Author's New Note: OK, as usual, after having read this chapter over several times and positive I had caught all the errors, as soon as it was posted, more spontaneously developed and at least one definitely needed correction (my head said 'Theoden' but my fingers typed 'Theodred'). I apologize for the inconvenience of having this chapter posted twice and I hope I caught them all THIS time (but, probably not...) Thanks for all your wonderful support!
Author's Note: Well here is the long awaited reunion chapter. I hope you like it. Turns out, there will be one more chapter after this one to kind of tie up all those loose ends.
The Lady of Mirkwood: I hope you like this chapter where not only are they in the same chapter at the same time and in the same place, but they actually talk to each other! Be sure and read the last chapter!
Bookworm2000: I hope this chapter lives up to your expectations. These are always kind of hard to write!
Bloodroses9: Twice, eh? Guess it wasn't TOO bad! As for lots more, well I'm afraid there is only one more after this one. I hope you like it.
Laurajslr: Do you always feel sad when your stories wind up? I'm feeling kinda sad as I post this knowing it's about over. Sigh. Anyway, I try to remember all those little details (like Saruman), but I have missed things before! I did seriously consider actually having Sam die there on the gallows, but decided against it. Glad I didn't disappoint you! Yes, Sam and Frodo do get to talk in this chapter!
Kriszta: I hope I did OK with this reunion chapter and that you aren't disappointed! I tried not to gloss over it too quickly!
Sam: I actually made you tear up? Wow. I'm really glad you liked it so much! I tried to make it interesting!
Me: Only a FEW grammatical errors!? LOL! Never seems to fail. I read over it several times, think I've caught everything then as soon as I post the dang thing, it's like errors pop up like daisies! Then I have to decide whether to take it off an fix it and repost the story (and annoying people because they keep getting new chapter notices for the same chapter) or let it slide. I have pulled them occasionally if the errors were bad enough. Anyway, I still hope you enjoyed the story!
Gamgeefest: Welcome back! Yes, I have been using the Atlas of the Middle Earth (mainly because it is so much easier than trying to use the maps in the book) so perhaps that is incorrect when it comes to distances. I guess someday I'll really study all the maps and come up with some conclusion! Anyway, I figured Rosie was a spunky girl and she wouldn't just sit around waiting for Frodo to save Sam if she could help!
Janna Hawkins: Your wish is my command...
Althea: I am glad you found the last chapter to be a satisfying one! I hope this one is as well!
Baileymag: I just love reading your reviews! They make my day! You can call my story any positive you like (I'm not proud)! I really am glad you've enjoyed this story so much. I do try and think of unexpected events to throw in to keep the stories from being too predictable! I hope you like this chapter as well.
Bronwyn: Thank you! Can't say this chapter didn't have variety! Again, I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as the last!
Szhismine: Here you go- the promised update and reunion chapter! Your waiting is over!
Hobbity: Glad to have made you so happy for Sam and Frodo! Here, they're really together at last!
FrodoBaggins87: Welcome back! I hope the move went well! At least you got to read all the chapters at once! I tried to update as quickly as I could. Happy now!?
Frodo's Sister: Welcome and thank you for your great review! I'm glad you're enjoying the story and I hope this chapter lives up to your expectations!
OK everyone, here is the second to the last chapter. I hope you enjoy it!
Chapter 33 To Heal a Heart
For several days Frodo remained by Sam's bedside. He wanted to be sure to be there when Sam regained consciousness. He nursed him through his fevers and bouts of delirium, feeling such pain himself knowing, unwitting or not, it was his fault Sam had suffered so much. There was only one time when he consented to leave for longer than a few moments and that was when he had joined Merry and Pippin to confront Saruman.
Frodo stood and looked through the small window near Sam's bed as he remembered that unpleasant experience. Saruman had shown no remorse and had mocked them, claiming that they had gotten what they deserved for acting as if they were more than pathetic little halflings and laughed that they would be helpless without Gandalf to help them. His one regret was that he had not killed Sam before they had arrived.
