The next morning the four hobbits were sitting together for breakfast and began to talk about how long they would stay at Rivendell, when suddenly Frodo's throat contracted with fear. Pale and trembling, he rose from his seat. The others anxiously stared at him, but following his gaze, they recognized Legolas at a distance, returning with the other Elves. "Keep calm, Frodo!" Merry casually said, but Frodo did not hear him and continued to stand there paralysed, until Legolas saw the hobbits and rushed towards them. The Elf first greeted Merry, Pippin and Sam, which he had not seen for a long time, and then turned to Frodo, who stared at him with widened eyes. "It's terrible that I have to keep you guessing, but we did not spot the slightest trace of Shagrat and have called off the search now. He cannot be in this region anymore, otherwise we would have come across him long ago. I am sorry, Frodo." Frodo did not answer. He only managed a hint of a nod, but the next moment he turned away in distress and simply left the others alone. Legolas and the hobbits gazed after him helplessly. Only Sam murmured: "I don't like that at all, if you ask me..."

Of course Sam was still worried about his master's shaken condition, and when he later on could not find him in his room, he became restless and began to look for him. First he could not spot him anywhere, and he blamed himself for not having followed him immediately. After another hour of fruitless searching he peered into Frodo's chamber, just to find his master sitting on his bed as if he had never been away.

"Oh, am I so glad, Mr. Frodo, to have found you here at last!" Frodo did not look at him, and his voice sounded tired. "I was just out for a walk, Sam." Sam approached cautiously. "I am worried about you, Frodo! You rather frightened me when you went away without saying a word." Frodo sighed: "It's alright, Sam, I just wanted to think about something, and you needn't be worried at all." Still Sam was not pleased. "Nevertheless, you didn't look well a while ago, and to tell you the truth: It's not much better now..."

"Damn, Sam, leave me alone!" Frodo suddenly hissed in a fury. He had jumped up and was staring at Sam so viciously as if he hated him. Sam was so shaken at this sight that he clasped the backrest of a chair not to lose his foothold. But the moment passed as quickly as it had come, and when Frodo became aware of his friend's dismayed expression, he abruptly came to his senses, stammering: "Sam, what... what have I said... oh Sam, I am so sorry, it was unintentional..." Distressed and weak, he collapsed on his bed, hiding his face in his hands.

Released from his paralysis, Sam rushed to his master. He sat down beside him on the bed, took him in his arms and whispered in a calming tone: "Never mind, Frodo, it doesn't matter, it will be alright..." But when Frodo slowly raised his head, he looked infinitely sad, and his voice sounded pleading: "I want to go home, Sam, please, I just want to go back home." Sam nodded and rose determinedly. "You're right, Mr. Frodo. See, I am just well again. I'm going to pack our things at once, and in one hour we will be ready to set out." Frodo also rose now, friendly placing his hand on Sam's shoulder, for he suddenly had to smile about his eagerness. "Tomorrow, Sam... tomorrow will be early enough. Let's depart tomorrow." "Of course, Mr. Frodo, just as you like." "Well, Sam, then I'm going to let you pack up at your leisure. I will go and see Legolas once more, since I just haven't been very polite earlier on." With that he left his friend.

When Frodo had gone, Sam suddenly found himself trembling, and he sat down for a moment to regain his composure. Yet he knew what he had read in his friend's face. He remembered this expression, since he had seen Frodo like that once before, in Mordor in those days... Sam shuddered with horror. "What am I supposed to do?" he murmured to himself, "I just can't stand by and watch him suffering like that any longer. It's so terrible, as if he was still carrying that horrible thing. Think, Samwise Gamgee, you have to come up with something..."

A knock at the door made him start. It was Gandalf who had come to talk with Frodo. "Oh, Mr. Gandalf, I am sorry, for Frodo is not here. He wanted to go to see Legolas, because..." "I see," the wizard interrupted him, "for that is why I'm here. Well, I suppose Frodo doesn't need me at the moment, but thanks for the information anyway, Samwise." He already turned to leave, but something in Sam's eyes made him hesitate. "Is everything alright, Sam?" he asked worriedly and finally entered the chamber to sit down. Sam blushed a little, stammering: "Oh…Gandalf... nothing is alright.", and then he told the wizard what had happened.

