Author's note: Well, everyone, again I'm so very grateful for your reviews and that you enjoyed my work. Thank you!!! I enjoyed writing these stories and its kind of sad for me to say this is the end. But I will continue to write more LotR stories in the future. Well, without further ado, here's the last chapter of "Trial and Sacrifice"

Disclaimer: I don't own any of Tolkien's characters. Only Tansy, Calla and Rory Hortlebower are my creation.

Chapter Six: Sunrise


Rosie Gamgee strolled down the tunnel. Her face beamed while watching Calla and Elanor breeze past her. Nothing stopped the giggling toddlers from going full speed ahead into the hall. Rosie had no reason to interfere, wanting them to play and delighted they got along so well. And nothing seemed to stop the elated smile that softened her lips as she watched them scurry in a light-hearted manner into one of the playrooms. But, something managed to erase the smile that had brightened her face. A puzzled frown took its place when she noticed what looked like a three-fold letter on the floor. Rosie watched it drifting by, shoved gently by the air that whirred through the tunnel.

Curiosity prodded her to go after it but she hesitated. A distraught Tansy stepped out of the bedroom. As if she was exhausted, Tansy shuffled toward Rosie and then she stopped in front of Mrs. Gamgee.

Rosie stared into Tansy's crestfallen eyes.

"Tansy? What's wrong?"

"Rosie," she said in a low, raspy voice and straining a weak smile. "I know you'll be happy when Sam comes back."

"Yes. And I know you'll be happy when Frodo returns."

"I wish I can say the same, but...he will not return."

Bewildered by her answer, Rosie frowned again.

"Tansy, why are you thinking such a thing? Of course he will."

She nodded and her smile faded away to bitterness that etched itself onto her face.

"I'm sure you've seen the letter on the floor."

Rosie turned to look at the parchment that stopped its journey a few feet from where they stood.

"Yes and I wondered what it was."

"Go on. Pick it up," said Tansy gruffly. "Read it."

Cautious, Rosie eyed her friend. "Are you sure?"

"Go on," Tansy insisted.

Rosie inched over to the letter. She bent down, picked it up and began to read it.

Tansy waited, leaning her shoulder against the wall and crossed her tense arms.

Rosie shook her head. "No. Oh, no, Tansy." She looked up from the letter and stared at Mrs. Baggins through a watery veil that were her tears.

"Now d'you believe me?" said Tansy, making sure she kept herself composed.

"No," answered Rosie and confused about the situation. "I don't believe Frodo would leave you and Calla behind."

"You read the letter," Tansy replied calmly but stern. "It's his handwriting. What more is there to say? I don't want to believe it either but he's gone. Rosie, he was never the same after the war of the ring. And I was a fool to think our marriage could bring him back."

Rosie shook her head again.

Tansy breathed painfully and added, "I've made my decision. I cannot stay here."

"What?"

"I need to leave."

"Why? Tansy, please, I beg you not to be so rash about leaving. This is your home--,"

"No. Not without Frodo."

"I don't believe he's gone."

"He's gone, Rosie! He made the decision to go and leave us. I ask you, what is here for me and Calla? Nothing but pain. Well, I've had enough of it. You understand? I've had enough!"

Rosie didn't agree with Tansy leaving. But as she nodded, the barmaid understood Tansy's frustration.

"When are you leaving? And...where will you go?"

"I thought about buying a home in Bree. If all goes well, I plan on leaving in a few days."

"A few days? Shouldn't you give yourself time? And what about Calla, she's been getting along so well with Elanor."

Tansy sighed, blinking back her tears she repressed. Tired of them leaving their annoying sticky trails on her cheeks.

"I thought about Calla. I know it won't be easy for her, getting use to another home. But I cannot stay here. We'll make sure to visit so Calla can play with Elanor."

Rosie extended her arms toward Tansy who stepped gratefully into Mrs. Gamgee's embrace.

Again Tansy felt her tears stir and burn.

No. I won't cry. I won't.

And Tansy didn't, mentally patting herself on the shoulder for the victory she had over her pain.