"It would have given me great pleasure," Saruman had sneered, "To know that your first glimpse of your dear little village would have been of your companion hanging from the gallows! I am sorry I failed in that. I hear he might still die?" he added hopefully. Pippin had wanted to run him through at that, but Frodo stopped him as just he had stopped Merry moments later after Saruman had attempted to stab Frodo. There had been too much killing already. However, things had not ended pleasantly for Saruman. His own lackey, Wormtongue had been finally pushed too far and he slashed Saruman's throat, murdering his abusive master. Wormtongue himself had been brought down by three hobbit arrows moments later. Thus had ended the War of the Ring.
The hobbits had much to do. They had buried their dead, including poor Jolly Cotton, in a special graveyard situated on a quiet slope just outside of town. In the spring, it would be covered with flowers. Farmer Cotton and his surviving sons had been released from the Lockholes, along with the rest of the prisoners and Mrs. Cotton had almost collapsed with relief to see her beloved family together again. The Mayor was delighted to hear that Hertig had escaped and gotten his warning to Frodo in time, but dismayed to hear that the Rider had been wounded. Frodo admitted they still did not know if he had survived. Ferdinand Took and Ilberic Brandybuck volunteered to journey to Bree to find out. Hertig's armor had been uncovered in Bag End and they took it with them in hopes of returning it to the brave Rider. The entire Shire was giddy with relief to be free of the Chief and Sharkey and their abusive ruffians. The hobbits delighted in telling and retelling the tales of how Merry and Pippin had raised the countryside and how Frodo and Rosie had managed to rescue Sam at the very last minute from the hangman's noose. Fredegar Bolger was thrilled to be reunited with his friends and he spent many an hour telling Merry and Pippin, as well as anyone else who would listen, of his adventures as a rebel and of Sam's legendary exploits.
But Frodo heard little of this. His dearest companion lay gravely ill and Frodo feared he would die without ever knowing the truth. He had to let Sam know that Sam had been so wrong about what he had heard. Frodo could never hate Sam or wish him ill! As long as there was a chance to clear things up, he would remain by Sam's side.
Dr. Smallburrow stopped by daily to see how Sam was doing and although he spoke in cheerful, encouraging tones, Frodo saw the grim concern in his eyes. Rosie or Mrs. Cotton frequently came in to check on the patient or to give Frodo a short break, but they never tried to dissuade him from his vigil. Often they heard him singing quietly or talking to Sam even though they knew the unconscious gardener could not hear. Frodo felt it was the least he could do. Merry and Pippin often came to sit with him and Sam's family came by almost every day. One afternoon, Hamson escorted his old Gaffer to the Cotton farm to visit.
"My poor, Sam!" the old hobbit had moaned quietly, tears glistening on his wrinkled cheeks, "My poor, poor Sam!" He had turned to Frodo then. "I hope he gave you good service on your journey, Mr. Baggins," he said hesitantly as if trying to avoid thinking about what had really happened to Sam.
Frodo smiled back. "Oh yes, Mr. Gamgee, the very best. I could not have asked for a better companion and he is famous even outside of the Shire now. All of Middle Earth knows of his bravery!"
The gaffer beamed at that and looked back down at Sam's bruised face. "Sam always was a good lad," he said softly, gently caressing Sam's cheek. A short while later, his eldest son led him away.
It was on the morning of the seventh day and Frodo was peering out the window at the dismal weather. It was raw and sleet was splattering against the glass. He wondered if Sam would ever wake up. Suddenly his reverie was broken by a soft moan. Turning quickly, Frodo felt himself go weak with relief when he saw Sam's eyes slowly open. Sam looked around the room in obvious confusion. "Sam!" Frodo cried hurrying to his friend's bedside and peering into his face. "Sam! It's me! Frodo!"
For a moment, Sam blinked as if this made no sense. Finally, his eyes focused on the face above him and he frowned. "Mister Frodo?" the words came out as a painful rasp and Sam's hand clumsily reached for his bandaged throat.
