.

Wow, writing the end is very difficult, I just want it to be absolutely perfect, with nothing left undone, so it apparently takes longer. ha ha.

And remember ~XXXX~ means a flashback.

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Chapter 190

Epilogue Part 1

~X~

~Nearly a year later – give or take~

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Thorin looked up at the sky as he rode, gauging the time of day by the sun. The journey had been long, but he could tell they were nearing their destination at last. Thorin found he looked forward to sleeping in an actual bed once again – a luxury they had not been afforded since passing through Rohan. That was not to say they hadn't packed a plethora of soft quilts and plush bedding to sleep on in the covered wagon, something he had insisted upon for the comfort of his wife. They were both getting on in years now, and even the thought of camping in a bedroll on the ground made Thorin's bones ache.

Two-hundred and seventy-five was an impressive age for a dwarf, yet being a direct descendant of Durin the Deathless apparently afforded him a bit more vigor in his advanced years. Marigold was nearing one hundred herself, her usually brown locks now sporting some lovely streaks of silver, much like her husband. But unlike his own, Thorin thought hers only enhanced his wife's beauty, and he made sure to tell her so on a regular basis.

Turning in the saddle, he looked back at the wagon his wife was riding in. Bram, Bombur's oldest son, sat to the left of her on the buckboard, the reins in his hands and a smile on his face. The lad had apprenticed with his father in the kitchens for many years, and had been a delight to have on the journey, especially around dinner time. Bram had jumped at the chance to visit the Shire, having heard a great deal about hobbit cooking and wished to learn a bit of culinary secrets from them. It made Thorin chuckle to see how much the young dwarrow resembled his father, his red beard and generous size making it very clear who his sire was. Bombur and his wife, Ilin, remained behind in Erebor, and were understandably sad to see their oldest leaving the nest. Yet, with Tae and their three youngest still at home, they knew they would have their hands full!

To the right of Marigold sat Raina, the mother and daughter laughing and talking as the wagon rolled on. Thorin's youngest lass had grown into a true beauty, the mixture of her hobbit and dwarf features turning heads wherever she went. Over the past year, a few of the dwarf lords from other clans had even sent their sons to Erebor, hoping that they might recognize her, or Rose, as their one, thus ensuring a familial tie to the royal family.

However, Rose seemed to have her mind completely set on going to the Blue Mountains with Náin, and Raina had eyes for only one…Peregrin Took. The two of them had kept up a steady stream of letters back and forth – much to Thorin's displeasure – yet in the end, he had to admit that it wasn't as if he had anything against the hobbit lad in particular. In fact, he was quite impressed by his qualities and heroic deeds he had performed during the War of the Ring. But just the idea that any male might be looking at his little girl with a view to marriage drove the dwarf insane. Thankfully, Marigold was there to talk him down every time he was tempted to rant and rave over the subject. And while he had joked about wanting his daughters to wait until he was dead before they married, Thorin found he truly did wish to be present in order to give them away with a kiss on their wedding day.

Rose and Náin rode side by side just behind him, the brother and sister deep in discussion about this and that. The two had become quite a team, each supporting the other in their plans to one day sit on the thrones of Ered Luin, following in their father's footsteps as leaders. Thorin was immensely proud of them, promising to continue their education in the Shire, as well as take them to the Blue Mountains regularly so they might get the feel of things. He knew it would not be long before he would be forced to let his oldest and youngest leave the nest and soar on their own. Already the older councilors of Ered Luin were urging the two to come and take up residences, yet Thorin had decreed that they remain with he and Marigold for a bit longer, at least until Náin came of age. Letting go was a difficult thing to do, especially for a dwarf who was fiercely jealous over his treasures.

To his left, Thorin could hear Dwalin, laughing over something Bergie had just said, as she too rode in one of the other wagons. He had been delighted to learn that his friend and cousin had decided to join them in this move. It not only pleased him, but his wife as well, the hobbit queen having come to rely on her aunt so much over the years. As the only two official hobbits in Erebor, they had grown as close as sisters, and Thorin was relieved that they would not have to be parted.

As they traveled on, Thorin knew that this would be their final journey, for he had promised Marigold that they would return to the home of her birth and live out the remainder of their days in peace. Thorin had originally planned to remain in Erebor for another year, possibly two, but their time-table had been moved up when a letter came from Rivendell, telling Thorin that he would need to come soon if he wished to see his good friend, Bilbo Baggins, one last time.

The hobbit was considered ancient by the standards of his kind, just having turned one-hundred and thirty-one, and passing the Old Took. Yet, when Gandalf visited Erebor not long after Flinn and Frerin's return, he explained to the dwarves what was soon to take place with their dear burglar, and it was then that Thorin knew that the time had come to take his wife west. He felt it was only right, since Bilbo had agreed to come on an adventure with him so many years ago, the least Thorin could do was to be there to see his old friend off on his.

"King Thorin!" one of the guards called, returning from scouting ahead. "We are within sight of the Sarn Ford that crosses the Brandywine."

