Disclaimer: They are still not mine.
The clouds had overrun the sky as our greatly diminished entourage departed from the dock from where the great ship had set sail. I felt each one's heart was heavy with regret, sorrow, and sadness at having watched some of the people we cared greatest for depart from this land. It seemed to me that as they sailed away, there was a great release as if the earth surrendered to the changes of its time. There was as deep loss as wide as the sea itself, a tremor that ran through each blade of grass, and pierced my heart. Still, we managed to reign in our feelings.
Merry and Pippin were more than willing to lead us to the Shire. Merry was awestruck by little Gisele. He kept saying how wonderful it was that we were a family now, and that the little one was as perfect as any hobbit lass. As we rode along, Pippin stared at her with wide eyes, marveling as she opened her eyes every so often to look upon the kindly faces surrounding her.
As we journeyed to the Shire, I struggled to work through the bitter sorrow that clung to me like a blanket. Legolas spoke silently to me, telling me of his pain as well, and assuring me that, one way or another, we would be all right. Even without the companionship of the High Elves or even of Mithrandir, Middle Earth was still a place of wonder and surprises. After all, neither of us had ever before had children, and she was going to learn of all the beautiful places in the land.
The land grew brighter and flowed with the roll of hills, shirking back to rivers and streams that sparkled even under the clouds that persisted. October was kind in these lands, I noted, delaying autumn with its changing leaves and crisp weather. The air was tinged with warmth as we traveled quickly onward, and soon enough small villages came into view. I marveled at how the houses were built in the ground--round doors to mark where the entrances were, chimneys sprouting directly out of the hills themselves. Hobbits moved lazily about the towns, except for when they noticed us, and then we received some most peculiar gazes, some that were downright hostile.
Sam led us towards Hobbiton, where he resided with his wife, Rosie, and their daughter, Elanor. He was most anxious to return to them, especially after telling us so much about them. He even insisted that we stay in their home, old Bag End that had belonged to Bilbo, belonged to Frodo, and was now in his care. He said there would be plenty of room for our group, though I wondered if it would indeed be a tight fit. Merry and Pippin were more than happy to put anyone up in their home who would not be comfortable in Bag End.
Our entourage rode into Hobbiton, gaining much attention from the eyes of those around us. I had never believed a community of such little people in such beauty could exist. I ached to walk, so I quickly jumped off Aria, and allowed one of our servants to lead her along.
Merry looked back. "Andariel?"
"I simply wish to walk," I answered. "The beauty here is something I wish to look over as slowly as possible."
As Ithiel handed Gisele to me, Legolas jumped down as well. "I agree, my wife. I have never before entered the Shire, and I would desire to walk through it with you."
Soon enough, Sam and Pippin had dismounted as well. Merry said, "I will lead the rest to Bag End. We'll meet you there. It's not far."
As the remainder of the group trotted on ahead, the four of us walked steadily along the dirt road among the greenest pastures I had ever seen. I listened to the chatter of voices and laughter of children running among the houses and towards the center of Hobbiton. Even as autumn crept over the parochial community, none seemed to notice. Very simple lifestyles, content with what they had. I leaned close to Legolas as we continued down the road through the town, and I fought the urge to shirk away from some of the surprised looks the hobbits gave us.
Sam shrugged. "Don't let them bother you none, Lady Andariel. Folks around here just aren't used to seeing Big Folk come through, especially not Elves."
"I would imagine they would be quite nervous after what happened with Sharkey," commented Legolas.
Pippin nodded sharply. "Yes, that's quite true. They just have to get used to you, that's all." He turned his eyes towards me, a playful smile trickling across his face. "I am glad you came to visit."
I returned his smile. "So am I. I have often wondered what the Shire is like after all you have told me."
"And what do you think so far?"
Exchanging a quick smile with Legolas, I answered, "It is a beautiful place."
After a short walk, we came to Bag End. The house was made in the hill itself, with a large round door to mark the entrance and several windows cut out of the sides of the ground. A small smokestack stuck out of the top, wisps of smoke lingering in the warm air. White flowers decorated the grass, though they were obviously waning in the changing of the seasons. As we arrived, Merry greeted us at the door, accompanied by a female hobbit with exceptionally curly hair the color of fresh honey and flashing eyes that sparkled, and in her arms she held a hobbit child with hair the color of the sun.
