Chapter 44 – Into the West

Frodo rubbed his shoulder gently. He'd finally finished his tale. The Redbook was complete.

He'd lead a happy life with Sam, they had thirteen kids; Elanor, Frodo, Rose, Merry, Pippin, Goldilocks, Hamfast, Daisy, Primrose, Bilbo, Ruby, Robin and Tolman. Elanor was probably most like Sam, but Goldilocks wasn't far behind. Merry and Pippin were twins that proved to be just as troublesome as the hobbits they were named for. They were all beautiful, healthy, and now old enough to take care of themselves.

"Frodo?" A warm voice called to him from the kitchen. Sam walked into the room, holding a pan and wash rag. She just smiled, and despite some wrinkles and lines that came with age, Frodo deemed her to be lovelier than any elf maiden he'd ever seen.

"Yes love?" he said quietly.

"Is something the matter? You've been awfully quiet lately…" Frodo stood up and held her tightly in his arms.

"My shoulder is hurting… that is all…" He told her, kissing her forehead softly. She gently gripped his shirt, careful not to hurt him worse. Her green eyes searched his blue ones. Finding no lie, she smiled, crows-feet scrunching with her beautiful smile.

"I've finished the book…" He said, brightening.

"Oh yes?" Samantha said, smiling excitedly. She walked over and picked it up gently. He came to her from behind wrapping his arms around her waist. He kissed her neck gently as her eyes examined the cover carefully.

"There and Back Again by Bilbo Baggins… And the Lord of the Rings by Frodo Baggins…" She said, a small sadness in her voice. "Our journey… I won't regret it because it brought us together… Changed who we were…"

Frodo picked up her hand and kissed the top of it softly.

"Sam… I think we must leave again… The elves have offered us a special opportunity to go…."

"Leave?" Sam said, uncertainly. She turned to him with eyes round. "We… What about Bag End… the Shire…We're getting old Frodo…"

" I know, my dear… I understand." He said quietly. He didn't want to pull her away from this life she so desired. He looked away, shoulder feeling a stabbing pain of hope leaving his body.

"You won't be whole until we go… will you?" She spoke to his surprise. He just looked back at her.

"Sam…"

"No… my mind is made up then. We're going… I will follow you to the ends of Middle Earth… And beyond the Sea…" Her voice wasn't dramatic as she said it, almost like she was talking about going out to fetch some vegetables from the garden. Then she looked up again at him.

Frodo embraced his wife tightly. "I love you."

"I love you too."

~*~

Merry and Pippin had come to see them off. Merry had long since reconciled his affections for Sam and married. He had his own sons, as well as Pippin. They each in turn embraced, then turned for the next inevitable event.

Gandalf met them, setting his hands on both their shoulders. Galadriel and Elrond were their, as well as Bilbo. The last Ring bearers of Middle Earth.

"You caught a good one Frodo! Make no mistake that Samantha was a perfect match!" Bilbo laughed freely, causing Sam and Frodo to both smile proudly.

"Come on Sam," Frodo took her hand.

Together they walked onto the boat and sailed into the west.