"Don't try to speak, Sam," Frodo instructed as he reached for a cup of water. "Here, drink this." Holding Sam's head steady, Frodo carefully poured some water into his friend's mouth. Sam winced in pain as he swallowed. Frodo smiled sympathetically. "The doctor said your throat and neck would be very painful for awhile, Sam. Guess that's what happens when you try to get your self hung!" Sam closed his eyes and gave a pained smile.
Frodo sat silent for a moment. In his mind he had played over and over exactly how he would explain the truth of what happened in Minas Tirith to Sam, but now that the time had come, he felt oddly tongue-tied. He cleared his throat and gently took hold of Sam's hand. Sam seemed to flinch at the touch, keeping his eyes closed. Frodo looked down, took a deep breath and began.
"Sam," he said, wishing his friend would look at him. "I cannot tell you how sorry I am about everything that has happened to you. I...I know it has all been my fault and..." Sam's eyes flew open. He tightly squeezed Frodo's hand and shook his head adamantly. He opened his mouth as if to try to speak. "No, Sam," begged Frodo, "Hear me out! It was my fault for not being more attentive and not questioning why you were so miserable. We learned at the Coronation Ball about the horrible things that despicable Lady Uzelle said to you. I knew something was bothering you, yet I never really pursued it. You cannot imagine how upset I was, how upset we all were, when we heard what she had done."
Sam flushed in humiliation at the thought of Lady Uzelle and looked away. Tears now glistened in his eyes. He tried to pull his hand away, but Frodo held on tight.
"Sam," he continued, "No one agreed with her. No one! Do you understand? You should have seen Aragorn shred her to pieces in front of the entire ball! He said she could never return to court unless you said she could!" Sam's eyes widened at that and Frodo smiled for the first time. Then, his face grew somber.
"She got her revenge, though," he said tightly. "When you disappeared during the ball, she concocted this story of how you had been so depressed, you threw yourself into the river! I didn't know what to believe, but I did know that if you were indeed dead, I didn't want to live myself." Frodo paused and looked at Sam. "You are that important to me Samwise Gamgee." Sam closed his eyes again as plump tears slowly trickled down his gaunt cheeks. Frodo took his handkerchief and gently wiped them away. "But then," Frodo smiled, "We got word from Edoras that you weren't dead at all, but had been found on the road by a Rider and nursed back to health by his wife! But as wonderful as that news was, it was followed by the disheartening information that you had departed for the Shire with no explanation. We left for Rohan with the escort for King Theoden's body and when we reached Edoras, I searched out Lady Helveg to learn what news I could of you." He stopped again. This part was especially painful to Frodo. To know that his words, misunderstood though they had been, had nearly resulted in Sam's death was as agonizing as a dagger in Frodo's heart.
"She told me what you had overheard, Sam."
Sam's entire body seemed to collapse into itself. He could not meet Frodo's gaze knowing the coldness he would see there. Sam felt his grief and shame burn anew and it was almost too painful to bear. Tears now freely ran down Sam's face and he swallowed painfully. "It...it's alright, Mr. Frodo," he croaked hoarsely, "You don't... have to explain."
"Yes, Sam, I do!" cried Frodo urgently. "You don't understand! You had it all wrong! I wasn't talking about you at all! I was speaking of Gollum! He was the one haunting me, not you! How could you ever think I would want you gone!? Samwise Gamgee, you are the only reason we are still alive today! The only reason the Ring ever even made it to the Cracks of Doom and the only reason Middle Earth is free from Sauron! You took care of me and most of all, you were my lifeline to sanity! If I hadn't taken you for granted once we were safely in Minas Tirith, none of this would have happened and so I blame myself for your suffering." Frodo was shaking now, his own face wet with tears. "Please Sam," he whispered softly, "Please forgive me."
Now, Sam stared at his master in shock. This was not what he had expected to hear and he was utterly dumbfounded to learn that everything he had believed in was completely false! Frodo didn't hate him at all! Samwise Gamgee, he thought to himself as he tried to sort out his emotions. You have been the biggest fool in all of Middle Earth! How could you have thought such things!? But, soon shock gave away to a wave of intense joy and using what little strength he had, Sam threw his arms around his master and hugged him. Frodo, equally as jubilant to have his old Sam back, hugged him tightly in return and it was thus that Pippin and Merry found their two friends.