"You had best hurry on up here, Samwise Gamgee," the female said.
Sam blushed and walked hurriedly up to the doorstep, fondly embracing the woman and child. Turning to us, he said, "Rosie, these here are some of my good friends. There is Legolas and his wife Andariel, and their little one, Gisele. This here is my wife Rosie, and our lass Elanor."
Legolas and I both stepped forward as Rosie did, her face suddenly smiling. "It's so good to meet you all," she said, looking up at us. "Sam here's gone on and on about you both."
Legolas bowed. "It is a great fortune to meet the lady who married Sam," he said.
I shifted Gisele as she turned to look around. "Rosie, I am so happy to meet you. I always hoped that Sam would settle down."
She grinned. "Well, that we may now do. Elanor's been so anxious to see him lately. Did you all travel to say good-bye to the Elves as well?"
"That we did." A somber veil fell over us as we thought of those who had departed. I fought to keep a smile on my face, but I felt a crack in my mask.
Rosie seemed to sense it. "Oh, but I'm one to talk on and on. You all have traveled far. Come. You can rest inside and I'll start on supper."
Sam looked to us, his eyes shining in pride now. "Best be careful comin' inside, these places aren't made for tall folks."
As I stepped inside, I saw immediately what he meant. The ceiling was quite close to my face, yet I was fortunate enough not to have to do more than tilt my head so I did not meet the ceiling. Legolas, on the other hand, had to bend over quite a bit until he was nearly in half.
Pippin scuttled ahead of us. "Come on, your room's this way."
"How amazing these hobbits live," Legolas commented. "Are you certain you are not one yourself, Andariel?"
I glanced back at him and grinned. "As I have said many times, my love, my stature is quite different from yours. However, I assure you, I am human. It is no fault of my own that I am able to walk freely through this hobbit house."
When at last we were all settled in, our group sat around a rather large table while pots simmered and brewed over a roaring fire. Knick knacks decorated the walls and corners-- pictures, candleholders, more cooking utensils than I had ever seen and most I did not recognize. The air was heavy with the scents of roasting meats, thick candles that hinted at hazelnut, and fresh ale. The hobbits had not been shy in introducing us to their brand of drink, and were happily enjoying their own, except for Rosie who sat with Elanor upon her lap. I sipped carefully at my own as I held Gisele, not wanting to upset her or lose myself.
"So how do you like our land?" asked Merry over his mug.
Legolas smiled. "The Shire is a wonderful place, as far as I can tell. Sam, I can see that your gift from the Lady of the Wood has been in great use here."
Sam smiled modestly and shrugged. "When we first came back, the place was in such a state none of us could believe it. I just wanted to make the Lady proud and make the Shire the way it was."
"The mallorn tree is amazing," I commented. "I can imagine none around here have ever seen one before."
"That's a fact," said Merry. "Everyone's been clustering around it since it popped up, wanting more parties than we know what to do with! That there is the party field, and it's a perfect place for the tree."
There fell a silence upon us, as though the words were forced and falsely cheerful. I looked around the faces gathered around the table, and I saw the sorrow shining in the eyes of all, no matter how they tried to mask it. I sighed quietly, finding the same ache in my own chest.
"It is a bitter sorrow," I said at last, causing eyes to turn upon me. "We may as well stop pretending that we are not grieving. I see it in all your faces, and I know it is in my own."
Legolas set an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close to his body until I felt his warm breath cascade down my face. The others sighed collectively, eyes suddenly fixed upon the table. Sam shifted uncomfortably, while Pippin stared out the window. Merry allowed his gaze to meet mine, and I saw a determination in his eyes.
"She's right." He turned to his friends, and nodded. "Of course we are all grieving. Today we lost a great many friends to the other lands, and we won't see them again. How can we not be hurt?"
Sam ran a hand over his eyes, and I saw a small shudder pass over his body. Rosie reached out to touch his shoulder, and he quickly clasped her hand. "I just don't want to think that they're all gone," he said quietly. "Master Frodo is gone for good, and so is Gandalf. They said I couldn't go with them yet, but my time will come. I don't quite know what that means."
It was Rosie who said quietly, "That means that you get to stay here with me for awhile, Sam. They didn't want you to just run off when you were starting your own life. I get to be selfish a bit and keep you with me and our little one. You will see him again, Sam, but not yet."