"Excellent," he nodded, knowing that they were right on time. "And please, Togar, I'm no longer the king. Just call me Thorin."

"Forgive me, your majesty…it's a hard habit to break," the soldier said with an apologetic smile. "I'll try to remember in the future."

Thorin smiled back, knowing that if the lad had not become accustomed to doing so this late in the journey, the chances were very slim he ever would. Especially since he and the other soldiers who came with them would almost immediately be heading for the Blue Mountains, once Thorin and his family were settled in the Shire. Still, the dwarrow couldn't be blamed, for though it had been nearly a year since he had given up the crown, it was a difficult thing for even Thorin to get used to. Turning over the duties of king had been the right thing to do, it had been time, and Fili was more than prepared to take his rightful place on the throne. It also served as a period of adjustment for them both, giving Fili the support he needed, and Thorin the opportunity to step down gracefully.

He remembered well the words he had spoken to his sister-sons the day of the coronation, wishing to impart upon them as much encouragement and confidence as he could. He knew there was no end to the amount of pride he felt as he stared into the eyes of Fili and Kili.

~XXXX~

"I wish I had more time to say all the things I have in my heart," Thorin told his nephews. "Yet, if you don't know the extent of my feelings for the both of you by now, I hazard to guess that you never will."

"We love you too, Uncle," Fili told him, never having doubted his love for them. He had shown it every day of their lives ever since they were born. Yet only recently had the stoic king been able to express himself openly, and they credited much of that to Marigold. She had truly softened the hardened warrior, bringing such joy into his life.

"And it's not as if you are leaving or anything," Kili pointed out. "Well, at least not right away."

"True, and even when I do, I will never be so far away that you cannot write to me or seek council, should you need it," Thorin assured them. "Yet, from what I've witnessed, I don't think either of you will have any problems." He stepped forward and placed his hand on Fili's shoulder, looking him directly in the blue eyes that were identical to his own. "You will make a fine king, and Erebor will prosper under your rule. Long have I known that you would succeed me on the throne, and never have I felt a moment of regret or hesitation in you doing so. You have made me proud, Fili, due to your bravery and actions. I am honored to call you my kin, and after today…my king."

"Thank you, Uncle," Fili replied, his voice cracking just a bit at Thorin's words. "You have been a wonderful teacher, friend, and father to Kili and I, and without you, we know we wouldn't be here today. I have followed you ever since I could walk, on journeys, into battle, and on into peace. I only hope I can continue to follow in your footsteps as King of Erebor, and serve our people as well as you."

"I have no doubt you will, Fili," Thorin smiled. He then turned and placed his other hand on Kili's shoulder, a tender look coming to his eyes. "You have always reminded me of my own younger brother, Frerin. You have his spirit and zest for life, as well as the ability to always bring joy to those around you. You will be a fine prince to our people and an asset to Fili as he takes up his rulership. I always knew that the two of you would support one another, and now as you step into your new roles, I know you will continue to be at each other's side."

"Well, someone has to look out for him," Kili laughed.

"Hey! I think it's always been me looking out for you, little brother," Fili argued, elbowing him in the side playfully.

"Oh, I just let you think that," Kili assured him. "You know, getting you prepared for being king and all. It was all part of my master plan."

"Well, I suppose it worked well enough," Fili nodded. "After all the years I spent keeping you out of trouble and under control, ruling Erebor should be a snap."

"Hey! I wasn't that bad!" came Kili's protest, giving his brother a hurt look.

This got Thorin laughing, having always enjoyed the banter between the two lads. Yet, as he looked at them now, he could easily see they were no longer the young and impetuous nephews he had long ago come to love. Now they were fine dwarrow in their own right, and Thorin couldn't have been prouder.

"No matter what, I want you both to know how honored I am to have always had you two fighting at my side," he said, now choking up a bit himself. "And after I leave for the Shire, you will still have your adad and amad here to guide and council you. Your mother is a fine dam, smart as a whip and well trained in all forms of diplomacy. Heed her advice, she will never steer you wrong. As for your father, well, he might not be as knowledgeable as your mother on matters of court, but he has a good heart, and a keen mind, so never take his advice for granted either."

"We won't, Uncle," Fili nodded in understanding. "Yet know this…if Kili and I are to succeed in the tasks which we have accepted, it will always be because of the training and advice that you have given us. And while we are both blessed to have our adad returned to us, we will always consider you as the father who loved us and raised us all these years."

By now, Thorin's eyes were burning with unshed tears and the lump in his throat hindering him from further speech. So in lieu of words, Thorin stepped forward and engulfed Fili and Kili in a big hug, all three of them holding on as if they would never let go.

