To Road goes ever on
Chapter Three; Aman, Land of the Blessed
It seemed to take forever for the ship to dock. Frodo looked out into the cool blue water, water that had seemed so cold and gray the day before now appeared to be like a beautiful blue stone glistening in the sunlight. He leaned over the side of the ship. He was quite sure he could see all the way down to the bottom of the sea. There were all kinds of strange beautiful fish swimming in the water. Never in his life had Frodo seen water so clear.
Just then he heard a voice behind him, "I wouldn't lean so far forward if I were you. I don't think Master Elrond would enjoy a hobbit fishing expedition before we even dock."
Frodo looked up and saw Gandalf standing next to him smiling. Frodo smiled back.
"It's the most beautiful thing I have ever seen Gandalf," replied Frodo. Gandalf laughed and said, "you haven't seen anything yet my dear boy."
Frodo lifted his eyes to look upon the approaching island. It was so lush and green. Frodo thought it looked greener than the shire, if that was even possible. It was somehow a strange color though. It was a green he had never seen the likes of before, he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
There were beautiful grassy green fields that stretched for miles. The fields came to rest at the border of a large forest that sat at the base of a great mountain range. These mountains seemed to divide the island directly in two. They were the grandest mountains Frodo had ever seen. The trees of the forest stood as straight and tall as soldiers, their branches pointing upwards to the heavens.
The mountains were jagged and rough at their base and climbed majestically into the air thousands of feet. At the very top they were covered with white glistening snow that danced like diamonds in the sun. They very nearly took his breath away.
"They are the Pelóri, meaning high fence in the Elven tongue. They are the highest mountain range in the world" said Gandalf . "They are magnificent," replied Frodo. "You will find many magnificent things here Frodo Baggins the least of which is this mountain range," replied the old wizard laughingly.
The ship docked and they were greeted by many Elves all of whom it seemed had turned out to see Frodo and Bilbo "The great ring bearers" The only mortals of Middle Earth who were ever allowed on Valinor. There was much joy and merriment, as Elves are accustom to. Many old friends and family reunited after long years spent apart. After a few minutes of introductions and much hugging Elrond said "Come Frodo and Bilbo, I will lead you to your new home."
As they walked Frodo saw silver Mallorn trees everywhere gleaming with their golden leaves in the early morning light. A fragrant and sweet gentle breeze blew upon their faces and Frodo was certain he heard the music of a waterfall somewhere in the distance. He sensed a spirit of peace and grace he had never felt in his life. Every living thing the grass, trees, flowers even the air seem to dance in the joy and excitement of being alive. And everywhere he looked he saw Elanor and Niphredil growing among the cool green grass.
They eventually came to the base of a large hill. On top if the hill sat a great house, it appeared to be made of all silver and glass with turrets on each corner. Upon each turret flew a golden flag with an emblem of two trees on it. From where he stood Frodo could see many gardens with silver walkways surrounding the house. At the base of the hill there was a set of silver stairs that lead to the gleaming front door. Frodo thought how much the silver reminded him of mithrel.
"There lies Celeb Opele, the home of Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian. Its translation into common tongue is "silver home," said Gandalf "we shall dine there this evening". Frodo, so in awe of his surroundings could not answer.
They walked a little farther and rounded the base of the great hill. Frodo stopped and stared in amazement. For built into a smaller hill at its base was an exact replica of Bag End complete with picket fence, stone walkway and the round green door. There stood a great mallorn tree growing out of the top and marvelous gardens on all sides. Bilbo and Frodo stood motionless in amazement. Lord Elrond turned around and seeing the expressions on their faces laughingly asked "do you like it?" "Never again did I think I would set my eyes on such loveliness" replied Bilbo blinking back tears. "Indeed I believe we are home my boy," and Bilbo wrapped his arm around Frodo. Frodo still stood there in utter amazement. Too taken aback to move or speak. Finally Frodo spoke up and asked, "How is this possible?" Elrond just laughed saying, "we Elves have many wonderful craftsman, all it took were the blueprints so to speak. For that you can thank Gandalf." Gandalf just smiled. Lord Elrond continued "I think you will find everything that you are accustom to inside. We wanted the two of you to be at home here on Valinor and we felt the best way to accomplish this was to bring home to you, so to speak. If you are ever in need of anything please ask."
"I am quite sure that we will be just fine." Answered Bilbo.