Mrs. Baggins shuddered at the September night chill that was most unwelcome inside the hole. She set the lantern on top of the desk and bundled under one of her crocheted shawls that draped around her shoulders. Tansy strolled over to her bed and before she sat down, the ajar door creaked open. Calla tiptoed inside.

Tansy gazed at her daughter whose red curls spiraled down to her chin. She scurried over to the bed. Her crystal clear blue eyes widened and beamed at her mother. Uncanny, Tansy thought of Calla. Every time she looked at her daughter she saw Frodo. The more she grew, the more Calla was the spitting image of her father. Since Tansy entered the room, she tried to silence her thoughts that raged in her mind.

Daddy was right. He warned me about leaving home. Why did I go? Farmer Cotton, why did you have to find me that morning? Why...

You wish you hadn't met Frodo? Oh, Tansy, don't think such a thing.

But he left us. He's gone!

Tansy blinked and looked at Calla again. She had to think of her daughter, the gift Frodo had given her, though he had to leave again.

Never to return.

How can I ever understand the pain you've suffered, Frodo. Who can? All I could do is be there for you. Comfort you and tell you that everything will be all right, because we're together. But...it wasn't enough. If by going to Valinor you will have peace, then let it be so.

"Mummy?" said Calla softly.

Jarred from the battle of her thoughts. A momentary cease fire. Tansy blinked once more and this time she gave Calla a warm smile.

"Yes?" said Tansy. She grasped Calla's tiny hand and guided her around to the side of the bed where Tansy slept.

"Can I sleep with you tonight?" Calla asked as she climbed onto the bed.

"Yes, you may!"

Tansy shifted herself back against the propped pillows.

Calla followed and snuggled beside her.

"Mummy, where's daddy?"

Tansy hesitated from answering that question. What could she say? In her mind she fumbled for the words.

"There he is!"

Those words jolted Tansy to look up in the direction near the door. Seeing no one there and confused at what Calla was talking about until she saw her daughter's finger poking into the pillow on the other side of the bed.

"He's here, sleeping," said Calla, giggling at her invisible daddy.

Tansy circled her arms around Calla, snuggling closer.

"Yes," whispered Tansy while she gently rocked her daughter, thinking of Frodo on the ship. "He's sleeping."

During mid-day of September 29, Tansy rode on a cart into Bree. Though the streets of Bree had been busy with big folk and several hobbits hustling about, Tansy tried to make sense of the eerie calm that seemed to stalk her.

What is it that haunts me on this day?

Something else, or rather someone stalked her as she rode past the townhouses that towered over her. Curiosity about this hobbit prompted Tansy to stop the cart. She wondered if he too would stop and so he did. The hobbit was donned in an elaborate waistcoat and breeches—russet like the color of fall leaves back in the woods near Bag End. He pretended to stop at a vendor selling pumpkins and other various fruit. And then Tansy caught him peeking her way. She smirked when he saw that he was caught. But her smirk morphed into a frown while watching him, hands tucked inside his pockets as he stepped into the street and crossed toward the cart.

He smiled cheerily. "Good-day!"

Tansy looked down at the lad whose butterscotch curls blew effortlessly in the slight breeze sneaking by.

"Good-day," she said with a straight face, cautious about this stranger.

He continued to smile despite her frigid demeanor.

"Welcome to Bree. I'm Rory Hortlebower of Staddle."

Reluctant at first, and then Tansy gave in to his welcome.

"I'm Tansy--," she halted, realizing it would be mistake to mention Baggins. Tansy was certain that most who dwelled in Bree knew about Frodo. She couldn't pretend to be of any blood relation to the Baggins family. And she dare not say she was his wife. They would want to know why she wanted to live apart from him. She went on to say, "Puddifoot. Tansy Puddifoot."

"I'm sorry if I seem too forward Miss Puddifoot. Being I've never seen you around here, I wanted to welcome you."

"Well," said Tansy, smiling a little. "Thank you very much."

"Anyone here you're visiting?"

"No one. I'm here because I'm looking for a place to live."

His emerald-green eyes perked. "Really? Well, I happen to know of a few available holes in Staddle, not far from here. If you permit me, I will show them to you."

Tansy bit her bottom lip.

Should I go? He's a stranger but if he knows a good place for me to live, then...

