Well guys, here is the next chapter as promised. It may be a little different than you expect, though! Thanks for reading and reviewing!
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Frodo Freak2: Welcome back! Yum! I like brownies! Got any with nuts?Merimas Gamgee: I like to try and include little used characters sometimes. I decided Fatty Bolger needed some more airtime!
Hobbity: Thank you so much for nice compliments! I try! I rather liked the idea of Sam getting to do something proactive for a change, rather than having to endure whatever comes his way! I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint you.
Janna Hawkins: SHHHHHH! Not so loud! Sam doesn't know that!
Laurajslr: Here is a bit of an update on Frodo and friends. I wanted poor Sam to have some friends for a change – people to help him instead of hurt him! LOL! But, the life of a rebel isn't an easy one!
FrodoBaggins87: Glad I was able to surprise you! I sometimes worry my stories are too predictable. Hope you will continue to enjoy it!
Rabidsamfam: I try to update as regularly as I can. I hate it when I start a really good story and the author never finishes it or it's like 6 months between updates! Anyway, Sam still has his work cut out for him as a newly minted rebel!
A person: Thank you so much for reviewing! I do agree with you, murder is never right, even if the person deserves it. Sam feels very guilty about it so can be somewhat defensive. The others in the band see Fig's death as one less enemy they have to fight, still doesn't make it right, but at least somewhat understandable.
Gamgeefest: Yep, Sam has allies, but as you can imagine, the life of a rebel isn't necessarily easy with Lotho and his thugs around, and will be even less so when Saruman arrives!
Sam: Cleaning, eh? Umm, if you're not busy, our house could certainly use some serious help! No? Oh well. Hope it's a great wedding! Glad my story has provided you with some distraction!
Bronwyn: Well, this chapter will tell you what the others are up to and I think your wish will be granted!
Ronzgirlz: I am really honored that you guys think so well of my stories. That means more to me than you realize. I am also a big fan of HP and have read a fair amount of fanfic (although not in awhile). Both Tolkien and Rowling are wonderful writers and there is no reason we can't love both sets of stories! Thanks again for your wonderful comments!
Althea: Sometimes, I think Sam needs some positive things in his life! He tends to do a lot of suffering in my stories, so I felt he deserved something a little better!
LalaithoftheBruinen: Thank you so much for your kind words! I hope you enjoy this chapter as well!
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Chapter 21 A Friend Indeed
The days and weeks following the wedding of Aragorn and Arwen seemed to drag by for Frodo Baggins. After the initial shock of discovering the cause of Sam's emotional breakdown and learning he was on his way home to the Shire, Frodo had been beside himself with worry. He desperately wanted to mount an expedition and head home to the Shire immediately, but Merry convinced him they needed to stay for King Theoden's funeral. Reluctantly, Frodo agreed. He knew it was only right and as the others kept reassuring him, Sam must now be safe and sound back in Hobbiton.
"He's probably at the Green Dragon right now," said Pippin one evening as Frodo chafed at the unavoidable delay. "We'll be lucky if there's any ale left by the time we get home!"
"That's right," agreed Merry with a grin, "And goodness knows what kinds of wild tales he's tellin' in hopes of impressing the lovely Miss Rosie Cotton!" Frodo had to smile at that. The last person to brag on himself would be Samwise Gamgee!
"I know you're right," Frodo sighed looking out the window, "But I can't help but worry. You know how bad off Sam was when we last saw him. He still believes I wish him gone. Every time I think of that, I wish I could take back every word! I know I didn't mean him when I said those things, but I'd rather cut out my tongue then utter a single word that might hurt Sam." He shook his head, blinking away the tears threatening to fall.
"Frodo," said Merry standing in front of his cousin, hands on his hips, "Sam is fine. He is home safe and sound. A Rider even went with him to make sure! We'll be leaving for Rohan in a few days and when we get to Edoras, you can talk to that woman that took care of him. Maybe she can help set your mind at ease!"
Frodo brightened a little at that thought. "I hadn't thought of that," he said nodding. "Yes, that is a wonderful idea. Is that Rider that brought the message still here?"
"Torvag?" asked Merry. "Yes, he returned with the escort for King Theoden's body."
