A/N: At last, we have come to it my friends. 7,704 words. The last chapter of "I Don't Think We're in Kansas Anymore, Guys". The scores you could play today: "Mount Doom", "The Crack of Doom", "The Eagles", "The Fellowship Reunited", "The Grey Havens" (which I am sure will make you cry if you listen to it), and "Elanor" (which just adds a super sweet ending to it). I struggled with splitting this chapter, but oh well. Y'all wanted a long ending, so here you go!
Now read my lovelies, this is our last journey together.
Chapter 15:
I took off after Frodo's disappearing figure, huffing through the dust and dirt. I ran in and immediately the heat from the lava below overwhelmed my body.
"Frodo!" I called out, straining my eyes to see if I could see him. Suddenly the dust cleared, and there he stood. Looking down into the lava, just standing there. Sam appeared next to me and looked at Frodo as well.
"Frodo!" He too shouted.
"I'm here, Sam." His voice was loud and clear, and we slowly began to walk towards him a little more.
"Destroy it!" Sam shouted once more as we dared inch closer, my heart was pounding faster and faster.
We were here, this was it. It was over! Wasn't it? Just throw it in and all would be fine?
Frodo looked at us, unsure of what to do it seemed. Turning away he took the Ring out and held it in front of him, staring at it.
For awhile that was all he did, and it was killing me.
"Just go on and throw it in, Frodo!" I yelled at him, but he said nothing. I couldn't help but think he couldn't hear us for some reason. His face twisted and he looked to the side, struggling with himself. Sam and I were constantly shifting our weight on our legs, nervously. I winced impatiently, growing worried the task would never be completed.
"What are you waiting for? Just let it go!" Sam yelled as I nodded my head, hoping Frodo would do it.
"Just drop it!" I exclaimed, I was sure I was going to cry from worry and growing impatient. Frodo still said nothing, but he stood taller now.
But then, I knew why he wasn't letting it go. I knew why he couldn't, and wouldn't. It was speaking to me too, barely audible, but it whispered in my ear. Clutching Sam's arm, I began to shake my head. Sam looked back and forth between us, and we watched as Frodo slowly turned to us, a menacing look in his eyes. It was anger and, lustful almost.
It went silent, only the sound of Frodo's voice filled my ears.
"The Ring is mine!"
Karolyn and Sam's stomachs lurched in fear as Frodo ripped off the chain, and he threateningly held the Ring dangerously close to his finger.
"No!" Sam exclaimed as he and Karolyn began to run towards him. But soon, he slipped the Ring on, and he was gone. Karolyn watched as Frodo's footprints could be made out in the sand as he walked. He pushed Sam and Karolyn out of the way, the two staring hopelessly after the footprints. Tears streamed down their faces.
"No!" Karolyn sobbed, and suddenly she could feel Sauron's eye flick to Mount Doom. He knew they were there! They had failed, and all Frodo had to do was throw the dumb Ring in the fire!
The Ring, it was everything she needed though. It was her only option of getting home and saving Middle Earth.
Or so it had told her.
Karolyn's blood boiled, and she charged after his footprints. Gasping when she ran into an invisible force; Frodo. She grabbed his shoulders from behind and pulled him down. Fumbling for his hand, she grabbed it. Suddenly, Frodo was on top of her, holding her down.
It was just like Lothlorien. She had gone for the Ring and he had stopped her. He had stopped her because he cared for her, because he knew what the Ring could do. He even did it when he kissed her.
But this time? Was it because he loved her, or was it his own selfish ambition driving him to stop her? Karolyn somehow slipped her hand from under his grasp and slapped his face. He groaned and pushed her down to the ground. The two began to fight, battling it out and pushing each other. Karolyn kicked Frodo off of her and she pounced on him.
"Give it to me!" She shouted, but suddenly someone from behind pulled her off and her body came slamming down from the side, her leg instantly shot up in pain. A cry escaped her lips and she began to cry, she had never felt a pain like this. It wasn't broken, but it hurt. It hurt enough to just make her lie there and do nothing.
