I was both surprised and alarmed to find myself being jolted awake by the sounds of Legolas entering the room upon his return. I had slept so long the night before, I did not expect to succumb to it again so soon. Half of my mind was worrying over the possibility of it being a warning sign for some other horrible complication, the other half extremely frustrated by my obsessive fretting. I made an effort to put it all out of my mind, knowing there was nothing I could do about it one way or the other, and instead focused my attention on what Legolas had brought back.
"I'm sorry- did I wake you?" He asked as I stirred, and I shook my head instinctively, though it was quite obvious I had been asleep.
He carried a tray with a bowl set upon it, but also several pieces of paper and an inkwell and quill pen.
"What's that for?" I asked.
"Well, since Sam can't visit with you, I thought you might like to at least write to him." Legolas said, pleasantly.
I thought this a splendid idea. Legolas set the tray down beside me on the bed and I ate a few spoonfuls of broth before dipping the pen into the ink. I began to write out "Sam,", then paused, unsure of what I wanted to say exactly.
Sam,
I hope you are doing well. You must tell me how you are.
I'm sorry you are not allowed to see me just now, but hopefully I will be well soon. I miss you a great
deal already.
I must ask you to try not to worry about me, though I know you will anyway.
Ever yours,
Frodo
My shaky handwriting was hideous, but I knew he would understand. I folded up the note and handed it to Legolas, who had been patiently waiting for me to finish. He took it without delay to Sam, and returned a few minutes later with a response.
Frodo,
I am feeling much better. My doctor is very pleased with how I am healing up and there haven't been
many problems so far. I am still feeling a bit indisposed, but enough about that. I am so sorry to hear
that you have taken ill and are feeling poorly. Know that you're in my prayers and remember what we
did before, should you start feeling overwhelmed again. Remember that we're safe now, too and that
there are plenty of people here that care for you and that would be more than willing to help and stay
with you, should you need it- myself included, regardless of what your doctor says about it.
I never catch cold. If you need me, just let me know.
You must recover soon for your own sake, but I can't say my well wishes are entirely selfless- I'm
afraid I miss you a great deal too, and also, your cousin Pippin has been driving me up the wall since
you've been shut up in there. Please get well soon.
Sincerely,
Sam
I immediately inked out a response. I found I almost preferred this method of communication, as I didn't have to strain my voice or be so conscious about how much pain I showing. Sam's knowledge of my pain would only cause him further anxiety, so I felt it was better for him to only read my carefully considered words.
Sam,
Aragorn has been helping Ryndil and together they've been doing everything they can to help me get
better. Tell Pippin to allow you some space if you need it. He will understand.
What have you been doing to keep yourself occupied?
Ever yours,
Frodo
I sent Legolas to deliver this and was able to finish the broth as I waited for the reply.
Frodo,
My healer, Darrion, won't really let me do much of anything what with this head injury I've got - he
says I've got to take it easy for awhile, but I've been trying to write out a letter to send back home to
my old Gaffer.
Sincerely,
Sam
I wrote out a new note. By now, I had completely abandoned the rules of formal letter-writing and simply wrote back as if we were having a conversation face-to-face.
My goodness, he will be glad to hear from you. I should write to Bilbo in Rivendell, though I think I
will wait until I can do it with a steady hand.
If you see Pippin before I do, tell him to write home as well if he hasn't, and to have Merry do the
same.
Legolas dutifully took the letter to him and he soon brought back another reply.
Pippin is sitting right here and read your instructions himself, even though I did not give him
permission. He's reading this too, and he's asked me to tell you he says "hello" and hopes
you feel better soon.
You know, I expect we'll be going through Rivendell on our way home. You could see your uncle!
I wrote out a little inane responseand we sent a few more notes back and forth, but my pain was increasing as time went on and I began to run out of energy and things to say. I didn't want to talk anymore, and was so affected by the pain that I accidentally broke the quill pen. Legolas assured me it could easily be replaced and offered to fetch me a new one, but I declined and a few tears ran down my cheeks. He did not inquire as to the cause of my tears, but instead laid a soothing hand over my shoulder. I looked to the clock and found that it had been over six hours since I'd had anything for the pain, and the relief had only really lasted for about four and a half.
"…Will- Will you tell something to Sam for me?"
"Certainly. What shall I tell him?" Legolas said in a low, calming voice, gingerly kneading the stiff muscles in my shoulder.
"Tell him… Tell him that I…" I paused, holding my temples, unable to concentrate on anything besides the ache in my chest, "Tell him that I'm sorry… But… I'm very tired… And… And I can't write anymore."
Legolas slowly nodded and lingered just long enough to ensure that was all I had to say.
"Rest…" He whispered, releasing my shoulder and leaving his place at the edge of the bed.