"Good," said Frodo, "Since he is that woman's brother, he should be able to guide us to her house. Perhaps her husband has returned from escorting Sam to the Shire and can tell us more! Surely he should be back by now."
Torvag was quickly found and readily agreed to lead them to his sister's home in Edoras. "Hertig had not returned by the time we left for Minas Tirith," he informed them, "But he may be back by now. It is a long way to the Shire from Rohan and Hertig may have decided to spend some time with your friend before returning."
Frodo just nodded still feeling anxious, but was somewhat relieved to have some plan of action.
The day of departure finally arrived and Frodo rode beside Aragorn and Gandalf as the Theoden's remains were escorted north to Edoras. Merry, as was fitting, rode with the body of the king and Pippin, with the knights of Gondor. Frodo felt very alone without Sam by his side. The others all had had their parts to play and companions to share their battles. Frodo had had only Sam and Gollum and now both were gone; Gollum into the fiery depths of Mt. Doom, and Sam home in the Shire. Being the Ringbearer had isolated Frodo in many ways, but he always felt a little less alone with Sam. He prayed Sam would understand.
The company remained in Edoras for a few days before beginning the journey west. It was time for everyone to depart to their homes. It was during this period of preparation that Frodo sought out Helveg. Torvag led him through the streets of Edoras to the neat, thatched cottage deep in the city.
Torvag and Frodo stood outside the cottage door waiting a response to their knock when a small voice was heard behind them. "Sam!" Frodo whirled around just in time to be bowled over by a small, blond haired boy. "Sam!" the boy cried again, but then froze when he finally saw Frodo's face. The boy's face went white in shock, then flushed with embarrassment. "I..I am sorry, sir!" the boy mumbled scrambling to his feet. "I thought you were Sam."
Laughing, Torvag reached down and helped Frodo to his feet. "No, Eldred!" the man grinned, "This is Sam's friend, Master Baggins."
Eldred's face brightened with excitement. "Mister Frodo!? The Ringbearer? Sam told us all about you!"
"Did he?" smiled Frodo, "Nothing bad I hope!"
"Oh, no," replied Eldred solemnly. "He thought you were the best and bravest person in the whole world!"
Now Frodo felt his face grow warm and tears start in his eyes. He blinked them away and looked up as the cottage door opened. A slender woman stood before then with a small, blue-eyed girl staring at them from behind her mother's skirt. The girl's eyes went wide as she spied Frodo.
"Olwyn!" cried Eldred excitedly, "It's Mister Frodo! Sam's friend!" Olwyn's eyes grew even rounder as she regarded Frodo shyly.
"Helveg," Torvag said, "This is indeed Frodo Baggins and he wonders if you might spare a moment to speak with him about Samwise Gamgee."
"Hello," said Frodo self-consciously to the woman. "Torvag told me you saved Sam's life and, I, uh wanted to come thank you and perhaps ask you a few questions about him."
Helveg smiled warmly. "Of course, Master Baggins! Please, come in and have some tea! I would gladly speak to you of Sam." She shooed the children out to play with their uncle, then settled Frodo comfortably at the kitchen table, with a steaming mug of tea before him.
Helveg studied Frodo carefully as the hobbit stared down at his mug. She had heard so much about Frodo from Sam that she felt as if she knew him already. She could detect a deep pain in the Ringbearer and she instinctively knew Frodo's life would not be easy. She reached over and took Frodo's hand.
Frodo looked up and smiled faintly, then sighed. "I don't know where to begin," he confessed. "I had so many questions, but now my mind seems empty.'
Helveg gave a small laugh. "Well, let me help you then," she replied. "My husband found Sam by the side of the road and brought him me. Sam was very near death and often delirious. It was during those bouts of delirium that I learned of his belief that you wished him dead. He firmly believed that, Master Baggins, and I feared his grief would be the end of him." She looked at Frodo and saw his eyes closed as if in great pain.
"I did say the things he said I did," Frodo began as he opened his eyes. Helveg's confused frown stopped him for a moment, then he continued. "I did say those things, but not about Sam! I was speaking of Gollum, the unfortunate creature that aided me but who had been all but consumed by the power of the One Ring. It was Gollum I meant when I said I wished he'd stayed in Orodruin, not Sam! Sam means the world to me! I would never say anything to hurt him! It was all a terrible misunderstanding!"