Lord Elrond replied "Lovely, then we shall leave you to settle in to your new home and we look forward to seeing you tonight at the great feast. Make sure you take some rest today for tonight there is much celebrating to do. There will be much singing and story telling. "Bilbo, I hope you are up for one of your songs. It has been so long since we have heard one."
With that Lord Elrond, Lady Celebrian and Gandalf took their leave and Frodo and Bilbo slowly ascended the stairs into their new home.
Life was peaceful and quiet once Bilbo and Frodo were settled in. They enjoyed being together and Frodo realized how much he had missed the old hobbit all those long years that they were apart. They spent many days in the gardens of Bag End and Celeb Opele.
Frodo went for long walks usually alone because Bilbo could not walk very far. He found wonderful streams, rivers, and great fields of Elanor and Niphredil. There was one special spot Frodo lived to sit in and think. It was nestled into the base of the mountains. It was a beautiful grotto with a waterfall, a pond and everywhere the ground was covered with a soft earthy moss. Frodo would sit in that spot for hours and dream of all kinds of things but mostly of home. He wondered about Sam, Merry and Pippin. He hoped that they were finding as much peace and contentment in their lives as he was in his. One day while walking home from the grotto Frodo realized that the illnesses had stopped and he felt all together himself again. He felt free and wonderful. As carefree as he did as a young lad when Bilbo first brought him to Bag End as his heir. Those were the happiest days of Frodo's life and he was feeling much the same way.
Usually after their evening meal Frodo and Bilbo would sit in front of Bag End smoking a pipe-full and Bilbo would tell stories. Frodo often thought as they sat there that he could see the old party field of the shire with the enormous oak tree stretched out in front of him. Often Bilbo would fall asleep in the middle of a story and wake up and say "now where was I my boy? Well I can't remember. I guess I'll have to start from the beginning again." Frodo would just smile and say "Yes Uncle Bilbo that sounds like a great idea." He never really minded hearing the same stories over and over. He was just glad to be with Bilbo. Some evenings Gandalf would join them, especially if he knew that smoking of pipe weed would be involved. Frodo was never really sure where the pipeweed came from, after all they didn't grow it on Valinor. He was just glad to have it and never thought to ask. Life was good and Frodo was happy, healthy and whole again.
One day after many years had passed Frodo was walking along the shore of the Bay of Eldamar. He noticed a group of Elves running to the dock in great excitement. "They are coming." Shouted the Elves. Frodo looked up and saw a great white ship docking and upon the ship stood many tall Elves. Frodo thought he recognized someone on board. It was Lord Celeborn he had finally arrived. Frodo noticed Lady Galadriel waiting patiently for her husband. As he approached her she said "mae govannen. Nae saian luume" * and then she embraced her husband. Frodo, caught up in the moment of their joy suddenly realized that he was staring at them and turned to go. "Frodo," said Lord Celeborn "I have brought you something."
Frodo turned to Lord Celeborn who in one fluid movement lifted his graceful arm and pointed toward the ship. Frodo looked to see his beloved Sam stepping off the ship. "It's me Master Frodo, It's your Sam! I'm finally here!"
"Oh Sam!" Cried Frodo and ran to embrace his friend. The two of them stood for what seemed like hours on that pier embracing and crying. "Look at us, what a sight we are, we need to stop all this cryin' and get off this pier," laughed Sam "How I have missed you Sam! Come I have so much to show you and many things to tell you," replied Frodo. And with that the two hobbits turned and arm and arm walked toward home.
When they rounded the base of the big hill Sam stopped short. He looked and saw the smial. "Well I'll be, all this time you've been livin' in Bag End here, while I've been livin in Bag End there." "Yes Sam isn't it wonderful? It's just like home. Come on let's get you settled Bilbo will be so glad to see you."
Sam settled into life well on the Island. One of the first things he did when he got there was to start playing in the garden. Frodo found him there one morning up to his elbows in dirt moving plants around and just laughed. "Sam you're supposed to be resting here, not working" said Frodo "why are you moving those plants anyway? I thought they looked fine where they were."
"Well Mr. Frodo I've got to do something, there is never any weeds here to pull and I just feel like being busy that's all." Frodo just laughed and walked away. One day as Frodo was sitting on the front porch Bilbo approached him and said "Frodo I've something I need to discuss with you. I think its time for me to leave Valinor. I have often thought as of late that my time here was growing short. I had decided to wait until Sam arrived for no hobbit should be alone. Elves are good company for a while but they don't understand us hobbits very well. So with your blessing I should like to take my leave."