Author's Note: Well here is the long awaited reunion chapter. I hope you like it. Turns out, there will be one more chapter after this one to kind of tie up all those loose ends.
The Lady of Mirkwood: I hope you like this chapter where not only are they in the same chapter at the same time and in the same place, but they actually talk to each other! Be sure and read the last chapter!
Bookworm2000: I hope this chapter lives up to your expectations. These are always kind of hard to write!
Bloodroses9: Twice, eh? Guess it wasn't TOO bad! As for lots more, well I'm afraid there is only one more after this one. I hope you like it.
Laurajslr: Do you always feel sad when your stories wind up? I'm feeling kinda sad as I post this knowing it's about over. Sigh. Anyway, I try to remember all those little details (like Saruman), but I have missed things before! I did seriously consider actually having Sam die there on the gallows, but decided against it. Glad I didn't disappoint you! Yes, Sam and Frodo do get to talk in this chapter!
Kriszta: I hope I did OK with this reunion chapter and that you aren't disappointed! I tried not to gloss over it too quickly!
Sam: I actually made you tear up? Wow. I'm really glad you liked it so much! I tried to make it interesting!
Me: Only a FEW grammatical errors!? LOL! Never seems to fail. I read over it several times, think I've caught everything then as soon as I post the dang thing, it's like errors pop up like daisies! Then I have to decide whether to take it off an fix it and repost the story (and annoying people because they keep getting new chapter notices for the same chapter) or let it slide. I have pulled them occasionally if the errors were bad enough. Anyway, I still hope you enjoyed the story!
Gamgeefest: Welcome back! Yes, I have been using the Atlas of the Middle Earth (mainly because it is so much easier than trying to use the maps in the book) so perhaps that is incorrect when it comes to distances. I guess someday I'll really study all the maps and come up with some conclusion! Anyway, I figured Rosie was a spunky girl and she wouldn't just sit around waiting for Frodo to save Sam if she could help!
Janna Hawkins: Your wish is my command...
Althea: I am glad you found the last chapter to be a satisfying one! I hope this one is as well!
Baileymag: I just love reading your reviews! They make my day! You can call my story any positive you like (I'm not proud)! I really am glad you've enjoyed this story so much. I do try and think of unexpected events to throw in to keep the stories from being too predictable! I hope you like this chapter as well.
Bronwyn: Thank you! Can't say this chapter didn't have variety! Again, I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as the last!
Szhismine: Here you go- the promised update and reunion chapter! Your waiting is over!
Hobbity: Glad to have made you so happy for Sam and Frodo! Here, they're really together at last!
FrodoBaggins87: Welcome back! I hope the move went well! At least you got to read all the chapters at once! I tried to update as quickly as I could. Happy now!?
Frodo's Sister: Welcome and thank you for your great review! I'm glad you're enjoying the story and I hope this chapter lives up to your expectations!
OK everyone, here is the second to the last chapter. I hope you enjoy it!
Chapter 33 To Heal a Heart
For several days Frodo remained by Sam's bedside. He wanted to be sure to be there when Sam regained consciousness. He nursed him through his fevers and bouts of delirium, feeling such pain himself knowing, unwitting or not, it was his fault Sam had suffered so much. There was only one time when he consented to leave for longer than a few moments and that was when he had joined Merry and Pippin to confront Saruman.
Frodo stood and looked through the small window near Sam's bed as he remembered that unpleasant experience. Saruman had shown no remorse and had mocked them, claiming that they had gotten what they deserved for acting as if they were more than pathetic little halflings and laughed that they would be helpless without Gandalf to help them. His one regret was that he had not killed Sam before they had arrived.
