Red String

The Grey Havens

 Frodo opened his eyes and gazed around the small Elven tent they had been given for that night. Merry and Pippin slept near one another, both spread beyond their beds. Bilbo rested on a bed up off from the floor; it would be easier for him to get up this way.  Sam slept near him and Bilbo, right between them and in his arms laid Miranda. Their bodies were close together, both trying to keep warm from the chilly winds of the night before. Her red hair spread out over the small pillow and the silver grey satin cloak around her. Frodo brought his hand from around her and traced the details of the butterfly broach.

 It glittered even though there had been very little light shinning from it. Its wings were carefully carved with the decorative designs of the Elves. The center had a dusty white pearl almost, but it was not as rich as one. Turquoise gems were embodied into the wings alongside with the silver paint, and Elven writing engraved onto it. He couldn't make them out with the limited light that shown through the tent walls, but he suspected it had to deal with her friendship with him.

 Friendship? Hardly. It was not a very long friendship before it became the deep feeling and relationship it was.

 Miranda's had came up and placed itself atop his hand gently. Frodo looked down at her, finding her eyes were staring straight up into his. She smiled, squeezing his hand before bringing it away and wrapping her arms around his neck. Frodo's arms returned around her and held her close, almost clutching onto her. Miranda's smile faded as she laid the side of her head against his neck. She'd have to say good-bye to him by the end of the day…but this good-bye would mean farewell as well.

  Frodo sensed her sadness and held her closer, closing his eyes and resting his head against hers. Miranda held onto him tightly, not wanting to let go. She heard wrestling and knew that one of the others had awoken, but she didn't care. She wanted to be with Frodo and never let go.

 Miranda had to let go of him, though. As the morning sun rose higher in the morning, the Elves gathered together and began their journey again. Frodo and Bilbo sat in a wagon near the front of the procession line, as the hobbits and Gandalf followed behind them. Sam, Merry and Pippin were once again struck by the beauty and light of the Elves, even as they began to fade off the face of Arda. Their banners and cloaks shimmered in the sun, their voices of songs rose from their bodies and up to the heavens above them. Merry trotted to beside Miranda's pony, and looked at her.

 Her face was of frozen serenity and sadness, as all the Elves around her. If it were not for her curly hair and hairy feet, Merry might have mistaken her as an Elf. Miranda turned her gaze to him from the road, giving him a sad smile. Merry returned it, sensing that she knew more about what was to come than him. Sam joined at Merry's side as Pippin joined at Miranda's other side.

 "When the cold of winter comes," Pippin began singing, his back up straight as he looked up ahead. "Starless nights will cover day…"

 "In the veiling of the sun," Merry continued. Miranda looked at them, in wonder of if they had sung the song before…but, they had not. She could feel the song rise within her heart, as if they all knew the words and melody without ever hearing it before. "We will walk in bitter rain…"

  "But in dreams…" Pippin carried from where Merry had stopped.

  "But in dreams…" Sam and Merry repeated.

 "I can hear your name…" Pippin's eyes adverted to Sam, who now looked ahead at what lie beyond them.

 "And in dreams…" Sam sang Merry and Pippin repeating the words. "We will meet again."

  Miranda closed her eyes, feeling as if now the song in her heart wanted out. She took in a breath, sensing that the others awaited her to continue. "When the seas and mountains fall…when we come, to end of days…in the dark I hear a call,"

 "Calling me there, I will go there…" the male hobbits sang.

 "And back again." Miranda finished softly, looking down. The Elves had fallen silent, listening to the song that the hobbits had sung. Never had they heard such a sung with meaning, faithfulness, friendship, and love coming from a folk other than their own.
 Gandalf trotted up and Pippin moved aside. He placed his old hand on Miranda's shoulder, squeezing it friendly. Miranda looked up at him wordlessly, but the two knew what they were speaking of in silent words.

 The Grey Havens was more than beautiful. It was elegant, and mysterious in its own nature. As the hobbits, wizard and Elves came down from the steps onto the harbor, the gulls cried out, swooping along the sea. Frodo's arm was out to help Bilbo, Sam at Bilbo's other side. Behind them walked Merry and Pippin, and before the hobbits walked the wizard and Elves. Miranda came down the steps and stood at the entrance to the stone dock where the small swan boat lay with its white sail.

 She watched silently, feeling as if this were some sacred moment that she should not mingle in. They spoke words and the Elves, Elrond and Galadriel wore their Rings for all to see. They helped Bilbo onto the small boat and Celeborn followed. Gandalf stood before the hobbits now, his hands on his staff as if he were leaning for support. His Ring also now openly was shinning in the setting sun.