Her vision blurred, but she could see clearly a sobbing and screaming Frodo as he clutched his bleeding hand to his chest. Then, Gollum walked back between them, smiling and in awe of the Ring he held in his fingers.
"Yes!" He began to cry out, throwing his arms in the air and squealing in happiness. Karolyn began to cry, and her head fell to the ground, she closed her eyes.
Then, she heard Frodo growl under his breath. He stood and stared Gollum down.
It was his Precious. His.
Slowly he began to run to the jumping Gollum, and attacked him from behind. They too began to battle it out, Frodo backing Gollum up closer and closer to the edge. Karolyn let out a squeal as she stood and began to run for Frodo. He was too close!
"FRODO!" She screamed as Frodo and Gollum tripped, and went toppling over the edge. Her scream filled the air as she ran to Sam as he woke up, and pulled him to the edge.
"Legolas!" Laura screamed, he was being hounded on by Orcs. She ran to him as they fought side by side.
Soon they were becoming outnumbered as well, Aragorn reached out to them. Suddenly there was a roar and he turned, a cave troll came trudging into the battle. Aragorn was flown back as it hit him, and the troll began to attack him mercilessly. This time, Laura and Legolas tried to reach him, shouting at the troll and killing very Orc headed for him. Ginger began to help, soon Gen was too.
The troll grew closer and everyone tried to reach him, but there were too many men and orcs!
Suddenly Ginger spun around, and was met by a sharp pain in her side. Looking down she saw the blood trailing to the ground and over her shirt. An orc let out a laugh, his knife in her side, and sneered at her.
"NO! Ginger!" Genevieve cried out as Laura ran to her and released an arrow into the orc's skull, it fell the ground and she spun to look at Ginger. She was pale white, and silent. The hobbits began to fight around her, protecting her. Ginger fell to her knees, Laura too fighting to protect her.
Ginger winced, the pain began to grow.
Gollum frowned as his body hit the lava. The Ring stayed afloat after his body sunk and disappeared.
Karolyn and Sam crawled to the edge of the rock, and Karolyn let out a sigh of relief as she saw Frodo dangling, hanging onto the edge for dear life. He looked up at them in pain and guilt.
"Give me your hand," Sam said as he held his hand down to Frodo.
Down below the Ring began to glow and hum.
"Take my hand!" Sam shouted as Frodo swung his hand up and missed, letting out a groan.
"No!" Karolyn reached her hand down too, looking him in the eyes.
"Don't you dare let go, Frodo. Don't you dare!" She shouted at him, her tear hit his cheek. The Ring seemed to be calling to him as the writing on the Ring below lit up.
Then, it was gone.
"REACH!" Sam and Karolyn yelled at the same time. Frodo let out a cry as he swung his bloodied hand up, grasping Sam's. Karolyn took his other hand, and they helped him up. She took his arm over his shoulder as Sam did to the other arm.
The Eye began to flick it's gaze every which way, straining and letting out cries. Some of the orcs turned and looked at their master, even the cave troll stopped on its path to Aragorn.
Some of the enemy turned and began to run, they were free! Aragorn looked up, as did Gandalf.
The Eye was twisting and letting out screeches, now all of the enemy was running away.
The tower beneath the Eye began to crumble beneath itself, slowly and steadily. The Eye was going crazy now, looking this way and that, screeching and groaning.
Frodo had done it, and that brought tears to Gandalf's eyes. Everyone watched as the tower fell slowly, the Eye crying out in fear.
Suddenly, it was no more. The tower collapsed and the Eye of Sauron shrunk suddenly, then exploded. A shockwave emitted from the explosion, pushing everything of the enemy down and dead.
"Frodo!" Merry shouted, jumping up and down, "Frodo!"
"He did it!" Diamond ran to Pippin, "Frodo!" They shouted over and over. Laura stood and turned to watch as the Black Gate itself began to crumble, sending more of the enemy running all around them. The ground below the orcs suddenly began to fall apart, crumbling beneath their feet. All around the army they watched as the enemy disappeared into the earth, gone.