"All right, Mr. Hortlebower," said Tansy, smiling again. "Take me to Staddle."

She slid over and allowed him to take the reigns.

"A pleasure," said Mr. Hortlebower and when he yanked the reigns, the horse started down the cobble stone street.

"Ah, what a beautiful day it is," he cheered. "Did you get a chance to see the sunrise?"

"No. I'm not usually up that early," answered Tansy, not as enthusiastic about the sunrise. There was a time when she greeted the sun with such joy. Now, she could not see it, though it blazed down at her and she felt its warmth, it might as well be raining.

She caught him again, sneaking a glance at her. Tansy sensed he had been aware of her distant behavior and then she made an effort to be friendly. After all, he seemed knowledgeable about the holes. And she needed to get away from Bag End. The longer she stayed, the pain worsened.

She continued the conversation with, "I've heard there were several hobbit families living in Staddle, though I can't say I know much about the Hortlebowers."

"My family was originally from Nobottle. Then they settled here many years ago. My father built several holes, those I'm taking you to see. I inherited the property and I've sold a few holes to families who are very pleased to live in Staddle. I hope it would be of your liking as well."

A soft grin swept across her lips. "I'm sure it will be."

Her eyes remained on Mr. Hortlebower and for a brief moment, she thought she saw Frodo sitting beside her, tugging at the reigns and whistling his favorite 'merry old inn' tune.

"Are you all right, Miss Puddifoot?"

"Huh?" said Tansy as if she was far, far away and now jarred back to the present.

"I said are you all right?"

"Yes, I—I'm fine."

"Here we are," Mr. Hortlebower announced excitedly, "Staddle."

They entered the village and rode past homes so enormous to them but comfortable for the big folk. Then as they rode into pastures that had been carpeted with vibrant colors of fall, the cart trudged up one of the hills that led them to many hobbit holes.

Rory slowed the cart in front of one of the holes that reminded her so much of her own home in Bag End.

He turned to face her. "That's number one, where I live. But before I show you the others, there are smaller holes for those who don't have a family. You're alone aren't you?"

Tansy shook her head. "I have a two year old daughter."

"Ah, so you have a family. Why isn't your husband with you?"

Tansy swallowed hard against her parched throat.

"He, uh—he's no longer with us."

Mr. Hortlebower frowned. "Oh, I'm so sorry."

"You see," she started while the breeze peeled her curls away from Tansy's face. "That is why I want to leave Bag End. After my husband--," Her tears threatened to come and again Tansy fought them back. "I can't bear to live there anymore."

"I understand. I'm sure it isn't easy, having to take care of your daughter without your husband."

Tansy gazed deep into Rory's green eyes, searching for the reason as to why he befriended her the way he did. And then her hobbit sense alerted her to something that stirred her uneasy feelings about him.

"I, uh—I should go back."

Surprised by her sudden change of mind, he quickly said, "Go back? But I haven't shown you the holes yet?"

"I know and I apologize for having you bring me here. I just—I just don't feel well all of a sudden."

"All right. Can I take you home then?"

"No," She couldn't let him see her home. Tansy was certain he knew of the Baggins hole and after realizing she practically shouted at him, Tansy softened her voice. "No need for that. You've done enough already. I appreciate your hospitality."

Rory bounded off the cart and circled around to the passenger side where she sat.

Assuring her he wasn't upset, he bid farewell with a warm smile.

"When you're feeling better, I'll show you the holes then. Send me a note and we can set up a time when it's more convenient for you."

"I will." Tansy shifted herself back onto the driver's seat. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Hortlebower."

He tilted his head slightly. "A pleasure meeting you, too, Miss Puddifoot."

Tansy directed the horse to turn around and head back on the path. She turned her head only a little and could see him standing outside his hole, watching her.

What is it about him?

"I'm sure it isn't easy, having to take care of your daughter without your husband..."

What am I thinking? Oh, Frodo. Frodo...

Tansy sniffed. She didn't know how long she could go on without crying. How could she go on without Frodo? But she had to.

