Aftermath Chapter One: Awakenings

Disclaimer: Don't own it, for the millionth time!

A/N: This fic will only go through the Scouring of the Shire. If you want to read about Frodo going to the Grey Havens, I haven't wrote one of those yet. Unless you count my poem, Into the West. Well, R&R, tell me what you think of this little idea! I start too many fics at once...lol.

Frodo opened his eyes. It was bright, there was a window next to him and the sun shone through directly in the tired hobbit's eyes. Slowly he sat up, and saw a familiar pair of eyes looking down on him with a twinkle on happiness in them. "Gandalf?" he asked, his voice weak. The old wizard smiled. "Yes, my dear boy. It's Gandalf." he replied, laughing. Frodo jumped, giving his old friend a huge hug. "Where's Sam? Is he alright?" he asked suddenly, stopping with a worried look on his face. Gandalf pointed to the bed next to his. "He's still asleep. You've both been through something horrible, more horrible than anyone else could imagine. He'll come to shortly. Are you feeling alright, Frodo?" he asked. "Yes, I'm quite alright now that the eye is gone. I feel a great peace within me...the burden has been lifted. Tell me, Gandalf...how long was I asleep?" Frodo asked. "Four weeks. It's been four weeks since the Ring was thrown into the fire. You are lucky to be alive, my dear boy. Very lucky." Gandalf replied. "Wow...that long? Seems like it was only yesterday...that the great Eye was ever haunting me, stopping me from destroying the Ring. If it weren't for Gollum...I fear the Quest would have failed." Frodo said, ashamed.

"Do not be ashamed, my dear boy! Did I not tell you in Moria, that I felt that Gollum still had some part to play yet ere his death? If you had not pitied him, but had killed him like you so wished to in Moria, then the Quest would have failed. The heart of a hobbit is large indeed, to pity such a thing as Gollum." Gandalf said, shaking his head. "You are right, as always, Gandalf. I feel quite tired...I think I shall sleep some more. Sam shall wake before me this time, I think. He shall not sleep much longer. Dear Sam...I would never have made it to Mordor if it weren't for him. He has been through much as well." Frodo said, laying back down. "Sleep, my dear boy. There is all the time in the world now to sleep, now that the great Evil is gone from this Middle-Earth. Recover your strength, Aragorn shall see to you shortly." Gandalf said, smiling, as he got up and left the room.