Chapter One; The Great Decision
It was March of 1421, shire-reckoning of course, and the shire was in
the midst of the second most beautiful spring it had ever known thanks
to Sam's hard work and Galadriel's gift.The Mallorn tree in the party
field was quite tall now. Its silver trunk and long golden leaves shone
like jewels in the sunlight. People were amazed at how much it had
grown in just one year. Miraculous, some called it while some Hobbits
like Mr. Sandyman just squawked
"It just Ain't natural, no good can come of Elven magic trees."
Most Hobbits just ignored him though, "Tis a true Miracle what
Mr. Samwise has done to the Shire they'd say. Sam, held out
a secret hope that next year they might again have another party of
special magnificence for Frodo and Bilbo's birthday. Sam was constantly
trying to think of things that might cheer his master up. He was always
withdrawn and melancholy and spent far too much time inside working on
writing his book.
"He needs to get outside in the fresh air more", Sam thought to himself.
Life had taken on normalcy again in the Shire and that's the way
the hobbits liked it. Apart from the trees being shorter, Bag Shot row
having both new buildings and a "new" name and an occasional glimpse of
Merry and Pippin riding by in all their "finery" life was quiet again.
Sam Gamgee had Married Rosie Cotton in March of 1420 and they moved
into Bag End with Frodo. Sam liked this arrangement quite well. He had
the two dearest people in his life living under the same roof, and he
could take care of Master Frodo. Something that Sam was certain Frodo
could not accomplish on his own.
Things were getting on just great at Bag End. Sam and Rosie were
expecting their first child at the end of this month. There was much
excitement and a constant stream of visitors in and out of the Smial.
Frodo was sure that Sam would just burst with pride any day now. Frodo
didn't mind all the visitors though and he tried to stay out of Sam and
Rosie's way as much as possible. He wanted them to feel that Bag End
was their home too. Frodo had even gone as far as spending a
month up at Crickhollow with Merry and Pippin for Yule, partially to
give Sam and Rosie time to be together and in part to have some time to
himself. He found the days were growing longer and longer and could not
seem to find real rest anywhere.
He had hoped that his trip to Crickhollow would be a nice change of
pace. However, it just left him feeling emptier. He felt strangely
alone even in the midst of friends. Sam had Rosie, Merry and Pippin
were still young and loved to talk about the "Glory days" and had each
other for companionship. Frodo felt very alone but tried his best
to hide it.He returned to Bag End in Early February and life went on
much as it had the past year. One Mid-March day Sam and Rosie sat at
the Kitchen table discussing the arrival of the baby and eating
breakfast. Frodo entered the kitchen and sat down. He did not look
well. He was pale, drawn and looked tired.
"Good morning Mr. Frodo" Sam quipped trying to hide his concern.
"Good morning Sam, Good morning Rosie" Frodo managed to smile although he looked as if it pained him to do so.
"Let me get you some tea Frodo" Rosie said.
"No I'm all right Rosie but thank you". "It is I who should be
serving you, seeing as the condition you're in. Its only a few days now
till the baby comes now right?" said Frodo.
Rosie responded with a smile but could not hide her concern for Frodo. Sam jumped up from the table and said
"if anybody's to be waitin' on anyone...I'm the one to be doin' the
waitin" Sam stopped short in his tracks when he realized what he just
said didn't make much sense. Rosie giggled and Frodo smiled and said
"that's our Sam" Not wanting to be out done by anyone.
" Really Sam I'm fine please don't trouble yourself. I don't feel much
like tea this morning. In fact I think I will just go lie down for
awhile."
Frodo moved to stand up steadying himself with his right arm on the
table, it seemed his left arm was just about useless anymore. As
he let go of the table and turned to go, his knees went weak and his
legs buckled. Reaching out for the table to steady himself he missed
and grabbed the tablecloth instead. He collapsed on the floor in
a heap, dishes and cups crashing all around him.