"It would have given me great pleasure," Saruman had sneered, "To know that your first glimpse of your dear little village would have been of your companion hanging from the gallows! I am sorry I failed in that. I hear he might still die?" he added hopefully. Pippin had wanted to run him through at that, but Frodo stopped him as just he had stopped Merry moments later after Saruman had attempted to stab Frodo. There had been too much killing already. However, things had not ended pleasantly for Saruman. His own lackey, Wormtongue had been finally pushed too far and he slashed Saruman's throat, murdering his abusive master. Wormtongue himself had been brought down by three hobbit arrows moments later. Thus had ended the War of the Ring.
The hobbits had much to do. They had buried their dead, including poor Jolly Cotton, in a special graveyard situated on a quiet slope just outside of town. In the spring, it would be covered with flowers. Farmer Cotton and his surviving sons had been released from the Lockholes, along with the rest of the prisoners and Mrs. Cotton had almost collapsed with relief to see her beloved family together again. The Mayor was delighted to hear that Hertig had escaped and gotten his warning to Frodo in time, but dismayed to hear that the Rider had been wounded. Frodo admitted they still did not know if he had survived. Ferdinand Took and Ilberic Brandybuck volunteered to journey to Bree to find out. Hertig's armor had been uncovered in Bag End and they took it with them in hopes of returning it to the brave Rider. The entire Shire was giddy with relief to be free of the Chief and Sharkey and their abusive ruffians. The hobbits delighted in telling and retelling the tales of how Merry and Pippin had raised the countryside and how Frodo and Rosie had managed to rescue Sam at the very last minute from the hangman's noose. Fredegar Bolger was thrilled to be reunited with his friends and he spent many an hour telling Merry and Pippin, as well as anyone else who would listen, of his adventures as a rebel and of Sam's legendary exploits.
But Frodo heard little of this. His dearest companion lay gravely ill and Frodo feared he would die without ever knowing the truth. He had to let Sam know that Sam had been so wrong about what he had heard. Frodo could never hate Sam or wish him ill! As long as there was a chance to clear things up, he would remain by Sam's side.
Dr. Smallburrow stopped by daily to see how Sam was doing and although he spoke in cheerful, encouraging tones, Frodo saw the grim concern in his eyes. Rosie or Mrs. Cotton frequently came in to check on the patient or to give Frodo a short break, but they never tried to dissuade him from his vigil. Often they heard him singing quietly or talking to Sam even though they knew the unconscious gardener could not hear. Frodo felt it was the least he could do. Merry and Pippin often came to sit with him and Sam's family came by almost every day. One afternoon, Hamson escorted his old Gaffer to the Cotton farm to visit.
"My poor, Sam!" the old hobbit had moaned quietly, tears glistening on his wrinkled cheeks, "My poor, poor Sam!" He had turned to Frodo then. "I hope he gave you good service on your journey, Mr. Baggins," he said hesitantly as if trying to avoid thinking about what had really happened to Sam.
Frodo smiled back. "Oh yes, Mr. Gamgee, the very best. I could not have asked for a better companion and he is famous even outside of the Shire now. All of Middle Earth knows of his bravery!"
The gaffer beamed at that and looked back down at Sam's bruised face. "Sam always was a good lad," he said softly, gently caressing Sam's cheek. A short while later, his eldest son led him away.
It was on the morning of the seventh day and Frodo was peering out the window at the dismal weather. It was raw and sleet was splattering against the glass. He wondered if Sam would ever wake up. Suddenly his reverie was broken by a soft moan. Turning quickly, Frodo felt himself go weak with relief when he saw Sam's eyes slowly open. Sam looked around the room in obvious confusion. "Sam!" Frodo cried hurrying to his friend's bedside and peering into his face. "Sam! It's me! Frodo!"
For a moment, Sam blinked as if this made no sense. Finally, his eyes focused on the face above him and he frowned. "Mister Frodo?" the words came out as a painful rasp and Sam's hand clumsily reached for his bandaged throat.
"Don't try to speak, Sam," Frodo instructed as he reached for a cup of water. "Here, drink this." Holding Sam's head steady, Frodo carefully poured some water into his friend's mouth. Sam winced in pain as he swallowed. Frodo smiled sympathetically. "The doctor said your throat and neck would be very painful for awhile, Sam. Guess that's what happens when you try to get your self hung!" Sam closed his eyes and gave a pained smile.