Gandalf nodded understandingly and sighed. Finally he took Sam's hand, friendly looking into his eyes. "I understand that you are rather concerned, Sam. Yet maybe this is not necessary at all, although I know that you will always worry about your master, and this is what makes you so honourable, my dear Samwise." Sam stared at the ground in embarrassment. "It's you who supports Frodo most, and I think this is precisely what he needs now. With you taking charge of him he will be quite himself again soon. Just give him some time." Sam was uneasily shifting on his chair and finally looked at the wizard respectfully. "Well, that's it, Mr. Gandalf! I find Frodo is not at all like he used to be. He has never brooded this much before, and he also laughs much too rarely, if you know what I mean."

Pressing Sam's hand, Gandalf replied sincerely: "Well, Sam, all of us are changed by our experiences, and no one stays the same. This is just the way of the world. Frodo has made a sacrifice for Middle-earth which truly demanded everything of him. He had to give up so much for it. Besides I cannot play down the fact that Frodo's whole self was shattered at Mount Doom when in the end he was not able to withstand Sauron's dark power any longer. I suppose the memory of it will always be haunting him. Still you, Sam, can help him to feel there are some things that will never change, such as your love and loyalty to him and also the newly awakened loveliness of the Shire. Show him, Samwise, so that he may finally see how much he has protected from its downfall. Even if some of his wounds might never heal and pain might be his constant companion now, there is still hope that one day he will enjoy a happy and pleasant life again. Don't you think so?"

Sam eagerly nodded. "You can count on me, Gandalf. I will not leave his side. And I will never stop loving and protecting him." The wizard kindly smiled. "This I know, Sam, and if there was no loyalty in this world, you would surely invent it. I am immensely pleased to know Frodo in your devotedly caring hands." He stroked the hobbit's cheek lovingly. Then he rose, saying: "I am glad your way is going to lead you back to the Shire now, for only there Frodo can settle down again and get his mind on to other things. Besides it will do him good to have your Rosie and little Elanor around him. But now, my dear Samwise, don't let me keep you, for if you are going to set out tomorrow, you surely have a lot of things to do yet." The wizard nodded to Sam once more and finally left.

***********

All his life Frodo had not gotten used to getting up early, which was impossible for most hobbits. Only breakfast hunger could drive them out of bed in good time. Frodo liked to skip the first meal of the day to have rather a little more time left for dreaming. However, for second breakfast Bilbo had always shaken him out of sleep with gentle insistence, for in his uncle's opinion Frodo had always been much too thin for a hobbit anyway. So Sam did not have the heart to wake his master earlier on this last morning at Rivendell, since he was more than glad of Frodo sleeping so peacefully. Of course Sam had frequently peered into his chamber during the night, full of concern as always.

Therefore the others had already finished their meal and were now loading the packhorses, while Frodo was still sitting at the breakfast table with Gandalf keeping him company. Frodo was eating with much appetite, which Gandalf took note of with relief. The Elvish domicile truly seemed to do him good in this respect. Gandalf looked at him thoughtfully and then said: "Well, Frodo, here we go again. Everyone is going his own ways. Legolas left a while ago to finally follow an invitation of our dwarf-friend Gimli. I for my part will not accompany you on your way to the Shire either, for there are other duties claiming me." Frodo nodded understandingly. "I know, Gandalf, you've always been like that: always restless and on the way to more or less secret destinations which you persistently remain silent about." The wizard smiled. "Well, Frodo, peace needs to be preserved, and this does not necessarily happen by itself. But you're right: it is simply not in my nature to stay in one place for long, otherwise I would have become a hobbit."

"Sho you musht really come and vishit me shoon," Frodo mumbled with his mouth full, while already grabbing another piece of bread. Gandalf amusedly watched him and began to muse aloud: "Well, my dear hobbit, I do think it's high time for you to get home again before you get used to even more orcish manners!" Frodo almost swallowed the wrong way, and his face turned red with shame. He pushed away his plate in dismay, which made the wizard burst into good-natured laughter. Frodo gave him a pained look, for he felt extremely awkward about this incident. He almost wished to become invisible once more. Grinning quietly to himself, Gandalf said: "Indeed, Frodo, ancient wisdom says that influence never occurs one-sidedly." "But that's awful!" Frodo whispered, and his eyes widened in shock. Gandalf was still chuckling. "My dear Frodo, I'm sorry, for I truly did not want to spoil your appetite, which you have just exhibited so nicely." Frodo desperately exclaimed: "Will you stop that now?!" - but now he had to laugh as well - "By the Valar, you can be awful indeed!" Gandalf gave him a friendly pat on the back. "Don't worry, in Sam's and Rosie's care, you will soon become a pure hobbit again.