Frodo sat stunned. He felt as if all the wind had been knocked out of him. He knew that Bilbo would leave some day. It just seemed so soon, too soon. He suddenly realized how much he would miss the dear old hobbit.
Frodo, blinking back tears responded, "I do understand, I do not like it but I understand I have enjoyed our time here together and I shall miss you awfully."
"My dear boy" said Bilbo as he stroked Frodo's cheek, "I shall forever be glad that I took you on as my heir so many long years ago. Never has a hobbit had a better son." Then Frodo and Bilbo shared a long embrace. Frodo did not want to let go, He feared it would be the last time he would hold Bilbo. With tears in his eyes Frodo said " I love you, father. For that is what you have been to me. A father." Bilbo just squeezed Frodo's neck all the tighter. It was the first and last time he would ever be called Father. Then aided by his cane Bilbo stood up and went into the house.
The very next morning Frodo went to call Bilbo for breakfast and the dear old hobbit was gone. Frodo knew that he had gone on to be with Ilúvatar at his final rest.
Frodo and Sam spent their days much as Frodo and Bilbo had done. Walking in the fields, visiting the grotto and of course smoking pipe weed. Sam told Frodo all about life in Middle Earth after Frodo had departed and Frodo was glad to all his stories. He learned about all Sam's children and felt as if he knew them personally. Heard about Merry and Pippin and their families. Sam was such a good story teller that Frodo felt as if he had been there experiencing all that Sam talked about. Frodo and Sam were together again and happy.
After many years passed Frodo began grew weary and was beginning to realize that it was time to move on. He found himself once again wondering how Sam would take the news of his departure. One evening after supper Sam and Frodo were sitting, having a pipe-full and Frodo said, "next week is September the twenty second. You know if Bilbo had lived he would have been one hundred and eighty nine."
"Why Master Frodo, "then that would make you one hundred and eleven." Said Sam excited that he had done the math so quickly in his head. "That's the same age as when Mr. Bilbo left for Rivendale." "Yes Sam, I was thinking of taking a trip myself. I think that perhaps its time to leave Valinor. What was that phrase Bilbo used to use? I'm feeling stretched, thin, like butter scraped over too much bread wasn't it? I do I think its time to move on."
"Yes, said Sam.I reckon it's gettin' to be about that time. Your eleventy- first birthday is as good a time as any I suppose. You'll be wantin' to say goodbye to the others though won't you master Frodo."
Frodo smiled he had been trying to get Sam to stop calling him master Frodo for years now. Even as far back as when they returned from the great quest all those long years ago. But Sam being Sam refused. "You were Master Frodo before the journey, you are Master Frodo after. You will always be Master Frodo to me." Sam had said it so many times, Frodo eventually gave up and let him call him whatever he wanted.
"Yes Sam I guess I shall be wanting to say my good-byes soon. Will you go with me when I do this?" "Yes Master Frodo when you are ready I shall go with you. After all I should be wanting to say some good-byes myself" "Why Sam, cried Frodo, what will you be saying goodbye for?"
"Look here Master Frodo you don't think I'll be letting you leave this place by yourself do you? Oh no not again. I let you leave with out me before and it's not gonna' happen again. I made a promise Mr. Frodo, A promise. Don't you leave him Samwise Gamgee, and I don't mean to, I don't mean too."
Then Sam began to sing the most beautiful song that Frodo had never heard before.
"Do not ask me to abandon or forsake you! For wherever you will go I shall go. Wherever you lodge I shall lodge. Your people shall be my people, And your God my God. Wherever you die I will die, and be buried beside you."**
Frodo reached out and grabbed Sam's hand and said "Never in history has Hobbit, Man or Elf had such a friend as I have had in you Samwise Gamgee. I love you with all my heart and soul" Sam just smiled for he had nothing else to say.
The next few days Sam and Frodo spent visiting their dear friends and saying goodbye. Master Elrond, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel, Legolas and Gimli who had sailed over some years before, and most of all Gandalf.
So on the evening of September the twenty second the two friends set out on their last journey together. They came to a great field of Elanor and Niphredil and holding hands they lay down, closed their eyes and were never seen or heard from again.
The little Smial of Bag End still stands today on the Island of Valinor reminding all that once hobbits dwelled there. Mortals had lived in the Land of the immortals, something that had never been allowed before or since. For such was greatness of these little hobbits. There was eventually a sign hung on the round green door of that hobbit hole that read what one wise Elf said so long ago. "Even the smallest person can change the course of history."