When Tansy returned to her hole in Bag End, she hung up her cloak. The hickory aroma of sausages spoke to her empty stomach that responded with its rumbling. Food wasn't the only thing to greet her. Calla and Elanor sped toward Tansy and collided into her stomach. Both girls entwined their arms around her stout waist.

"We missed you, mummy," Calla exclaimed.

Tansy knelt in front of them. "Did you now? Well--," She gave them a warm, brief kiss on their foreheads. "I missed you too."

Mrs. Baggins rose onto her feet. "Let's see what Rosie is cooking."

They followed her into the kitchen where Rosie took a pan out of the hearth. She placed it onto the table and stirred what looked like barbecue sauce over the sausages. She looked up and greeted Tansy with a wide grin.

"How did it go?" asked Rosie.

"Well," Tansy faltered. Disappointed. "I didn't—I mean, I'll try another day."

Puzzled, Rosie asked, "What happened?"

"I met someone in Bree. Rory Hortlebower is his name. He owns property in Staddle where he offered to show me some available holes. Beautiful they were but...you're right, Rosie. I should give myself more time."

Rosie smiled and nodded. She hoped Tansy would change her mind and stay. She also wondered why her friend seemed very uncomfortable when she mentioned Rory Hortlebower. The name didn't sound at all familiar. What happened when Tansy met him?

"Dinner is ready," said Rosie, trying to keep up with her optimistic facade despite the heavy gloom in the atmosphere around them.

All Tansy could do at the moment was thank Rosie with a grateful smile.

On a brisk October day, the 6th it was, Tansy drew in a deep, painful breath as she stood on the harbor of the Grey Havens. Her eyes sorrowfully examined the tranquility of the water and then they ambled up to the horizon ahead. The evening sun spread its light across the sky and above the sea, casting a soft crimson glow upon her face. White gulls called to one another as they circled high in the air, playing tag it seemed.

Tansy kept her unwavering gaze on the horizon and imagined that she could see the ship. It slowly drifted further toward the West. And as it drifted away from her, Tansy could not stop her tears anymore. One journeyed down her cheek, followed by another.

She shook her head in disbelief.

"No," Mrs. Baggins mumbled, "You can't be gone. You can't--,"

Tansy blinked and it occurred to her that she wasn't standing on the harbor, but in the woods near Bag End. Chilly air pushed against the hood that covered her hair as she looked up and around her.

I'm going mad. Please, don't let me go mad.

Tansy continued her forlorn stroll through the lonely woods. Her feet shuffled through a heap of gold, crimson and chestnut leaves. She didn't bother to wipe the streaks of tears on her face.

"Why are you weeping?"

Tansy froze. Did she hear a voice? A familiar voice, soft and pleasant.

You're mad. There's no one around.

She continued on.

"You don't need to fear anymore."

Tansy halted again. She swung around. Her frantic eyes searched the woods.

"Frodo?"

Slowly, Tansy headed back in the opposite direction.

"Frodo?" she repeated. Her pace quickened.

"Where are you?"

Trees and falling leaves spun around her as she searched.

Searching until her gaze locked upon the apple tree. Tansy didn't dare breath when glimpsing part of a cloak that waved in the wind. Then she allowed herself to breathe. Her chest rose and fell in an erratic manner while stumbling nervously toward the tree.

Tansy stopped short, leaving a small space between her, the tree and whoever this person was. Is he only pretending to be Frodo? Or was it just another delusion?

"You want me to find you now?"

Tansy shivered. Tears continued their way down her cheeks. She remembered when they played together that first day of summer, when he asked her those words.

By now, Tansy shivered so uncontrollably she didn't think she could utter what she had replied to him on that day.

Finally the words broke past her trembling lips. "If you—can."

Tansy slumped back against the tree.

"If you--," she stammered, "If you can reach my hand...then you win."

Please, oh please let it be you, Frodo.

Tansy stretched her hand around the tree. Her fingers inched along the grooves, longing to touch him, if he in fact was really there.

She halted from breathing again when feeling a hand—a hand that only had four fingers.

And as those fingers grasped her hand, Tansy shut her eyes as tight as she could. More tears streamed down across freckles on her cheeks. She felt herself tugged gently around the tree until...

"Tansy, look at me."