Frodo smiled in relief, but suddenly he seriously looked at Gandalf, thinking of something different: "Will Shagrat be a pure Uruk-hai again as well, now that he isn't with me any longer?" Gandalf sighed. "This I don't know, Frodo. Nobody is capable to tell exactly what such a creature might be up to." Frodo sadly nodded, and Gandalf passed his hand over the hobbit's head. "Frodo, you know that I never expected you to follow my advice, but in case I might still give you one, it's this: don't reflect too much on this matter, for it's not lying in your hands anymore. You have done what you could, and you must let go of this Uruk now." Frodo listened to the wizard attentively. " For the time being, fate has decided the separation of your ways, and you will certainly have to fulfil other duties now. You should try to simply go on with your own life as well as you can. The Shire is awaiting you." Frodo pressed the wizard's hand. "You are right, Gandalf, and I will try to do what you recommend. I only wish...," but then he interrupted himself, leaving the rest of the sentence unsaid, and seemed to be lost in thought again.

The wizard searchingly gazed at him, though he did not show his concern. He of all could understand best what Frodo felt, since he knew his capability to feel deep pity for maltreated creatures. The hobbit himself had experienced with body and soul what it meant to be deformed and ruined by enormous dark powers. Gandalf loved Frodo for this pity, and he felt even more sorry for not being able to help him now. He gently placed his hand on Frodo's arm. "It's time to leave." Frodo nodded and rose together with the wizard, and they went to meet the rest of the fellowship at the archway.

Gandalf kneeled down before the hobbit and looked at him with a fixed gaze. "I will come and see you in the Shire as soon as possible." "Thanks for your friendship, Gandalf," Frodo replied with a smile and embraced the wizard warmly. Meanwhile the accompanying Elves and hobbits as well as Aragorn had approached, and Aragorn beckoned Frodo to come over, while Gandalf lovingly ran his hand through the other hobbits' curly hair. The three of them said goodbye respectfully, apart from Pippin who exclaimed: "Make sure you do not wait too long to remember the Shire!", earning him a mock indignant gaze of the wizard. Then Arwen came to kiss each hobbit on his forehead. Aragorn lifted Frodo onto his horse, while Merry, Pippin and Sam were lifted up to the steeds of the Elves. "I will be back soon, my love," Aragorn said, and Arwen nodded with a smile. The king's men would stay at Rivendell with her to wait for his hasty return. The small company of travellers set out and soon had disappeared from sight behind the next bent.

The way back to the Shire took its course without a hitch. Indeed, times had become much more peaceful after Sauron's downfall. Their previous concern about malicious orcs eventually haunting the region, was soon dispelled, for no traces of such ruffians were to be seen. However, the Elves had not yet discovered the lonely wandering Uruk-hai. Aragorn preferred to assume that he perhaps had withdrawn to Mirkwood instead of lurking nearby, although from now on he would let the borders of the Shire be watched by Rangers more strictly again, at least for the near future. The peril for the hobbits was not warded off yet. First they had to be sure that the remaining orcs had hidden in the depths of Mirkwood without causing damage, since Aragorn did not want them to be hunted or killed without reason. He had to smile about this consideration, for obviously Frodo had sown such a mild idea in his mind unnoticed. If only the hobbit could forget this terrible Uruk-hai for a while! Aragorn urgently hoped that Frodo would not be overwhelmed by melancholy again like in those days after he had sealed Sauron's lot without having any triumphant emotion about it.

Finally the hobbits - safe and sound - were set down in front of the door of Bag End, and an overjoyed Rosie could embrace her Sam again at last. Little Elanor squeaked joyfully when she caught sight of the beautiful Elves. They all were in high spirits, since the torturing period of uncertainty was over. Nevertheless, Aragorn and the Elves wanted to depart soon again to return to Rivendell, and besides it was high time for the king to go back to Gondor. Elanor was very sad because of that, and so Aragorn allowed himself and his company to be served by Rosie and Sam generously once more before they would move on. Time passed away much too fast. When they finally said goodbye to each other, Frodo went up to Aragorn once more and said: "Thanks for your concern about me. I appreciate this very much." Aragorn gently smiled and embraced the hobbit lovingly. "I'm sure you will do the right thing, dear friend." After that the king took Sam aside. "Take good care of him, Samwise Gamgee!" Sam seriously nodded. "I will keep my eyes on him." The king and the Elves rode away at fast pace, not only to make up leeway, but to rather unwillingly escape the hobbit's hospitality, since they all would have liked to spend more time with these friendly and warm-hearted creatures.

