FrodoBaggins87, I hope this chapter is less confusing, then. Iorhael didn't say anything about being confusing this chapter, so, I'm hoping it's not.

Julia Baggins, welcome! This corresponds with book timeline if that's any hint about Sam (runs from March 13-25). Not going to reveal my plot too much (then it's no fun). Thanks so much for the compliments! I hope you enjoy this.

Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings since Tolkien wrote the book, and I am not him; and PJ did the movies, and I'm not him either.

Alone

March 16, 1420 S.R.

Finally Cotton's out of here! I'm ill and he's been hovering over me like a moth to the flames. Too much for me. I know he's only doing it so I can work again. He seems genuine enough, but I suspect it since he doesn't spend every moment nursing me to health. Now Sam – perhaps he spoiled me when he was "being my friend" so as to keep me from seeing his plot.

Everything he did on the journey was because he's my servant and part of it was an act, a visage. He must have been after Bilbo's treasure that is hidden in Bag End (unless Lobelia and Lotho found it and took it). Why didn't I see through it before? I look back and I can see it now, but I was too late. It must have been such a laugh to him when he was back at his gaffer's to think on how gullible I,, his master, was. You were smart and cunning, Samwise, but all traitors are caught at some point in time, and you have been found out, though I've not declared it publicly for I want you to admit it to me. To confess. That would prove to me that our brotherly friendship meant something to you and not only to me.

You were the first I considered a friend; you were also the first friend to betray me, and one by one turn my cousins from me. Because of you, I must die. F.B.

# # #

Frodo quickly hid the leather-bound book beneath his mattress and faked being asleep as he heard Framer Cotton's footsteps approaching.

"Frodo, I brought you –" he began while entering. "Oh, the lad's asleep. And how peaceful he appears!"

Indeed, Frodo was feeling peaceful. He had once again escaped to the dark, void safe-haven of the waking world, thinking of nothing. It would not last for long, but it was the only form of relief he had found, so he journeyed there as often as he could.

So, the farmer sat, marveling at how peaceful his patient appeared compared to the other times he had found him in slumber. Perhaps the lad is getting better, he told himself. Or perhaps he only has his eyes closed. Cotton stood and walked over to Frodo. Should he wake him? He rarely was this peaceful. Hesitantly, he shook Frodo's limp body.

Frodo opened his eyes, groaning in protest. Why did someone have to bring him back to reality so soon? "Yes?" he asked.

"I've brought you some broth."

Frodo looked at the bowl full of steaming liquid while pondering at whether he should take it or not. He decided to take it and ate, more for show than hunger. Thankfully, he thought, my taste buds are not working properly. How I dislike broth! When finished, Frodo gave the bowl back to Farmer Cotton without saying anything. He wanted more than anything to escape once more to his sleep.

Thus, he spent much of his day eating, sleeping, though even more restlessly than usual, and escaping to his dark safe haven where nothing existed and he could just be.

TBC...