No more.
Cheers erupted from the army. The three hobbits had done it! Laura helped Ginger stand, she was smiling with tears, Genevieve stood on her other side.
"Frodo!" Many cried out.
All cheers were cut short as what they saw happen next made their hearts drop into their stomachs.
Mount Doom erupted, exploded and shook. They could hear it from where they stood. Merry gasped and his eyes went wide, Pippin and Diamond pulled each other closer as they watched. Laura gasped, Ginger crumbled to her knees with Genevieve, the two began to sob. Gandalf and Aragorn watched in horror, Legolas and Gimli stood silent.
"NO!" Diamond's cry sung through the air.
Their friends were dead.
"Lets go!" I shouted as the whole interior of Mount Doom began to rumble and shake. The lava was rising crazy fast, and it was growing deathly hot. We made our run for it, and the whole edge of the rock behind us was suddenly broken and gone. We were ahead of it barely, and we made it out.
Hobbling along we jumped to a nearby rock, the lava was pouring out now, and we had barely missed it. Leaning back, my head hit the ground and I closed my eyes. No more running, no more pain.
"It's gone, it's done." Frodo's desperately happy voice sounded as he stood on the rock. Opening my eyes I sat up, he looked at peace.
"Yes Mister Frodo, it's over for now." Sam said quietly, the ground shook again and we took off higher onto the rock, panting and gasping for breath. Frodo crawled up next to me and took my hand. He then laid on his back and closed his eyes.
"I can see the Shire," he squeezed my hand, "The Brandywine River, Bag End, Gandalf's fireworks. The lights on the party tree." It all came back now, that night. Frodo seemed so much younger then, and lovely and youthful.
Sam nodded his head, "Rosie Cotton dancing, she had ribbons in her hair." He began to cry, "If ever I was to marry someone, it would've been her." He began to sob now, "It would've been her!"
Frodo sat up and we walked to him. Frodo slipped his arm over Sam, and I slipped mine over Frodo and held Sam's hand.
Frodo had tears in his eyes, I began to cry too. Frodo's words took mine right out of my mouth.
"I'm glad to be with you, Samwise Gamgee and Karolyn Hadley, here at the end of all things." Frodo said, Sam and I pulled him in tighter.
"Thank you both," I wheezed, crying and clinging to them. Frodo gave me a concerned and sad look, kissing my cheek and squeezing my hand.
"I just want to go home," I whispered, beginning to cry harder. Sam and Frodo pulled me closer and the three of us just cried together for what seemed like hours.
No matter where home is, or what home is, when you've lost it and can't get back to it, everything seems lost. Where do you go when it's all gone? I had no way of getting back to Kansas now, if I died here it would truly be my end. At least it was with the people I loved.
"Miss Karolyn, do you think you can read us a story from your book? Just one last story for us all?" Sam quietly asked.
I nodded and pulled out my Bible, they listened closely, hanging to every word as I read about my favorite stories and parables. I'm sure they didn't know what it all meant, but it just felt nice to hear a story.
One more story.
Soon, slowly, we slipped away into sleep. I dreamed for the first time then. I was flying in the clouds, it was light and I was in the clouds over Kansas, over our beloved Sunflower fields.
The eagles found the three on the rock, passed out in each other's arms. Gandalf sighed and began to cry in relief, the light behind them grew brighter as they scooped up the small hobbits in their talons, letting out cries and flying away.
Frodo opened his eyes, he was flying. But he was sure he was dead. It didn't matter, it was peaceful and quiet. His body ached and his finger throbbed, but it was peaceful. He hasn't felt peace in such a long time.
It was done.
He didn't have to suffer anymore.
There were birds chirping. So there were birds in heaven! The breeze sent chills down my spine as it skimmed across my exposed arm. My sheets were soft and linen, it felt good to run my hand along. I took in a deep breath and smiled as the smell of tea filled my nose.
Tea?