***********

Happy times were dawning now, for indeed a peaceful and tranquil life had arrived at Bag End. Sam could not get enough of his family which he had missed for so long, and Frodo continued to write the chronicles of the Shire, spending countless hours in his study. Merry and Pippin often visited them, and each time they were only unwillingly let go again, especially by Elanor. So everyone of them was occupied with his own things, and thus several months passed by without any remarkable occurrences, as it was just typical of the Shire. The seasons changed, and after a mild winter a wonderful spring arrived, richly blossoming and almost summery-warm. The month of Thrimidge had just begun, and Summer was near indeed.

Frodo loved sitting on the bench in front of the house, drinking tea and reading, though he was barely aware of the sunbeams that sneaked into his wounded soul like a balm. He only felt that he was quite happy and contented again after a long time, except for occasional nightmares. He had even noticed in astonishment that often he would not think of Shagrat, Shelob, Sauron or Gollum over a period of several days. In fact he was glad about this. Some day in these peaceful time he must have made up his mind that it would be better this way. When he was honest with himself, he had to admit that he - being a hobbit - had other goals in life than to always match himself with dark powers. Anyway, it was hard enough to frequently refer to dark times while writing the chronicles. However, Frodo loved his life again, and Sam was the only one who sometimes noticed the shadows which crept into Frodo's soul from time to time.

However, one day Frodo was seized by wanderlust when the sun slowly tilted into the afternoon. He quickly fetched his backpack, filled it with some food, grabbed his book and marched off, up the slope. "I'll be back in a few hours, Sam, before it's getting dark, I promise." Sam, who was working in the garden, gazed after him smilingly, for lately he had worried much less about his master and friend, who had even begun to hum Uncle Bilbo's songs again, which was a good sign in any case.

Frodo walked over the hill to a small wood and soon reached the small clearing which he had already loved as a child. He had often retreated here, when the other children from Hobbiton were teasing him on account of his birth, most of all his cousin Lotho Sackville-Baggins. They had often called him a half-breed of a Brandybuck, who would never be a genuine Baggins. Indeed Frodo had had a rough time when his uncle Bilbo had taken him in as an orphan, after Frodo's parents had drowned on the Brandywine. But that was long past. Meanwhile Lotho had died, and Frodo had reconciled with his aunt Lobelia after the turmoil of the War of the Ring, since she had finally returned Bag End to him as a token of her regret.

He let go of his memories and sat down under a tree to regain some strength. After a few bites of Rosie's delicious bread, he became engrossed in his book again. The sun warmed him, and the chirping of birds as well as the humming of bees and beetles bespoke so much peace at the clearing that Frodo soon stretched out relaxingly to have a cosy nap. Soon he had fallen into a deep sleep.

Then the sun darkened and wholly disappeared in the end. Suddenly deep night was all around him, and it was filled with an awful growl and rumble. Frodo could not move anymore, for a dark force pressed him to the ground unyieldingly. Then he saw him: the huge Uruk-hai who was slowly coming towards him, baring his terrifying teeth. His growl became more and more threatening. Slowly the monster bent down to him. The hobbit felt black claws grab him to tear out his heart...

No!!! Frodo woke with a start, panting and squinting at the sun in dismay. Sighing in relief, he tried to get rid of the nightmare quickly. But he did not really succeed and needed a moment to realize that the threatening growl was still there, reaching his ears from the thicket behind him...

Frodo felt his mouth become dry and his heart beat faster. His limbs were paralyzed with horror. The growl became louder and sharper, but it did not seem to come closer for the time being. The hobbit closed his eyes in despair to suppress his panic. What would he behold if he turned around? With an enormous effort he finally rose tremblingly and turned.

First he could not discover anything but dense flowering bushes. But the hideous sound seemed to come right from their center. Frodo swallowed, pained. Was it him? It seemed to last an age until the figure of the huge Uruk-hai finally stepped out of the thicket, slowly and clumsily. Yellow-green eyes focused on the hobbit with an undefinable expression. Shagrat? Frodo's mouth formed the name, but no sound escaped from his lips. Very slowly the hobbit began to back away from the snarling giant, who obviously did not recognize him.

Frodo's thoughts were following in quick succession. What was he supposed to do? It was too late to flee, for he had discerned a dagger in Shagrat's paw, covered with dried blood. Even if the hobbit started to run at once, he would barely have a chance to escape a well-aimed throw. The Uruk hissed, coming closer step by step. "Shagrat, it's me... don't you recognize me at all?" Frodo's voice sounded thin and helpless. Then suddenly he became aware of something he had not noticed in his first state of shock. The giant's body was covered with countless gaping wounds, and many of them were still bleeding. The hobbit stared at Shagrat in dismay. "What has happened, please, do say something!" Instead of an answer the Uruk slowly collapsed, sagged to his knees. Weakened, he finally fell to the ground, where he remained lying, panting heavily.

Suddenly disregarding any possible peril, Frodo ran to him to cower beside the giant. The Uruk did not move, his eyes still did not show any recognition. Trembling, the hobbit touched the monster's shoulder. Shagrat's breath turned into rattling, and Frodo whispered in panic: "Do keep calm, Shagrat, I'm going to get help quickly. Please, don't be frightened, just stay here. I'll be back soon." He urgently hoped that the Uruk had understood him, and he rushed off, as if a Balrog was after him.

Sam and Rosie were busy preparing a meal in the kitchen when Frodo burst in breathlessly. "Rosie, I need to talk to Sam - alone!" A thought about his appearance not being very polite flashed through his mind, but Rosie only nodded wordlessly and quickly left the kitchen. Sam's eyes widened. "Mr. Frodo, what happened?" "Quick, Sam! He has come, and he's seriously wounded. We must help him!" Frodo hectically began to search drawers and cupboards for useful items. Sam only managed to stammer in confusion: "What... who... Mr. Frodo, who has come?" "Shagrat, it's Shagrat, quick!"

Frodo went on hurrying aimlessly through the kitchen, and so he did not notice how Sam stiffened and his face abruptly turned pale. "But... but Frodo, now wait a second, what are you up to?!" Frodo's voice almost cracked while searching. "I have no idea, but hurry up! First we must get him here and then..." "You're crazy, Frodo!" Sam called out in utmost panic, and at the same moment he saw Frodo hesitate in his movement and his shoulders get cramped. When he finally turned to Sam, his face had turned pale. "Of course, Sam," he uttered, "everyone in the Shire knows that, don't they?"

Sam went red, ashamedly stammering: "Frodo... I... I'm sorry..." His eyes filled with tears, but Frodo had already hurried to clutch him. "No, Sam, it's me who is sorry, for I had forgotten that even the mention of his name must be most frightening for you." He gazed at his friend, begging for understanding. "Sam, I simply must do that, I just can't help it. I cannot let him down now. Do you understand this?" Sam swallowed, but then nodded with a sniff, wiping his eyes. Frodo took Sam's face in his hands. "You needn't come with me, Sam, I cannot ask that of you. Just show me..." But Sam resolutely interrupted him: "That's out of the question, Mr. Frodo! You're not going back without me! Just let me pack up some things, and then we can leave." Frodo gratefully nodded, and Sam quickly fetched some herbs and ointments, further some cloths to dress the wounds. When the two hastened down the corridor, they passed Rosie, who could read in Sam's eyes that there was no time left for explanations. However, when the door had shut behind them, Rosie sighed to herself: "I hope they haven't just set out for a long uncertain journey once more." She bit her lip restlessly.

***********

Breathlessly panting, the hobbits reached the clearing. The Uruk was still lying where Frodo had left him. He did not seem to have moved, only his breath sounded rattling and tormented. Frodo kneeled down beside him again, cautiously touching his arm, while Sam kept a respectful distance. "Can you hear me, Shagrat?" Frodo tried to get through to the giant. "Come, Sam, quick... just do something...," he pleaded, but Sam did not stir. When Frodo turned around, seeking help, he suddenly realized with a shocking certainty the truth that he saw in his friend's eyes, even before Sam spoke. "He is dying, Mr. Frodo... we can't do anything for him, it's too late..." Frodo stared at him like paralyzed for a moment, but Sam only sadly shook his head.

Frodo turned to Shagrat again, desperately fighting back the dizzy spell and the tears that were about to overwhelm him. He gently took the Uruk's big paw and downheartedly looked at his face. At this moment Shagrat exhaustedly opened his eyes. "Are you sad again, little worm?" he asked with a cracked voice, as it was difficult for him to speak. Frodo tried to manage a brave smile, but it was not much of a success. "No, Shagrat, I'm really glad you're here." The Uruk pressed Frodo's hand and went on, quietly growling: "I have come to tell you something, Frodo." He took a strained breath. "You needn't be frightened any more, and neither does your friend, for the orcs who served Shelob are gone. I have killed them all."

Frodo held his breath. "What happened? Did they attack you?" Shagrat breathed arduously: "I have lived in this small cave we found some time ago. There was no one who would have disturbed me. But one day these stupid orcs passed, the whole horde..." He paused, closing his eyes with weakness, and Frodo by his side was suffering from his own consuming helplessness. "Please, Shagrat, you needn't talk, if it's too exhausting for you." But the Uruk pressed his hand again and slowly continued: "They didn't see me. So I could listen to them unnoticed and learned that they were on their way to the Shire to catch some more halflings." Frodo felt a shiver running down his spine, and he quickly turned to Sam, who stepped closer cautiously. The giant was breathing heavily. "Shelob seemed to lie in a deep sleep, and they had no leader anyway. So they were roaming the woods, aimless and belligerent. And I heard that they were most of all angry with me not having shared my prey with them. That's why they finally wanted to find out what makes halfling flesh so exceptional." Frodo and Sam exchanged an appalled glance, while Shagrat struggled for breath again.

He became aware of Frodo's tormented expression and went on, panting out: "No, little worm, don't worry. I came out of my hideout to talk them out of this idea, if you know what I mean. I didn't want them to hurt you again and neither any of your friends. I caught them all, and my dagger is still covered with their dark blood. Do you want to see it?" Frodo hurried to say: "It's alright, Shagrat, I believe you." The Uruk quietly sighed: "They were many, and they were well armed. I almost thought I wouldn't manage to bring you these tidings any more..." His voice cracked with weakness.

Frodo tried to regain his composure, suppressing a tremble. "Do you feel any pain, Shagrat?" The Uruk tried to laugh, but the sound turned into a rattle, and he coughed blood. Then he said: "What a stupid question, little worm, for you know that the Uruk-hai don't feel any pain when wounded." Frodo sadly nodded. "Sorry, I forgot about that." Shagrat thoughtfully looked at the hobbit. "Still there's something strange, little worm. These other pains, which were torturing me so often... they are suddenly gone. Do you think that the illness has passed at last? Frodo bravely swallowed. "Yes, Shagrat, I am sure about that." The giant's voice got weaker. "That's good, little Frodo, for it's a beautiful feeling. It's so calm inside me, without any pain, but I don't know how they call this feeling." "They call it peace, Shagrat," Frodo softly replied. "Peace," the Uruk repeated in the same way, "that's a good feeling indeed, isn't it?" "Yes, Shagrat, it is." Frodo lovingly looked into the giant's eyes, and Shagrat met his gaze with a great calm. Then his eyes slowly closed, and he stopped breathing. "Farewell, my friend," the hobbit whispered, barely audible. For a moment it was so quiet at the clearing, as if even the birds and insects kept a respectful silence.

Frodo's tears fell on the dead giant's chest, right where his heart had been beating only a moment before - this tormented heart, which finally had found its peace. The hobbit was stunned and gave in to his grief for the death of a creature for whose soul he had struggled so desperately and in vain. Pain spread inside him, but he did not resist it and forgot everything around him. He was sitting there like petrified for a long time. Sam, who was standing close behind him, hardly dared to breathe, as if fearing his master would break into shards at the slightest sound.

Frodo did not manage to take his gaze off Shagrat, whose face looked deeply peaceful now. At one point though he felt Sam's comforting hand touch his shoulder, and he whispered in agony: "I could not save him, Sam, I have failed once more." He sadly let his head sink, but then - as if through a mist - Sam's gentle voice reached his ears: "But that's not true, Frodo. He has come here - to you. He has protected you and fought for us, and he wanted to see you again before he would die. You were his only friend. Oh yes, you have saved him anyway." Frodo needed a moment to understand these words, but then he slowly turned his face to Sam, smiling in tears. "Sam, my wonderful Sam, what would I be doing without you?" They silently embraced, and Sam held his master in his arms to comfort him, and he patiently waited for Frodo's tears to dry up.

