Master Gamgee," the man scolded. "Your master, Frodo, has turned the palace inside out looking for you! Mithrandir and Lord Elessar have spared no effort in the search. Come, let us go find them now and put everyone's mind to rest!"
Head hanging like a naughty schoolboy, Sam reluctantly followed the man into the palace. The man called out to other searchers that he had found the missing hobbit and they all seemed greatly relieved. "Probably just want to get to their dinners," thought Sam morosely, avoiding everyone's eyes. Soon, they reached his and Frodo's quarters. As luck would have it, Frodo and the others had just joined up again after spending the day in fruitless searching.
"Sam!" cried Frodo in relief. "Are you all right!? Where have you been? We have all been so worried about you!" A sense of déjà vu settled over Sam as he remembered a similar reunion just days ago. Why did they all have to treat him like a child? Wasn't he allowed to go off by himself? Unexpected anger began to bubble up from deep within him. The stress and anguish that had absorbed him for so long threatened to erupt. He had had enough. His head snapped up and he glared at Frodo.
"I am fine, Mr. Frodo," he snapped through clenched teeth. "I just went for a walk and fell asleep in a garden. Alright? I didn't run away! I didn't fling myself off some cliff. I ...went...for...a...walk. I think I'm old enough to take care of myself for a few hours. I managed to get you through all of Mordor alive, after all!" He then flung off the man's hand from his shoulder. "I certainly don't think you need to send soldiers out after me! I'm not a criminal nor do I need a babysitter! All I wanted was some time alone! Good night!" The others stared at him in open-mouthed shock. This was so unlike the gentle, good-natured Sam! Sam glared at them all for a few moments more, then spinning on his heel stalked into his bedroom and slammed the door. It was followed by a deafening silence.
Merry turned to Frodo, his eyes wide, "You are right," he said quietly, "Something is definitely wrong with Sam. That's not like him at all!"
"I know!" groaned Frodo collapsing into a nearby chair. "But he won't tell me what is troubling him! In fact, he hardly looks at me anymore, as if the very sight of me pains him!" Frodo buried his face in his hands as a chilling thought came to him: Maybe Sam couldn't bear to be around him after what happened in Orodruin. Maybe the sight of Frodo in the Ring's thrall had truly destroyed Sam's love for him! Could that be the root of Sam's anguish? Frodo was devastated by the thought.
A warm hand gently clasped Frodo's should. Frodo looked up, tears blurring his vision. Gandalf smiled down at him. "Frodo," he said fervently, "This not your doing. Yes, something is obviously hurting Sam, but his love for you is as strong as ever. I can see it in his eyes. Do not blame yourself for this!"
Frodo sighed, but responded with a tight smile. "I do not know what to think anymore, Gandalf. Sam has just been so different lately. I wish he would open up to me and allow me to help!" He sat silently for a few moments then said very softly. "I couldn't bear to lose him."
In the days leading up to the coronation, Sam kept more and more to himself. He hardly slept any more. His dreams were constantly haunted by the horrors of Mordor and the echoes of painful words, so Sam fought sleep. When Frodo was deep in slumber, Sam would often slip out of their room and wander to the end of the causeway again, staring out over the dark fields of Pellenor towards the red glow of Mordor. A guard would usually follow at a discreet distance. Gandalf did not trust Sam alone. Occasionally, Sam would manage to give his tail the slip and make his way into his secret garden. He had struggled to nurture a few lone flowers back to life and they brought the only color into his black moods. He had little appetite and the other Hobbits were growing ever more concerned for their friend.
"We hardly see him anymore," complained Pippin the day before the coronation. The three Hobbits were in Merry's chamber preparing for the ball. Frodo had just informed them that Sam wasn't going. "Why isn't he coming? This is the biggest event in the city!"
Frodo's face was troubled. "He says he doesn't feel well and I can certainly believe that well enough. He looks terrible! I believe he has lost more weight since he woke from our healing sleep. He says his ribs still pain him, but I think that is really just an excuse. When I wake in the morning, he's always gone and he doesn't return until well past breakfast. I'm wondering if he even sleeps at all. He hardly speaks to me or anyone else for that matter. I've been wanting to speak to Gandalf or Aragorn again about him, but they've been so busy, I haven't had a chance. I told Sam this afternoon he should go to the healers, but he wanted no part of that. He keeps saying he's fine."
