Sam sat silently outside camp, the icy breeze cutting him. The morning had
barely dawned and the whispers of winter still clung to the early hours. He
pulled his cloak around himself and hugged his arms, shaking fiercely. He
jutted out his lower lip to stay his chattering teeth and narrowed his eyes
against the wind. From another's perspective he had the look of resolve
upon his shaking features. He was determined and stubborn and refused to
move an inch.
It was against Envin's better judgement to let the little hobbit out into the cold so early but Sam would not be swayed. He sat all alone on that cold stone and refused to budge until Lord Elrond came. Gandalf had called him a foolish hobbit and Aragorn himself forbade it. But Sam did not care. If this was his master's only hope he'd wait till the very sun fell out of the sky if he must. After an hour or so Merry and Pippin came by to keep him company. Pippin siddled close to his left and Merry to his right squishing him between the two giant hobbits but he had to admit they did warm him up. After a while Pippin began to shiver so violently Merry had to take him in. The young hobbit was still weak from his own injuries and blood loss.
Sam was alone once again and he could feel the cold seeping into every pour of his body. Even the roots of his hair seemed to stand on end. His skin felt parched and frozen like brittle paper and he had to moisten his lips every so often to keep them from cracking. He felt almost weary from the cold and it made his mind drift in and out slowly. He vaguely remembered feeling like this before, at the foot of Mount Doom, dehydrated and half mad. He had thought he was dreaming when he felt something thick and heavy bear down on his shoulders and huge arms wrap around him. He fought weakly but his movements were slow and weak as a kitten's. He finally gave in and let whatever giant creature hold him close. He had to admit it felt warm and he snuggled against the fur.
When Sam awoke the blush of sunlight was painted along the sky and he felt a bit of warm sun touch his frozen face. He felt grey and dark as color slowly seeped back into his skin. He suddenly became aware of something and he sat up quickly and looked over him. There sat a very confused Emáten holding a thick fur blanket that had been on Sam's shoulders.
"Oh Emáten, it's you," said Sam putting his hand to his quickly beating heart.
"Yes sir," Emáten blushed feeling foolish for startling the hobbit, "You looked so cold, and I found this blanket for you. You kept shivering so I held it tight. I hope you don't mind sir. I didn't mean to startle you."
"No no," said Sam, "I think I would 'ave frozen to death if you didn't come along."
"Truth is, sir, Lord Aragorn is none too pleased with you he sent me to get you. But I didn't want to go against your wishes, and I didn't want to go against his, so I brought this blanket and tried to keep you warm, sir."
Sam chuckled. "Thank you, Emáten, I do feel better now." He yawned. "Oh! But what is the time!"
"Nearly noon, sir. The elves have not arrived yet, but I'll go now if you like.You can keep the blanket."
"No, I rather like the company."
Emáten blushed again. "Thank you, sir." Sam sat back down on the stone, now warmed by the rising sun. He smiled and turned his face to her golden glow. Emáten watched in wonder as this hobbit nearly bloomed before him at the mere ray of sunshine. They truly were amazing creatures. They lived on golden sunshine and good tilled earth and eveyrthing green. How did these little things survive that desolate wasteland! Emáten was broken from his reverie by Sam's voice calling with joy.
"They're here! Master Elrond! Lady Arwen!"
~~~
Sam had practically run under the horses' hooves, to much annoyance of the horses, and Elrond had to rear the steed so that he would not trample the tiny hobbit. The horse snorted moodily and Elrond laughed aloud reaching down and grasping Sam from under the arms and sitting him, gently, down in front of him. Sam blushed seeing his childish excitement but the elf only laughed and greeted him warmly.
Emáten watched in wonder and helped some of the elves with the horses. He helped bring them to the stables and turned to look over his shoulder as he saw Samwise upon the steed of the elf lord. He tripped over his own feet (much to the amusement of the flawless elves) and blushed furiously.
"So Samwise," said Elrond, "We meet again, but is it true? I do not believe it. You have left your master's side for a single moment."
"Elrond, Frodo, he's-"
"Shh, I know. Estel sent me a message and I came as quickly as possible. I also read that Aragorn is quite astonished that you have put such faith in the current healer. Is it true that you said you would have no other or is my foster son pulling wool over my eyes?"
Sam smiled slightly, "He is tending Mr. Frodo now."