 "Farewell, my friends." Gandalf said with a sad smile. Merry and Pippin sniffed, trying not to cry. "Oh, my friends do not be afraid to cry…for not all tears are evil." He let out a sad yet happy sigh. "Here at these shores, our fellowship ends. My work here on Arda has come to an end." He turned.

 Miranda watched as Gandalf started to walk towards the boat, but then stopped. He turned slowly, looking each of the hobbits over. Miranda looked down, trying to hide her face with her hair.

 "It is time, Frodo." Gandalf spoke. The hobbit males turned at their blue eyed friend, staring in confusion and shocked.

 "What does he mean by that, Mr. Frodo?" Sam asked, tears and his heart breaking were in his voice. Frodo looked at him solemnly, a certain light flickering in the dark blue eyes. He then looked at his cousins.

 "We had set out to save our beloved Shire, dear Sam." Frodo answered. "And, it was saved and has been…but, not for me…." Merry and Pippin looked down, unable to hold their tears. Sam shook his head, not wanting to believe Frodo. Frodo reached behind his cloak and brought out the old worn leather book. "I have finished writing my part of this tale, dear Sam…the last pages are for you to continue." Sam took the book shockingly, unsure of what to say.

Gandalf looked up at Miranda who had been nearly forgotten. Her head was bowed and she fiddled with her hands, not saying a word. He glanced at Frodo as he turned, seeing Miranda far away from them. Frodo came to Miranda and took her hands in his, holding them gently. Miranda didn't look up at him, but squeezed his hands tightly. Frodo brought his maimed hand up and lifted her head up to his. Miranda looked up at him with tears running down her face. Frodo looked down at her solemnly as she looked down again.

 "Frodo, you cannot be serious!" Pippin spoke up, a hint of anger in his voice. "How could you leave now, after all that has happened? Elanor was just born a few months ago, how is she going to know that her Uncle Frodo has gone off over the world to be with the Elves?"

 Frodo didn't answer, but continued to look at Miranda.

 Pippin was filled with anger now. Here his cousin who had helped saved the world was going on a small boat forever out of contact. Leaving his hobbit hole again, his friends, and the one thing he loved the most in the entire world. "Frodo Baggins, do not ignore me! How can you leave Miranda?"

 "The Shire has been saved as I had said…."

 "How do you know it wasn't saved for you as well?" Merry spoke up.

 Frodo was silent for a moment and lifted Miranda's head again and looked deep into her eyes. Miranda bit her lip, wishing that if he were to leave now than he would, instead of torturing her by standing there in silence. "I thought that once." Frodo spoke, referring to what he had said before Merry interrupted him. "After all, I had gone across the world, met races and done a dangerous task….what left in the world could possibly allow me to stay?" he looked at Miranda still, almost as if he were asking her the question. "But, I think there is one thing left undone, and I do not think I can sail the ships until it has been done."

 Miranda was surprised as Frodo kisses her lovingly. She brought her arms up around his neck and returned the kiss with as much love and passion, although she was now very confused. Gandalf's eyebrows rose as he watched the scene. He had not expected this, and now he too wondered at the Ringbearer's choice. The two pulled away for a moment before Frodo brought Miranda close, as she laid her head on his shoulder. Frodo put his maimed hand on top of her head.

 "If I cannot bring Miranda with me, then I will not leave until the day she does." Frodo spoke. Miranda started to sob and buried her face in his chest. Frodo smiled sadly, holding her close. "It would not be fair to her for me to leave to be healed while she stayed here and suffered…it is not right. We will have to heal together." He held on to her tighter as she held on to him.
 Gandalf nodded in understanding. "So I see, then, Frodo Baggins." He smiled as Frodo smiled at him. "May the blessings of Elves, Men and all free folk be upon you." He turned.

 The hobbits rushed over to Frodo in confusion and gladness. Frodo smiled at them all, watching as the boat sailed out of the mouth of the harbor. He looked down at Miranda who looked up at him and smiled. If not for her, he would be on that boat…but he wondered, if staying here was going to be as bad as he had thought. Miranda kissed him, surprising him this time but he returned it all the same.

 Pippin blinked and tilted his head as he saw them hold hands. He nudged Merry who looked as well, and there they saw a small red string on their fingers that strung the two together. It was frayed in some parts, but it was together none the less. Pippin and Merry looked at one another, and then back at their hands, but the red string had gone.

--

A/N: Ah, there, now you all know. I'd say about one or two chapters left in this story… Thank you all for reading, and giving me over 100 reviews! I love you all! group huggle!