Chapter Four: The Lullaby

Here's the last chapter to my short story. I had it finished a few days ago, but with the excitement of the ROTK movie (seen it two times in fact lol) I haven't been on to update! A little shorter than the rest, but I hope it does this justice. Thank you so much!

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Shire Reckoning: The Shire, Bag End: 29th of September, 1422 F.A.

A gray moon twinkled and a familiar voice whispered softly...

"I was thinking of our old Gandalf and even Bilbo, where ever he has gone, but I suppose I'm thinking of…of the Ring. At first, I found it plain silly to be voyaging far from home just to rid it, and yes, it does seem quite silly. Just a mere trinket to the unknowing eye…yet, it is much more than that, Sam. 'Tis more powerful then we will ever know, and much more evil too. I can feel its power sometimes; it has tried to direct to places we have passed by and even at times it seems to weigh a little heavier in my pocket. No, dear Sam, it is much more than a pretty ring..." The voice faded but became clearer than before...

"And what are you thinking of, Sam?"

There was his master, laughing eyes, blissful mind and melodious voice that rang in his ears...

"Sam, love?" There was his lovely Rosie, bent over to Sam's face in his chair. He straightened up and gave a slight smile, and took the cup of tea in her hand.

"Must have dozed off..." Sam mumbled and he kissed her. Rosie kissed him back and left to the kitchen and Sam forlornly looked forward to the blazing fire in the hearth. Haunting tunes from the wind chimes outside faded away in the breeze. By his feet was his sweet daughter, Elanor, playing with her wooden coloured blocks without a care in the world. She hummed an unknown tune to herself and every time her tower of blocks fell, she squealed and clapped her hands and looked up at her Da. He bent down to kiss her curly head and she grabbed for her Da's hand. Then he turned to the fire and closed his eyes as a sharp pang of memory hit his heart.

Rosie came to his side and bent down, "Sam," she said with worry, "What has been troubling you? I have seen it in your eyes all day. Is something wrong?" She asked and he looked up to her.

"No, nothing is wrong. And how can it be wrong with a beautiful wife and child, and one on the way." Sam said and he held her in his eyes, "I couldn't ask for anything else, because there is nothing I need." Then he paused and looked down to Elanor.

"She's beautiful and so smart, my girl. And I wouldn't doubt that this one," he touched Rose's stomach, "will be just as wonderful." Rosie smiled but he stroked his shoulder.

"Yes, but I can still sense your distress, the sadness in your eyes. I think I understand, and if I can't, I will try. "She said sweetly and she stared at him.

His face grimaced desolately, "One year today, Rosie, was the last day I saw him. I saw him sail into the mist, with white gulls singing their good-byes. I know now why he had to leave, but missing him is not what hurts me. It is knowing that he will never see our children, and they will never see him."

Then he held her hands and whispered, "I have you to share my happiness with, my feelings and thoughts. My love, you're all I've ever wanted, and that's what keeps me happy everyday. Just the thought of him not here feels empty today." Sam looked to the fire again and Rosie touched his face, "Sam, I love you, and although I cannot bring Frodo back, I will always stay by you until whatever end." She assured and suddenly his heart lifted as he cast the pain away.

He picked up Elanor and set her on his lap. Her golden hair tumbled down the side of her face and she smiled. Rosie sat down by Sam's feet and he took Elanor's little hands. "Elanor, Elanor...do you want to hear a tale of your Daddy and his master, Frodo with the Nine Fingers? How many fingers do you have?" Sam asked and Elanor counted out every finger under she came to nine. Her little face screwed up and showed all her fingers, "Ten, Dada!" Sam and Rosie laughed and he held his hands out, "Yes, ten! My girl is so smart."

He bounced her on his lap and then held her. Rosie rest her head on his knee and he spoke softly, "Now, me and your 'Uncle' Frodo had lots of fun and danger on our journey. Full of elves and kings and even tiny golden flowers named after you! We tracked through snow and rain, sunshine and shadows..." Sam said and Elanor curled up to him, her eyes drooping. Rosie kept her laugh down low and whispered, "'Might as well be talking to yourself, Sam."

He caressed Elanor's fair head and held her protectively, "So I am." He looked out the window to the curtain of stars and whispered, "I am no longer split in two, Master Frodo..." and sang clearly.

Passing days and simple ways

And listening for your return;

Fading stars and forgotten wars,

Memories of you, 'tis what I yearn.

They will come, time does pass,

When dreams take over my pretty lass;

Take me in and bring me home,

Woods of white is where I'll roam.