"But Samwise I cannot comprehend this. You followed him like a little shadow, avoided my own eyes in that corner during the council. You didn't even trust me when he was wounded by that Morgul blade and now you sit on a cold stone and wait for me all morning while someone else tends your Mr. Frodo."
Sam blushed furiously, "I wasn't sittin' th- there all morning."
"Don't lie to me Master Gamgee. I can see by the flush in your cheeks and the pink in your nose you've either been at the king's wine or you've been freezing yourself out here." At that remark Sam turned even redder and (much to his further embarassment) sneezed. "See," Elrond laughed, "You have been freezing yourself."
"Father stop teasing him." There came a light peel of laughter beside the blushing hobbit and Sam turned to see Lady Arwen riding beside him. She sat upon a glorious white steed with deep blue silks flowing over her arms and a thin veil studded with stars over the dark shadows of her hair. Her eyes twinkled with the light of stars and Sam almost gasped at her long forgotten beauty. He was rendered speechless which only brought more musical laughter from the elf lady. "Do you think he remembers me, Father?"
Sam mumbled something inaudible and Arwen leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "It is my greatest joy to see you alive and well again Samwise, always the bravest of hobbits."
If Sam could have he would have turned even redder but he thanked Elbereth there was no such shade for it would have truly been humiliating. He already looked like a vibrant little rosebud. "I'm not that, Lady Arwen," he managed to mumble.
She looked sincerely shocked, "How so Samwise? Ever since I saw you, following your sick master as he was carried from the horse up to the chambers I knew you were brave. Brave and loyal to you master. I saw such a good heart in there, I knew you were meant for this quest since the first time I layed eyes on you."
Sam turned his head down, "My Lady I haven't done a very good job of sticking by him."
"Samwise! You must stop this foolishness. Without you he would have been dead long ago. Perhaps ever since the ford. You stayed with him and he always knew you were there. When all the world was dark to him, when everything had broken, you were still there." She put her fair, slender hand under his chin and felt hot tears gathering on his cheeks. "Sam, Bravest of Hobbits, Stoutest of Hearts, you will find him again. I know it." She pulled a white jewel from the silver bag hanging from her horse's neck. "Whenever you feel that all is lost, that your master is lost to you forever, hold this tight and think of me. You will find you courage and your hope again. I trust you Samwise. And when you left on that quest I told my father, 'Frodo will make it. They'll get through. Because Samwise Gamgee will see it done.' And I haven't been wrong yet."
"Thank you Lady Arwen!" said Sam, flustered with tears and thanks as he gently grasped the jewel.
"You deserve no less, Samwise." With that she pulled her veil over her head and rode away.
Sam squeaked as words caught in his throat and Elrond leaned over and whispered in his ear. "She is going to see Aragorn. We will go straight to Frodo's tent and see what I can do."
Sam nodded and watched as Arwen's horse disappeared over the hills.
~~~
Elrond stepped into the tent with Sam at his heals. Envin was holding out his surgical knife and flickered the light in Frodo's eyes. Elrond watched in silence and Sam peered out from behind his legs. He said nothing.
Envin flickered the knife a few times to show Frodo what it was. He got no response. He held up Frodo's arm once more and raised the knife making sure it was in Frodo's line of sight the entire time. Swiftly he made a clean cut just below the old one and let a small drop of blood slide down Frodo's pale arm. The hobbit almost flinched at the sting. Envin set the knife down and lifted some cool water, ointment, and bandages to clean and heal the wound. When he was done wrapping he unwrapped the old one which had healed completely by now. He was finally aware of his audiance when he heard a little sneeze and a sniffle behind him.
Elrond chose this time to come forward. "Interesting treatment you have," said Elrond with a calm serenity.
Envin jolted at the unexpected intruder and gasped as he first layed eyes on an elf. He bowed low, "You must be Lord Elrond! I am honoured my lord! Your healing skills are well known even by my people."
"The honour is mine for I hear that Samwise will have no other healer on his master but you so you clearly must be the best. Even better than I if *Samwise* will only have you. Indeed your skills must exeed that of all the Valar, please might I learn from you."
During this ridiculous speech Envin turned many interesting shades as well as Sam and Elrond did enjoy the jest. "M- my Lord-" Envin began tentatively, "I think you may be mistaken."