"Well, he's definitely not fine!" Merry replied firmly. "I saw him this morning for the first time in days. I almost didn't recognize him." He paused for a moment, then said in a low, worried voice, "He looks like he's wasting." The others stared at him in horror. Hobbits weren't known to kill themselves on purpose, that was true, but there were times when a Hobbit became so deeply depressed that they essentially wasted away. Merry had a cousin whose wife and daughter were drowned in a flood and the cousin had become so distraught, he himself was dead within the month. Died of a broken heart they said.
Frodo was shaking his head in disbelief. What could possibly cause Sam to become so despondent that he would lose his will to live? It made no sense! "We need to have Gandalf take another look at him as soon as we can," he said finally. "We simply cannot allow Sam to go on the way he is. It will kill him!" And me, he thought to himself miserably.
The coronation eve ball was an elegant, extravagant affair. All the important people of the kingdom were there, as well as the guests from Gondor's allies. The sumptuous gowns and elaborate decorations glittered in the light of a thousand candles. Frodo and his cousins were overwhelmed by it all. As the evening progressed, the crowd became more relaxed and soon everyone was enjoying themselves. The Lady Uzelle was an impeccable hostess. Still, Frodo felt bereft without Sam.
"Frodo!" The Hobbit turned to see Lord Faramir approach. The Lady Eowyn beamed at his side. Another lady and her escort accompanied them. All of them resplendent in rich velvets and satins.
"Hello, Captain Faramir," Frodo smiled and bowed to the ladies.
"These fine people have asked me to introduce them to the Ringbearers," smiled Faramir fondly, "so here we are! This is the Lady Anelle and her husband, Lord Rodart. The Lady is the daughter of our hostess, Lady Uzelle."
"I'm very glad to meet you, "replied Frodo formally. Merry and Pippin joined him a moment later and were also introduced.
Faramir looked at the three Hobbits and then glanced about the room. "Where is our intrepid gardener, Master Gamgee?" he asked with a puzzled smile. "I did not believe he ever allowed you out of his sight, Frodo! I hope he is well."
Frodo glanced at his cousins. "I'm afraid he wasn't feeling well this evening." He replied slowly. "So, he chose not to attend the ball." The company was surprised by a pronounced snort of disbelief. Everyone turned to Lady Anelle.
"It matters not if your friend felt well or ill," she said bitterly, "Samwise Gamgee would not be here."
"What do you mean?" asked Frodo in confusion, "Why would he not be here?"
"Because," Anelle replied angrily, "My mother revealed to me that she sought out your friend last week and told him in no uncertain terms that he was not invited to the ball and that it would be best for all concerned if he did not try to attend. My mother has some notion that regardless of the fact Master Gamgee and yourself were instrumental in the salvation of Middle Earth, Master Gamgee is still nothing more than a servant and not fit company for the noble people attending this ball."
The others gaped at her in utter astonishment. Never would have it occurred to anyone there that Sam would not be welcomed into all of the finest homes in Minas Tirith! After all, he was a hero! Frodo had stated time and time again that he would have completely failed if not for the unfailing loyalty and bravery of Samwise Gamgee.
"I find that absolutely reprehensible," Faramir burst out, his eyes flashing in anger. He had developed the highest regard for the faithful gardener after their meeting in Ithilien. He simply could not understand that anyone would shun him because of his life's calling.
"What do you find reprehensible?" A deep amused voice behind them caused the group to turn and face Gandalf and Aragorn casually strolling over to join them.
"The lady who organized this ball apparently told Sam he was not welcome here this evening because according to her, he's nothing but a servant and not good enough to join us!" Frodo's face was white with fury. He had never been so angry in his entire life! He didn't care if anyone insulted him, but for someone to disparage his truest companion was more than he could bear!