She slowly opened her eyes, and her legs almost sank beneath her when she stared into the face of a hobbit that was Frodo Baggins.

"I found you," he said in his usual charming, soft voice and smiled.

"Frodo..." Tansy uttered, barely audible.

He reached for the hood on Tansy's cloak, peeling it away from her face and uncovered her head.

Frodo cradled his wife's face in his hands.

"During the journey to the Grey Havens," he began, "I thought of you each day. I thought about when you read the letter. I hoped you understood that I needed to go. I stood at the harbor and before I stepped onto the ship, I looked back. In my mind I saw you and Calla waiting for me. I couldn't leave you again. I love you both...so much."

Tansy touched his lips with the tips of her fingers.

"We love you, too."

She caved into his arms. And there they remained for a while, just like they had done on that first day of summer. Except this time they cried joyous tears that were caught by the wind and carried away through a golden canopy of rustling leaves.

That night, Frodo and Tansy had much to talk about while they sat up in bed. Then he grew tired and slept upon her lap. A flame, dancing lively inside the lantern had been blown out. Slinking its way through the window, through darkness came moonlight. Tansy watched the moon looking down on Frodo, bathing the frail hobbit in its light as if to comfort him.

She pondered about their future. What will the next day bring? Will there be more nightmares? Or days when his illnesses plague him again?

For now, Tansy slid her fingers through his hair.

"Sleep," she whispered. "Dream of the Shire, of all things that are wonderful."

Outside the window, night faded into day. Leaves withered and left bare branches. Snow came and all throughout the Shire were white branches, cold and longing for spring. Birds sang melodiously, announcing the coming of spring. And the trees were happy again. Buds sprouted into fresh green leaves. Flowers bloomed and breathed the refreshing spring air.

In the morning of mid-May, Tansy woke earlier than usual. While Frodo slept, she stood at the window. The sun would rise soon. She remembered when Mr. Hortlebower told her about the sunrise, how beautiful it is. And there it was. She marveled at the first splinters of crimson light that peeked over the distant hills of the Shire. And as it rose higher in the powder blue sky, she felt its warmth on her skin. It didn't hide behind imaginary rain clouds. And Tansy welcomed it gratefully.

During the afternoon, it was a beautiful day indeed, warm and pleasant enough for a picnic in Bywater at the pond. The willow tree swayed cheerfully above a large sunflower-yellow blanket stretched across the grass. Lots and lots of food decorated the blanket with much tea to drink. The Gamgees were there with Elanor. While they sat on the blanket, Sam and Rosie enjoyed watching Elanor play with Calla. Both girls giggled and frolicked on the grass. Merry and Pippin were also there, eating heartily with Diamond and Estella sitting beside them.

Tansy sat with them, laughing at Merry and Pippin's jokes. Then it dawned on her...Frodo was gone. She looked up and saw him standing alone at the cliff. Tansy uncrossed her legs and jumped onto her feet. As she strode toward him, she could see he appeared to be lost in deep thought. Tansy stopped and then she continued on, standing beside him.

"Frodo?" she said and followed his gaze across the shimmering water.

For a moment, she panicked. That annoying question taunted her.

Did he regret his decision to stay?

"Frodo?" Tansy called again.

As if snapping out of a daydream, his eyes rolled to meet hers.

Tansy said, "It was our wedding night. I was afraid and remember what you told me? You said, it's all right."

She reached for his four-fingered hand, taking it into his own.

"It's all right, Frodo."

He grinned and gently squeezed her hand.

"Come on," he said, "I'm hungry again for more of those strawberry cakes."

Frodo walked back to the blanket with Tansy. He sat beside her. Listened to the jokes, joining in with the laughter. And his eyes fell upon the platter where he chose one of the cakes. He chewed off a small piece while watching Tansy. Amazed at how much she had grown. Grateful for the love she had given him.

He showed his appreciation with a tiny smile that formed in the corner of his lips. In his mind, he heard Tansy whisper...

"It's all right, Frodo."

And he remembered another thing she had said. Was it something long ago or in a dream? That he could not say, but the words sang to him, like a sweet lullaby.

"Sleep. Dream of the Shire...of all things that are wonderful."

The End