Disclaimer: None of these characters or concepts are mine. They belong to Tolkien.
Those of you who have read Larner's AU series, Might have Beens, may recall her chapter, 'An Enemy Made.'
In it Frodo senses that they won't reach Rivendell before the Morgul blade reaches his heart. Rather than
become a Wraith he begs Sam to do the unthinkable... And Sam does.
Ringbearer is my take on what happens next. I've written it with Larner's consent. This vignette is part of that world.
October 23
House of Elrond
On quiet feet the Ringbearer made his way through the gardens of Imladris. He had written and sent
the necessary letters back to the Shire. He had begun the training necessary for his for his purpose.
It was now time for an act of a more personal nature. He had begun it with the letters to the Shire.
He had continued it when he had burned every scrap of clothing and every belonging that he had
brought with him from the Shire.
Everything except one particular item that he would need once his purpose was fulfilled.
It was now time for the third and final act of severing.
He came to a small hill that he had noticed on an earlier exploration of the grounds. It was far
enough away from the house that he was reasonably certain no one would see or hear him.
Climbing to the top of the hill he faced in the direction of the west and began to speak softly.
"Farewell Hamson, oldest brother.
"Farewell, Halfred, older brother.
"Farewell Daisy, oldest sister.
"Farewell May, older sister.
"Farewell Marigold, little sister.
"Farewell Hamfast Gamgee…father.
"Take joy in each other. But forget about me. For, you will not see me again in this life… or the next."
He paused. "Farewell Rosie….What we might have had will never be. Choose another to love.
But forget about me. For you will not see you again in this life…or the next."
He paused again. "Farewell, Bell Gamgee… mother. May you know only peace where you dwell now.
Take joy in your husband and children when they join you. But forget your youngest son. When you
died I bade you farewell, for I knew that I would not see you again in this life. I now bid you farewell
a second time for I will not see you again in the next.
He paused for one final time. "Farewell, Frodo. May you know only peace where you dwell now.
Take joy in your parents and in Bilbo when he joins you. But forget about me. For you have gone
where I cannot follow. As I will not see you again in this life… you will not see me again in next."
On quiet feet the Ringbearer walked down the hill and made his way back toward the house.
Far away beyond the Circles of Arda two shining souls watched and wept.