The rest of the day went perfectly in Thorin's mind, being one of those moments he would forever remember with utter clarity. He, Dis and Flinn, had worked hard to make it a grand event, and in his opinion, they succeeded. As Thorin stood before the crowd that had gathered for this momentous occasion, he solemnly removed the raven-wing crown from his head and placed it upon Fili's, who knelt before him. Kili stood to the right, beaming with pride as his brother took up the mantel of king, with the spectators going wild with cheers and clapping. Fili was very popular among the dwarves of Erebor, and he was highly respected by the other six clans as well…even the Blacklocks, whom Erebor had since made peace with after the death of Lord Haken, his much nobler cousin, Lord Harken, now their leader.

Fili accepted the position with grace and majesty, as did Sier, the new queen of Erebor. Long had Thorin known that his niece would serve his people well, her grace, beauty, and kind heart an asset to her husband and his rule.

~XXXX~

One year had since passed, and if anything, Erebor was greater now than ever, prospering and flourishing under Fili's direction.

At first Thorin had felt like a fish out of water, having to learn to keep silent and listen, instead of jumping in and taking control of every situation. Yet as more and more time went by, Thorin began to see an upside to no longer being in charge of…well, everything. He had time to tinker in the forge again, to create and craft many things he had long dreamed of doing. Spending time with his wife and children was also more enjoyable, and he no longer felt as if his attentions were divided between them and his people. But best of all…Thorin could sleep in any time he wished! And lately, that seemed to be more often than not, especially when it meant waking up in the tantalizing arms of Marigold.

Still, he kept himself in battle-ready form, sparring with Fili, Kili, and Dwalin any chance he could, which became less and less as his nephews' duties began to increase. Fili was now the king, and Kili the high prince, but both of them were husbands and fathers as well. So, finding time to meet in the practice ring had become a challenge, but they always made a point to try.

Dwalin came riding up beside him just then, breaking Thorin out of his thoughts.

"If we've reached the Sarn Ford, then Hobbiton is not far ahead," he reasoned, shading his eyes as he sat up a bit straighter in his saddle in hopes of seeing a little further. "What are your orders?"

"My first would be to stop looking at me as if I were your king," Thorin chuckled, starting to realize he would never be rid of that title.

"You were always my king," Dwalin told him in all seriousness. "And you shall forever be so, no matter if Fili now wears the crown. I have spent my life following you lead, why should I stop now?"

"Very well," Thorin said with a smile, touched by his sword-brother's words. "My orders are that you take our party on towards Hobbiton, and see that they are set up and cared for until I return."

"I still don't like the idea of you going alone," Dwalin complained.

"This is the Shire!" Thorin argued. "You're not seriously worried that I'll be gored by a farmer's bull or some such nonsense?"

"That…or you might get lost," Dwalin teased.

"I'll never live that down, will I?" he asked with a heavy sigh.

"Probably not," Dwalin laughed, though he quickly turned serious. "Still, are you sure you don't want me to go along…perhaps take some soldiers, or Náin? The lad may only be in his mid-fifties, but he can almost fight better than you these days. He'll make a fine king for Ered Luin in a few years."

"Aye, that he will, and my little Rose will be at his side." Thorin agreed with a smile of pride. "But, no, I will go alone, just as planned. I look to you to care for everyone in my absence. Besides, I know that Bergie is more than anxious to see Torin, Holly, and her grandchildren, and I, for one, would not wish to delay that reunion a moment longer. If I did, she might have my head!"

"Aye, you're probably right about that," Dwalin laughed, turning to look at is lovely wife, a smile crossing his lips at the sight of her. Much like Marigold, Bergie too had aged a bit, though she was still a little spitfire, willing and able to take on anyone and anything that stood in her way. And to this day, Dwalin knew that Thorin was still rightfully afraid of getting on Bergie's bad side…as was he! "Ever since we had to say farewell to Talin, the thought of seeing our son and grandchildren has been the only thing that puts a smile on her face."

Everyone knew that Dwalin and his wife had been heartbroken when saying farewell to their daughter, though thankfully Talin would not be as far away as they once anticipated. For not long after Fili had taken the crown, Balin had made up his mind to march on Moria, and he had requested that his niece come with him and serve as his captain of arms. The lass was both shocked and overjoyed to be chosen, but everyone had agreed that she had more than earned the position on the merit of her skills alone. Thus, when Balin had reclaimed the long lost dwarf city of Khazad-dûm only months earlier, Fili had crowned him Lord of Moria, and Talin had gained much acclaim as the force behind the army that had won the day.

Tauriel had happily taken over the position of captain of the guard, now that Dwalin had left the mountain, continuing their efforts to create a very efficient and deadly army. And where at one time some of the dwarves had balked at the idea of taking orders from an elf, let alone a female, they now followed her orders to the letter, having more than realized her worth and skill. Fili, having never been one to stand on tradition, and who was also keenly aware of his sister-in-law's deadly aim, had gladly appointed her in this position. No one was surprised by this, knowing that Fili had always been the one to push the boundaries of convention and code. And once he became king…well, there was no limit to what he'd do in the name of progress. In turn, Tauriel did all she could to keep their forces strong, as well as retain friendly alliances with both the men of Dale and their elf neighbors, offering Erebor a continued source of strength and friendship.