I opened my eyes and saw three cups of tea by my bed, half empty. Rubbing my eyes I sat up slowly, my bones ached so bad and my muscles were extremely sore.
The light filled the room and seemed to make it glow.
Was I really in heaven? It seemed pretty close.
Looking to my left I saw my Bible on my nightstand. It was beaten up and burnt on the edges. It took a long time, but I made my way to the side of my bed and grabbed it.
Our last stories!
Tears flooded my eyes as the memories poured back like a flood. Had I really survived that horrible end on Mount Doom? Had Frodo really done it? It seemed impossible but he had, he really had.
I covered my mouth and sobbed, happily. Suddenly there were some noises in the hall, people whispering and tripping over each other.
Two heads popped in the doorway; Diamond and Genevieve. I'm completely sure my eyes were bulging out of my sockets.
"She's awake! She's awake! Karolyn is awake!" Diamond yelled into the hall as Genevieve ran to my side, tackling me in a hug and sobs, Diamond soon tackled me too, hugging me around the neck.
It was almost to good to be true.
"Diamond? Genevieve?" I had to ask, just to be sure.
"You don't remember us?" The two paused in fright.
I nodded, beginning to laugh and grin, "Of course I do, of course I do, yes! But it's really you guys! Oh my god I thought I'd never see you again, guys!" I exclaimed as we hugged once more.
"Hey!" A voice called from the doorway, it was Laura!
I sat up and stood on my bed, my leg was wrapped and felt sore and swollen from under the bandaging, but I didn't care. Holding out my arms, Laura ran to me and held me in her arms.
"You guys did it, I'm so happy and proud, but I can't believe you're alive, and here!" She said as she set me down, smiling and crying. All four of us gathered in for a group hug, laughing, squealing, crying. Soon, more voices filled the room.
"Karolyn!" Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took exclaimed with smiles as they ran in, hugging me and kissing my cheeks (all in good fun, just that).
"I love you guys," I said as I brought them in for one last hug. Then, someone else came to mind, "Where's Ginger?" I asked as they went grim, and my heart sank.
"She's okay, right?"
"Well, for now." Genevieve said as she took my hand, they helped me stand and guided me into the hall.
"She's been sleeping most of the time, but she was stabbed." Laura explained as I stood in the doorway to her room. She rested quietly, and a man beside her held her hand.
But I recognized him!
"Faramir?" I called out, his head slowly rose and turned to me.
My eyes went wide, as did his. He lightly smiled and made his way to me, "Well done, little one." He shook my hand, but I pulled myself in to hug him.
"Thank you, for letting us go Faramir. You're strong and selfless, you know? Without that none of this would have happened." Was all I could say, before turning to walk out into the hall again as he went back to Ginger's side.
I wanted her to wake up so badly.
Next, I saw Legolas and Gimli roaming the hallway, looking for us. Gimli ran to me and squeezed me in a hug, congratulating me with a hearty laugh and smile. Legolas bent down and smiled at me, taking my cheek in his hand.
"You had the luck of the elves with you, Karolyn. Well done," he said. I patted his hand and hugged him, he was so gentle and kind to everyone. He stood and wrapped Laura in his hold, so it had finally happened! I grinned and pointed at them.
"Finally!" I exclaimed as everyone began to laugh, knowing exactly how I felt.
"Hey guess what, you're invited to the wedding." Laura said as nonchalantly as ever, smiling at Legolas.
My jaw dropped, I'm sure I looked ridiculous.
"You're getting married?" I exclaimed as she nodded, Legolas chuckling, "I've missed so much."
Then a hand grasped my shoulder. This hand was old and worn, scars covering it. I turned around and met a kingly face. The man had shaggy hair and was tall. His grey eyes twinkled and he smiled at me. He knelt on one knee in front of me.
I chuckled, "Proposing to me, are you, Aragorn?" I asked as he laughed.
"Still as witty as when we last saw each other."
I smiled at him, "Your face was in my dreams, the sword, I know. Thank you," I said as I threw my small arms around his neck. He laughed and wrapped his strong arms around my back.
