Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings, or any of its characters.

This fic is based off of a movie-bunny by Shirebound! Thanks for the inspiration!

When Sam awakens in Minas Tirith, Gandalf finally has a chance to tell him how proud he is that his request, "Don’t you lose him, Samwise Gamgee" was so taken to heart. How does Sam view what he’s done, and what’s happened? Although Frodo lost consciousness during the rescue, does Sam remember the Eagles? How is he feeling? Does the Fellowship greet him the way they greet Frodo?

***

Friendship and Doubt

Sam listened as the labored breathing of his master slowed to a consistent rhythm. He knew without looking that Frodo had slipped into unconsciousness, and he was thankful, for it meant that he would not suffer while in a dream-like state.

The mountain continued pouring magma downs its slopes, and it rose ever closer to the bodies of the two hobbits. Sam closed his eyes, willing himself to think back to what he and Frodo had been saying.

The Shire... Rosie Cotton...

The piercing shriek of what sounded like a giant bird broke the hobbit’s thoughts. He happened to open his eyes as a great claw wrapped around his body and lifted him up into the sky.

Mr. Frodo, he thought numbly. I mustn’t leave him there. He tried to squirm free, but the hold of the bird was too strong, and he knew it would be foolish if were to fall back into the river of fire.

The Eagle’s wings glided effortlessly above him. A cry from his side caused him to turn his head in that direction. To his surprise another Eagle flew beside them. It dropped down far enough to reveal a form clinging on its back.

At first Sam didn’t recognize who the person was. He was almost a blinding contrast from the dark clouds that still lingered in the sky. His robes were of pure white as was his long hair and beard. But those eyes were the same, and it was when the wizard smiled at him that he knew he was finally safe. He whispered the name "Gandalf," before his head rolled back and the white light overtook him.

When was the last time he had slept somewhere that didn’t have any roots digging into his back, and sharp rocks gouging his ribs as he would roll over? How long ago did a pillow rest behind his head instead of his unshapely pack?

Those comforts were forgotten as Sam bolted upright from the bed and called out Frodo’s name. He was in a small guest house, he realized, and expected to recognize at least one feature of the architecture, but failed. A jolt of panic washed through his body until he heard a stir to the side of his bed. He looked down only to see Pippin leaning against it, fast asleep.

Sam wanted to laugh at such a familiar sight, but instead tears formed in his eyes.

"You are awake then?" Came a voice from the door.

Sam couldn’t help but smile as the wizard walked into the room. "Gandalf!" He exclaimed, and a little more quietly, as to not disturb the slumbering hobbit, "Oh, Gandalf."

Gandalf walked over and sat down at the foot of the bed. He noticed a pained look in Sam’s eyes. "What plagues your mind, my dear hobbit?"

Tears were falling freely down Sam’s cheeks. "I left him, Gandalf. I said I wouldn’t and I left him there on the rocks!" He buried his face in his hands and groaned miserably.

He heard the old wizard laughing. Angry, Sam looked up and stared at Gandalf.

"You are the most loyal of hobbits, aren’t you, Samwise Gamgee?" Seeing the confused look in Sam’s face he continued, "do you honestly think I would not send an Eagle for Frodo as well?"

Realization swept across Sam’s features, and his tears turned into ones of pure joy. Pippin lifted his head from the bed. "Sam!" He began, and stopped as he noticed the hobbit was crying. He looked at Gandalf questioningly, but the wizard merely smiled. Pippin looked back at Sam and gave him a smile of his own. "I’m glad you are all right. " He said earnestly.

Sam smiled through his tears and bent down to hug Pippin. A wave of tiredness caused him to fall back onto the pillows. "I want to see him," he muttered, as his eyes began to droop.

"You will," Gandalf replied, standing up from the bed. "He is still resting in the next room, so sleep while you can."

As his thoughts began to drift he could hear the fading voice of Pippin. "Don’t worry, Sam. I will stay by your side..."

He was proud of himself, he suddenly realized. Gandalf was right. He accomplished what he had set out to do, in his own way. That was to look after Frodo while they were on his Quest, to make sure he finished it and returned home alive.

Well, not quite home.

"Where am I?" Sam said aloud, opening his eyes.

"Minas Tirith," replied Pippin. "The great city of Gondor." Something was changed in the way Pippin spoke, but he didn’t have time to put his finger on it, for the door burst open and revealed another hobbit.

"Frodo is awake!" Merry exclaimed, and noticed the hobbit in the bed. "Sam! You’ve awaken too!" He ran over and gave Sam a hug. "We have so much to tell you, Pip and I," he said in his ear.

Pippin nodded eagerly. "I know you want to see Frodo," he said. "Come on!" Merry and Pippin made a dash for the door, not able to contain their excitement any longer.

Sam took his time though, gingerly placing his feet on the ground and lifting himself off the bed. He tried to move his feet, but they felt like they were mounted on the floor. What’s wrong with me? He thought furiously to himself. I need to see if Mr. Frodo is all right! He began to walk to the door and stopped once he reached it. He looked outside at the white stone walls and marveled at the height of the banners soaring high above him.

"Sam?" A gruff voice that could only belong to Gimli spoke, and was accompanied by a sturdy pat on the back.

Sam looked at the Dwarf and smiled. "I’m glad to see you again." He said. Gimli’s eyes sparkled and he left him to walk over to the door of a building not too far away.

The hobbit took a deep breath and was about to take another step when he saw Legolas walk up from behind him. The Elf did nothing but put his hand on Sam’s shoulder, and gave him a look that had no need for words. Thank you, he seemed to say. The hobbit blushed and looked down.

Sam’s walk was still slow as Legolas continued on his way. He stopped once, urged himself to go, and then stopped again. He shook his head and looked longingly to his own room before admonishing himself.

"Why am I doing this?" Sam asked himself. "Am I... afraid of seeing him?"

That was it, he realized. He was reluctant to see Frodo again after the hardship they had gone through to get to Mordor. He knew things were going to change but those changes were going to be drastic, and he was fearful for himself, and for Frodo.

"It is okay, Sam. Frodo wants you to be there." Sam squeezed his eyes shut, instantly recognizing the voice, and knowing how much he missed it.

"It’s hard, Strider," he replied. "Nothing is going to be the same, is it?"

"Some things will endure." He replied. "Your love for each other will never falter. Friendships like that are meant to last." Footsteps faded away and Sam opened his eyes again.

He is right, Sam thought. I should not doubt myself. He sniffed and found his legs lighter. With a more brisk pace he walked to Frodo’s room and stopped by the door to peer in.

Frodo was sitting up on his bed with Merry and Pippin jumping up and down alongside him. The rest of the Fellowship stood among them in the room, each one of them happy that they were reunited at last. Frodo immediately turned his head to Sam and gave him a look that sent away all the pain lingering in his heart.

I will be all right, Sam.Frodo seemed to say to him.It will take some time, but I will be fine. And you will too.Sam smiled back at him, almost shyly, but relieved nonetheless.

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