"Mr. Frodo" cried Sam, nearly dropping the boiling teakettle on the
floor. He set the kettle down and rushed to Frodo's side. Picked
Frodo's crumpled body up off the floor and laid him in his lap. Sam was
crying, Rosie was beside herself not knowing what to do. Sam just sat
there holding Frodo and rocking him back and forth.
"What's happening? What's wrong with him?" asked Rosie.
Just then Frodo began to speak " Sam...Sam where are you".
"I'm here Frodo" Sam Replied through his tears.
"Sam I can't see you darkness, there is darkness everywhere."
"I'm here Mr. Frodo right here" It was then Sam realized Frodo could not hear him.
"It's so cold Sam they have taken everything, everything do you understand
me?"
"Wraiths Sam flying overhead they will see us, they will kill us. There is no hope we will die here together."
"Sam I'm too heavy, you can't carry me all the way up the mountain."
"I am sorry my friend, Sorry for all that I have done to you. It is gone forever...All is dark and empty. Oh Sam".
Frodo
was now quiet as he lay limply in Sam's arms his face was deathly pale
and his breathing became labored. Sam Gently picked him up, his
lifeless left arm was dangling at his side and it was cold as ice.
"Please get some hot water bottles ready" Sam said to Rosie and he carried his beloved Frodo down the hall to his bedroom.
Sam and Rosie sat by Frodo's bedside for most of the night. "Should we call the healer?" asked Rosie.
"No" Sam replied "there is nothing he could do. Gandalf told us he would never be fully healed of his wounds."
"Oh how I wish I could take this burden from him"
He said as he gently held Frodo's cold lifeless hand. The hot water
bottles didn't seem to be helping Frodo and Sam was growing more
concerned by the minute. After what seemed like an eternity Rosie spoke
up.
"Sam, What happened to Frodo, and to you for that matter.You have
never really spoken about your trip I know that something dreadful has
happened to both of you, too often I see you struggling on in darkness
yourself."
"I am your wife won't you share your burden with me? I want to help."
Sam looked deeply into Rosie's tear stained face and took her into his arms.
"I
am so sorry lass, I wanted to share with you so many times the details
of our journey but they were too horrible to mention." "I did not want
to trouble you." I can see now that I was wrong, very wrong." In my
trying to protect you I can see that I have only alienated you."
"If you are ready to listen I am ready to share." And with that
Sam began to recount for Rosie the details of the great quest.
The next morning Frodo awoke in his bed, cold water bottles surrounded
him and the fire in the fireplace was now just a pile of glowing
embers. "How did I get here He thought to himself" then the
events of yesterday came flooding back. 'How he must have
frightened Sam and Rosie" he thought to himself." It was still
early and perhaps Sam and not started breakfast yet. Frodo wished
to do something for Sam for a change. He got up and quickly got
dressed his left arm was much better today he could actually move it
and it was warm again.
The House was quiet and still, Sam and Rosie were still sleeping and
Frodo was glad. He went into the kitchen and began preparing
breakfast. It would not be as fine of a meal as Sam would cook
but it would be good. He made sausages, eggs, fried mushrooms and
tried to make scones but they turned out to be something of a disaster.
Just as he was preparing to place the food on the table and go
call his "family" Sam cam busting into the kitchen.
"Mr. Frodo what on the shire are you doing?!" "up and cookin'
breakfast and just bein' sick yesterday and all!" You sit down right
now and let your ol' Sam fix breakfast. "
With that Sam gently walked over and took Frodo's left arm in is hand
and looked at it grievously. He smiled when he realized that it
was warm and that the color had returned to it.
"I'm fine Sam" replied Frodo smiling. "I feel quite all right
today Sam I promise." Sam just stared into Frodo's big
blue eyes trying to see if he was really all right."