This worked out well for Kili too, since having been named as Fili's war-chief, he got to spend a lot of time with his wife during their daily duties. Dis, having stepped down as the crown princess, was only too happy to play nursemaid to little Elenaur, freeing Tauriel up to handle the requirements of her new position. Ithil and Anor were also busy with their own assignments, the older continuing as ambassador to King Thranduil, and the younger sibling apprenticing in the forges. Everything seemed to be working out well for the blended family, and they each could not be happier.

Balin and Talin, however, were not the only ones who had chosen to leave Erebor, for Gimli and Astra had also departed for the Glittering Caves over eight months ago. With them had gone many who wished to see the wonders the new lord of Aglarond had described, including Tam, Jorun, and their two sons, Jaruth and Jarus. For you see, Gimli desired to set up his own flock of ravens, in order to send messages to Erebor, and places beyond. Thus, Jorun had been asked to take on the positon of head raven keeper for the Glittering Caves, and Tam had been only too happy to accompany her friend and new queen, Astra, to Aglarond. Several reports had come from the newly formed dwarf kingdom, and things were indeed going well. In fact, Gloin and Dena hoped to go visit very soon, especially after hearing that within the year, they were to be grandparents!

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Hardly an hour later, the group did indeed reach the cut off to Hobbiton, where Thorin took his leave.

"I expect you to have everything set up and in order by the time I arrive," he teased Marigold, giving her a kiss before they parted.

"I might have a hearty soup prepared and maybe a bit of bread, but don't for a minute expect me to be moving any furniture or doing a deep cleaning until I've had time to rest my weary bones!" she told him firmly.

"You leave the heavy lifting to me, my love," he ordered. "You just be waiting for me with a warm hug and smile and I will be more than satisfied."

"Well, that I can surely manage," she grinned back, waving to him as he rode off in a westward direction.

"Give Bilbo our best!" Bergie called after him.

"And don't go getting lost!" Dwalin added, unable to stop teasing his sword-brother.

Thorin ignored his cousin's dig and rode on, not even acknowledging that he had heard him. Yet, before long, he began to wonder if he was indeed going in the right direction. The map he had indicated that the Grey Havens were straight ahead, but for some reason, he felt a bit turned around. Stopping, he quickly shaded his eyes as he did his best to follow the path of the sun…it did look to be setting in the direction he was heading.

"Might you be lost, Thorin Oakenshield?" came a familiar voice from off to his right.

"Gandalf!" the dwarf called, a smile springing to his weathered face as he caught sight of his old friend, driving a small wagon as he came through the meadow. "Well, it would appear I'm not too far off course if you are heading the same way."

"No indeed," the wizard laughed. "You are on the right path and right on time too. Might you ride with us?"

"I would be honored to," Thorin nodded, pulling his pony around so that he fell in line with the wagon. And so they ambled along, each keeping his thoughts to himself until they at last arrived at the elven harbor, located at the head of the gulf of Lhȗn. Thorin had lived nearby in the Blue Mountains for many years, but never before had he dared to come here, having long held a dislike for anything elvish. Yet now, the former dwarf king could easily appreciate the wonders this place held, and he marveled at the magnificent white boats that rested in the harbor, crafted and shaped to resemble swans. Each sported a huge sail, with the symbol of a silver star emblazed upon it. Thorin had never beheld the likes before, and counted himself fortunate to have seen it now.

"Welcome again to the Grey Havens, Gandalf," greeted a lone elf, standing before them at the head of the long stone dock that led to the boats. He was very tall, with grey hair and appeared very old, except for his eyes which were as keen as the stars. But what Thorin found strange, was that this elf had a beard…a long one that would rival that of even Balin! "And welcome to you as well, Thorin, King of Erebor. I am Círdan, the Shipwright, and your arrival has been expected. I will ready the ship to sail on your word, Mithrandir." He then gave a low bow, turning and walking away.

"Come, Thorin," Gandalf said, climbing down from the wagon. "Help me in extracting our fine burglar from the back. For it would appear that the only thing he steals these days is sleep."

This brought a smile to Thorin's lips, and he quickly dismounted and walked around to the back of the wagon, peering inside to find Bilbo dozing happily.

"Time to awaken, old friend," Gandalf told him, shaking one of the hobbit's hairy feet. "This is no time for slumber, not when we have a journey to set upon."

"I thought we had already begun some time ago?" Bilbo mumbled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he sat up and stretched. "If my aching back is any indication, I would think we had already made it there and back again."

"Nay, Bilbo not yet," Thorin laughed. "But if you will not rise for Gandalf…how about for me?"

"THORIN!" Bilbo gasped, scrambling forward as he climbed out of the wagon much faster than any hobbit his age should rightly do. "I'm so very pleased to see you, my old friend."

"As am I," the dwarf laughed, accepting several hugs from Bilbo. "And do you truly think I would miss out on saying farewell to you, as you embark on this most auspicious journey?"

"Well, Erebor is a great distance from here, and I'm sure you are quite busy ruling that mountain and all," Bilbo reasoned, still unable to wipe the smile off his face.

