Chapter 15 – Westward Love Lies

The next two days Robin spent in the company of Merry and his family. She was very fond of old Mr. Brandybuck and Mrs. Esmerelda. They in turn treated her as a daughter for Esmerelda was very close to her oldest brother, that was Aldaham Took, Robin's father. Robin was very cheerful on the outside though Merry could see that she was wrestling with a decision inside, though what it was he did not know.

After dinner on her third day Robin decided to go for a walk to see if she could foresee what decision she should make. She was hurt inside for she felt that Frodo could not forsake all his love to her when his own heart and body could not be healed from the wounds of war. She wanted him to feel peace though her love was the only peace she could offer him and for that her heart cried for she knew it would not be enough.

Now she stood by the side of the river staring into west were her love lay. Her heart yearned to return to him but the thought that he might leave her was too much. She looked down into the rushing water, the golden brown colour glowed with burnished orange from the reflection of the setting sun. For the first time in her life Robin felt the stabbing pain of selfishness. "It is not fair" she cried allowed "Why can I not have him after everything we have been through, he should be mine" She sank to her knees sobbing into her hands.

And so Meriadoc found her as she sat on the banks of the Brandywine. Her tears had ceased but she continued to stare forlornly westward across the water. He sat down beside her taking her hand in his own.

"My dear cousin, I do understand what you are feeling for I love him to. Why do you tarry in this land when your heart belongs in Hobbiton? You cannot find the answers in the past Robin for that is what my home is to you, a childhood memory. Go to him and you will find what you seek so desperately."

Robin squeezed his hand but she did not smile. "I fear that he will break my heart " she said coldly "And that is wrong for I should love him no matter the consequences"

"Nay it is not wrong" replied Merry "Open your heart to him, he will not harm it for I know that he loves you"

"I cannot foresee what end I shall return to if returneth I must" she replied turning her gaze fully on her cousin. "You say he loves me but I say can love reign stronger in the heart than suffering brought on by evil? If his heart will never feel peace nor then will mine feel peace either. But I heed thine counsel Meriadoc for I cannot run to the past for aid in my troubles, though your help I will always gratefully receive, the help I seek now lies away west. I shall return to my hearts desire and pray that it shall not be broken" With that she rose and embracing Merry she thanked him then ran quickly back to the hall.

After collecting her bags she turned Hazel North toward the Brandywine Bridge where she would cross the swift river into the Shire. From there she galloped along the Great East Road through the village of Whitfurrows until she reached Frogmorton just as the sun was rising. There she rested on the outskirts, sleeping a while in the warm spring sun. As lunchtime came she ate a little then carried on her journey. As she drew near to the Threefarthing stone her excitement grew and she urged Hazel on to Bywater. Passing through the village she gave no heed to the Hobbits staring as she went by. A few called, recognising her but she cantered on turning North to Hobbiton leaving the Bywater gossip behind.

When she reached the village there wasn't a soul at the stables so she untacked Hazel herself resting him in the stall next to Bill and Strider, Sam and Frodos pony's whom he knew very well. Whispering goodbye to them she started the short walk up Bagshot Row that led to Bag End. She hesitated as she reached the green front door, nerves displacing the excitement she had felt earlier. Instead of knocking she pushed, the door opening easily before her. The hole was quiet as she stole down the passageway, half wondering were everyone was, she peeped round the parlour door. Hardly catching her breath in time she saw Frodo sat next to the fire a book open on his lap. The fire light danced around the room and Robin thought that he looked tired. She stepped quietly into the room gazing adoringly at the Hobbit she loved. Frodo, feeling her presence looked up.

"Is this a spirit that stands before me?"

"Nay my love, it is I" she whispered hardly able to keep from running into his arms

"Through all the lands of Arda I would hold your heart in my hands and I would know that you were with me. With one touch of your gentle hand would I be forever at peace for I love thee and will always love thee" He rose walking steadily towards her. Reaching out his hand he touched her face. She moaned, leaning into his caress.

"Frodo I need to talk to you" she told him

Frodo shook his head. Putting one hand on her waist he pulled her to him. "There will be time for talking later" He kissed her once then taking her hand led her to the bedroom.