For a moment closed my eyes and saw the Lady Galadriel reaching out for me, her soft white hand betraying the power she held. Her clear blue eyes searched my heart, read my thoughts, and imparted upon me her wisdom. The ache in my chest deepened as I remembered her healing touch in Lothlorien as she brought me back from the edge of death, how her beauty above all else shone through the darkness of my mind.
Legolas squeezed my shoulder. "I too think of her," he whispered. "She has been in Middle Earth for more years than I am alive, wisest and fairest of the Elves. To think that she now has passed on is difficult to believe. I feel the loss in all the earth, for even the trees and the sky laments their passing."
Pippin looked up with eyes too bright to be without tears. The innocence in his face had been marred by all the battle he had seen, all the terrible creatures he had witnessed. While a bit wiser and more well- spoken, he was still the innocent hobbit I had run into in Rivendell what seemed like ages ago. I was not certain if he would particularly miss any of the Elves who had departed, but I did know that his heart would be heavy for Frodo and Gandalf.
Sighing heavily, Pippin said, "I don't want to think that they are really gone, that they just up and left. Gandalf explained why, but it still doesn't make much sense."
Merry glanced at his cousin. "None of them belong here anymore, Pip. What with all we have done to destroy Sauron, it changed the order of things."
I stared blankly around the table. "Without evil good cannot exist. Since Sauron's defeat, those who have been in Middle Earth since it began must too fade away," I said softly.
"Then why are there still Elves here?" asked Pippin. "Legolas, why are you still here? The Elves have seen everything that has happened, but there are still many remaining."
Legolas blinked, a slight smile curving upon his lips. His eyes grew distant for a moment, some inner thoughts working quickly in his mind. At last he said, "That is a good question. It was always assumed that all the Elves would leave Middle Earth upon the proper time. Many have been leaving over the past years, and now the High Elves have served their purpose and moved on. It is a choice for those who remain behind. I have chosen to stay to raise my family, to be with my wife, and to that I will hold. Many of those in Mirkwood have not considered leaving Middle Earth. I suppose that in the end we shall all fade away without the hold of those who have left us. But I would rather face mortality and feel the ages creep over my mind than spend eternity without Andariel." He placed a gentle kiss upon my brow, breath warm and light.
My throat tightened at such devotion, and I fought back the tears that once again threatened to spill down my cheeks. I met his eyes, searching them for some hint as to why I could possibly be worth what he believed. In their depths all I could see was the boundless love and devotion that had dwelt there since our first meeting. Smiling, I laid my head upon his shoulder, somewhat at a loss for words.
Rosie smiled brightly, laying a hand upon Sam's shoulder. He laid a hand over hers, offering her a tight smile that fought to get past the sadness he felt. "Perhaps in time it will all be easier to handle," she said. "There has been so much happening in the world that few of us know what to do with ourselves. If we are all strong enough, then we can survive this too. After all, Sam, we've got Elanor and they have Gisele."
Sam suddenly covered his eyes, his body shuddering silently. Rosie immediately jumped up and set her arm around him while Merry and Pippin looked on with sympathetic eyes. Sam mumbled softly, "I just miss him. Master Frodo is gone for good, and we'll never see him again."
I felt his grief in the air, a harsh thing that pricked my heart and rolled my mind. I could offer no comfort, for I felt the loss of all who had departed even stronger now. All those who had saved me from the horrors of the world had gone, and the loss was compounded by the sorrow of Frodo and the loss of Gandalf. Surely the hobbits had been much closer to them than I had been, and looking upon Sam in tears filled me with a desire to run after them.
Legolas' voice reverberated inside my head. "Poor Sam," he said. "I know not how to ease his pain."
I smiled weakly. "Nor do I, Legolas. He alone can get through it, much like the rest of us, though I do not know how to ease my own pain."
The silence was heavy in the room as all were left to their own thoughts and grief. Dinner was eaten silently, until at last Sam broke the stillness to offer us some of the wine that old Bilbo had left behind. Our spirits rose with toasting those who had left, and soon we were laughing and speaking as if nothing had happened. My heart rose to see the hobbits in such delight, and I was grateful that we had journeyed to this land. Of course only time would heal the wounds that bound us, but at least for a time we could enjoy one another's company, and explore the realm of the world in a new light.