When Frodo looked into his eyes at last, quiet and peace were reflected in his face. "We should bury him, Sam," he said composedly. Sam seriously nodded. "You're right, Mr. Frodo. Just let me go and fetch what we need, and I'll be back very soon." Frodo gratefully agreed, and Sam was about to jump up, but Frodo held him back. "Sam, there's something I'd like to ask of you." "Yes, Mr. Frodo?" "Please, never mention this to anyone. Not that it would be bad, it's just - I don't think anybody would understand." Sam reassuringly pressed his hand. "Don't worry, I won't lose a single word about it."

Just at this moment a rustling behind them made them start, and they turned around in shock. Merry and Pippin were standing there: both silent and with a grave expression, each of them with two shovels in their hands. Sam almost wanted to look at them reproachfully, for they evidently had been eaves-dropping somewhere once more, but he decided differently when he noticed their solemn faces. Merry wordlessly nodded, and Frodo's gaze told them that they were welcome. The hobbits laid down the shovels and cautiously came closer. For a while they were standing all together, silently looking at the dead Uruk. Then Merry determinedly said: "We should set to work now, for even if there are four of us, it'll take some time." Frodo nodded without a word, and each of them took a shovel. They were busy until dusk and finally thoughtfully looked at their finished work for a while.

Suddenly Sam hesitatingly said: "Mr. Frodo, something has occurred to me..." Frodo expectantly gazed at him and noticed Sam blushing, as he usually did when he was afraid of saying something stupid. "What is it, Sam?" he asked invitingly. Sam cleared his throat in embarrassment. "Well, I mean… maybe you are still full of doubt… but I was thinking of planting a tree right here. In case it blossomed next year, you would know for sure. And if not... oh no, it's a stupid idea." He broke off, shaking his head, but Frodo lovingly put his arm around his friend's shoulder. "Sam, that's a wonderful idea. Indeed, you should do that. It would be beautiful."

Dusk saw the four hobbits peacefully walk back to Bag End, side by side. Merry had put his arm around Frodo's shoulder, and Sam and Pippin carried the shovels. Frodo felt warmth flow through his heart. He was filled with gratitude for the silent presence of his friends, who managed to comfort him without words, just being there for him without asking questions.

The next day Frodo got up earlier than usual, for he wanted to return to the clearing to plant the seedling together with Sam. However, at breakfast he noticed how Sam shifted from side to side on his seat, embarrassed. "What is it now, Sam, out with it!" Sam uncertainly gazed at Frodo. "I've got another idea, and I hope you won't take it amiss..." "Have I ever done so? Come on, tell me about it!" Sam swallowed. "Well, I think maybe this should be my part in this whole matter, for after all I had a pretty close acquaintance with Shagrat myself... if you know what I mean. Well, and I thought maybe I should plant this tree alone and... and this could be my chance to tell this Shagrat that I'm grateful to him for having brought you back healthily and that I have forgiven him anyway in the meantime. I hope you don't feel hurt now..." Frodo smiled and shook his head. "Have you ever hurt me, Sam?" Sam blushed. "Well, just yesterday..." "Come on, Sam!" Frodo pressed his hand, looking at him almost tenderly. "Sam, I understand your desire, and I respect your wish. It shall happen as you wish." Sam lowered his gaze in embarrassment, but suddenly was in a hurry to leave. He probably wanted to get over with it sooner rather than later. Frodo gazed after him, lost in thought.

***********

Soon after Sam had left, Rosie entered the kitchen with a radiant smile. "There's a visitor, Mr. Frodo, who you might be happy to see." Frodo rose expectantly, and his heart jumped with joy, when he discerned the wizard's pointy hat appear in the doorframe. "Gandalf, what a pleasure to see you!" he joyfully exclaimed, flinging himself into the wizard's arms. Gandalf laughed good-naturedly: "You will probably always do this - no matter how old you are - my dear boy." He friendly tousled the hobbit's hair. Frodo smiled broadly and immediately reached for the teapot. "First a cup of tea, and then tell me about the news in the world!" The wizard raised his hand in a calming gesture. "Not this quick, my dear hobbit! First tell me how you are doing, for you had been through so much when we met the last time."