Aragorn frowned in confusion. "What do you mean, 'not welcome'? he asked. "He is one of the heroes of Middle Earth! Of course he is welcome to attend the ball! Who would say such a thing?"
"My mother, for one," said Lady Anelle, turning to meet Aragorn's puzzled expression. "According to her and some of her friends, the "help' is not welcome to attend her ball, regardless of how famous they are. As far as she is concerned, Master Gamgee was merely carrying out his duties as a hired manservant by accompanying Frodo into Mordor. I think she honestly believes that Samwise did nothing more than made sure his master had clean clothes and warm meals on the journey!"
This left Aragorn absolutely speechless. If Lady Uzelle had seen the condition of the two Hobbits when they were rescued from Mordor, she would certainly have seen that clean clothes and warm meals were most definitely not part of the itinerary. How she could think such a thing after all that had been said about Sam and Frodo was beyond his comprehension. Suddenly, white hot anger flared and he spun abruptly, gray eyes narrowed as he peered around the room in search of their hostess. He had a few things he wanted to say to her!
Spying her across the room surrounded by admiring guests, he strode purposefully towards her, Faramir close on his heels. "I am sorry, Aragorn," muttered Faramir as they wove through the crowd, ignoring those that called out to them, "I had no idea that any of the nobility in Minas Tirith would ever consider Sam to be anything less than a hero and more deserving of honor than rest of us put together! I know this Lady Uzelle and she is an insufferable snob, but for her to have abused Sam in this manner is inconceivable!" Aragorn grunted, his lips pressed tight in a thin line, his jaw rigid. He was imagining how hurt Sam must have been by this insult and how like Sam it was not to have mentioned it to anyone. This revelation certainly explained a few things about Sam's recent behavior! More than once Aragorn had noticed the difference between the hard-working Sam and his more upper crust hobbit companions. Sam was a humble and retiring sort, never wanting to be a bother to anyone. He would simply nurse his hurts alone while the others went about their daily lives oblivious to his pain. Aragorn felt his anger rising even higher. Sam might not speak up for himself, but his friends most certainly would!
The Lady Uzelle was glittering in a gown of spun gold and shimmering crimson. Rare jewels dripped from her neck and ears. Brilliant diamonds encircled her delicate wrists. She looked magnificent and she knew it. Her eyes lit up as she recognized the two most important men in Gondor approaching. She gave her companions a smug little smile, certain that the king and Lord Faramir had come to congratulate her on the outstanding success of her ball. She preened as she considered how she would use her success to further her standing in the highest echelons of the Gondorian nobility. This, she had no doubt, would be her finest hour!
FrodoBaggins87: Here, take this Kleenex! I hope it helps!
Laurajslr: Thanks for reviewing! I like some good angst myself and I swear, this story is just dripping with it!
Merry lad: Thanks for the kind words and encouragement! This story still has a ways to go. I hope you continue to read and enjoy it!
Vana E: I guess I'm just a Sam fan myself. I have read a few Legolas stories, but my heart belongs to Samwise! I might consider putting this one on your site after it's all done. Thanks for the invititation!
Bronwyn: Yeah, Sam is building a pretty big wall around himself! As for his departure, it won't be long now!
Rabidsamfan: Yes, there is light at the end of the tunnel (I think!).
Sam: I felt Sam needed a little something to soothe his aching spirit and a small garden seemed like the best thing!
Lotc_and _potc-rule: Thanks again for reviewing my story! I hope you continue to like as it meanders along!
Frodo16424: Thanks for reviewing! What fun would this story be if Sam didn't have lots of pain to work through! That's what makes angst so much fun (if angst can be called fun!)
Crimson_dawn123: Thank you for your wonderful and encouraging review! I decided when I first tried writing a fanfic that I would not post a story unless I knew I could finish it. I have started reading so many wonderful stories that just disappeared and I vowed not to do that! I have been doing a lot of revising with this story (a lot of it was already written, but since I wrote it some time ago, I've wanted to change things as we've gone along). Anyway, I hope I can maintain the level you've enjoyed so far (and hope I don't make too many gaffes by forgetting to coordinate changes in later chapters!)!