"Not anymore," Thorin told him. "I have handed over the crown to Fili and am moving my family to the Shire."

"Truly…you're doing it at last?" Bilbo said in shock. "You've been talking about it for years, but you're finally doing it?"

"Aye, that I am," he nodded. "And from what I've heard, the Proudfoot family has recently move to Tuckburrow, leaving their hobbit hole empty and ready for us to move in. In fact, Marigold should be there by now, and hopefully not fussing too much over a little bit of dust and cobwebs they might have left behind."

"Well, now, that's fine news indeed," Bilbo told him. "In fact, it's almost enough to tempt me into staying, just to be able to sit and visit with you over a pipe full of Old Toby once more." He then looked up at Gandalf and shook his head. "But nay, I fear that I have already set upon a course that I cannot alter. I must go over the seas, for only there will I at last find the peace I seek. Will you forgive me, old friend? For while I am not the type to run from a fight…I fear that I am just so very tired of this particular battle."

"No one will begrudge you some well-deserved contentment," the dwarf assured him. "Least of all me. Though it might please you to hear that Dwalin's son, Torin, named his new daughter after your wife, Daisy. Thus you can rest assured that her name will live on in the hearts of future Baggins."

"He did? Oh, that was right kind of him," Bilbo said with a rather watery smile, his eyes filling up with tears over the news. "My precious Daisy would have loved that."

"Are you ready to depart, Bilbo?" Gandalf asked, standing beside them as he leaned upon his tall white staff. "They are waiting for us down by the boat."

"They? Who might they be?" he inquired, squinting his eyes as he attempted to make out the shapes standing beside the white ship.

"Come and find out," Gandalf offered, gesturing for him to proceed.

So they all walked down onto the long stone dock, passing by many fine buildings and graceful statues that lined the way. Yet when he finally drew close enough to make out the identity of the others, he gasped in surprise.

"Frodo, my lad!" he called, as the younger hobbit rushed forward to greet him. "Oh, what a joy to see you again!" He then spotted Sam, Merry, and Pippin, all waiting there with sad smiles on the faces. "Have you all come to see me off then?"

"Well…some of us have, Uncle," Frodo admitted, turning to gaze at his comrades with a look of pity. "While others, me in particular, mean to go with you."

"WHAT?" Thorin and Bilbo gasped in unison, shocked by this news.

"But why?" Bilbo questioned.

"You mean to leave Middle Earth as well, and sail over the sea?" Thorin pressed.

"The Ring Bearers should go together, don't you think, Uncle" the young hobbit explained looking first at his aged king and then the dwarf. "And much like Bilbo, I too have grown weary and tired of this world, and need to find peace and rest. The ring was a heavy burden to carry and it has sapped not only my strength, but my joy as well. I can no longer be happy in the Shire, or Erebor, or anywhere in-between. Thus, I have been afforded a place on the ship by Queen Arwen herself, offering me the seat she might have once taken, had she chosen to go."

"I am deeply sorry to hear of this, Frodo," Thorin said, thinking about how this would pain his young nephew when he heard the news. "You have sacrificed much for the rest of us, and it is with great sorrow that I must now bid you farewell."

"Would you do me a favor though, King Thorin?" Frodo asked hopefully.

"For you, young Frodo, anything," the dwarf said with all assurance.

"I wrote a letter to Flinn, explaining my reasons for leaving, and I meant to send it to him, but when I heard you were coming, I thought perhaps you might see that he gets it?" Here the hobbit pulled out a sealed envelope, holding it up to Thorin. "I know he won't fully understand…or maybe he will, Flinn has always been able to read me like a book. Still, if you could be sure it gets sent, I would be forever grateful." He then looked down at his coat, and grabbing hold of one of his buttons, he gave it a firm tug. "And see that he gets this as well. It…it will be the last one we exchange, I fear, and I wish it could be something finer, something truly special, but it's all I have to give him."

"Flinn has treasured each and every button you have ever gifted him, Master Frodo," Thorin told him, reaching out and taking both items in his hand. "And they are all priceless…for they came from you."

And as Thorin stood there, looking at the young hobbit, he couldn't help but recall the first time Frodo and Flinn had met. He chuckled to himself as he recalled the little game of chase the two had played, circling Primula, as the dwarfling attempted to introduce himself to the hobbit. That had been the start of an amazing friendship, one that still remained strong to this very day. He had thought of asking Flinn to join him on this trip, yet now that he was the crown prince, his nephew was needed at his father's side, where he could learn the skills he would one day require when he became king himself. Yet now, when faced with the departure of Frodo across the sea, Thorin wished he had insisted the lad come along. Still…there was no sense in dwelling upon what could not be changed now, if only he had known.

"I still can't believe that you're going with me, lad," Bilbo said, a mixture of joy and surprise in his tone. "I can't say I'm disappointed, but are you sure? Is this truly what you wish to do?"