* Welcome, It has been too long. **Taken from New American Bible Book of Ruth:1:-16-17
It seemed to take forever for the ship to dock. Frodo looked out into the cool blue water, water that had seemed so cold and gray the day before now appeared to be like a beautiful blue stone glistening in the sunlight. He leaned over the side of the ship. He was quite sure he could see all the way down to the bottom of the sea. There were all kinds of strange beautiful fish swimming in the water. Never in his life had Frodo seen water so clear.
Just then he heard a voice behind him, "I wouldn't lean so far forward if I were you. I don't think Master Elrond would enjoy a hobbit fishing expedition before we even dock."
Frodo looked up and saw Gandalf standing next to him smiling. Frodo smiled back.
"It's the most beautiful thing I have ever seen Gandalf," replied Frodo. Gandalf laughed and said, "you haven't seen anything yet my dear boy."
Frodo lifted his eyes to look upon the approaching island. It was so lush and green. Frodo thought it looked greener than the shire, if that was even possible. It was somehow a strange color though. It was a green he had never seen the likes of before, he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
There were beautiful grassy green fields that stretched for miles. The fields came to rest at the border of a large forest that sat at the base of a great mountain range. These mountains seemed to divide the island directly in two. They were the grandest mountains Frodo had ever seen. The trees of the forest stood as straight and tall as soldiers, their branches pointing upwards to the heavens.
The mountains were jagged and rough at their base and climbed majestically into the air thousands of feet. At the very top they were covered with white glistening snow that danced like diamonds in the sun. They very nearly took his breath away.
"They are the Pelóri, meaning high fence in the Elven tongue. They are the highest mountain range in the world" said Gandalf . "They are magnificent," replied Frodo. "You will find many magnificent things here Frodo Baggins the least of which is this mountain range," replied the old wizard laughingly.
The ship docked and they were greeted by many Elves all of whom it seemed had turned out to see Frodo and Bilbo "The great ring bearers" The only mortals of Middle Earth who were ever allowed on Valinor. There was much joy and merriment, as Elves are accustom to. Many old friends and family reunited after long years spent apart. After a few minutes of introductions and much hugging Elrond said "Come Frodo and Bilbo, I will lead you to your new home."
As they walked Frodo saw silver Mallorn trees everywhere gleaming with their golden leaves in the early morning light. A fragrant and sweet gentle breeze blew upon their faces and Frodo was certain he heard the music of a waterfall somewhere in the distance. He sensed a spirit of peace and grace he had never felt in his life. Every living thing the grass, trees, flowers even the air seem to dance in the joy and excitement of being alive. And everywhere he looked he saw Elanor and Niphredil growing among the cool green grass.
They eventually came to the base of a large hill. On top if the hill sat a great house, it appeared to be made of all silver and glass with turrets on each corner. Upon each turret flew a golden flag with an emblem of two trees on it. From where he stood Frodo could see many gardens with silver walkways surrounding the house. At the base of the hill there was a set of silver stairs that lead to the gleaming front door. Frodo thought how much the silver reminded him of mithrel.
"There lies Celeb Opele, the home of Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian. Its translation into common tongue is "silver home," said Gandalf "we shall dine there this evening". Frodo, so in awe of his surroundings could not answer.
They walked a little farther and rounded the base of the great hill. Frodo stopped and stared in amazement. For built into a smaller hill at its base was an exact replica of Bag End complete with picket fence, stone walkway and the round green door. There stood a great mallorn tree growing out of the top and marvelous gardens on all sides. Bilbo and Frodo stood motionless in amazement. Lord Elrond turned around and seeing the expressions on their faces laughingly asked "do you like it?" "Never again did I think I would set my eyes on such loveliness" replied Bilbo blinking back tears. "Indeed I believe we are home my boy," and Bilbo wrapped his arm around Frodo. Frodo still stood there in utter amazement. Too taken aback to move or speak. Finally Frodo spoke up and asked, "How is this possible?" Elrond just laughed saying, "we Elves have many wonderful craftsman, all it took were the blueprints so to speak. For that you can thank Gandalf." Gandalf just smiled. Lord Elrond continued "I think you will find everything that you are accustom to inside. We wanted the two of you to be at home here on Valinor and we felt the best way to accomplish this was to bring home to you, so to speak. If you are ever in need of anything please ask."
"I am quite sure that we will be just fine." Answered Bilbo.
Lord Elrond replied "Lovely, then we shall leave you to settle in to your new home and we look forward to seeing you tonight at the great feast. Make sure you take some rest today for tonight there is much celebrating to do. There will be much singing and story telling. "Bilbo, I hope you are up for one of your songs. It has been so long since we have heard one."