"For what, Karolyn?" He asked.
"For saving us." I responded, I was sure it was them that made Sauron's lands empty.
He shook his head, "I was only a small part in this war. You, Sam, and Frodo saved us all. It is you three I should be thanking." He said into my ear as I shook my head, tears falling onto his neck.
Oh my dearest friends, Sam and Frodo.
My head shot up, "Where are they?" I asked in a panic. Everyone looked at each other and led me to another room. It was quiet and peaceful, at the edge of the bed in a chair sat a man cloaked in white I didn't recognize.
It was when he turned and our eyes met that I went into shock.
"You died, Gandalf, is that you?" I asked as I slowly walked to him.
He nodded his head, "Yes, my little hobbit friend, it is me."
I let out a sob and attacked him in a hug, I thought he was gone! Frodo mourned over him all the time still! I clung to him as he squeezed me back.
Suddenly another voice piped up, and his voice was small yet courageous. Samwise Gamgee.
"Miss Karolyn?" He stood and I turned suddenly.
Tears poured and we just ran to each other, hugging each other like we were the last two people on earth. Sam kissed my head and we sat on the bed, crying. Everyone left the room. Sam pulled away and smiled at me, I missed his smile.
"He hasn't woken up," Sam said sadly, looking back down at the sleeping figure next to him. I gasped sadly, for Frodo lay motionless on the bed, sleeping soundly.
"How long has it been, Sam? Since it all happened?"
"About two or so days, Miss Karolyn. You and Mister Frodo have been asleep for awhile now." He paused, "I hope you don't mind I've been in here most of my time?"
I shook my head, "I don't care, Sam. I probably would be too."
Sam smiled and looked back down at Frodo. I really couldn't help it now and I began to cry, clasping my hands over my eyes. I wanted to hear his sweet voice again! I needed to! I grabbed Frodo's limp hand and squeezed it, hoping he would wake up.
He didn't, not for another two days.
Frodo stirred in his sleep, something was different. He felt clean and new, as if everything bad and evil in the world was gone. He smiled to himself, the thought of it sounded lovely. He had thrown the ring into the fire, destroyed Sauron with the help of friends. The army and Sam and Karolyn.
'I wonder,' he thought to himself as he opened his eyes.
His eyes adjusted and a figure came into focus. Cloaked in white and watching him intently.
"Gandalf?" His voice squeaked as the man smiled.
His eyes twinkled at him, and he began to laugh. The laughter brought back memories, sweet memories and he began to laugh along with him.
"Frodo!" Merry's familiar voice called from the doorway, Pippin soon followed him and the two ran to his bed, clapping and jumping, hugging their cousin in cries of joy and laughter. Soon Frodo felt two more people on top of him.
"Diamond, Genevieve!" He shouted as the girls hugged him.
"Miss Hadley?" I heard a voice from my dream. I woke up to see Sam above me.
"He's awake," he whispered as I shook my head. It sounded like music to my ears, but I asked anyways.
"Who?"
He paused, "Mister Frodo is awake."
I paused and looked down. He was finally awake, I wasn't dreaming! This was happening!
I sat up and Sam helped me out of bed. Declining the crutches I used only when my leg really hurt, he helped me walk out of the room and across the hall. Slowly, I felt like we were old, crippled friends. I could hear laughter and screaming coming from the room ahead, and I smiled to myself at the sounds. Sam noticed my smile and chuckled.
"He's really awake?"
"I promise," Sam responded.
The girls attacked him in hugs as Frodo as now being pushed back to the bed. Kisses were showered on his cheeks and he laughed at their playful manner. He kissed the girl's foreheads and everyone stopped to smile. They helped him up and Merry and Pippin began to heretically laugh again, Pippin throwing himself into Diamond's lap. Frodo laughed with them at their happiness, he was glad they had found love. Looking up at the elven soon-to-be-wed couple, he found peace in Laura's eyes. She winked at him, and mouthed, "Well done," to him. He nodded his thanks in return. Legolas smiled at him with wide eyes, then pecked his love in the cheek. Gimli laughed at Frodo's curiousness and clapped his hands together in amusement. Frodo smiled at him, and at Aragorn now. The kingly man smiled and nodded at him in gratitude. Frodo nodded at him and Gandalf smiled at the reunion.