Gamgeefest: Sam does know something is very wrong and is extremely dubious of Sam's "sleep walking" story. He just doesn't know what to do about it since Sam refuses to talk.
Chapter 6 The Coronation Ball
It was dark by the time Sam made his way back to the uppermost level of the city. He was puzzled by all the frantic activity that seemed to be going on. People were bustling everywhere. He had noticed similar activity farther down in the lower levels as well, but he remained out of view by keeping to shadows. No one seemed to notice him as he quietly crept along. Now that he was near his room, he was forced to step out into the open in order to reach the building's entryway. Almost immediately, someone grabbed his arm and cried, "There you are!"
Confused and panicked, Sam struggled to get out of the man's grasp, but the man's grip was like iron. Sam craned his head around trying to get a view of his captor and was surprised to see it was one of Lord Faramir's rangers. "Calm down!" the man said soothingly, "I'm not going to hurt you! Everyone has been searching for you all day!" Sam immediately stopped his struggles and gaped at the man. It had never occurred to him that anyone would be looking for him! The man studied him carefully. "Are you injured?" he asked turning Sam around to face him.
"N..No!" stuttered Sam absently. Why did it not occur to him that being gone all day would stir things up? Now he'd be lucky to ever get any time alone! "I'm fine! I..I just fell asleep, is all." The man stared at him a moment longer, then satisfied Sam wasn't bleeding from some hidden wound, or nursing a broken limb he released the hobbit and stood back.
"Everyone has been worried sick about you, Master Gamgee," the man scolded. "Your master, Frodo, has turned the palace inside out looking for you! Mithrandir and Lord Elessar have spared no effort in the search. Come, let us go find them now and put everyone's mind to rest!"
Head hanging like a naughty schoolboy, Sam reluctantly followed the man into the palace. The man called out to other searchers that he had found the missing hobbit and they all seemed greatly relieved. "Probably just want to get to their dinners," thought Sam morosely, avoiding everyone's eyes. Soon, they reached his and Frodo's quarters. As luck would have it, Frodo and the others had just joined up again after spending the day in fruitless searching.
"Sam!" cried Frodo in relief. "Are you all right!? Where have you been? We have all been so worried about you!" A sense of déjà vu settled over Sam as he remembered a similar reunion just days ago. Why did they all have to treat him like a child? Wasn't he allowed to go off by himself? Unexpected anger began to bubble up from deep within him. The stress and anguish that had absorbed him for so long threatened to erupt. He had had enough. His head snapped up and he glared at Frodo.
"I am fine, Mr. Frodo," he snapped through clenched teeth. "I just went for a walk and fell asleep in a garden. Alright? I didn't run away! I didn't fling myself off some cliff. I ...went...for...a...walk. I think I'm old enough to take care of myself for a few hours. I managed to get you through all of Mordor alive, after all!" He then flung off the man's hand from his shoulder. "I certainly don't think you need to send soldiers out after me! I'm not a criminal nor do I need a babysitter! All I wanted was some time alone! Good night!" The others stared at him in open-mouthed shock. This was so unlike the gentle, good-natured Sam! Sam glared at them all for a few moments more, then spinning on his heel stalked into his bedroom and slammed the door. It was followed by a deafening silence.
Merry turned to Frodo, his eyes wide, "You are right," he said quietly, "Something is definitely wrong with Sam. That's not like him at all!"
"I know!" groaned Frodo collapsing into a nearby chair. "But he won't tell me what is troubling him! In fact, he hardly looks at me anymore, as if the very sight of me pains him!" Frodo buried his face in his hands as a chilling thought came to him: Maybe Sam couldn't bear to be around him after what happened in Orodruin. Maybe the sight of Frodo in the Ring's thrall had truly destroyed Sam's love for him! Could that be the root of Sam's anguish? Frodo was devastated by the thought.
A warm hand gently clasped Frodo's should. Frodo looked up, tears blurring his vision. Gandalf smiled down at him. "Frodo," he said fervently, "This not your doing. Yes, something is obviously hurting Sam, but his love for you is as strong as ever. I can see it in his eyes. Do not blame yourself for this!"