With that Rosie walked into the kitchen. She placed her hand on Frodo's shoulder
"Don't
mind Sam" she said Sometimes I think he was born to be more of a mother
than I was" She and Frodo laughed and Sam Smiled even though he knew
they were laughing at his expense. "You gave us both quite
a scare yesterday Frodo" she said "I am glad to see you are
feeling better today"
"Yes Rosie I feel just fine today Thank you." And with that they sat down to the meal Frodo had prepared.
The next week was a very exciting one and a day that Frodo shall
remember forever. He was sleeping early in the morning when Sam
burst into Frodo's room screaming "it's Time!!!" Good grief
thought Frodo it's awfully early to be having breakfast and you don't
need to shout about it. Then Frodo realized what Sam was talking
about. The baby! The baby was coming!
"Oh my goodness its time!!" Shouted Frodo who rushed out into the parlor.
"Sam, Sam where are you?? Sam" Frodo shouted again.
Then Sam rounded the corner and ran tight into Frodo the two of
them sprawled out on the parlor floor. "What do we do now" cried
Frodo?
"I guess I'll go get the midwife" shouted Sam.
"I'll go get her said Frodo and for Goodness sake stop shouting you'll
frighten Rosie." With that Frodo grabbed his old brown coat and
headed out the door, not even realizing he was still in his nightshirt.
Frodo returned fifteen minutes later with the midwife and he and
Sam were promptly escorted out of the bedroom. After what seemed
like days, although it was only hours they heard a tiny cry coming from
the bedroom.
The midwife came out and told Sam "It's a fine little girl, you may go in now" Sam stood up swelling with
pride
and entered the bedroom. A few minutes he reappeared and asked
Frodo if he wanted to meet his daughter , Frodo wanted to more than
anything. He walked into the room and there lay Rosie
cradling in her arms the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.
He bent down to get a close look.
Rosie said "would you like to hold her?" Frodo just stared as Sam picked the baby up and placed he in Frodo's arms.
"We had been fixn' an calling him Frodo but it's not a him it's a her and now we don't know what to name her.
"How about Elanor. Sam you remember that beautiful flower we saw in Lothlórien."
And It was Settled the First born child of Samwise Gamgee and Rose Cotton was named Elanor.
The next few months went by quickly. Sam and Rosie settled
into a busy life of taking care of little Elanor they didn't notice
much that Frodo began to grow more distant and that he had started
giving away a lot of his things. One day a letter came in the
mail for Frodo and Rosie noticed that it looked like it was written in
Elven characters. She didn't pay much attention to it however
after all hadn't Mr. Frodo been traveling all over Middle Earth.
He lots of friends and many of them Elves. She never
gave it another thought.
About mid-September the fourteenth to be exact Frodo approached
Rosie and said he had something he wanted to talk to her about.
He was leaving, he was going to sail away on the great white ship
to the Undying lands. He was telling her because he wanted Sam to
journey with him to the Grey Havens. He was not going to tell Sam
where they were going until they got there. It would be too
painful and he knew Sam would try to change his mind. He wanted
to leave something behind for Rosie to give to Sam when he returned.
He had a letter for Sam and wanted to know if she would give it
to him.
"She replied with tear in her eyes "of course". "But why
Frodo, Why do you have to leave us?" Frodo tried to make her
understand that he just couldn't stay. He was getting sicker
every year. Every October and March the illnesses
became worse. If he stayed much longer he would surely die. He had to leave in hopes of finding peace and wellness.
With that Rosie Grabbed Frodo in a tight embrace and Frodo handed her an envelope.
Frodo then went through his papers and set things in order. He
handed Sam the keys to Bag End and the big red book. "It's your
job to finish the book" said Frodo. "My chapters are done."
The next week Frodo and Sam set off on what would be their last journey
in Middle earth together. It was a nice journey and Frodo
knew that he would hold the memories of this trip with Sam in his heart
forever.
At the Grey Havens Frodo kissed Merry, Pippin and lastly Sam. He
had not the heart to say what he felt he needed to. He just
turned and quickly boarded the Ship never looking back.