Elrond smiled slightly then stepped forward. He examined Frodo with his keen grey eyes and Envin stepped back and stood beside Sam, watching intently. Minutes seemed to pass like hours as the great elven healer checked Frodo's pulse, breathing, eyes, and ears. "Come," he said quietly and his tone took to a low serious note. "We must bring him over to the bed."
Envin hurried over to the bed and layed down a fresh sheet. He propped up the pillows as Elrond carried the limp hobbit over. He layed Frodo out silently setting his soft curls on the pillow. He ran his finger tips over the hobbit's eyelids and they closed calmly. Elrond sat himself down next to him and pressed his slender hand to Frodo's forehead. Sam and Envin felt a heavy air lift from the room and they both sighed simultaniously. The elflord closed his eyes and pressed his hand firmer to Frodo's forehead.
Envin watched in amazement and saw a fine ring upon the third finger. His eyes sparkled with wonder as a light seemed to come from the blue stone and took a shaky breath. Elf magic! He'd never seen it before and nothing he ever heard could have prepared him for this. Sam seemed equally stupefied.
~~~
Elrond found himself lost in a dark nothingness. "This must be where he is." Thought Elrond, and his thoughts blazed like a beacon through the darkness. Light ignited from his very being and intruded the darkness. He heard a yelp and turned around. There sat a frail creature, huddled into a ball and trembling. "Frodo?" There was no answer but the little creature tried to escape the light that came from the frightening elf. He looked up shaking violently, wide eyes stared at the elf full of confusion and fright. He backed away slightly but knew he was trapped. *Where did this frightening thing come from!? Didn't only he exist?* The frail looking thing backed away from the light.
"No, Frodo," said Elrond softly, "I'm here to help you."
Like a little child, Frodo cocked his head and rubbed his arms as if trying to warm himself. He did not speak it seemed as if he could not. Elrond already knew it would be different than last time. This may be even beyond his skills. But he reached out nonetheless and Frodo seemed to smile at seeing something familiar. That was an arm wasn't it? He knew what those were. He felt like a simple child rewarded for doing something good. He reached out his own arm and took the elf's hand.
"Come, Frodo, do not be frightened. I'll lead you out of here."
The little hobbit did not seem aware that the elf was talking but followed nonetheless.
~~~
Elrond opened his eyes and blinked the world into focus. Before him sat the dazed hobbit and he blinked as well. Once. Twice. Three times. He turned his head but he seemed to have to concentrate hard to perform the action. His gaze settled on Envin and Sam who watched in shock and wonder. His master was back!
It was against Envin's better judgement to let the little hobbit out into the cold so early but Sam would not be swayed. He sat all alone on that cold stone and refused to budge until Lord Elrond came. Gandalf had called him a foolish hobbit and Aragorn himself forbade it. But Sam did not care. If this was his master's only hope he'd wait till the very sun fell out of the sky if he must. After an hour or so Merry and Pippin came by to keep him company. Pippin siddled close to his left and Merry to his right squishing him between the two giant hobbits but he had to admit they did warm him up. After a while Pippin began to shiver so violently Merry had to take him in. The young hobbit was still weak from his own injuries and blood loss.
Sam was alone once again and he could feel the cold seeping into every pour of his body. Even the roots of his hair seemed to stand on end. His skin felt parched and frozen like brittle paper and he had to moisten his lips every so often to keep them from cracking. He felt almost weary from the cold and it made his mind drift in and out slowly. He vaguely remembered feeling like this before, at the foot of Mount Doom, dehydrated and half mad. He had thought he was dreaming when he felt something thick and heavy bear down on his shoulders and huge arms wrap around him. He fought weakly but his movements were slow and weak as a kitten's. He finally gave in and let whatever giant creature hold him close. He had to admit it felt warm and he snuggled against the fur.
When Sam awoke the blush of sunlight was painted along the sky and he felt a bit of warm sun touch his frozen face. He felt grey and dark as color slowly seeped back into his skin. He suddenly became aware of something and he sat up quickly and looked over him. There sat a very confused Emáten holding a thick fur blanket that had been on Sam's shoulders.
"Oh Emáten, it's you," said Sam putting his hand to his quickly beating heart.
"Yes sir," Emáten blushed feeling foolish for startling the hobbit, "You looked so cold, and I found this blanket for you. You kept shivering so I held it tight. I hope you don't mind sir. I didn't mean to startle you."
"No no," said Sam, "I think I would 'ave frozen to death if you didn't come along."
