Sorry for the delay. I was updating my fanfics. :)

*.*.*

Sam observed the map of Bree-town, spotting all the local destinations. He didn't know why he was up at this early hour, but Mr. Frodo had been missing for a whole day. Where was he? Why couldn't he see his friend walking down the wide cobbled road?

What made things odder was that Mr. Frodo's horse was still at the stable. Sam looked on in confusion. This didn't make sense! Mr. Frodo should be back by now!

"Where is Mr. Frodo?" Sam asked in concern.

"He's probably mucking the stables!" Pippin said, cleaning his pony's hoof off with a hoof pick, making sure his pony's hoof didn't have any dirt clogging up the hoof.

"I don't know," Sam said, more concerned.

"Well, wherever Frodo is, I'm sure he's safe," Merry said, accompanying Pippin in the stable.

"Did the Salvia plant get to you two, too?" Sam asked, stunned by their absentminded gazes.

Wait… did he get in contact with the Salvia flower? Why did it seem like everyone was acting off? He checked his hand, finding there was lilac powder on it, just like what Mr. Frodo had on his hand.

Sam's vision became hazy. The colors zoomed off in strands across his vision. His ears thumped, the dizzying spell taking its toll. Before he knew it, he was on the ground, unable to see what he was doing, but knowing that everything would turn out okay in the end.

.

Frodo awoke to the sound of torrential rain and storm clouds. He bolted upright, stunned to see a land sprawling in green fields and flowery meadows. The rain poured on and off, leaving behind a dewy landscape that was almost golden-green in color and warmth.

A river flowed nearby, growing in size and strength. But Frodo wasn't close to the river. No. In fact, he was inside the wagon, wondering what he should do. Should he go back and find the Bearer of Secrets or should he face this torrential downpour? Either choice did not sound good.

Oh, what was he to do now? Who could he turn to when all hope seemed lost? Wasn't there anyone around who could help him out?

"Welcome to my home!" Silvia said, joining him in the large, grey stone walled cave.

"What?" Frodo turned his gaze to the interior of the cave. There were crates strewn across the floor, as well as hay barrels and barrels of wine and ale over in a few corners. It was a dead end for the most part, but it certainly seemed like they weren't far away from the Shire, from Bucklebury Ferry.

Oh, why didn't he listen to his friends? Frodo felt sure he wouldn't have gotten into this mess if he hadn't done the right thing!

"What am I doing here? I need to go home! I need to find — my friends," Frodo said, right as Silvia joined him. "They're out there! Why am I here?"

"So many questions," Silvia said, intrigued. She stood up, smiling at him as she poured a glass of red wine. "Surely you knew the consequences when you were invited to become a hobbit musketeer. Know the risks before you take on a reward."

"What?" Frodo asked.

None of this made sense! He should be home, but he decided to follow through with this mission. This was unbelievable!

"The risks involved for undertaking such a feat!" Silvia said, curious. "However, it does surprise me that you're here. The Bearer of Secrets has many routes to take and not all of them are pleasant."

"You're not making any sense," Frodo admitted. He remembered a moment later, "Wait. The Bearer of Secrets… his name is Thomas, right?"

Silvia sneered. "You are never to speak of that name to anyone! Understand?"

"He said I need to learn more about him, before I can defeat him," Frodo said, cheekily.

"He never said that!" Silvia hissed, not enjoying this. She stared at him with wary eyes. For a moment, Frodo thought she might have a fit.

It certainly seemed that way. What would she do to him now, he wondered? Then he feared he might not like the answer. Oh, woes him!

"Frodo, do you really think I'd do anything to you, without the Bearer of Secrets' consent?" Silvia asked, curtly.

"No," Frodo said, wondering if he was right.

"No indeed, but you are here to learn knowledge about the Musketeers. Your trial awaits you beyond that door," Silvia said, pointing to the wall.

Frodo turned and looked around, surprised to see a round, wooden door standing in the middle of the wall. He didn't understand. Why was the Bearer of Secrets doing this? He turned around and looked again, only to discover Silvia had vanished.

He was alone with nothing more than his thoughts to aide him.

He stood up, massaging his wrists. They were still tender from being bound by ropes. When at last he could feel movement in his fingers and thumbs, Frodo approached the door. He opened it, discovering a whole new world on the other side.

.

Sam writhed awake. He was laying on a bed inside the Prancing Pony. Already, images coursed through his mind. They were thoughts that shouldn't be there, and yet they watched him, waiting for his next move.

Oh, if only he had listened to Mr. Frodo! Then they wouldn't be separated! If he had done his chore, like he had been told, or even remembered, then none of this would have happened! It didn't help that he was stuck in bed, waiting until the sickness passed like a plague.

Oh, where did Mr. Frodo go? And why couldn't they find each other? Oh, Rosie Cotton might freak if she knew where Sam had been, what he was up to. She was the love of his life. A hobbit lass who cared for him and who needed him during these troublesome times.

He loved her with all his heart and would surely wish to see her again, if fate were kind to them.

He sat up, determination on his face. "Mr. Frodo, I will find you and then we're going home!" And he meant it. Every single word!