Sam, Merry and Pippin rode home together quietly. None of them
talking much at all Merry and Pippin rode on to Buckland and Sam to Bag
End. When he arrived he tied up Bill the pony and went inside.
Rose met him at the door, ushered him to his place at the table
and placed little Elanor in his lap. She then pulled out an
envelope and handed it to Sam. He instantly recognized Frodo's
firm flowing script on the envelope. He opened it up and read the
following words.
My dearest Sam,
I do not know where to begin this letter. The top is always a good place I
guess so I'll start there.
Sam Chuckled as he thought of Frodo saying those words.
Sam, You will always be the dearest and most precious thing in my life. You
were my light in the darkness, my calm in the storm, my anchor in the sea. I
can never begin to thank you enough for being my companion on life's journey.
You are the true Ring bearer you are the true "savior of Middle earth". I
meant it when I said "Frodo wouldn't have gotten far without Sam."
I leave you now to have a wonderful life. Please do not worry about me I
know I will be fine. I want you to be whole and happy for always.
I hope that someday not too far in the future you will be able to join me on
the other side.
I will be waiting for you Samwise the brave.
I love you my Brother,
Frodo.
And with that Sam closed the letter placed it back in the envelope, held Elanor and thought to himself "Samwise the brave"
Chapter Two ; New Beginnings
Frodo stood upon the bow of the Ship staring into the cold gray
water. His mind drifted back to the day that he left Merry, Pippin and
his beloved Sam standing on the shores of the Grey Havens. Had it only
been yesterday? It seemed like a lifetime ago. He missed them already
and he wondered how he was going to make it with out them. Especially
Sam. Beautiful, sweet, endearing Sam. He was a friend that Frodo knew
he would never find the likes of again. Not even in the company of the
Elves would Frodo hope to find the kinship he had had with Sam. Sam was
a true kindred spirit. Frodo knew that Sam was devastated at their
parting. Frodo wished it could have been different. He wished that he
could have remained in the shire. He longed to have been able to walk
the gardens of Bag end, teach Sam and Rosie's children, of which Frodo
was sure they would have many, their letters, as Bilbo had done for him
so many years ago. Most of all would have loved to settle down and grow
old with Sam, Merry and Pippin however, it was not meant to be.
He remembered his words to Sam that last night in the shire before
they came to the Grey Havens, "I have been too deeply hurt Sam" he
wondered if Sam truly understand the reason he was leaving for the
Undying Lands. Frodo was deeply wounded by knife, sting, tooth and
heavy burden and could no longer find comfort in his life in the shire.
He wondered if his heart and soul would even find rest and healing in
the Undying lands.
Just then Frodo heard voices from inside the ship as the elves broke
into song. He listened for a moment and heard the following words;
To the Sea, to the Sea! The white gulls are crying,
The wind is blowing, and the white foam is flying.
West, west away, the round sun is falling.
Grey ship, grey ship, do you hear them calling,
The voices of my people that have gone before me?
I will leave, I will leave the woods that bore me;
For our days are ending and our years failing.
I will pass the wide waters lonely sailing.
Long are the waves on the Last Shore falling,
Sweet are the voices in the Lost Isle calling,
In Eressëa, in Elvenhome that no man can discover,
Where the leaves fall not: land of my people for ever!
He was reminded of the day that he heard Legolas recite those words in
the land of Ithilien in joyous first few days of the New Year. At that
moment there was still so much hope. The world seemed new and different
and at that time he still held out some hope of returning to the shire
and leading a normal life.
As he listened to the beautiful fair voices of the Elves singing his
spirits were lifted within himself. After all he was going to Valinor.
He was one of three non-mortal beings in all middle earth who were
being allowed to make the great journey and dwell in the Blessed Realm.
He felt very lucky indeed.