"Truth is, sir, Lord Aragorn is none too pleased with you he sent me to get you. But I didn't want to go against your wishes, and I didn't want to go against his, so I brought this blanket and tried to keep you warm, sir."
Sam chuckled. "Thank you, Emáten, I do feel better now." He yawned. "Oh! But what is the time!"
"Nearly noon, sir. The elves have not arrived yet, but I'll go now if you like.You can keep the blanket."
"No, I rather like the company."
Emáten blushed again. "Thank you, sir." Sam sat back down on the stone, now warmed by the rising sun. He smiled and turned his face to her golden glow. Emáten watched in wonder as this hobbit nearly bloomed before him at the mere ray of sunshine. They truly were amazing creatures. They lived on golden sunshine and good tilled earth and eveyrthing green. How did these little things survive that desolate wasteland! Emáten was broken from his reverie by Sam's voice calling with joy.
"They're here! Master Elrond! Lady Arwen!"
~~~
Sam had practically run under the horses' hooves, to much annoyance of the horses, and Elrond had to rear the steed so that he would not trample the tiny hobbit. The horse snorted moodily and Elrond laughed aloud reaching down and grasping Sam from under the arms and sitting him, gently, down in front of him. Sam blushed seeing his childish excitement but the elf only laughed and greeted him warmly.
Emáten watched in wonder and helped some of the elves with the horses. He helped bring them to the stables and turned to look over his shoulder as he saw Samwise upon the steed of the elf lord. He tripped over his own feet (much to the amusement of the flawless elves) and blushed furiously.
"So Samwise," said Elrond, "We meet again, but is it true? I do not believe it. You have left your master's side for a single moment."
"Elrond, Frodo, he's-"
"Shh, I know. Estel sent me a message and I came as quickly as possible. I also read that Aragorn is quite astonished that you have put such faith in the current healer. Is it true that you said you would have no other or is my foster son pulling wool over my eyes?"
Sam smiled slightly, "He is tending Mr. Frodo now."
"But Samwise I cannot comprehend this. You followed him like a little shadow, avoided my own eyes in that corner during the council. You didn't even trust me when he was wounded by that Morgul blade and now you sit on a cold stone and wait for me all morning while someone else tends your Mr. Frodo."
Sam blushed furiously, "I wasn't sittin' th- there all morning."
"Don't lie to me Master Gamgee. I can see by the flush in your cheeks and the pink in your nose you've either been at the king's wine or you've been freezing yourself out here." At that remark Sam turned even redder and (much to his further embarassment) sneezed. "See," Elrond laughed, "You have been freezing yourself."
"Father stop teasing him." There came a light peel of laughter beside the blushing hobbit and Sam turned to see Lady Arwen riding beside him. She sat upon a glorious white steed with deep blue silks flowing over her arms and a thin veil studded with stars over the dark shadows of her hair. Her eyes twinkled with the light of stars and Sam almost gasped at her long forgotten beauty. He was rendered speechless which only brought more musical laughter from the elf lady. "Do you think he remembers me, Father?"
Sam mumbled something inaudible and Arwen leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "It is my greatest joy to see you alive and well again Samwise, always the bravest of hobbits."
If Sam could have he would have turned even redder but he thanked Elbereth there was no such shade for it would have truly been humiliating. He already looked like a vibrant little rosebud. "I'm not that, Lady Arwen," he managed to mumble.
She looked sincerely shocked, "How so Samwise? Ever since I saw you, following your sick master as he was carried from the horse up to the chambers I knew you were brave. Brave and loyal to you master. I saw such a good heart in there, I knew you were meant for this quest since the first time I layed eyes on you."
Sam turned his head down, "My Lady I haven't done a very good job of sticking by him."
"Samwise! You must stop this foolishness. Without you he would have been dead long ago. Perhaps ever since the ford. You stayed with him and he always knew you were there. When all the world was dark to him, when everything had broken, you were still there." She put her fair, slender hand under his chin and felt hot tears gathering on his cheeks. "Sam, Bravest of Hobbits, Stoutest of Hearts, you will find him again. I know it." She pulled a white jewel from the silver bag hanging from her horse's neck. "Whenever you feel that all is lost, that your master is lost to you forever, hold this tight and think of me. You will find you courage and your hope again. I trust you Samwise. And when you left on that quest I told my father, 'Frodo will make it. They'll get through. Because Samwise Gamgee will see it done.' And I haven't been wrong yet."
