September 21, 1421 S.R.
After a fine first breakfast, Sam left to go saddle their ponies and get them ready for the journey, affording Frodo an opportunity to say a proper goodbye to both Rosie and Elanor.
As he held Elanor for the last time, Frodo looked at Rosie, a sad smile on his features, "Thank you, Rosie, for everything."
An equally sad smile crossed Rosie's lovely face as she watched him kiss her daughter's forehead, "Are you certain there is no other way, Mr. Frodo?"
Frodo had only told her yesterday about his plans to leave Middle-Earth forever, not wanting to break her heart any sooner than was necessary. He sighed as he placed Elanor down in her cot before looking at Rosie again.
"I am certain, Rosie. If I don't leave Middle-Earth forever I will die within a few years' time. I am slowly fading and if I stay here, the darkness will continue to consume me until there is nothing left of the hobbit you once knew," Frodo said, pausing thoughtfully, "And that would be a fate worse than death itself. In any case, dearest Rose, I must depart these shores." Frodo pulled an envelope from his pocket, holding it out to Rosie.
"This is a letter I wrote for Sam but I think it would be better if I do not give it to him just now," Frodo said, "I want to have at least one more day with him without having to tell him I am sailing. Anyway, would you please keep this safe until Sam's return, and give it to him then?"
Rosie sniffled, and dabbled at the corner of her eye, and took the envelope from Frodo. "Of course, Mr. Frodo, I'll keep it safe until Sam returns." She slipped the letter deep into her apron pocket as more tears threatened. Swiftly, Frodo pulled her into a hug as the door to Bag End opened and in walked Sam.
"The ponies are ready and waitin' to go, Mr. Frodo," Sam said coming into the kitchen to the sight of his wife and friend hugging still.
Frodo whispered in Rosie's ear, "Don't cry now or Sam will wonder what's the matter." He felt Rosie nod and pulled away from her. "Well, we'd best be off then. Thank you again, Rosie, for the fine provisions."
Rosie nodded, mouthing the words, "Goodbye, Mr. Frodo."
'And thank you, Rose, for your friendship', he thought as he walked over to join Sam at the door.
"Mr. Frodo, if you'll give me a moment, I'll be right out," Sam said.
"Of course, Sam. I'll wait for you outside by the ponies," Frodo said. He walked out of Bag End for the very last time as Sam said "Why, Rosie-lass, whatever's the matter? I told you we're coming back this time a lot sooner than in a year..." Frodo didn't hear whatever Rose's reply was to him as he trusted her not to tell Sam of the true nature of this expedition that would end at the Grey Havens.
He walked out into the morning air of the Shire and he breathed in deeply, feeling a great sadness wash over him as he realized that truly this was the last morning he'd stand here and look out over his homeland for as long as he lived.
The morning mists were beginning to dissipate allowing for a view of the only mallorn tree East of the Sea, West of the Misty Mountains on the party field. Frodo could see squirrels running up and down it. All around him, birds serenaded him with their songs of farewell, and the golden sun rose on the horizon.
This small land created by Ilúvatar was gently bidding him farewell and Frodo found that he had to fight his own tears as he whispered, "Farewell, my beloved Shire. We shall never meet again I'm afraid, so I pray Ilúvatar will keep you safe and well until the end of the World."
At that moment, Sam came out of the smial and Frodo immediately wiped his face clear of the sadness, he turned to Sam, "Well, Sam, let's be off, shall we?" Sam nodded, and they mounted their ponies. Before riding away they both turned to wave at Rosie who now stood at the door to Bag End, Elanor in her arms.
"'Farewell, keep safe," Rosie said as she waved, "We love you both."
"We love you, too," they replied, and then urged the ponies forward.