The information on Samwise Gamgee comes from various sources, including fanfiction and the original Lord of the Rings book trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Update - 5/2/2024: At the time I wrote this fanfic, back in 2014, I was against slash. Today, I seem more open to it, given there's been subtle hints of slash in my fanfics prior to my fanfic, The Breaking at Mount Doom. So, just something to keep in mind.

In response to guest reviews:

Saphira – I agree about what you said about Pippin. Personally, I think Pippin's more mature than I am. Merry and Pippin were pretty much the same when it came to fanfiction. I think Merry's more mature about it, but Pippin didn't seem to mind it one bit. I think every Fellowship member is against slash, obviously. That much should be made clear.

Chapter Twelve:

A Humble Gardener

Even as Sam entered the room, my mind led me to remember that I didn't talk much about fanfiction with Merry. Maybe he didn't mind it as much after all, much like Pippin. I wondered if the same could be said for Sam, but then I would have to wait and see.

As soon as I gestured to the empty chair, Sam nodded and took a seat. It was time to ask him a couple of questions, hopefully getting him to open up more. "Samwise Gamgee." I looked over the paperwork on Sam. "There isn't much on here about you and fanfiction."

"Now, before you say anything, I would like to point out that I've never been fond of slash. What I mean is I don't like it at all. I'd rather see a story that involves me and Rosie, than what they did to me and poor Mister Frodo," said Sam.

"I'm sure you do. That's fine," I said.

"You're not against slash?" asked Sam.

I was offended there. "I am against slash, Sam. That's why I don't write about it."

Sam blew in relief. "I'm glad. I was a bit worried."

"Well, speaking of fanfiction, you know there's a stereotype about you and potatoes."

"And that came from the films, right? I like potatoes, just not that much." Sam asked, "What has got into people's heads these days?"

"Well, I'm sure there are fans out there that respect you. I mean, how's the fanbase, if you've checked?" I asked.

Sam said, "Eh, fairly well, or so the robed man told me. I don't have any trouble with that, except for the slash and the potato stereotype." He asked, "Miss Aria, is this going to take long? I have work to do."

"Relax Sam. I just want to check up on you." I know I did not give Sam an exact answer. "How have you been since the quest? I notice you're rather shy."

"I've been growing out of my shyness. The humble behavior won't go away. That I am sure of," said Sam. "I've been fine."

"You don't want to be called a hero?" I asked.

Sam looked alarmed. "Why would I be called that? I don't deserve that title. Mister Frodo does. He's the one that deserves it, given all we've been through."

"Why don't you want to talk about you being a hero?" I asked, curious.

Sam looked bashful. "Miss Aria, I don't think this is wise…"

"But your actions were heroic during the War of the Ring," I said.

Sam said, "Miss Aria, I am but a simple hobbit, used to living and working in the Shire. That is what I am good at. It's what will remain." He said, humbly, "I know you think me a hero, but I am not worthy of such a title." He looked hurt. "I mean… I can't be called a hero."

"Why not?" I asked.

Sam paused. "What's the use? I was on the quest to help Mister Frodo in any way I could. I think I have accomplished that."

"Sam, what were your accomplishments during the journey?" I asked. Sam gave me a confused look. "What did you do during the quest?"

"I told you, didn't I? I was there to help Mister Frodo with what he needed," said Sam.

I sighed. "Sam, you don't understand. What did you do on the quest?"

"Help Mr. Frodo in any way he can. That is what I did. I don't see why I should proclaim anything else," said Sam.

"I meant what deeds did you do during the quest?" I said.

Sam understood then. "Oh. Well, I watched over Frodo when he was injured by that Black Rider. I helped Frodo against the Watcher in the Water. I fought Orcs in Moria and at Cirith Ungol. I fought the Giant Spider named Shelob. I was also suspicious of Gollum many times throughout the journey. I even told Mister Frodo about Gollum's treachery, something he evidently did in the end."

"You see? You can be called a hero many times over for your deeds. That's what heroes do, Sam," I said. Sam and I had a wordless stare. I had a feeling what he thought, but I didn't press the matter. I asked something else, "How's your Gaffer?"

"I respect him. He's been a good father to me, teachin' me right and fair. He taught me that those of higher class are to be respected. I think he's right. Mister Frodo, however, cannot seem to understand that. He finds class doesn't matter," said Sam.

"What do you think?" I asked.

"Merry thinks class matters. He doesn't openly berate me about it, but I know he wants me to keep my place. But that was before the quest. Now, we're friends," said Sam.

"Yes, but what do you think? What are your thoughts?" I said.

Sam said, "Class is something I've grown accustomed to. If I could, I would have forgotten class and stuck to friendship with Mister Frodo. Now it seems we are on equal grounds. My Gaffer was hard on me growing up, but his heart is in the right place. I think I deserve discipline, as it made me the hobbit I am today."

I did not have the same perspective as Sam did about discipline. "Don't you think your Gaffer could have eased up on you? I mean, he didn't have to be so hard on you."

"Miss Aria, my Gaffer has his ways of teaching his children. If he didn't be so hard on me, then I wouldn't have done what work he gave me to do," said Sam. "I don't know what your methods are for teaching children, but my Gaffer has always been strict. I, on the other hand, will discipline my own children in what way I feel is necessary to raise them to be well-mannered hobbits when they're older."

"And how's your relationship with Rosie?" I asked.

"I love her. Rosie's my life and she deserves the love that I give her. I was attracted to her since the beginning. We courted well before we got married, as we love each other with all our hearts. It was a match made in heaven, as the people in your modern era say. Our children are turning out fine, playing and enjoying themselves. I don't know what their lives will have, but I hope they'll be bliss. I would hate to see them go through something as dangerous as the quest I went on. I am glad to have returned home a braver hobbit," said Sam.

"Have you kept in contact with the Fellowship?" I asked.

"Not as much, but King Elessar sends his blessing. He's making the Shire a free land, where the hobbits can live in peace," said Sam. "I hope everyone's all right. I know my fellow hobbits are." He sighed. "I have this feelin' Mister Frodo's wounded. He keeps pretending he's all right, for my sake, but… I worry for him. He looks so pale at times. It scares me. I can't deny it. I won't. I won't rest until Mister Frodo's all right, but he hasn't got a wife and he's not doing much service to our country, as if he doesn't care for it anymore."

"Will you need anymore therapy?" I asked.

"You know I don't. I don't want any more therapy," said Sam. He regretted what he said, "But that is up to you. My fate rests with you."

I hesitated. I did not like having one's fate put into my hands. "Well, the only thing I would work on is the shyness. You won't need any more therapy, but be mindful of the shyness. All right, Sam?"

"All right. Thank you for your service," said Sam. He stood up and bowed, before leaving by a bright light.

As I set Sam's folder back on the table, the paperwork moved in the bright light. When the bright light left, there was less paperwork and only a note inside. The note read in fine ink:

Thank you, Miss Aria.

-Samwise Gamgee, Gardener

Sam's folder vanished. I did not see a new yellow folder turn up; so, I guess that meant I had no new client. That surprised me, as I thought Frodo would show up next. Okay, so now I had to wait on Gimli and Legolas with their reports on their progress.