With that Lord Elrond, Lady Celebrian and Gandalf took their leave and Frodo and Bilbo slowly ascended the stairs into their new home.
Life was peaceful and quiet once Bilbo and Frodo were settled in. They enjoyed being together and Frodo realized how much he had missed the old hobbit all those long years that they were apart. They spent many days in the gardens of Bag End and Celeb Opele.
Frodo went for long walks usually alone because Bilbo could not walk very far. He found wonderful streams, rivers, and great fields of Elanor and Niphredil. There was one special spot Frodo lived to sit in and think. It was nestled into the base of the mountains. It was a beautiful grotto with a waterfall, a pond and everywhere the ground was covered with a soft earthy moss. Frodo would sit in that spot for hours and dream of all kinds of things but mostly of home. He wondered about Sam, Merry and Pippin. He hoped that they were finding as much peace and contentment in their lives as he was in his. One day while walking home from the grotto Frodo realized that the illnesses had stopped and he felt all together himself again. He felt free and wonderful. As carefree as he did as a young lad when Bilbo first brought him to Bag End as his heir. Those were the happiest days of Frodo's life and he was feeling much the same way.
Usually after their evening meal Frodo and Bilbo would sit in front of Bag End smoking a pipe-full and Bilbo would tell stories. Frodo often thought as they sat there that he could see the old party field of the shire with the enormous oak tree stretched out in front of him. Often Bilbo would fall asleep in the middle of a story and wake up and say "now where was I my boy? Well I can't remember. I guess I'll have to start from the beginning again." Frodo would just smile and say "Yes Uncle Bilbo that sounds like a great idea." He never really minded hearing the same stories over and over. He was just glad to be with Bilbo. Some evenings Gandalf would join them, especially if he knew that smoking of pipe weed would be involved. Frodo was never really sure where the pipeweed came from, after all they didn't grow it on Valinor. He was just glad to have it and never thought to ask. Life was good and Frodo was happy, healthy and whole again.
One day after many years had passed Frodo was walking along the shore of the Bay of Eldamar. He noticed a group of Elves running to the dock in great excitement. "They are coming." Shouted the Elves. Frodo looked up and saw a great white ship docking and upon the ship stood many tall Elves. Frodo thought he recognized someone on board. It was Lord Celeborn he had finally arrived. Frodo noticed Lady Galadriel waiting patiently for her husband. As he approached her she said "mae govannen. Nae saian luume" * and then she embraced her husband. Frodo, caught up in the moment of their joy suddenly realized that he was staring at them and turned to go. "Frodo," said Lord Celeborn "I have brought you something."
Frodo turned to Lord Celeborn who in one fluid movement lifted his graceful arm and pointed toward the ship. Frodo looked to see his beloved Sam stepping off the ship. "It's me Master Frodo, It's your Sam! I'm finally here!"
"Oh Sam!" Cried Frodo and ran to embrace his friend. The two of them stood for what seemed like hours on that pier embracing and crying. "Look at us, what a sight we are, we need to stop all this cryin' and get off this pier," laughed Sam "How I have missed you Sam! Come I have so much to show you and many things to tell you," replied Frodo. And with that the two hobbits turned and arm and arm walked toward home.
When they rounded the base of the big hill Sam stopped short. He looked and saw the smial. "Well I'll be, all this time you've been livin' in Bag End here, while I've been livin in Bag End there." "Yes Sam isn't it wonderful? It's just like home. Come on let's get you settled Bilbo will be so glad to see you."
Sam settled into life well on the Island. One of the first things he did when he got there was to start playing in the garden. Frodo found him there one morning up to his elbows in dirt moving plants around and just laughed. "Sam you're supposed to be resting here, not working" said Frodo "why are you moving those plants anyway? I thought they looked fine where they were."
"Well Mr. Frodo I've got to do something, there is never any weeds here to pull and I just feel like being busy that's all." Frodo just laughed and walked away. One day as Frodo was sitting on the front porch Bilbo approached him and said "Frodo I've something I need to discuss with you. I think its time for me to leave Valinor. I have often thought as of late that my time here was growing short. I had decided to wait until Sam arrived for no hobbit should be alone. Elves are good company for a while but they don't understand us hobbits very well. So with your blessing I should like to take my leave."
