Continued from Part 14 of the Community Storyboard’s Chain Story Event. Thanks, Briana!
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Back at the bar…
Samwise watches from the portable television next to the cash register. The vantage point from Edwina’s hat isn’t the best, but it allows him a glimpse into the conversation until its fiery demise.
Well, thinks Sam, You know what they say. You can predict that a werewitch will wear, and forget, her hat– and set a bug accordingly. You can predict that she will be shorter than the major players– and angle the bug accordingly. But there’s no accounting for grudges.
Sam smiles at the customers, quickly making sure everyone is happy, and then lets the flames lick the tiny black and white screen as he walks towards the backroom.
He opens the door to what would seem like a pantry and pushes aside cans of corn to stare at a corkboard full of pictures connected by keywords and strings. It’s a mad plan, but all the players are finally in play.
Now it’s just a matter of getting them in position.
Samwise pulls the picture of Aragon from the center of the board and moves it to the dark corner. He takes McAdams and moves her back towards the commotion. He pulls Treebeard from the board and considers.
This player was not supposed to be in play.
Yet.
“Captain Samwise?” the tiny squirrel at his side squeaks, “Did you want us to take care of the giant?”
“No,” he replies, “We can use him. Send your best squirrel.” Nervous about this wildcard now, Samwise grabs a bar napkin and quickly scribbles down a message. “Tell your soldier to whisper this to every little bird she sees. It’ll get to Treebeard and do the trick. Still, tell your girl to be careful.”
“Yes, sir,” the squirrel tribbles, and then gathers up his courage to ask. “Why should we be careful? He’s just a walking tree.”
Samwise scoffs in response, reminding himself and the squirrel at the same time– “There’s no accounting for grudges.”
The squirrel accepts the vague answer and runs off with the note.
Once alone, Samwise presses a little button and records a message for the Goddess. The message is simple, but it is one that he has waited years to say:
It’s time.
Putting a jaunty smile on his face, he locks up the pantry and strolls back into the bar with a whistle– transforming back into the carefree man with no worries that can’t be wiped off a bar counter.
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And with that, I pass the story off to HowAnxious!
For those who have no idea what this is all about, check out the other parts of the story! 
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If you need to catch up, follow along at the Community Storyboard, or start at the beginning:
