Disclaimer: I own nothing to do with Lord of the Rings…The characters are property of JRR Tolkien's descendents and certain events to the makers of the epic film. I'm just a fan borrowing the characters, making no profit out of this.
Home Is Where the Heart Is
Farewell, My Friends
Two months have passed – two happy, fun months in the Shire. As I walk outdoors, hands in my pockets, and look out in the distance, two white-clad figures on horses approach at a brisk pace. I walk to meet them, happily. "Elrond! Gandalf! Here so soon?"
"Aye." Gandalf replies. "Have you made your decision?"
"Yes, I have."
"What is it then?" Elrond asks.
"You shall see. Even if I don't want to go, I'd want to see you off." I reply.
"Does your uncle know of your decision?" Gandalf asks.
"Yes." I reply. "Sam, Merry, and Pippin are coming to see the boat off as well."
"They know we are both back?" Gandalf asks.
"At least you, Gandalf. You know how fast news travels in the Shire. As far as Elrond, unless Legolas or Gimli said something, they don't know he's back." I reply nonchalantly.
"Let's go to Bag End then, so we can leave." We walk together to gather Sam, Merry, and Pippin. Those two had come over begging for elevensies earlier today.
"Gandalf, how fare you?" Merry greets.
"Very well, thank you. It's time to head for the Havens, so, pack your things, all of you. It'll be a long trip."
I walk out of the room, heading for Uncle Bilbo's room. "Uncle Bilbo, it's –" I begin, but stop at once as I find that Uncle Bilbo is not there. Frantically, I run through the rooms along the corridor as well as his room, when I cannot find him anywhere else, yelling his name. "Uncle Bilbo!"
Uncle Bilbo walks sleepily out of his closet. "Yes, my dear lad?"
"It's time to go, Uncle." I reply, relieved.
"Is it?" Uncle Bilbo stretches. "Then, I need to pack."
"Yes, and I'll help you. I have my things all prepared." I begin to fold his extra clothing and carefully place them in his bag. My uncle doesn't join me in packing, so I look at him and study his face. There's something about him that's different. "Uncle, is something wrong?"
"No, Frodo lad. I'm just not sure you'd be wanting to leave now, seeing Rosie and Samwise are expecting a baby soon." He begins to help pack at last.
"Well, Uncle, it just seems best to leave before the event. I don't find it fit to be in the midst of it." I say.
"I see." We continue packing in silence, and all of the party leaves to head for Rivendell.
# # #
An hour outside the Buckland Forest, I slow my pace to let Sam catch up with me. I look at him, briefly placing a smile on my face. His face is worn with grief. "Sam?"
He looks over. "Yes, Mister Frodo?" he responds softly.
"Is something bothering you?"
"I'm just going to miss you is all, sir."
"Oh Sam, even with your child coming along, you'll still find some time to miss me?"
"Yes, sir. I did when little Elanor was smaller."
I smile slightly. "Sam, you're the best friend anyone could ever have. I want you to know that."
Sam blushes a bright shade of red. "Thank you, Mister Frodo, but I beg to differ. I think you are, sir – second to my wife, of course."
We continue riding in silence.
# # #
Upon reaching Rivendell, we find a rustic ship waiting for its passengers to board so it can depart once more for the Undying Lands. The sea seems like a hopeless deep, without any ending. My inner turmoil is worsening. I came here with the intent of returning with my uncle, Gandalf, and Elrond, but I can't leave Samwise. I can't leave Middle Earth or the Shire.
My mind and body shall never heal from the wounds they suffered from the Quest here or there. There, they will only be weakened in pain, but never will they fade away completely. Here, they may and will be stronger in pain, but at least I'll be happy. I'll be surrounded by most of the people I care the most about and the place I love the most.
I look up as Gandalf calls my name from the ship. "Yes, Gandalf?"
"Are you coming, lad?"
"No, Gandalf. I shan't leave here ever again."
"Alright then. Goodbye, Frodo." he replies somewhat disappointedly.
"Goodbye." I reply with one last sad look at my uncle.
The ship prepares to depart, but surprisingly Uncle Bilbo yells, "Wait!" Gandalf and Elrond look down at my uncle in shock. "I can't leave Frodo without saying a proper goodbye to him." He walks off and embraces me firmly. "My boy, I shall miss you. Are you sure you want to stay?"
"Yes, Uncle." I reply.
"Perhaps we'll meet again one day, my dear lad."
"Perhaps. " I replay, giving him one last hug and a kiss on the forehead. He returns to the ship and waves as it sails off into the horizon.
I turn to my cousins and friend. "Well, we'd best return, and hope Rosie hasn't given birth while we were gone."
Sam smiles sheepishly, and we mount our ponies once more. I look on at the small figure of the ship carrying my uncle before turning round my pony with tears welling up in my eyes.
# # #
Sam and I reach the familiar sight of Bag End on the evening of November fifth. We walk inside together, finding a very pregnant Rosie sitting beside the fireplace knitting a tiny sweater for her unborn child. Sam runs to his wife and hugs her warmly.
I smile as I take in the sight. Well, we're home.
The End.
# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #
I may end up writing a sequel if people want me to explain how Sam leaves to the Undying Lands, the last of the Ringbearers, even with Frodo still here now.