The Smallest, The Greatest

Lord Of The Rings Fan Fiction

By: Bluegrass Elf

Summary: The day after the feast at Cormallen, Aragorn thinks about how important the hobbits proved in a quest that nearly every one had thought impossible.

The morning after the tremendous feast of Cormallen, at which many valiant had been honored and the High King himself had bowed to two small hobbits, that same king could be seen carrying trays of food to the hobbits’ private tent. Aragorn smiled and thought of what an amusing site he must seem. But at the moment he was not concerned about what others thought. After what they had been through the hobbits deserved much more than a simple breakfast, even if it was delivered by the most important person in all the land. As he drew nearer his destination he could hear the happy laughter coming from inside the tent.

“What took so long!?” cried Pippin as Aragorn stepped inside.

“What smells so good?” asked Frodo.

“I beg your pardon my friends, but these mushrooms take awhile to prepare,” he smiled at their surprised faces. “The cook sends his deepest apologies.”

“Mushrooms!” exclaimed Merry. They all gathered around him as he distributed the much, loved food. When he had finished, Aragorn sat back in a chair and watched them happily tuck in, laughing and chattering, as he had not seen them for all to long. He smiled once more and thought of the tremendous feats these four simple creatures had accomplished. And the more he thought about it, the more he realized that to remove even one of them from the story would have been a grievous mistake. They had all played such an important role in the war. The simple gifts they all possessed had proved to be the greatest weapons.  He looked around the tent and his gaze halted on Sam.

Sam had kept the Fellowship from falling into despair many ‘a time with his gentle touch and encouraging words. He was always there for a friend and Aragorn felt sure he was all that kept Frodo from giving in to the ring. The Ring-bearer could not have found a more loyal friend.

Aragorn’s gaze shifted to the next hobbit, Merry.

Merry had proved that no-matter what you are told you can still make difference. Often he had been told to stay behind. That he was to small and could do nothing. But Merry had defied every one and broken all the rules. And in doing so he had saved the lives of many.

Pippin’s part in the tale was no less amazing. He was full to the brim with cheer that he was always ready to share, brightening the world with his carefree ways and mischievous pranks. But he had a serious side as well, and many was the person he had pulled from harm’s way with his quick thinking and ability to stay calm in the face of danger. The Lord Steward Faramir and Beregond of the Guard would not have lived to see this happy day if not for Pippin.

And Frodo. He had made the biggest sacrifice of all. The price he had paid for the happiness of others could never be compensated. And Frodo did not expect it to be. What he had done was done in love for The Shire and those who were close to him. It was plain that the smiles on the faces of his friends were payment enough.

Aragorn sighed. They had all given so much and received so little. All they wanted was to return to their home and live life as they always had. Aragorn hoped that they would be able to. If it was the only part of the debt that could be paid then it should be………

His musing was interrupted as Frodo came over.

“Aragorn,” he said softly. “Thank you.”

The smile that Aragorn had been wearing broke into a wide grin.

“You are most welcome, Mister Frodo Baggins.”

THE END