The clouds had overrun the sky as our greatly diminished entourage departed from the dock from where the great ship had set sail. I felt each one's heart was heavy with regret, sorrow, and sadness at having watched some of the people we cared greatest for depart from this land. It seemed to me that as they sailed away, there was a great release as if the earth surrendered to the changes of its time. There was as deep loss as wide as the sea itself, a tremor that ran through each blade of grass, and pierced my heart. Still, we managed to reign in our feelings.
Merry and Pippin were more than willing to lead us to the Shire. Merry was awestruck by little Gisele. He kept saying how wonderful it was that we were a family now, and that the little one was as perfect as any hobbit lass. As we rode along, Pippin stared at her with wide eyes, marveling as she opened her eyes every so often to look upon the kindly faces surrounding her.
As we journeyed to the Shire, I struggled to work through the bitter sorrow that clung to me like a blanket. Legolas spoke silently to me, telling me of his pain as well, and assuring me that, one way or another, we would be all right. Even without the companionship of the High Elves or even of Mithrandir, Middle Earth was still a place of wonder and surprises. After all, neither of us had ever before had children, and she was going to learn of all the beautiful places in the land.
The land grew brighter and flowed with the roll of hills, shirking back to rivers and streams that sparkled even under the clouds that persisted. October was kind in these lands, I noted, delaying autumn with its changing leaves and crisp weather. The air was tinged with warmth as we traveled quickly onward, and soon enough small villages came into view. I marveled at how the houses were built in the ground--round doors to mark where the entrances were, chimneys sprouting directly out of the hills themselves. Hobbits moved lazily about the towns, except for when they noticed us, and then we received some most peculiar gazes, some that were downright hostile.
Sam led us towards Hobbiton, where he resided with his wife, Rosie, and their daughter, Elanor. He was most anxious to return to them, especially after telling us so much about them. He even insisted that we stay in their home, old Bag End that had belonged to Bilbo, belonged to Frodo, and was now in his care. He said there would be plenty of room for our group, though I wondered if it would indeed be a tight fit. Merry and Pippin were more than happy to put anyone up in their home who would not be comfortable in Bag End.
Our entourage rode into Hobbiton, gaining much attention from the eyes of those around us. I had never believed a community of such little people in such beauty could exist. I ached to walk, so I quickly jumped off Aria, and allowed one of our servants to lead her along.
Merry looked back. "Andariel?"
"I simply wish to walk," I answered. "The beauty here is something I wish to look over as slowly as possible."
As Ithiel handed Gisele to me, Legolas jumped down as well. "I agree, my wife. I have never before entered the Shire, and I would desire to walk through it with you."
Soon enough, Sam and Pippin had dismounted as well. Merry said, "I will lead the rest to Bag End. We'll meet you there. It's not far."
As the remainder of the group trotted on ahead, the four of us walked steadily along the dirt road among the greenest pastures I had ever seen. I listened to the chatter of voices and laughter of children running among the houses and towards the center of Hobbiton. Even as autumn crept over the parochial community, none seemed to notice. Very simple lifestyles, content with what they had. I leaned close to Legolas as we continued down the road through the town, and I fought the urge to shirk away from some of the surprised looks the hobbits gave us.
Sam shrugged. "Don't let them bother you none, Lady Andariel. Folks around here just aren't used to seeing Big Folk come through, especially not Elves."
"I would imagine they would be quite nervous after what happened with Sharkey," commented Legolas.
Pippin nodded sharply. "Yes, that's quite true. They just have to get used to you, that's all." He turned his eyes towards me, a playful smile trickling across his face. "I am glad you came to visit."
I returned his smile. "So am I. I have often wondered what the Shire is like after all you have told me."
"And what do you think so far?"
Exchanging a quick smile with Legolas, I answered, "It is a beautiful place."
After a short walk, we came to Bag End. The house was made in the hill itself, with a large round door to mark the entrance and several windows cut out of the sides of the ground. A small smokestack stuck out of the top, wisps of smoke lingering in the warm air. White flowers decorated the grass, though they were obviously waning in the changing of the seasons. As we arrived, Merry greeted us at the door, accompanied by a female hobbit with exceptionally curly hair the color of fresh honey and flashing eyes that sparkled, and in her arms she held a hobbit child with hair the color of the sun.
