What if "The Lord of the Rings"had been written by R. A. Salvatore

R. A. Salvatore

by marksar

I have come to understand over the course of my journey that I must carry the one ring. Even though it started off as a burden, I know realize the ring has made me what I am, and without it, I would be a very fat content hobbit, but I would know nothing of life. I would have never know Aragon, Gimli, or Legolas, from who I have gained so much. I would be another hobbit in that dark hole. I think back to my younger days with Billbo, and remember the lessons he taught me. How we both were under the dark veil of the ring, and how he gave me a chance to destroy the ring, and chance he would never have.

I have walked in darkness with the ring, and I look at Smeagol and wonder if I may follow the same course as him eventually. We are both so much alike. But no, were Smeagol walks alone, I have Sam, and Gandalf, and a host of others. Smeagol wants the ring, needs the ring. I endure the ring, knowing always that although it would give me power, it would destroy those around me, and that is the difference - Smeagol would use the ring's power without thought, without care. The memory of my friends save me from the ring, as well as any of their blades ever have saved me from orc, or goblin, or troll. As Gandalf sacrificed himself that I may have a chance, so would I for my firends, I can do no less for his memory. No, I am not like Semgol, I walk with others, and they make the difference.

I know not what path opens ahead of me, but I walk it with others even though they are not with me. Sting reminds me of Bilbo. The elvish cloak I wear of Galadrial and Legolas. When I follow a trail, I remember the skills taught me by Aragon. I will not fail. If I fail, I fail not only myself, but every person who has ever placed faith in me, and that is something I will not, can not allow. I alone can destroy the ring. I alone can carry the ring, its awful weight weighting me down. I have come to accept this and am at peace with it.