I don't remember all the details, but just bearing the ring is enough to be affected by it. I believe that Sam's life was somewhat extended by his contact with the ring, but not to the extent of Bilbo's.

I think I hit most of the high points of what happens at the end of LOTR the book, Gimli and Legolas decide to wander Middle Earth and find adventure. I believe that the battles of the Elves and Dwarves are chronicled in the appendices.

Mark

"Shoot, a fella could have a pretty good weekend in Vegas with all that stuff"