Frodo sighed, but responded with a tight smile. "I do not know what to think anymore, Gandalf. Sam has just been so different lately. I wish he would open up to me and allow me to help!" He sat silently for a few moments then said very softly. "I couldn't bear to lose him."
In the days leading up to the coronation, Sam kept more and more to himself. He hardly slept any more. His dreams were constantly haunted by the horrors of Mordor and the echoes of painful words, so Sam fought sleep. When Frodo was deep in slumber, Sam would often slip out of their room and wander to the end of the causeway again, staring out over the dark fields of Pellenor towards the red glow of Mordor. A guard would usually follow at a discreet distance. Gandalf did not trust Sam alone. Occasionally, Sam would manage to give his tail the slip and make his way into his secret garden. He had struggled to nurture a few lone flowers back to life and they brought the only color into his black moods. He had little appetite and the other Hobbits were growing ever more concerned for their friend.
"We hardly see him anymore," complained Pippin the day before the coronation. The three Hobbits were in Merry's chamber preparing for the ball. Frodo had just informed them that Sam wasn't going. "Why isn't he coming? This is the biggest event in the city!"
Frodo's face was troubled. "He says he doesn't feel well and I can certainly believe that well enough. He looks terrible! I believe he has lost more weight since he woke from our healing sleep. He says his ribs still pain him, but I think that is really just an excuse. When I wake in the morning, he's always gone and he doesn't return until well past breakfast. I'm wondering if he even sleeps at all. He hardly speaks to me or anyone else for that matter. I've been wanting to speak to Gandalf or Aragorn again about him, but they've been so busy, I haven't had a chance. I told Sam this afternoon he should go to the healers, but he wanted no part of that. He keeps saying he's fine."
"Well, he's definitely not fine!" Merry replied firmly. "I saw him this morning for the first time in days. I almost didn't recognize him." He paused for a moment, then said in a low, worried voice, "He looks like he's wasting." The others stared at him in horror. Hobbits weren't known to kill themselves on purpose, that was true, but there were times when a Hobbit became so deeply depressed that they essentially wasted away. Merry had a cousin whose wife and daughter were drowned in a flood and the cousin had become so distraught, he himself was dead within the month. Died of a broken heart they said.
Frodo was shaking his head in disbelief. What could possibly cause Sam to become so despondent that he would lose his will to live? It made no sense! "We need to have Gandalf take another look at him as soon as we can," he said finally. "We simply cannot allow Sam to go on the way he is. It will kill him!" And me, he thought to himself miserably.
The coronation eve ball was an elegant, extravagant affair. All the important people of the kingdom were there, as well as the guests from Gondor's allies. The sumptuous gowns and elaborate decorations glittered in the light of a thousand candles. Frodo and his cousins were overwhelmed by it all. As the evening progressed, the crowd became more relaxed and soon everyone was enjoying themselves. The Lady Uzelle was an impeccable hostess. Still, Frodo felt bereft without Sam.
"Frodo!" The Hobbit turned to see Lord Faramir approach. The Lady Eowyn beamed at his side. Another lady and her escort accompanied them. All of them resplendent in rich velvets and satins.
"Hello, Captain Faramir," Frodo smiled and bowed to the ladies.
"These fine people have asked me to introduce them to the Ringbearers," smiled Faramir fondly, "so here we are! This is the Lady Anelle and her husband, Lord Rodart. The Lady is the daughter of our hostess, Lady Uzelle."
"I'm very glad to meet you, "replied Frodo formally. Merry and Pippin joined him a moment later and were also introduced.
Faramir looked at the three Hobbits and then glanced about the room. "Where is our intrepid gardener, Master Gamgee?" he asked with a puzzled smile. "I did not believe he ever allowed you out of his sight, Frodo! I hope he is well."
Frodo glanced at his cousins. "I'm afraid he wasn't feeling well this evening." He replied slowly. "So, he chose not to attend the ball." The company was surprised by a pronounced snort of disbelief. Everyone turned to Lady Anelle.