"Thank you Lady Arwen!" said Sam, flustered with tears and thanks as he gently grasped the jewel.
"You deserve no less, Samwise." With that she pulled her veil over her head and rode away.
Sam squeaked as words caught in his throat and Elrond leaned over and whispered in his ear. "She is going to see Aragorn. We will go straight to Frodo's tent and see what I can do."
Sam nodded and watched as Arwen's horse disappeared over the hills.
~~~
Elrond stepped into the tent with Sam at his heals. Envin was holding out his surgical knife and flickered the light in Frodo's eyes. Elrond watched in silence and Sam peered out from behind his legs. He said nothing.
Envin flickered the knife a few times to show Frodo what it was. He got no response. He held up Frodo's arm once more and raised the knife making sure it was in Frodo's line of sight the entire time. Swiftly he made a clean cut just below the old one and let a small drop of blood slide down Frodo's pale arm. The hobbit almost flinched at the sting. Envin set the knife down and lifted some cool water, ointment, and bandages to clean and heal the wound. When he was done wrapping he unwrapped the old one which had healed completely by now. He was finally aware of his audiance when he heard a little sneeze and a sniffle behind him.
Elrond chose this time to come forward. "Interesting treatment you have," said Elrond with a calm serenity.
Envin jolted at the unexpected intruder and gasped as he first layed eyes on an elf. He bowed low, "You must be Lord Elrond! I am honoured my lord! Your healing skills are well known even by my people."
"The honour is mine for I hear that Samwise will have no other healer on his master but you so you clearly must be the best. Even better than I if *Samwise* will only have you. Indeed your skills must exeed that of all the Valar, please might I learn from you."
During this ridiculous speech Envin turned many interesting shades as well as Sam and Elrond did enjoy the jest. "M- my Lord-" Envin began tentatively, "I think you may be mistaken."
Elrond smiled slightly then stepped forward. He examined Frodo with his keen grey eyes and Envin stepped back and stood beside Sam, watching intently. Minutes seemed to pass like hours as the great elven healer checked Frodo's pulse, breathing, eyes, and ears. "Come," he said quietly and his tone took to a low serious note. "We must bring him over to the bed."
Envin hurried over to the bed and layed down a fresh sheet. He propped up the pillows as Elrond carried the limp hobbit over. He layed Frodo out silently setting his soft curls on the pillow. He ran his finger tips over the hobbit's eyelids and they closed calmly. Elrond sat himself down next to him and pressed his slender hand to Frodo's forehead. Sam and Envin felt a heavy air lift from the room and they both sighed simultaniously. The elflord closed his eyes and pressed his hand firmer to Frodo's forehead.
Envin watched in amazement and saw a fine ring upon the third finger. His eyes sparkled with wonder as a light seemed to come from the blue stone and took a shaky breath. Elf magic! He'd never seen it before and nothing he ever heard could have prepared him for this. Sam seemed equally stupefied.
~~~
Elrond found himself lost in a dark nothingness. "This must be where he is." Thought Elrond, and his thoughts blazed like a beacon through the darkness. Light ignited from his very being and intruded the darkness. He heard a yelp and turned around. There sat a frail creature, huddled into a ball and trembling. "Frodo?" There was no answer but the little creature tried to escape the light that came from the frightening elf. He looked up shaking violently, wide eyes stared at the elf full of confusion and fright. He backed away slightly but knew he was trapped. *Where did this frightening thing come from!? Didn't only he exist?* The frail looking thing backed away from the light.
"No, Frodo," said Elrond softly, "I'm here to help you."
Like a little child, Frodo cocked his head and rubbed his arms as if trying to warm himself. He did not speak it seemed as if he could not. Elrond already knew it would be different than last time. This may be even beyond his skills. But he reached out nonetheless and Frodo seemed to smile at seeing something familiar. That was an arm wasn't it? He knew what those were. He felt like a simple child rewarded for doing something good. He reached out his own arm and took the elf's hand.
"Come, Frodo, do not be frightened. I'll lead you out of here."
The little hobbit did not seem aware that the elf was talking but followed nonetheless.
~~~
Elrond opened his eyes and blinked the world into focus. Before him sat the dazed hobbit and he blinked as well. Once. Twice. Three times. He turned his head but he seemed to have to concentrate hard to perform the action. His gaze settled on Envin and Sam who watched in shock and wonder. His master was back!