The time was ripe, the arrangements ready; tomorrow would be the day that Frodo Baggins would leave Middle-Earth forever.
1421 Sept. 21st
Chapter 1
For a moment, he just stood there, admiring the beauty of the Shire, how the setting sun had illuminated the hills in touches of bright yellow. The trees swayed gently to the gentle billowing autumn wind. The mallorn that had replaced the Party tree could be seen far left from where he was standing. The Shire had been his home forever, and h he would miss it terribly.
But how could he part with familiarity? How could he leave the land that he had lived in all his life and venture into the unknown? How could he leave dear Sam, Merry, and Pippin who had gone to the ends of the world for him? How could he leave his beloved Shire, leave Middle-Earth forever, go into the sea into the Undying Lands where only legend and myth had talked about? How did it come to this?
Tears started to form in his eyes at the seriousness of his final decision, but he knew that there was no was no other way of peace. He knew only that this hard decision would serve him best in the long run.
His bi-annual illnesses had not only been a sign that things would never be the same again, but it was also taxing on his strength and resilience to the evil the Ring had wrought upon him. He still desired the wretched thing that consumed him at the bitter end. The Ring still called to him even though it had been destroyed in the very fires in which it had been made. Feeling the horrible chain that held on to the most evil thing in Middle-Earth smote upon his chest like it was still there, he felt that evil power still hang over him tangibly, possessing him, haunting him, and mocking him at his failure to do what he intended to do when he was formally entrusted the Ring at the Council of Elrond.
The scars on his shoulder and neck, the whip-weal across his left side, the place where his left middle finger had once been, the evil memories that surfaced --- they all served as reminders of his Quest, that he had been the one sacrificed for the greater good of Middle-Earth.
These signs of being defeated could not be banished from his mind. He could not let go of the guilt that he still held in claiming the Ring; he could not stand his own thoughts of desiring it. The thoughts of It were the greatest burden that haunted him every second.
He sighed deeply and a great weariness came over himÉ
Sitting down next to the great mallorn, Frodo pulled up his knees and let the gentle wind caress his soul. Tears flowed down from his eyes forming traces upon his delicate cheeks. Memories of the Quest flooded him, and he couldnÕt escape the horrible guilt and sorrow that sought to swallow his soul.
Trying to rid of himself some of his feelings of unworthiness, he turned West, and then inexplicably at that time of despair, a warm, soothing wind blew upon his dark curls, and Frodo felt only an unforeseen peace emanate from within his soul.
Involuntarily, he fingered the jewel that Arwen had given him on his neck and a sense of calm touched upon him as thoughts of inadequacy and shame were gradually replaced with thoughts of hope. A sense of calm and optimism surfaced once more, stronger than it had ever been.
He did what he could for Middle-Earth. Did he not deserve healing and happiness? So much was gained through those who have lost, but then again is there ever such thing as a happy ending?
Frodo brushed his hair away from his face, and the tears away from his eyes. Holding his hand upon the white jewel, he stood up defiantly facing the East towards the rapidly darkening sky.
He would not be defeated. The Shadow would not claim his soul, and he will not succumb to a lifetime of sorrow and guilt. He would take ArwenÕs gift of passage into the West and hope for comfort in the unknown.
ÒTo the Sea, to the seaÉÓ he whispered to himself over and over, trying to rid himself of the doubt and fear that accompanied the feeling that this decision might ultimately be the one of most promise.
Frodo stayed for a while by the great mallorn with his left hand on the trunk and his right hand on ArwenÕs precious gift. The sun had set even further down now, and Hobbiton was peacefully still and lay in the shadow of the sunset. Frodo closed his eyes and thought about the dream he had at BombadilÕs house almost three years ago, about the curiosity he had felt of going to a place where no hobbit had gone before. He tried to imagine the salty smell of the sea. Legolas said that there were seagulls and that the sea was a wonderful, enchanting place. Perhaps he would know alsoÉ very soon.
ÒMr Frodo, sir? Are you all right?Ó
Startled, Frodo broke out of his thoughts and regaining his composure, turned around to see SamÕs hand on his shoulder and Sam gazing at him curiously and full of concern.
ÒI didnÕt hear you comingÉ youÕre becoming quite a sneak like Pippin, arenÕt you Sam? Frodo tried to force the brightest smile he could muster.
SamÕs questioning hazel eyes were apparent for he knew that there was something amiss, but he did not feel it was time to question. He smiled wryly and said, ÒBegging your pardon, but itÕs time for dinner. Rosie has cooked up something special today. DonÕt know whatÕs the occasion and donÕt care to guess, but it smells so good that I cannot wait to have that mushroom pie!Ó said Sam.
Frodo smiled to his dearest friend, ÒOf course, IÕll be coming back shortly. The meal sounds really good É Please give me a moment. IÕll be there in five minutes.Ó
Sam nodded, put an arm to FrodoÕs shoulder for a moment, gazed into his masterÕs bright blue eyes, but said nothing. He left his master to look at the Shire for one last time.
How much he would miss Sam he could not start to fathom, but he knew that Sam was strong and can deal without him. Rosie was there, Elanor provided merriment and good cheer, and more children would come for Sam. ÒSam was meant to be whole; along with Merry and Pippin, they will make sure that the Shire will flourish for generations to come.Ó Frodo thought.
Frodo walked slowly towards Bag End making sure to encapsulate the peaceful image of the Shire in his heart and mind forever.
To Be Continued...
Disclaimer: I do not own any of TolkienÕs characters, and do not make any money off writing this. I love all of his characters, and just bothering them for the time being. =)