Sometime after Frodo and Sam accept the Gift...

If Frodo and Sam thought the Undying Lands were full of splendor, light and healing peace, it was nothing compared to being in the very Presence of the One. And if time seemed to be slow or even almost non-existent in the Elven lands and in the West far beyond them, it was still not to be compared with true timelessness. Yet while in time, there had been a small matter between the two hobbits that had not been settled by the time of their deaths, and so they still argued about it from time to time in the time-honored manner they had adopted more than a century before when they had first tried to settle it.

The shining soul that Frodo had become turned to his most beloved friend and brother. I still believe you are the sweetest, most heroic and loving of all hobbits to ever live, my Sam, or even will ever live. That last was a new part to the argument, but being in eternity gave the elder a new perspective.

Sam was not put off. And I so still believe the same about you, my dearest master and brother.

Frodo brought up another ally, one he had not often been able to bring to bear, but now could. What about you, Rose, wouldn’t you agree me?

Rose smiled. Of course, Mr. Frodo.

And you, Elanor? And Frodo-lad? And...

All of Sam’s children were addressed in turn and all agreed with smiles and laughter. Frodo turned to his Sam, looking quite pleased with himself. Well, my Sam, you can’t gainsay all these votes in your favor, can you?

Sam was not at all convinced. I still don’t believe I am any better than you, me dear. You can’t hardly use me own family as reasons to think you are right.

I agree with Iorhael, came a new Voice.

If a soul graced to stand in the Presence could look smugly triumphant, Frodo’s did, as he was quite convinced that at long last, he had finally won the argument. There you see, my Sam, even the Creator Himself agrees with me and you can’t argue with Him!

Sam was indeed at a bit of a loss at that, but then the Voice spoke again, gently amused.

I also agree with Panthael.

If Frodo’s mouth could have fallen to the ground, it would have. His brother’s soul shone brighter than ever to be so vindicated in his thinking.

Frodo, however, was not about to accept defeat. He turned to another beings beside him. Help me, Strider! Tell Sam he’s the best hobbit there ever was so we don’t spend all eternity arguing about this.

The king smiled. I’m sorry, Frodo, but you are quite right, you can’t trump the One, and He has agreed with Sam.

But He agreed with me first!

I’m afraid you two are quite an impasse, aren’t you? came another voice that tried to show concern, but was too amused to be entirely convincing.

If Frodo could stamped his foot in frustration or looked cross, he would have. You aren’t helping, Uncle.

He looked around for someone else to help him. He looked around for someone else to help him. He knew already, or guessed well enough, what the Queen would say, and had his suspicious confirmed when she smiled at him. He didn't even bother asking.

Sorry, laddie, came yet another voice, I think you are both right as well.

There was a sigh or what could have been one. Humph! You aren’t helping either, Gimli!

Frodo looked around for another ally. He knew he couldn’t ask his parents or Merry and Pippin, who, of course, would vote for him, so he didn’t even bother asking those beloved souls. He found another though that he thought could be more impartial. Boromir! What say you?

The man thought for a bit, earnestly wanting to cast a fair vote. Frodo certainly could be the best because of all he had done in service to Middle-earth in bearing the Ring. Right glad the two had been to see each other again, whole and healed and at peace. But they wouldn’t have been able to do that without Sam’s steadfast love and support. An impasse indeed and one the warrior could not see himself through. I’m sorry, Frodo, but I must agree with the One.

Was that a groan? Frodo cast about desperately. Faramir!

I’m sorry as well, dear friend, for I must agree with my king and my brother.

All those gathered could have sworn they heard a frustrated scream, if such were possible. But He chose both of us!

Exactly, my lad, came Gandalf’s amused voice. You are both the sweetest and most loving hobbits to have lived, and I’m afraid you are both going to have to settle for winning.

Frodo would have thrown up his hands if he could have. The others were smiling at him, Sam most of all. This isn’t over! he insisted.

Of course not, we have eternity to settle it.