Suddenly, a figure poked its head in the doorway. Amidst all the laughter that was continuing to go on, he watched as the one figure brought another one into the light.
Sam and Karolyn.
Karolyn's eyes went wide in surprise at the sight of Frodo. The three sat and stared in awe for minutes, smiling and exchanging glances of relief and thankfulness. Frodo longed for Karolyn's lips on his, and smiled at her. She was so beautiful. He now realized that the fight with Gollum injured her leg, and he felt guilty.
He loved her, he would never love anyone else.
Everyone went into a happy silence as they looked back at the two in the doorway. Karolyn stepped forward, and stumbled. She wobbled and fell to her knees, from shock mostly, Aragorn rushing to her side. She brushed him away and he nodded. She looked at Frodo, who was silently encouraging her. She felt and looked like a baby taking their first steps. She stood and began to walk to him again. Her knees felt like they would buckle and her stomach churned.
She stopped next to him on the bed and stared him in the eyes. Those eyes, she averted her eyes to his, and instantly all memories flooded back. It hit her like a ton of bricks, every single detail of what happened, and she fell into his arms.
Looking up, he looked down at her concernedly. He brushed a strand of hair away and behind her pointed ear.
"Hi," she whispered as he chuckled.
"Hullo." He responded. She scanned him again, and tears came to her eyes. Suddenly she sat up and crushed her lips onto his. He took in every inch of her in one breath as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He kissed her back deeply and wrapped his arms around her back. Everyone chuckled at the couple and watched with happiness. The two broke apart, tears flowing from their eyes. They brought their foreheads together, and the hands together.
"Karolyn," he whispered as she whimpered happily.
"I've been waiting for you to say my name." She responded as he pecked her lips again.
After a few hours of crying and hugging, it was soon night again, and Karolyn asked to sleep in Frodo's room. She slept on the small couch at the head of his bed, she didn't want to leave him.
The next day was a hustle, it was Aragorn's coronation. The courtyard was full of people, overflowing! The girls were ecstatic, Ginger had woken up that morning. She was overwhelmed with happiness as Frodo, Sam, and Karolyn walked into her room. She was having trouble moving, and her breathing hurt sometimes. But she showed up, and stood beside Faramir in the crowd when the girls parted. Laura went with Legolas and the hobbits went their own way.
Soon, Aragorn was standing on the steps outside the Great Hall, scanning the crowd. Gimli stood across from Gandalf, holding the crow on a pillow. Gandalf reached forward and took it, placing it on top of Aragorn's head.
"Now come the days of the King!" He announced, "May they be blessed."
Cheering and clapping erupted as Aragorn shook his head, holding up his hand.
"This day does not belong to one man, but to all. Let us together rebuild this world, that we may share in the days of peace." Aragorn said as everyone once more began to clap. He looked out at everyone once more, and soon began to sing an elvish song. His voice rung out deep and low.
Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta
Aragorn walked out into the crowd, meeting the familiar faces of his friends. Walking past Eomer, he bowed slightly to him. Eomer was now king of Rohan. He looked to his right and saw Ginger, he had only known of her through Genevieve. She smiled at him, and he saw Faramir as well. The two bowed low and smiled, he smiled at them as well.
Soon he met the elves approaching him. Legolas smiled at him, arm in arm with Laura. Aragorn was extremely happy for them, and he smiled. Placing a hand on Legolas's shoulder, Legolas did the same.
"Hannon lei," Aragorn said as Legolas nodded. Laura smiled at him as he placed a hand on her cheek. She nodded behind her, as did Legolas. He stared at them quizzically. They moved to the side, and what he saw made his eyes go wide with tears.
