The scent apple spices and cinnamon swelled around me as I hugged my cousin closer, knowing he did not want to let go, did not want me to leave. Then, as I tickled his ear with a whispered, "I love you," he understood, and, releasing his grip, let me go. I looked for the last time into his deep, sparkling eyes, now brimming with tears, and turned my head toward the white sails and horizon before me.
When I stepped on to the grey ship, I felt Pippin sense my relief and know that we were not forever parted.