Just at that moment he heard footsteps behind him he turned and saw
Bilbo and Gandalf approaching. Gandalf placed his hand on Frodo's
shoulder and Bilbo his arm around his waist. They both seemed to sense
what Frodo was thinking. They stood there for a long time not saying
anything just staring out at the waves, feeling the salty sea air on
their faces. Gandalf was the first to break the silence.
"Frodo, do you remember when we were traveling home from Rivendell and
you were in pain from the wounds of your journey? You said to me that
you were weary and did not know where you would find rest."
Frodo replied, "yes Gandalf I remember."
"Here in the lands of Valinor and Eressëa you shall find your
rest. You shall at last be healed of your wounds. You shall once again
be new and wholly yourself. You have a long life to live yet my dear
boy and you shall find peace, comfort and healing here."
Frodo just smiled and thought to himself "I hope he's right".
Just then Bilbo spoke up saying "You know Frodo my lad I was just
thinking this is not that different than the ending of my book you know"
"How is that?" asked Frodo.
"Why Frodo I am surprised at you
don't you remember the ending of my book? It read and they lived
happily ever after. Till the end of their days."
Then Frodo smelled a sweet fragrance on the air and heard the sound of
singing that came over the water. The grey rain-curtain turned all to
silver glass and was rolled back, and he beheld white shores and beyond
them a far green country under a swift sunrise. Frodo thought to
himself and now it begins, he wrapped his arms around Bilbo and Gandalf
and thought how lucky he was to be beginning this new life with his
dearest companions, save three. Yet there was still hope of a day far
in the future when the three shall become four and another hobbit will
join them.
Chapter Three; Aman Land of the Blessed
It seemed to take forever for the ship to dock. Frodo looked out
into the cool blue water, water that had seemed so cold and gray the
day before now appeared to be like a beautiful blue stone glistening in
the sunlight. He leaned over the side of the ship. He
was quite sure he could see all the way down to the bottom of the sea.
There were all kinds of strange beautiful fish swimming in the
water. Never in his life had Frodo seen water so clear.
Just then he heard a voice behind him "I wouldn't lean so far forward
if I were you. I don't think Master Elrond would enjoy a hobbit fishing
expedition before we even dock."
Frodo looked up and saw Gandalf standing next to him smiling. Frodo smiled back.
"It's the most beautiful thing I have ever seen Gandalf," replied
Frodo. Gandalf laughed and said "you haven't seen anything yet my
dear boy."
Frodo lifted his eyes to look upon the approaching island. It was
so lush and green. Frodo thought it looked greener than the
shire, if that was even possible. It was somehow a strange color
though. It was a green he had never seen the likes of before, he
couldn't quite put his finger on it.
There were beautiful grassy green fields that stretched for miles.
The fields came to rest at the border of a large forest that sat
at the base of a great mountain range. These mountains seemed to
divide the island directly in two. They were the grandest
mountains Frodo had ever seen. The trees of the forest stood as
straight and tall as soldiers, their branches pointing upwards to the
heavens.
The mountains were jagged and rough at their base and climbed
majestically into the air thousands of feet. At the very top they
were covered with white glistening snow that danced like diamonds in
the sun. They very nearly took his breath away.
"They are the Pelóri, meaning high fence in the Elven tongue.
They are the highest mountain range in the world" said Gandalf .
"They are magnificent," replied Frodo.
"You will find many magnificent things here Frodo Baggins the least of
which is this mountain range," replied the old wizard laughingly.
The ship docked and they were greeted by many Elves all of whom it
seemed had turned out to see Frodo and Bilbo "The great ring
bearers" The only mortals of Middle Earth who were ever allowed on
Valinor. There was much joy and merriment, as Elves are accustom
to. Many old friends and family reunited after long years spent
apart. After a few minutes of introductions and much
hugging Elrond said "Come Frodo and Bilbo, I will lead you to your new
home."
