The second drabble (nearly) for the "First-Line-Challenge" between the fanfiction writers on my friends list in LJ. The first line is again from Lindelea (and a very long first line, to be honest...).
Farewell
After the Fairbairns had properly greeted Samwise, taking from him his soaking cloak, showing him to the best chair in the parlour, propping his feet before the fire and giving him a cup of tea fixed to his taste (after each grandchild had taken a turn bestowing a hug and a kiss, of course), the whole family settled down about him, the littlest ones on the hearthrug, the biggest ones scattered about on chairs, with little Rose on the footstool at her grandfather's feet, playing with the snowy curls atop his toes.
His gaze was an embrace, but there was something sad and determined in his eyes. He took a deep breath, then he spoke into the silence.
"Tomorrow I'll be leaving for the Havens," he said.