"It is, Bilbo," Frodo nodded solemnly. "I have given it a great deal of thought, and already said farewell to my parents, to Holly, and everyone else I will be leaving behind." Here he turned and looked at his three companions, noting how they all looked so forlorn. "Yet, other than Flinn…I know I will miss you three the most. Especially you, Sam."

"Oh, Mister Frodo, I truly hate to see you go," Sam told him, his eyes filling with tears. "And here I thought you were going to enjoy the Shire to, for years and years, after all that you did to save it."

"So did I…once," the young hobbit said with a heavy sigh. "But, I've been too deeply hurt, Sam. We set out to protect the Shire, and it has been saved, but not for me, I fear. It must often be that way, when things are in danger; one must give them up so that others may keep them. Yet you are my heir, Sam, you and all the children you will have with Rosie. You will do great things, and become the most famous of gardeners the Shire has ever known." Here he turned to look at Merry and Pippin as well. "And you two…well, there'll be no end to the wonderful things you two will do. I left behind the book that Bilbo and I have worked so hard on, and I look to you three to read from it and keep alive the memory of the age that is gone. So people will remember the great danger, and love their land and the peace they have all the more. And that will keep you all busy and as happy as any can be, as long as your part of the story goes on." Frodo next turned to Gandalf, looking up into his kind and understanding eyes. "Yet, my story has come to an end, and I must leave these shores now."

"Nay, little hobbit," Gandalf said with a smile. "Your story will go on, for this is simply the beginning of another chapter, and there is still much more of your tale to tell."

"But we'll miss you terribly, Frodo," Merry told him, stepping forward and giving him a hug. "And we will think of you often."

"As I will you," the departing hobbit stated, next engulfing Pippin in his arms, his youngest cousin now sobbing openly.

"Take care of yourself, and look after Mister Bilbo," he told Frodo between sniffles. "Everyone knows that the two of you are prone to getting yourselves into a pickle."

"Look who's talking," Frodo chuckled, jerking his head towards Thorin as he lowered his voice so that only Pippin could hear. "Wishing to take on Thorin Oakenshield as a father-in-law…now that is a true pickle, and no doubt about it!"

"Aye," Pippin agreed, risking a glance at the formidable looking dwarf. "Umm…might there possibly be room on that boat for me too?"

This got the two of them laughing, which was probably the best thing for them. Yet when Frodo turned once more to Sam, his smile faded. This would be the hardest parting of them all.

"Please understand, Sam," Frodo begged, placing his hands on his downcast friend. "I have to go…I can't stay."

"I know, and I am happy for you, truly…it's just that…well, I'm sad for me," he explained. "I know that's probably selfish of me, but I don't care. It's the way I feel."

"Sacrificing for others is noble," Frodo agreed. "And yet, sometimes we all need to do something selfish, take actions that will ensue our own joy and happiness. And I do hope you understand that while this is something I am doing now, it pains me to the core that it will hurt you in the process." He looked at all those remaining behind. "That I will hurt all of you."

"Do not grieve so, young Frodo," Gandalf told him kindly. "Their tears only prove that you are well loved, yet in time, they will come to understand your reasons."

"I do understand, Mister Frodo," Sam assured him. "I know what you have been through, I too have felt the pull and the weight of that accursed ring, even during the short time I carried it. And I don't want you to think anyone blames you for your choice, for it is indeed the only way you can ever feel at peace, and no one begrudges you that. Just know this…we all love you, and will miss you every day."

"Thank you, Sam," Frodo leaned in and kissed his dearest companion on the forehead, before pulling Sam to him in a long and tight embrace. When they let go and stepped back, there were tears in their eyes, yet they both did their best to compose themselves.

"Well, here on the shores of the sea, comes the end of our fellowship on Middle Earth," Gandalf stated, looking down at the four hobbits that stood in front of him. "Go in peace, my dear, dear friends." Next he turned to Thorin. "Long have I enjoyed our friendship, master dwarf. And long shall your line prosper after you, for you have done a fine job of ruling your kingdom, as well as teaching your heirs. Fili will do well, as will Flinn after him, so you need not worry about the future, all will turn out just as it should be. Go to the Shire, live out your days in peace and enjoy the love that Mahal has afforded you, for such things are a gift that I once feared you might never live to see…but thankfully, for once, I was wrong."

"You always did have an irritating habit of spouting off premonitions and foreboding speeches, you wily old wizard," Thorin laughed. "And yet, this is one time I am glad to hear your words…and I will treasure the sentiment for the rest of my days."

"As you should, Thorin Oakenshield!" Gandalf said with a hearty laugh. "For I have never steered you wrong before, have I?"

"Nay…that you have not," Thorin nodded with a smile. "You will be missed by more than me, old friend. This world will be worse for your absence." He then turned to Bilbo and gave him a long sad look. "Yet, I fear I will miss you the most, Master Burglar. You always have been, and always will be, my dearest of companions. Your bravery, your wit, and your good humor has seen me through many hard and bitter times, and you have stood at my side through thick and thin. Because of you, I now have a beautiful wife, two amazing daughters and a fine son that I am so proud of. When I at last go to the halls of waiting, and sit beside my forefathers until the world is renewed, I will speak to them of your fine character and our friendship. And should Mahal so permit it, I hope to find you there one day as well, where we will sit beside the fire and smoke, retelling all the amazing stories of the adventures we've had."