A banner, with a white tree upon it. It was a familiar banner, and out from behind it came Arwen. Lord Elrond stood behind her and whispered into her ear, she moved toward Aragorn and kept her gaze to the ground. He took the banner from her, staring at her in disbelief. Tears fell from her eyes and she lowered her head even more. Aragorn lifted her chin up to his, still in awe. She lightly smiled.
Then he crushed his lips onto hers and wrapped his arms around her. Everyone began to clap as she wrapped hers around his neck, smiling and returning the passionate kiss. He picked her up and spun her around, overwhelmed with joy and happiness. He set her down and they stared at each other, kissing again she laughed and hugged him, happy to be in his arms again.
Intertwining hands, the walked amongst the crowd, accepting bows and returning them with smiles. Aragorn was a happy man, feeling filled and whole again.
They came to the seven hobbits now, who looked up at the royal couple in awe. The girls had small circlets on their heads, Karolyn's was a tiny bit bigger, they looked nervous and happy. Frodo began to bow, everyone followed suit. Aragorn watched but suddenly stuck his hand out at them, "My friends," he said as they all looked up at him in confusion. He shook his head and smiled, tears in his eyes.
"You bow to no one."
Soon, he kneeled as did Arwen. Then, the entire courtyard full of people began to bow. The hobbits were taken aback, and watched as everyone was now kneeling.
They were kneeling to them!
Seven small hobbits, who would have thought?
Merry clutched Gen's hand, Diamond clutched Pippin's, but the three hobbits in the middle just stared with tears in their eyes. Frodo looked out amongst the crowd and silently thanked every single one of the people their. Karolyn let her tears fall silently, and Sam stood there humbly as he took deep, slow breaths.
Frodo found his hand in Karolyn's, not wanting to ever let go.
And thus it was a Fourth Age of Middle Earth began, and the Fellowship of the Ring, though eternally bound by friendship and love, was ended.
Thirteen months to the day since Gandalf sent us on our long journey, we found ourselves looking upon a familiar sight.
We were home.
We had set out from Minas Tirith, with painful goodbyes. We watched Legolas and Laura wed that morning we left, they kissed and had to be on their way soon after. Ginger was staying with Faramir at Minas Tirith until she was better. Elrond did take a look at her, it didn't seem to look good for her, but we didn't know for sure.
Laura hugged us and kissed us goodbye, and soon she set off with Legolas and the Mirkwood elves.
We too had to say our goodbyes, because we had to get home too. We hugged Ginger, promised to write, and we were off.
It took awhile, but we made it. Riding into town on seven nicely saddled ponies and clothes made us look ridiculously out of place. We said our hello's coming in and received odd stares back, but we were just happy to be back. The rolling green hills and smell of flower filled air made us all smile. Even if it wasn't my real home, it was still home to me.
That night we all sat at a table at the Green Dragon, waiting for Frodo to get back with drinks. He set them down in front of us, having to make a second trip for us girl's drinks. He soon sat down next to me and didn't say anything, none of us did. Pippin and Diamond held hands, Merry and Gen were leaning against each other, Frodo and I hadn't touched each other. It was still sometimes awkward. We all exchanged glances, and I think we all silently acknowledged the fact that nothing would ever be the same again. We were scarred, bent, and hurt. Some more than others and some in different ways, this war affected us all.
Smiling, we all grabbed our mugs and raised them, we brought them together in cheers and drank. I set my mug down and looked at Frodo. He smiled at me, and his hand was soon in mine. I wanted it to be like this forever.
What happened next was oddly surprising and amusing.
Sam took another swig of his drink and stood up abruptly. His chair squeaked as he pushed it back and he confidently strode to the bar.
Rosie Cotton was working tonight.
We all turned back to look at each other in confusion. Sam had finally gained his courage!
"This can't end well," I whispered as they all broke into laughter. Frodo laughed and I leaned into him, throwing my own fit as we all took another cheers and swig.
But soon we found ourselves a few weeks later at Sam and Rosie's wedding. Standing in the crowd with a light blue dress, I watched Sam and Rosie look each other in the eyes and kiss. It was a nice wedding, and you could literally feel the love from those two. The crowd cheered and clapped as the two looked out into the crowd. The Gamgees!