"It matters not if your friend felt well or ill," she said bitterly, "Samwise Gamgee would not be here."
"What do you mean?" asked Frodo in confusion, "Why would he not be here?"
"Because," Anelle replied angrily, "My mother revealed to me that she sought out your friend last week and told him in no uncertain terms that he was not invited to the ball and that it would be best for all concerned if he did not try to attend. My mother has some notion that regardless of the fact Master Gamgee and yourself were instrumental in the salvation of Middle Earth, Master Gamgee is still nothing more than a servant and not fit company for the noble people attending this ball."
The others gaped at her in utter astonishment. Never would have it occurred to anyone there that Sam would not be welcomed into all of the finest homes in Minas Tirith! After all, he was a hero! Frodo had stated time and time again that he would have completely failed if not for the unfailing loyalty and bravery of Samwise Gamgee.
"I find that absolutely reprehensible," Faramir burst out, his eyes flashing in anger. He had developed the highest regard for the faithful gardener after their meeting in Ithilien. He simply could not understand that anyone would shun him because of his life's calling.
"What do you find reprehensible?" A deep amused voice behind them caused the group to turn and face Gandalf and Aragorn casually strolling over to join them.
"The lady who organized this ball apparently told Sam he was not welcome here this evening because according to her, he's nothing but a servant and not good enough to join us!" Frodo's face was white with fury. He had never been so angry in his entire life! He didn't care if anyone insulted him, but for someone to disparage his truest companion was more than he could bear!
Aragorn frowned in confusion. "What do you mean, 'not welcome'? he asked. "He is one of the heroes of Middle Earth! Of course he is welcome to attend the ball! Who would say such a thing?"
"My mother, for one," said Lady Anelle, turning to meet Aragorn's puzzled expression. "According to her and some of her friends, the "help' is not welcome to attend her ball, regardless of how famous they are. As far as she is concerned, Master Gamgee was merely carrying out his duties as a hired manservant by accompanying Frodo into Mordor. I think she honestly believes that Samwise did nothing more than made sure his master had clean clothes and warm meals on the journey!"
This left Aragorn absolutely speechless. If Lady Uzelle had seen the condition of the two Hobbits when they were rescued from Mordor, she would certainly have seen that clean clothes and warm meals were most definitely not part of the itinerary. How she could think such a thing after all that had been said about Sam and Frodo was beyond his comprehension. Suddenly, white hot anger flared and he spun abruptly, gray eyes narrowed as he peered around the room in search of their hostess. He had a few things he wanted to say to her!
Spying her across the room surrounded by admiring guests, he strode purposefully towards her, Faramir close on his heels. "I am sorry, Aragorn," muttered Faramir as they wove through the crowd, ignoring those that called out to them, "I had no idea that any of the nobility in Minas Tirith would ever consider Sam to be anything less than a hero and more deserving of honor than rest of us put together! I know this Lady Uzelle and she is an insufferable snob, but for her to have abused Sam in this manner is inconceivable!" Aragorn grunted, his lips pressed tight in a thin line, his jaw rigid. He was imagining how hurt Sam must have been by this insult and how like Sam it was not to have mentioned it to anyone. This revelation certainly explained a few things about Sam's recent behavior! More than once Aragorn had noticed the difference between the hard-working Sam and his more upper crust hobbit companions. Sam was a humble and retiring sort, never wanting to be a bother to anyone. He would simply nurse his hurts alone while the others went about their daily lives oblivious to his pain. Aragorn felt his anger rising even higher. Sam might not speak up for himself, but his friends most certainly would!
The Lady Uzelle was glittering in a gown of spun gold and shimmering crimson. Rare jewels dripped from her neck and ears. Brilliant diamonds encircled her delicate wrists. She looked magnificent and she knew it. Her eyes lit up as she recognized the two most important men in Gondor approaching. She gave her companions a smug little smile, certain that the king and Lord Faramir had come to congratulate her on the outstanding success of her ball. She preened as she considered how she would use her success to further her standing in the highest echelons of the Gondorian nobility. This, she had no doubt, would be her finest hour!