"And I hope to have a few more to add before that time comes," Bilbo assured him. "As I expect you to as well."

"I will do my best, dearest of hobbits," Thorin agreed, reaching out as the two hugged one last time. "I will miss you, Bilbo, perhaps as much as I'm certain you will miss your armchair and your books."

"And I shall miss you as well, you stubborn old dwarf," Bilbo laughed, the two parting with a mixture of joy and sadness. For theirs had been a long and happy friendship, one that they would never forget or let fade. And to be parting this way, and not in death, was more than either of them had ever expected…thus it was bitter-sweet.

"Come now, we mustn't keep the others waiting," Gandalf stated, extending his hand towards the end of the dock.

"Others?" Bilbo asked once more, not having seen anyone else until this very moment.

"Greetings, Bilbo Baggins," came an ethereal voice, belonging to a tall and lovely elleth.

"Lady Galadriel?" the old hobbit asked, never having met the legendary queen of the Golden Wood, but recognizing her immediately from the many tales he had heard of her. "You will be sailing with us?"

"Yes, for I too am a ring bearer, though not the same one that you carried." And here she stretched out her hand, showing to all Nenya, the ring wrought of mithril that bore a single white stone, flickering like a frosty star.

"As am I," said Lord Elrond, stepping forward, as he too pulled back his sleeve to expose his hand, at last displaying openly Vilya, a ring of gold with a great blue stone, and the mightiest of the three.

"You two had rings of power all along?" Pippin asked, his eyes open in awe.

"Yes, we hid the three from the dark lord, and he has never touched them," Galadriel nodded. "Yet, now, with the one ring destroyed, their power is fading, and so we must leave this land, just like you and Frodo."

"But who has the third ring?" Sam asked, having always been keenly interested in everything elvish.

"That would be me, Master Samwise," Gandalf said with a smile, also holding out his hand so that everyone might see. And sure enough, there shone the final elven ring of power, Narya the Great, and the stone upon it was as red as fire. "It was originally worn by Gil-galad, who passed it to Círdan, who then gave it to me to aid in the battle I was to face against Sauron. Yet, now, I too must take my leave and depart from these shores…but I shall be in fine company."

"Then let us be on our way, for long partings bring much sorrow, and I do so wish to go with a smile," Bilbo stated, turning to all and giving each one last look and a wave. "Now…I think, I'm ready for one more adventure. Shall we, Frodo my lad?"

"Yes, Bilbo," the younger hobbit said with a grin. "One last adventure."

So they all stepped aboard, Galadriel, Elrond, Gandalf, Bilbo and then lastly, Frodo. At the final moment, the young hobbit turned and looked back, giving all a bright smile that told them he knew he was doing the right thing. It was that vision of Frodo Baggins that the four who watched him leave would always remember, and it gave them all a warm feeling of hope and joy. Then, the sails were unfurled, and the ship was pushed away from the dock with Círdan at the helm, for he too had once been a ringbearer. The three hobbits and one dwarf waved and watched for a long time, as the lovely ship sailed out into the harbor and then beyond, into the sea and at last out of their sight.

"Well…I guess there is nothing left but to go home," Sam said, wiping his eyes as he turned and headed up to where their ponies waited.

"A home that now houses not only your wife, but a beautiful daughter as well, or so I hear, Master Samwise," Thorin stated, hoping the mention of his family might cause the hobbit to cheer a bit. Thankfully, it seemed to work, and Sam's face grew a bit brighter as he began to tell the dwarf about his little lass.

"Elanor, we called her," he said proudly. "Named after the sun-star flowers we saw that covered the ground in Lothlórien."

"And I'm certain she is just as lovely," Thorin told him. "I can't wait to meet her, as well as Torin's two children. A lot has gone on in the Shire since I visited last."

"You can say that again," Merry spoke up, climbing onto his pony as the other three mounted up as well. "And with you and your party arriving, we will be celebrating at the Green Dragon for a week…or more!"

"I'm certain that Dwalin will appreciate that very much," Thorin laughed, turning his mount around and heading back the way they had come. Yet instead of leading the way, he slowed up, allowing Sam and Merry to get ahead, and settling in at a pace next to Pippin. "So…lad," the now stern looking dwarf said in a low and terrifying voice. "It's come to my attention that you are looking at my youngest daughter with a view to marriage."

"I…I am, Your Majesty," Pippin stammered, nearly unable to get his words out without choking on his fear. "I would very much like to spend time with Raina…to see if she is the one for me, and I am the one for her." When Thorin threw the hobbit a glare that would freeze water, he quickly added, "With your permission of course!"