As they walked Frodo saw silver Mallorn trees everywhere gleaming
with their golden leaves in the early morning light. A fragrant
and sweet gentle breeze blew upon their faces and Frodo was certain he
heard the music of a waterfall somewhere in the distance. He
sensed a spirit of peace and grace he had never felt in his life.
Every living thing the grass, trees, flowers eventhe air seem to
dance in the joy and excitement of being alive. And everywhere he
looked he saw Elanor and Niphredil growing among the cool green grass.
They eventually came to the base of a large hill. On top if the
hill sat a great house, it appeared to be made of all silver and glass
with turrets on each corner. Upon each turret flew a golden flag
with an emblem of two trees on it. From where he stood Frodo
could see many gardens with silver walkways surrounding the house.
At the base of the hill there was a set of silver stairs that
lead to the gleaming front door. Frodo thought how much the
silver reminded him of mithrel. "There lies Celeb Opele, the home
of Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian. Its translation into common
tongue is "silver home," said Gandalf "we shall dine there this
evening". Frodo, so in awe of his surroundings could not
answer.
They walked a little farther and rounded the base of the great hill.
Frodo stopped and stared in amazement. For built into a
smaller hill at its base was an exact replica of Bag End complete with
picket fence, stone walkway and the round green door. There stood
a great mallorn tree growing out of the top and marvelous gardens on
all sides. Bilbo and Frodo stood motionless in amazement.
Lord Elrond turned around and seeing the expressions on their
faces laughingly asked "do you like it?"
"Never again did I think I would set my eyes on such loveliness"
replied Bilbo blinking back tears. "Indeed I believe we are
home my boy," and Bilbo wrapped his arm around Frodo. Frodo
still stood there in utter amazement. Too taken aback to move or
speak. Finally Frodo spoke up and asked, "How is this possible?"
Elrond just laughed saying, "we Elves have many wonderful
craftsman, all it took were the blueprints so to speak. For that
you can thank Gandalf." Gandalf just smiled.
Lord Elrond continued "I think you will find everything that you are
accustom to inside. We wanted the two of you to be at home here
on Valinor and we felt the best way to accomplish this was to bring
home to you, so to speak. If you are ever in need of anything
please ask."
"I am quite sure that we will be just fine." Answered Bilbo.
Lord Elrond replied "Lovely, then we shall leave you to settle in to
your new home and we look forward to seeing you tonight at the great
feast. Make sure you take some rest today for tonight there is
much celebrating to do. There will be much singing and story
telling. Bilbo, I hope you are up for one of your songs. It
has been so long since we have heard one."
With that Lord Elrond, Lady Celebrian and Gandalf took their leave and
Frodo and Bilbo slowly ascended the stairs into their new home.
Life was peaceful and quiet once Bilbo and Frodo were settled in.
They enjoyed being together and Frodo realized how much he had
missed the old hobbit all those long years that they were apart.
They spent many days in the gardens of Bag End and Celeb
Opele.Frodo went for long walks usually alone because Bilbo could not
walk very far. He found wonderful streams, rivers, and great
fields of Elanor and Niphredil.
There was one special spot Frodo lived to sit in and think. It
was nestled into the base of the mountains. It was a beautiful
grotto with a waterfall, a pond and everywhere the ground was covered
with a soft earthy moss. Frodo would sit in that spot for hours
and dream of all kinds of things but mostly of home. He wondered
about Sam, Merry and Pippin. He hoped that they werefinding as
much peace and contentment in their lives as he was in his.
One day while walking home from the grotto Frodo realized that the
illnesses had stopped and he felt all together himself again. He
felt free and wonderful. As carefree as he did as a young lad
when Bilbo first brought him to Bag End as his heir. Those were
the happiest days of Frodo's life and he was feeling much the same way.
Usually after their evening meal Frodo and Bilbo would sit in front of
Bag End smoking a pipe-full and Bilbo would tell stories. Frodo
often thought as they sat there that he could see the old party field
of the shire with the enormous oak tree stretched out in front of him.