"You had best hurry on up here, Samwise Gamgee," the female said.
Sam blushed and walked hurriedly up to the doorstep, fondly embracing the woman and child. Turning to us, he said, "Rosie, these here are some of my good friends. There is Legolas and his wife Andariel, and their little one, Gisele. This here is my wife Rosie, and our lass Elanor."
Legolas and I both stepped forward as Rosie did, her face suddenly smiling. "It's so good to meet you all," she said, looking up at us. "Sam here's gone on and on about you both."
Legolas bowed. "It is a great fortune to meet the lady who married Sam," he said.
I shifted Gisele as she turned to look around. "Rosie, I am so happy to meet you. I always hoped that Sam would settle down."
She grinned. "Well, that we may now do. Elanor's been so anxious to see him lately. Did you all travel to say good-bye to the Elves as well?"
"That we did." A somber veil fell over us as we thought of those who had departed. I fought to keep a smile on my face, but I felt a crack in my mask.
Rosie seemed to sense it. "Oh, but I'm one to talk on and on. You all have traveled far. Come. You can rest inside and I'll start on supper."
Sam looked to us, his eyes shining in pride now. "Best be careful comin' inside, these places aren't made for tall folks."
As I stepped inside, I saw immediately what he meant. The ceiling was quite close to my face, yet I was fortunate enough not to have to do more than tilt my head so I did not meet the ceiling. Legolas, on the other hand, had to bend over quite a bit until he was nearly in half.
Pippin scuttled ahead of us. "Come on, your room's this way."
"How amazing these hobbits live," Legolas commented. "Are you certain you are not one yourself, Andariel?"
I glanced back at him and grinned. "As I have said many times, my love, my stature is quite different from yours. However, I assure you, I am human. It is no fault of my own that I am able to walk freely through this hobbit house."
When at last we were all settled in, our group sat around a rather large table while pots simmered and brewed over a roaring fire. Knick knacks decorated the walls and corners-- pictures, candleholders, more cooking utensils than I had ever seen and most I did not recognize. The air was heavy with the scents of roasting meats, thick candles that hinted at hazelnut, and fresh ale. The hobbits had not been shy in introducing us to their brand of drink, and were happily enjoying their own, except for Rosie who sat with Elanor upon her lap. I sipped carefully at my own as I held Gisele, not wanting to upset her or lose myself.
"So how do you like our land?" asked Merry over his mug.
Legolas smiled. "The Shire is a wonderful place, as far as I can tell. Sam, I can see that your gift from the Lady of the Wood has been in great use here."
Sam smiled modestly and shrugged. "When we first came back, the place was in such a state none of us could believe it. I just wanted to make the Lady proud and make the Shire the way it was."
"The mallorn tree is amazing," I commented. "I can imagine none around here have ever seen one before."
"That's a fact," said Merry. "Everyone's been clustering around it since it popped up, wanting more parties than we know what to do with! That there is the party field, and it's a perfect place for the tree."
There fell a silence upon us, as though the words were forced and falsely cheerful. I looked around the faces gathered around the table, and I saw the sorrow shining in the eyes of all, no matter how they tried to mask it. I sighed quietly, finding the same ache in my own chest.
"It is a bitter sorrow," I said at last, causing eyes to turn upon me. "We may as well stop pretending that we are not grieving. I see it in all your faces, and I know it is in my own."
Legolas set an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close to his body until I felt his warm breath cascade down my face. The others sighed collectively, eyes suddenly fixed upon the table. Sam shifted uncomfortably, while Pippin stared out the window. Merry allowed his gaze to meet mine, and I saw a determination in his eyes.
"She's right." He turned to his friends, and nodded. "Of course we are all grieving. Today we lost a great many friends to the other lands, and we won't see them again. How can we not be hurt?"
Sam ran a hand over his eyes, and I saw a small shudder pass over his body. Rosie reached out to touch his shoulder, and he quickly clasped her hand. "I just don't want to think that they're all gone," he said quietly. "Master Frodo is gone for good, and so is Gandalf. They said I couldn't go with them yet, but my time will come. I don't quite know what that means."
It was Rosie who said quietly, "That means that you get to stay here with me for awhile, Sam. They didn't want you to just run off when you were starting your own life. I get to be selfish a bit and keep you with me and our little one. You will see him again, Sam, but not yet."