"Well, how about you and I discuss that further on our ride back to the Shire," Thorin suggested, his expression and tone not softening one bit.

"And can you promise that I will reach the Shire alive?" Pippin asked, chuckling nervously, as he tried to lighten the mood.

"That will all depend on the answers you give, lad," Thorin warned. "So if I were you…I would think carefully before you speak. Now, question number one…"

.

.

And so it went, with the determined dwarf hammering the terrified hobbit with questions all the way back to the Shire. Yet, just as the sun was setting over the hill, and the night blanketing everything in a shroud of darkness, Thorin, Sam, Merry…and yes, even Pippin…came at last to each of their own hobbit holes. The dwarf was pleased to find a joyful, warm glow in the window, and the sound of Marigold and his children laughing and talking from within. It made him feel happier than he had been in a long time, just to know that he had his loved ones around him…at least for a little while longer. Rose and Náin would be leaving soon, and if Pippin had any say in the matter, so would Raina. But as long as he had his Marigold, Thorin would be blissfully content.

"Well…I'm home," he said to himself with a sigh of satisfaction. Thorin then reached down and took hold of the knob in the center of the inviting, round, yellow door and gave it a turn, taking his first step into a new life, as a wave of love and contentment washed over him.

Only one more chapter to go and then that will be the official end - and I really mean it this time! ha ha.

So, how did Bilbo and Frodo's parting go?

I'm sorry that Flinn couldn't be there, but other than having him hitch a ride on an Eagle, I just didn't see it happening. But I will deal with that in the next chapter. OK?

I'm sorry I didn't go into Pippin and Raina's romance more, but seriously, I have to stop someplace. ha ha. I will leave that up to your imaginations, my wonderfully inventive readers.

But Thorin and Marigold, as well as Dwalin and Bergie are happily in the Shire. Rose and Nain will be in the Blue Mountains before too long and I am sure Raina will be wed to Pippin soon too. Gimli and Astra are in the Glittering Caves with Tam and Jorun, and their sons, and are soon to become parents themselves. Balin and Talin are taking Moria by storm, and things are going well there too...since Gandalf killed the Balrog! So now I just need to skip back to Erebor for one final chapter and show you what's going on there. I hope I am tying up all the loose ends with a nice pretty bow.

See you on the next chapter.

Guest Reviews

Still Reading: Thanks! And it made you read like crazy? I hope you retained a piece of your sanity, ha ha. And yes, I never considered Gimli finding love either, and I am kind of sad that he and Legolas don't get to pall around as much as they would have, but I thought Dena needed grandkids too! Legolas might find himself a nice elleth one day as well. I'm glad you liked my character development, and let me see if I can pick out who you were talking about when you described them... Funny = Bofur or Nori Smart = Fili and Sier Loyal = Dwalin and Storm Cheeky = Kili Lovable = Little Flinn, and Frerin, and all the other children Stubborn = Thorin and Thranduil. ha ha. I do believe that Pippin will indeed survive and get to marry Raina, but he will have to pay one heck of a bride price! That is for darn sure! As I'm sure you just read, Frodo did indeed sail across the sea and Flinn is going to find out about it in the next chapter, but I decided that it would have been far too sad for him to have been there. I mean I cried enough with Frodo and Sam saying goodbye...I would have been a wreck! I hope you like how I finish this up. Thanks again for your kind review!

abc: (for chapter 188) Yes, there is never enough time in the day for reading OR writing! Glad you liked the box gift, I was running out of ideas for them to gift each other when parting. Yes, it was their last meeting, sorry. It will indeed take Astra some time to learn all the names and faces...there are times when I still get them all mixed up. ha ha. Thanks.

abc: (for chapter 189) Glad that Legolas did a good job at the story telling, ha ha. Yep, Raina is on her way to being in love with Pippin! Poor Thorin. Yes, the last chapters are here. And while I DO have one or two more ideas for a hobbit story, I have already committed myself to going back to finish another one for the Phantom of the Opera fandom first. But don't write me off just yet...you never know where I will pop up next. ha ha.

Katie Baggins: Thank you very much for saying so, I am so tickled that you liked it so well. You are a Kili girl, huh? Well, I'm rather fond of the cheeky little dwarf myself, but I'm still glad you said that Fili was amazing too. ha ha. And yes, it is very true that if I don't stop the story here, I will eventualy have to let some of my favorite characters die, and THAT I can't do! It was hard enough with Bard and his family dying of old age, I can't let my dwarves go as well...or my hobbits. And good for you for writing one yourself, and if you want to keep it just for you family, that's fine too. But you can always change your mind later. ha ha. Thanks again.

Guest: Frodo and Flinn are JUST good friends. There is nothing going on between them romantically, but they will always be sword-brothers of epic proportion. ha ha. Thanks.

dojoson41: No...their dwarves (and hobbits) so you should have said "Awwww, Dwarf!" ha ha.

Feu d'Argent: No...THAT'S not IT...there is still this chapter and the next one coming up next. And I'm glad you enjoyed the story, I know I had a ball writing it.