Frodo sat silent for a moment. In his mind he had played over and over exactly how he would explain the truth of what happened in Minas Tirith to Sam, but now that the time had come, he felt oddly tongue-tied. He cleared his throat and gently took hold of Sam's hand. Sam seemed to flinch at the touch, keeping his eyes closed. Frodo looked down, took a deep breath and began.
"Sam," he said, wishing his friend would look at him. "I cannot tell you how sorry I am about everything that has happened to you. I...I know it has all been my fault and..." Sam's eyes flew open. He tightly squeezed Frodo's hand and shook his head adamantly. He opened his mouth as if to try to speak. "No, Sam," begged Frodo, "Hear me out! It was my fault for not being more attentive and not questioning why you were so miserable. We learned at the Coronation Ball about the horrible things that despicable Lady Uzelle said to you. I knew something was bothering you, yet I never really pursued it. You cannot imagine how upset I was, how upset we all were, when we heard what she had done."
Sam flushed in humiliation at the thought of Lady Uzelle and looked away. Tears now glistened in his eyes. He tried to pull his hand away, but Frodo held on tight.
"Sam," he continued, "No one agreed with her. No one! Do you understand? You should have seen Aragorn shred her to pieces in front of the entire ball! He said she could never return to court unless you said she could!" Sam's eyes widened at that and Frodo smiled for the first time. Then, his face grew somber.
"She got her revenge, though," he said tightly. "When you disappeared during the ball, she concocted this story of how you had been so depressed, you threw yourself into the river! I didn't know what to believe, but I did know that if you were indeed dead, I didn't want to live myself." Frodo paused and looked at Sam. "You are that important to me Samwise Gamgee." Sam closed his eyes again as plump tears slowly trickled down his gaunt cheeks. Frodo took his handkerchief and gently wiped them away. "But then," Frodo smiled, "We got word from Edoras that you weren't dead at all, but had been found on the road by a Rider and nursed back to health by his wife! But as wonderful as that news was, it was followed by the disheartening information that you had departed for the Shire with no explanation. We left for Rohan with the escort for King Theoden's body and when we reached Edoras, I searched out Lady Helveg to learn what news I could of you." He stopped again. This part was especially painful to Frodo. To know that his words, misunderstood though they had been, had nearly resulted in Sam's death was as agonizing as a dagger in Frodo's heart.
"She told me what you had overheard, Sam."
Sam's entire body seemed to collapse into itself. He could not meet Frodo's gaze knowing the coldness he would see there. Sam felt his grief and shame burn anew and it was almost too painful to bear. Tears now freely ran down Sam's face and he swallowed painfully. "It...it's alright, Mr. Frodo," he croaked hoarsely, "You don't... have to explain."
"Yes, Sam, I do!" cried Frodo urgently. "You don't understand! You had it all wrong! I wasn't talking about you at all! I was speaking of Gollum! He was the one haunting me, not you! How could you ever think I would want you gone!? Samwise Gamgee, you are the only reason we are still alive today! The only reason the Ring ever even made it to the Cracks of Doom and the only reason Middle Earth is free from Sauron! You took care of me and most of all, you were my lifeline to sanity! If I hadn't taken you for granted once we were safely in Minas Tirith, none of this would have happened and so I blame myself for your suffering." Frodo was shaking now, his own face wet with tears. "Please Sam," he whispered softly, "Please forgive me."
Now, Sam stared at his master in shock. This was not what he had expected to hear and he was utterly dumbfounded to learn that everything he had believed in was completely false! Frodo didn't hate him at all! Samwise Gamgee, he thought to himself as he tried to sort out his emotions. You have been the biggest fool in all of Middle Earth! How could you have thought such things!? But, soon shock gave away to a wave of intense joy and using what little strength he had, Sam threw his arms around his master and hugged him. Frodo, equally as jubilant to have his old Sam back, hugged him tightly in return and it was thus that Pippin and Merry found their two friends.