For a moment closed my eyes and saw the Lady Galadriel reaching out for me, her soft white hand betraying the power she held. Her clear blue eyes searched my heart, read my thoughts, and imparted upon me her wisdom. The ache in my chest deepened as I remembered her healing touch in Lothlorien as she brought me back from the edge of death, how her beauty above all else shone through the darkness of my mind.
Legolas squeezed my shoulder. "I too think of her," he whispered. "She has been in Middle Earth for more years than I am alive, wisest and fairest of the Elves. To think that she now has passed on is difficult to believe. I feel the loss in all the earth, for even the trees and the sky laments their passing."
Pippin looked up with eyes too bright to be without tears. The innocence in his face had been marred by all the battle he had seen, all the terrible creatures he had witnessed. While a bit wiser and more well- spoken, he was still the innocent hobbit I had run into in Rivendell what seemed like ages ago. I was not certain if he would particularly miss any of the Elves who had departed, but I did know that his heart would be heavy for Frodo and Gandalf.
Sighing heavily, Pippin said, "I don't want to think that they are really gone, that they just up and left. Gandalf explained why, but it still doesn't make much sense."
Merry glanced at his cousin. "None of them belong here anymore, Pip. What with all we have done to destroy Sauron, it changed the order of things."
I stared blankly around the table. "Without evil good cannot exist. Since Sauron's defeat, those who have been in Middle Earth since it began must too fade away," I said softly.
"Then why are there still Elves here?" asked Pippin. "Legolas, why are you still here? The Elves have seen everything that has happened, but there are still many remaining."
Legolas blinked, a slight smile curving upon his lips. His eyes grew distant for a moment, some inner thoughts working quickly in his mind. At last he said, "That is a good question. It was always assumed that all the Elves would leave Middle Earth upon the proper time. Many have been leaving over the past years, and now the High Elves have served their purpose and moved on. It is a choice for those who remain behind. I have chosen to stay to raise my family, to be with my wife, and to that I will hold. Many of those in Mirkwood have not considered leaving Middle Earth. I suppose that in the end we shall all fade away without the hold of those who have left us. But I would rather face mortality and feel the ages creep over my mind than spend eternity without Andariel." He placed a gentle kiss upon my brow, breath warm and light.
My throat tightened at such devotion, and I fought back the tears that once again threatened to spill down my cheeks. I met his eyes, searching them for some hint as to why I could possibly be worth what he believed. In their depths all I could see was the boundless love and devotion that had dwelt there since our first meeting. Smiling, I laid my head upon his shoulder, somewhat at a loss for words.
Rosie smiled brightly, laying a hand upon Sam's shoulder. He laid a hand over hers, offering her a tight smile that fought to get past the sadness he felt. "Perhaps in time it will all be easier to handle," she said. "There has been so much happening in the world that few of us know what to do with ourselves. If we are all strong enough, then we can survive this too. After all, Sam, we've got Elanor and they have Gisele."
Sam suddenly covered his eyes, his body shuddering silently. Rosie immediately jumped up and set her arm around him while Merry and Pippin looked on with sympathetic eyes. Sam mumbled softly, "I just miss him. Master Frodo is gone for good, and we'll never see him again."
I felt his grief in the air, a harsh thing that pricked my heart and rolled my mind. I could offer no comfort, for I felt the loss of all who had departed even stronger now. All those who had saved me from the horrors of the world had gone, and the loss was compounded by the sorrow of Frodo and the loss of Gandalf. Surely the hobbits had been much closer to them than I had been, and looking upon Sam in tears filled me with a desire to run after them.
Legolas' voice reverberated inside my head. "Poor Sam," he said. "I know not how to ease his pain."
I smiled weakly. "Nor do I, Legolas. He alone can get through it, much like the rest of us, though I do not know how to ease my own pain."
The silence was heavy in the room as all were left to their own thoughts and grief. Dinner was eaten silently, until at last Sam broke the stillness to offer us some of the wine that old Bilbo had left behind. Our spirits rose with toasting those who had left, and soon we were laughing and speaking as if nothing had happened. My heart rose to see the hobbits in such delight, and I was grateful that we had journeyed to this land. Of course only time would heal the wounds that bound us, but at least for a time we could enjoy one another's company, and explore the realm of the world in a new light.