There were tears in Helveg's eyes as she nodded sadly. How much grief had been caused by that simple misunderstanding. It had very nearly caused Sam his life.
"Now," said Frodo determinedly, "I must get to the Shire as soon as possible and set things right with Sam. I cannot bear him thinking I hate him one minute longer!"
Helveg bit her lip then shook her head. "No, Master Baggins," she said slowly, "I do not believe that is what you should do at all."
Frodo stared at her in confusion. "What do you mean?" he demanded quickly, "Do you want Sam to continue to suffer?
"No, no," she replied soothlingly, "That is not what I want at all. But please, hear me out." Helveg looked directly into Frodo's perplexed eyes. "When Sam first awoke during his illness, all he could think of was you. Even during his illness when he was delirious, it was your name he cried out again and again. As I understand it, for almost a year, Sam's entire life has revolved around you; keeping you alive, supporting you in your quest to destroy the Ring of Power, and providing you with love and understanding when all else seemed lost. You were the center of his universe. However, once you were both safe in Minas Tirith, there were others to help you. You were no longer in danger and Sam's devotion to you was no longer quite as crucial. He felt very lost and vulnerable. Then came that cruel woman's treatment of him and your supposed rejection. It was more than Sam could take, so he fled for home. Of course, he never would have made it. But, he certainly was not thinking clearly. He just wanted to escape the pain.
"Frodo, as Sam grew stronger, he began to take an interest in other people around him, especially the children. They adore him and began to fill in some small way, his lost sense of purpose. He then began to worry about his father back in the Shire as well as a young lady, Rosie Cotton. This was all very healthy for him. He was beginning regain his sense of self that did not revolve around you. You must give him time to become stronger."
Frodo frowned, not sure he agreed. Helveg cocked her head to one side as she considered the pale hobbit before her. "Frodo," she said softly, "I am a healer and I can feel in you a deep hurt that I do not believe will ever fully heal. In my heart, I do not believe you will find the peace and healing you crave in the Shire. If you should leave Sam in the future, would it not be better if he were not so dependent on you?"
Frodo looked down at his tea again. He felt so confused. On one hand, he still felt the urgent need to find Sam and clear up the terrible misunderstanding, but on the other, the words of the healer made sense. All throughout the quest, most people had thought of Sam as little more than an extension of Frodo. They rarely seemed to consider him as a separate person with his own hopes and fears. Slowly, Frodo looked up at Helveg. "What do you suggest I do?" he asked hoarsely.
She smiled gently at him. "I suggest you follow Gandalf's original plan. Torvag told me that Gandalf wished to journey to Rivendell and then on towards the Shire with you and your friends. Do you not have an elderly uncle in Imladris?"
Frodo nodded. "My uncle Bilbo. I do wish to see him. He is quite old and I was most disappointed that he was unable to make the journey to Minas Tirith for Aragorn's wedding."
"Then, you must go see him," Helveg declared. "Sam will be waiting in the Shire for you when you and your kin finally return, but do not hurry unnecessarily. Give Sam the time to firmly establish a life independent of you and he will be more than ready to take you back into his heart when you meet him again. He is a kind and gentle soul and will be overjoyed to be reunited with you."
Frodo finally smiled back. "Mistress Helveg," he said quietly, "You are very wise and I will accept your counsel in this. The others frequently assure me that Sam is most certainly safe and well at home in the Shire and that I worry too much. Perhaps they are right., but Sam is so important to me. I would be lost without him."
"I know," replied Helveg, "And you mean the world to him."
Frodo looked down at the table for a moment, then gathered himself and slowly rose to his feet. "Thank you mistress," he said gravely, "I owe you much. I hope someday I can repay you for your kindness." He then turned and disappeared through the door.
Helveg stared after him with sadness in her eyes. Bertah, hobbled in from the next room and carefully lowered herself into a chair as she studied her daughter-in-law. "Did you tell him that Hertig still has not returned," she asked in a low voice.
Helveg shook her head. "No. I saw no reason to worry him further. We have no idea where Hertig is. When the visitors have left, I will ask Torvag to go look for him. Now that the funeral is over, I am sure Eomer will give him permission. In the meantime, we must remain strong."
Bertah simply nodded and grasped Helveg's hand. Both were far more worried than they wanted to admit. Where was Hertig?