Often Bilbo would fall asleep in the middle of a story and wake
up and say "now where was I my boy? Well I can't remember.
I guess I'll have to start from the beginning again."
Frodo would just smile and say "Yes Uncle Bilbo that sounds like a
great idea." He never really minded hearing the same stories over
and over. He was just glad to be with Bilbo. Some evenings
Gandalf would join them, especially if he knew that smoking of pipe
weed would be involved. Frodo was never really sure where the
pipeweed came from, after all they didn't grow it on Valinor. He
was just glad to have it and never thought to ask. Life was good
and Frodo was happy, healthy and whole again.
One day after many years had passed Frodo was walking along the
shore of the Bay of Eldamar. He noticed a group of Elves running
to the dock in great excitement. "They are coming." Shouted
the Elves. Frodo looked up and saw a great white ship docking and
upon the ship stood many tall Elves. Frodo thought he recognized
someone on board. It was Lord Celeborn he ha finally
arrived. Frodo noticed Lady Galadriel waiting patiently for her
husband. As he approached her she said "mae govannen. Nae saian
luume" * and then she embraced her husband. Frodo, caught up in
the moment of their joy suddenly realized that he was staring at them
and turned to go. "Frodo," said Lord Celeborn "I have brought you
something."
Frodo turned to Lord Celeborn who in one fluid movement lifted his
graceful arm and pointed toward the ship. Frodo looked to see his
beloved Sam stepping off the ship. "It's me Master Frodo, It's
your Sam! I'm finally here!"
"Oh Sam!" Cried Frodo and ran to embrace his friend. The two of
them stood for what seemed like hours on that pier embracing and
crying. "Look at us, what a sight we are, we need to stop all
this cryin' and get off this pier," laughed Sam
"How I have missed you Sam! Come I have so much to show you and
many things to tell you," replied Frodo. And with that the two
hobbits turned and arm and arm walked toward home.
When they rounded the base of the big hill Sam stopped short. He
looked and saw the smial. "Well I'll be, all this time you've
been livin' in Bag End here, while I've been livin in Bag End there."
"Yes Sam isn't it wonderful? It's just like home. Come on let's get you settled Bilbo will be so glad to see you."
*** Welcome, it has been too long.
Sam settled into life well on the Island. One of the first things
he did when he got there was to start playing in the garden.
Frodo found him there one morning up to his elbows in dirt moving
plants around and just laughed.
"Sam you're supposed to be resting here, not working" said Frodo
"why are you moving those plants anyway? I thought they
looked fine where they were."
"Well Mr. Frodo I've got to do something, there is never any weeds here to pull and I just feel like being busy that's all."
Frodo just laughed and walked away.
One day as Frodo was sitting on the front porch Bilbo approached him
and said "Frodo I've something I need to discuss with you. I
think its time for me to leave Valinor. I have often thought as
of late that my time here was growing short. I had decided
to wait until Sam arrived for no hobbit should be alone. Elves
are good company for a while but they don't understand us hobbits very
well. So with your blessing I should like to take my leave."
Frodo sat stunned. He felt as if all the wind had been knocked
out of him. He knew that Bilbo would leave some day. It
just seemed so soon, too soon. He suddenly realized how much he
would miss the dear old hobbit.
Frodo, blinking back tears responded, "I do understand, I do not like
it but I understand I have enjoyed our time here together and I shall
miss you awfully."
"My dear boy" said Bilbo as he stroked Frodo's cheek, "I shall forever
be glad that I took you on as my heir so many long years ago.
Never has a hobbit had a better son." Then Frodo and Bilbo
shared a long embrace. Frodo did not want to let go, He feared it
would be the last time he would hold Bilbo. With tears in his
eyes Frodo said " I love you, father. For that is what you have
been to me. A father."
Bilbo just squeezed Frodo's neck all the tighter. It was the first and last time he would ever be called Father.