Frodo quickly repressed a thought of Shagrat and said: "I'm doing fine. Everything is peaceful here, but you already might know that yourself. Actually there's nothing special to report. I'm busy writing the chronicles and have made good progress. You know how things go in the Shire, and nothing has changed so far. But now it's your turn. Don't keep me on tenterhooks any longer, for I suppose the stories you brought are more interesting than mine." Gandalf heartily laughed about the hobbit's impatience, but he did not want to keep him waiting any longer. Frodo had always been like this: very excitable about stories from distant realms. Some things never change, the wizard thought, and so he gave him a detailed report of the latest events from Gondor, Rohan and Rivendell. Spellbound, Frodo listened to him and soon forgot about everything else.

Later they were sitting on the bench in front of the house, enjoying the mild sun of forenoon. The wizard smoked his pipe, and Frodo read out the latest chapters of the Red Book to him, which he had written down after his return from Rivendell. From time to time the wizard nodded in appreciation, not without reading the hobbit's face unnoticed. When Frodo had ended, Gandalf knocked out his pipe, and then, quite casually, he remarked: "And now, my dear hobbit, tell me how you're really doing. Are you happy, Frodo?" "Well, I think so. I've been ill less recently, and also the nightmares don't come that often any more. Yes, I think I'm happy again now. I have my friends around me, and this is truly wonderful. I cannot change the fact that most hobbits consider me to be a bit weird, but then I don't care about it any more. Yes, I think I am happy. Indeed, Gandalf, you needn't worry."

The wizard smiled considerately. "This I know, my dear Frodo, for the years have let you mature, and you're strong enough now to take responsibility for yourself. I also think you needn't worry any more..." Frodo gave him a questioning gaze. Gandalf went on: "I have the distinct feeling that the tree, which Sam is planting right now, will blossom richly next spring." Frodo stared at the ground. "I understand," he said quietly. The wizard pressed his hand and went on: "Actually, I've already been on my way to Hobbiton yesterday evening, passing the small clearing behind the next hill, which you have loved since you were a child..." Frodo said nothing, for he felt a bit ashamed, since he had not found the courage to tell Gandalf about it earlier.

The wizard felt his embarrassment and laid his arm around Frodo's shoulder in a friendly manner. "Frodo, you have done right to offer such treasures to this unhappy being. You gave him your friendship and kindness, and you always listened to your heart. No myth and no legend have ever told of such a deed. I would like to hear about this incident one day, when you read it out from your chronicles." The hobbit doubtfully gazed at Gandalf, but the wizard continued: "Well, I know that it's not part of your nature to give yourself to triumphant emotions, and this modesty says a lot for you. Still what you have done is and always will be a miracle, and therefore it should be mentioned in the annals of Middle-earth in any case. For you know, Frodo, that miracles give hope, and hope is one of the most wonderful gifts that we might be given."

Frodo thoughtfully nodded. "You are right, Gandalf, as always. I think I should do what you suggest, for it might be a way to leave the pain behind, which surely will accompany me for a long time, for I have lost a friend." Suddenly the wizard seriously looked into his eyes. "Does Sam know that you're still given the grace to go to the West?" The hobbit shook his head. "No, Gandalf, I haven't told him. For you know, he would be torn between his wish to know me in the Undying Lands without pain and torment and his grief to lose me again. I cannot do this to him once more, at least not yet." The wizard nodded understandingly.

"And you know, Gandalf, my love for the Shire is much deeper than I have realized ever before. I would like to enjoy all this a little longer, so I decided rather to endure my pain for some more time. Maybe it will become more bearable one day.
I don't know how much time is given to me yet, for I'm too deeply wounded. I don't think there are too many years left to me, and one day the time of parting will come for Sam, but not yet, Gandalf. It's much too early, and from my experience with Shagrat I learned how many valuable friends there are, whom I would still like to have around me for the next time. Do you understand this?"

Gandalf kindly smiled. "There's nothing I cannot understand regarding this matter, my dear hobbit. You have made the right decision, this I can say in many different respects. Especially concerning your friends, I mean that your sworn fellowship of four hobbits works in a way that no one of you can grow and blossom without the others, like in a lovingly well-tended garden." Frodo smiled and nodded. Then Gandalf cheekily creased his brow. "You know, Frodo, there is surely one thing you wouldn't want to miss: the four of you have been through so many wonderful and terrible adventures that it might definitely be possible even for a Peregrin Took to be grown-up one day."

Frodo mischievously looked at the wizard. "Are you serious?" - he feigned a shudder - "What a terrible thought!" They burst into a gale of laughter, and Gandalf embraced the hobbit lovingly. Frodo beamed at him. "Another cup of tea, Gandalf?" "I'd love to, my dear boy."

The End