Chapter 1

The tavern was old, musty, but quite cheerful, and satisfying enough for its inhabitants. The chandeliers cast off a homey light and the fire place crackled with warmth.

Sam Gamgee and merry Brandybuck and Pippin Took sat at one of the smaller tables with tankards of ale in each hand. Merry and Pippin were dressed in the usual hobbit attire for once, and Sam wore his travel cloak with the brooch from ARivendale. The hobbits sat in silence. Merry and Pippin were unusually quiet, but Sam seemed more distant.

"What is it Sam?" asked Pippin suddenly. Sam jerked his head up sharply and looked at Pippin. Pippin's heart ached to see that Sam had adapted their dear friend, Frodo's, stare. Sam looked back down at his foaming drink and pushed it away.

"It's been a year," he croaked. "…since Frodo left. It hasn't been the same." Merry and Pippin exchanged looks.

"I've read his book," Sam continued. "I had no idea just how…how hard it was for him."

"You carried it once Sam," said Merry carefully. Sam nodded. "I know, but it still never hit me." They sat there, silent, for a minute, Merry and Pippin unsure whether to say anything, and Sam ached for the presence of his master.

"I miss him. I miss him dearly!" cried Sam so suddenly that Merry and Pippin both jumped.

"I know Sam. I know," said Merry, reaching over to pat Sam's shoulder for tears were beginning their speedy descent down Sam's cheek. Sam took a big draught of ale and appeared to steel himself a little more.

"D'you think we'll ever go on another adventure?" he ventured to ask.

"No," said Merry, turning his head away.

"I haven't lost hope yet," said Pippin, sounding much more uplifting. Sam smiled gratefully at him. After a moment's pause, Sam said, "I wish to go see Aragorn!"

"Uh, Sam?" said Merry tentatively.

"What about Rosie and Elanor?" finished Pippin. Sam scratched his head.

"We'll go if you go," said Merry fiercely.

"What about Rosie and Elanor?" repeated Pippin. Sam's face fell. "Oh, right, yes. I suppose I'll have to ask her."

The two hobbits sat alone together staring at the sea amidst the bustling elves. For the past three days, the crew of the ship had been growing more and more restless and excited. They were approaching the Haven.

Bilbo Baggins was snoring gently on Frodo's shoulder. Frodo stared affectionately down at Bilbo. Though the crew was content, he was not. Frodo, still ill at ease from the start of the journey, glanced out at the sea with his wide eyes, and flinched visibly when Gandalf approached from behind.

"Oh, I am sorry Frodo," he said quietly, seating himself beside him. They sat there in silence for a time, listening to the ever lapping water, and breathing in the fresh, cool air. It was Gandalf who broke the silence.

"Frodo, what is troubling you?"

"Well Gandalf," said Frodo uncomfortably. "It's terribly difficult to explain."

"Go on," sad Gandalf, feeling for his small friend.

"Well, it's about the ring." Gandalf stared intently at Frodo with questioning eyes. Frodo's sagging shoulders squared and he continued.

"When I was standing at the end of the pier with the ring in my hand, I felt the presence of another ring. It was powerful and full of goodness, and it wasn't my consciousness. At least I don't think so. But this power was one of peace and tranquility, and goodness. I felt it afterwards too though. And it wasn't me!" said Frodo forcefully. "I know it wasn't, I think. This power was overwhelming; yet, it was scarier that I felt its power before and after." Gandalf was silent for a time then said, "My dear hobbit, do you think that it may be merely an intense feeling of relief at your burden?"

"No Gandalf, it was more, much more." Gandalf noticed Frodo fingering a gem that shone like a star on a silver chain that hung about his neck.

"Did you get that from the elves?" he asked, switching the subject. Frodo hung his head down and stared into the depths of the diamond.

"Yes. Lady…Queen Arwen, gave it to me," said Frodo. "For guidance."

"Guidance?" asked Gandalf, praising Arwen silently for her wondrous gift.

"To help me bear the…the pain from…from the ring," finished Frodo. He looked at Gandalf in the eye. "It's October sixth tomorrow. Who knows what it will bring."

"What can I do to lighten tomorrow's burden from you," was Gandalf's question. It took Frodo a moment to answer.

"I must be left alone. No one must disturb me, even Bilbo, especially Bilbo." Gandalf nodded.

"I will tell the others." Gandalf rose to leave.

"And Gandalf!" said Frodo suddenly. "Please think about what I said." His eyes pleaded to Gandalf. The White Wizard bobbed his head in Frodo's direction and swept away down below deck. Frodo watched the white figure disappear, and turned his eyes heavenward.

"Eh, what's that?" asked Bilbo as he awoke from his nap. "Where are we?"