Then aided by his cane Bilbo stood up and went into the house.
The very next morning Frodo went to call Bilbo for breakfast and the
dear old hobbit was gone. Frodo knew that he had gone on to be
with Ilúvatar at his final rest.
Frodo and Sam spent their days much as Frodo and Bilbo had done.
Walking in the fields, visiting the grotto and of course smoking
pipe weed. Sam told Frodo all about life in Middle Earth after
Frodo had departed and Frodo was glad to all his stories. He learned
about all Sam's children and felt as if he knew them personally.
Heard about Merry and Pippin and their families. Sam was
such a good story teller that Frodo felt as if he had been there
experiencing all that Sam talked about. Frodo and Sam were
together again and happy.
After many years passed Frodo began grew weary and was beginning to
realize that it was time to move on. He found himself once again
wondering how Sam would take the news of his departure. One
evening after supper Sam and Frodo were sitting, having a pipe-full and
Frodo said, "next week is September the twenty second. You know
if Bilbo had lived he would have been one hundred and eighty nine."
"Why Master Frodo, "then that would make you one hundred and
eleven." Said Sam excited that he had done the math so quickly in
his head. "That's the same age as when Mr. Bilbo left for
Rivendale."
"Yes Sam, I was thinking of taking a trip myself. I think that
perhaps its time to leave Valinor. What was that phrase Bilbo
used to use? I'm feeling stretched, thin, like butter scraped
over too much bread wasn't it? I do I think its time to move on."
"Yes, said Sam…I reckon it's gettin' to be about that
time. Your eleventy-first birthday is as good a time as any I
suppose. You'll be wantin' to say goodbye to the others though
won't you master Frodo."
Frodo smiled he had been trying to get Sam to stop calling him master
Frodo for years now. Even as far back as when they returned from
the great quest all those long years ago. But Sam being Sam
refused. "You were Master Frodo before the journey, you are
Master Frodo after. You will always be Master Frodo to me."
Sam had said it so many times, Frodo eventually gave
up and let him call him whatever he wanted.
"Yes Sam I guess I shall be wanting to say my good-byes soon. Will you go with me when I do this?"
"Yes Master Frodo when you are ready I shall go with you. After
all I should be wanting to say some good-byes myself"
"Why Sam, cried Frodo, what will you be saying goodbye for?"
"Look here Master Frodo you don't think I'll be letting you leave this
place by yourself do you? Oh no not again. I let you leave
with out me before and it's not gonna' happen again. I made a
promise Mr. Frodo, A promise. Don't you leave him Samwise Gamgee,
and I don't mean to, I don't mean too."
Then Sam began to sing the most beautiful song that Frodo had never heard before.
"Do not ask me to abandon or forsake you!
For wherever you will go I shall go.
Wherever you lodge I shall lodge.
Your people shall be my people,
And your God my God.
Wherever you die I will die, and be buried beside you."*
Frodo reached out and grabbed Sam's hand and said
"Never in history has Hobbit, Man or Elf had such a friend as I have
had in you Samwise Gamgee. I love you with all my heart and soul"
Sam just smiled for he had nothing else to say.
The next few days Sam and Frodo spent visiting their dear friends and
saying goodbye. Master Elrond, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel,
Legolas and Gimli who had sailed over some years before, and most of
all Gandalf.
So on the evening of September the twenty second the two friends set
out on their last journey together. They came to a great field of
Elanor and Niphredil and holding hands they lay down, closed their eyes
and were never seen or heard from again.
The little Smial of Bag End still stands today on the Island of Valinor
reminding all that once hobbits dwelled there. Mortals had lived
in the Land of the immortals, something that had never been allowed
before or since. For such was greatness of these little hobbits.
There was eventually a sign hung on the round green door of that
hobbit hole that read what one wise Elf said so long ago:
"Even the smallest person can change the course of history."
*Taken from New American Bible
Book of Ruth:1:-16-1