Frodo sat stunned. He felt as if all the wind had been knocked out of him. He knew that Bilbo would leave some day. It just seemed so soon, too soon. He suddenly realized how much he would miss the dear old hobbit.
Frodo, blinking back tears responded, "I do understand, I do not like it but I understand I have enjoyed our time here together and I shall miss you awfully."
"My dear boy" said Bilbo as he stroked Frodo's cheek, "I shall forever be glad that I took you on as my heir so many long years ago. Never has a hobbit had a better son." Then Frodo and Bilbo shared a long embrace. Frodo did not want to let go, He feared it would be the last time he would hold Bilbo. With tears in his eyes Frodo said " I love you, father. For that is what you have been to me. A father." Bilbo just squeezed Frodo's neck all the tighter. It was the first and last time he would ever be called Father. Then aided by his cane Bilbo stood up and went into the house.
The very next morning Frodo went to call Bilbo for breakfast and the dear old hobbit was gone. Frodo knew that he had gone on to be with Ilúvatar at his final rest.
Frodo and Sam spent their days much as Frodo and Bilbo had done. Walking in the fields, visiting the grotto and of course smoking pipe weed. Sam told Frodo all about life in Middle Earth after Frodo had departed and Frodo was glad to all his stories. He learned about all Sam's children and felt as if he knew them personally. Heard about Merry and Pippin and their families. Sam was such a good story teller that Frodo felt as if he had been there experiencing all that Sam talked about. Frodo and Sam were together again and happy.
After many years passed Frodo began grew weary and was beginning to realize that it was time to move on. He found himself once again wondering how Sam would take the news of his departure. One evening after supper Sam and Frodo were sitting, having a pipe-full and Frodo said, "next week is September the twenty second. You know if Bilbo had lived he would have been one hundred and eighty nine."
"Why Master Frodo, "then that would make you one hundred and eleven." Said Sam excited that he had done the math so quickly in his head. "That's the same age as when Mr. Bilbo left for Rivendale." "Yes Sam, I was thinking of taking a trip myself. I think that perhaps its time to leave Valinor. What was that phrase Bilbo used to use? I'm feeling stretched, thin, like butter scraped over too much bread wasn't it? I do I think its time to move on."
"Yes, said Sam.I reckon it's gettin' to be about that time. Your eleventy- first birthday is as good a time as any I suppose. You'll be wantin' to say goodbye to the others though won't you master Frodo."
Frodo smiled he had been trying to get Sam to stop calling him master Frodo for years now. Even as far back as when they returned from the great quest all those long years ago. But Sam being Sam refused. "You were Master Frodo before the journey, you are Master Frodo after. You will always be Master Frodo to me." Sam had said it so many times, Frodo eventually gave up and let him call him whatever he wanted.
"Yes Sam I guess I shall be wanting to say my good-byes soon. Will you go with me when I do this?" "Yes Master Frodo when you are ready I shall go with you. After all I should be wanting to say some good-byes myself" "Why Sam, cried Frodo, what will you be saying goodbye for?"
"Look here Master Frodo you don't think I'll be letting you leave this place by yourself do you? Oh no not again. I let you leave with out me before and it's not gonna' happen again. I made a promise Mr. Frodo, A promise. Don't you leave him Samwise Gamgee, and I don't mean to, I don't mean too."
Then Sam began to sing the most beautiful song that Frodo had never heard before.
"Do not ask me to abandon or forsake you! For wherever you will go I shall go. Wherever you lodge I shall lodge. Your people shall be my people, And your God my God. Wherever you die I will die, and be buried beside you."**
Frodo reached out and grabbed Sam's hand and said "Never in history has Hobbit, Man or Elf had such a friend as I have had in you Samwise Gamgee. I love you with all my heart and soul" Sam just smiled for he had nothing else to say.
The next few days Sam and Frodo spent visiting their dear friends and saying goodbye. Master Elrond, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel, Legolas and Gimli who had sailed over some years before, and most of all Gandalf.
So on the evening of September the twenty second the two friends set out on their last journey together. They came to a great field of Elanor and Niphredil and holding hands they lay down, closed their eyes and were never seen or heard from again.
The little Smial of Bag End still stands today on the Island of Valinor reminding all that once hobbits dwelled there. Mortals had lived in the Land of the immortals, something that had never been allowed before or since. For such was greatness of these little hobbits. There was eventually a sign hung on the round green door of that hobbit hole that read what one wise Elf said so long ago. "Even the smallest person can change the course of history."
* Welcome, It has been too long. **Taken from New American Bible Book of Ruth:1:-16-17