He hears the voices long before he sees the faces. Laughter, shouts, deep, rumbling chuckles. In truth, they are sounds he never thought he would hear again-not that he ever admitted as much to his companion, not until the very end. He stands there now and sees Merry bouncing up and down on the bed, chattering excitedly to his greatly missed cousin. Pippin is there also, having been shoved aside by his partner in crime. It does not bother the Took for he is far too wrapped up in his own joy. Four others are present in the room, towering above the Halflings before them. Aragorn, truly epitomising, for the first time, the king he is soon to become. Legolas is beside him, along with Gimli (the owner of the rumbling guffaws) and someone the spectator initially thought to be a ghost. Clad in gleaming white, Gandalf is laughing with the rest of the company, his deep blue eyes glistening with mirth and jubilation. Can it really be? He looks so different, yet it is unmistakably him-the new White Wizard. What is it the Elves call him? Mithrandir. The name seems to fit much better now that the wizard has cast off the grubby grey robes he once wore.

There is one who did not return from the grave, however, and, despite the events of the past, heaviness falls on the observer's heart. He knows the madness of Boromir was an uncharacteristic reaction to the ring and it is a sadness to know he cannot be here with the rest of the fellowship, enjoying the fruits of their perilous labour.

It is enough to almost overwhelm the bystander until his eyes fix on the figure lying in the centre of the bed. He does not go to Frodo, does not make any sound to signal his arrival for it is not his time. He has been the Ringbearer's constant companion these past many months, keeping the promise he made to Gandalf long ago. That was his role in the quest and it is done. This moment belongs to Frodo, the one who, against all expectations, offered to take the cursed object to Mordor and cast it into the fire. His task is also complete and now he can revel in the love and gratitude pouring over him from those he holds dear.

Satisfied that his master is well, the onlooker is about to leave when he catches the eye of the former. Shining blue connects with rich brown and they share a smile. It is a small gesture, but it speaks volumes and says all there is left to say between the two.

Thank you