A Special Kind of Healing

by Camellia Baggins

At last, Frodo Baggins reached the Undying Lands, the land where he would find his long-awaited healing. He did not, however, expect what he found upon his arrival, or rather, who. Frodo could never have imagined that fate would lead him to a new family and a vibrant life of peace, love, and joy. He knew the answer to his healing, and it was not so far off as he'd before thought.

Prologue - Grey Ships

Frodo cherished his last moment looking upon his friends, Merry, Pippin, and Sam. It broke his heart, yet he had already prepared for this day, this moment, and it was not so hard as the ship began its journey into the West and the hobbits disappeared from view. Bilbo soon captured his attention with a dream he had had concerning ships and elves. It was quite an astonishing sort of dream and Frodo was distracted from the thoughts of his friends and past quest at least for a short while. But his uncle tired quickly these days and he was eager for a nap after a mere ten minutes of conversation. Frodo didn't mind, however, for he had other things to occupy himself with. He wondered how his friends would take his being away. They would never see him again, save Sam, but that would not be for many years.

Frodo was not surprised to find a steady stream of tears flowing down his face. He was not as prepared as he had thought, it seemed. Gandalf took notice of his silent mourning and took his place beside him, gazing out over the sea.

"Why do you weep, dear Frodo?" he asked in that kind, soft voice Frodo had always found comfort in since he was a young hobbit, unaware of the dangers and goings-on outside of his own Shire. The words now did nothing for him; he found no joy in hearing the wizard's voice.

Frodo remained silent, unable to answer, though not for lack of trying. Gandalf continued, a knowing look in his eyes:

"Do not worry, young hobbit. They will be alright, as will you," he said, pausing briefly. "Soon you shall see it, Frodo, and that is when all your fears shall pass away…"

Still, Frodo could find no words.

"But there is someone, or rather a few someones, awaiting your arrival, although they do not yet know it."

"Who is waiting for me?" Frodo asked, finally finding his voice. "Do I know them?"

"You do not know them yet, no, but you will."

"You have not fully answered my question. Will you not inform me of who is waiting?" said Frodo.

"You will meet them once we arrive," replied Gandalf, not without a bit of humor. He was amused by the stubbornness of hobbits. And he knew it would not end there.

"But I would prefer to know ahead of time."

"You must wait, Frodo. You will learn their names when the time comes."

"But… Oh, what's the use in it anyway? You'll never tell me."

"You are correct. Now go on and have yourself a bit of a rest. It will be some time before we arrive," Gandalf suggested. He did not need to tell Frodo twice for he was tired from his journey and needed much rest. Perhaps he would be able to process all that had been going on in the past fifteen minutes.

Frodo moved below deck and settled down on a mat, pulling a blanket over him. He had not the time to think before sleep swallowed him up, transitioning him from the real world to the world of dreams.

When he awoke, Frodo was surprised to find that they were soon to arrive. How long had he been sleeping? Seeking to find an answer, he made his way towards the front of the ship. There was a sweet smell in the air and he thought he heard singing. Then it seemed the grey veil covering the world turned to silver glass and was rolled back, and there was before him white shores and a far green country under a swift sunrise. Frodo gasped, staring in awe at the beauty he beheld.

And it occurred to him then that he was home. Home at last.