Rosie threw her bouquet into the crowd and I reached for it. It was headed for me, but a hand snagged it from right in front of me, it was Diamond!
She looked at Pippin teasingly, who blushed and pulled her in for a hug. Genevieve and Merry were cracking up, and I looked back at Frodo. He was happy, truly happy. I hugged his side as we watched Sam smile at us.
Why can't things stay like this forever?
How do you pick up on the threads of an old life? How do you go on when in your heart, you begin to understand there is no going back? There are some things that time cannot mend. Some hurts that go too deep, that have taken hold.
Well just as everyone predicted after Sam and Rosie's wedding, Diamond and Pippin had gotten married. They waited a few months, but it happened. Laura and Ginger even came! It was a happy week, but once we all had to say our goodbyes, it was really depressing actually.
Rosie and Sam had two amazingly adorable children, Elanor and Frodo.
And also, surprisingly, Diamond and Pippin had a newborn baby son soon after they got married. They named him Faramir David Took, David had been Diamond's father's name. He looked just like his mother, but had Pippin's hair. He was their world.
Gen and Merry were too madly in love to even marry, if that makes sense. They waited three and a half years, so they're fairly newlyweds. Ginger couldn't make it, she was deathly ill that year. It seems that the stab wound had harmed her system in some way, she takes even the smallest of flu and colds hard. It was sad for Gen, her own sister wasn't there.
Laura and Legolas had no children, yet. They had their whole lives for that, though.
Ginger and Faramir had a child on the way, though, and they were extremely excited.
Frodo and I never did discuss marriage, and that's okay. For some reason I was too afraid to marry him. I just felt like it wouldn't turn out right, or something.
I do love him, though. And he loves me. Soon I found myself living with him in his spare bedroom. We kept our respective distance and boundaries, don't worry.
At night we would read together and he would teach me elvish. Those were my favorite nights, cuddling and laughing all night until the sun came up. Bag End was cozy and I never wanted to leave.
Sam visited a lot, the three of us saw each other quite often. We couldn't not see each other, we shared a strong bond.
"Hullo, Karolyn!" Sam exclaimed as he walked in, kissing my cheek.
"He's in the study!" I yelled back from my book, he was bringing in the mail.
I could hear some distinctive talk from there, "It's been four years to the day since Weathertop, Sam. It's never really healed."
My ears perked up, so that's what had been keeping him so quiet and down lately? I listened in even more.
"There and Back Again, a Hobbits Tale by Bilbo Baggins," he paused, "And the Lord Of the Rings by Frodo Baggins." I smiled to myself, "You finished it."
Frodo said nothing for a second, "Not quite, there's room for a little more."
Bilbo once told me his part in this tale would end. That each of us must come and go in the telling. Bilbo's story was now over, there would be no more journeys for him.
Save one.
"Tell me again, lad, where are we going?"
"To the harbor, Bilbo. The elves have accorded you a special honor. A place on the last ship to leave Middle Earth."
Karolyn slept in the seat across from Frodo and Bilbo, Frodo watching her with content. He loved her so much, he was lucky to have her.
"Frodo, any chance of seeing that old Ring of mine again? The one I have you?" Bilbo asked, Frodo looking away sadly out the window. Karolyn stirred and watched him with one eye open.
"I'm sorry uncle, I'm afraid I've lost it." He responded, Karolyn sitting up and looking at him sadly.
"Oh, pity." He sighed, "I would have liked to have held it one last time."
We pulled up to the Grey Havens, and I was surprised and happy to see my two old friends at the entrance: Laura and Ginger. Ginger stood next to her, her belly seeming a little larger with her baby on the way.
We joined them and we all walked into the harbor. Lord Elrond and Celeborn stood in front of us, as well as Lady Galadriel. She smiled at me.
"The choice will be yours," she said as suddenly I looked down, I could see that I was human again. Only us girls saw this, they as changed too.
I knew what she meant suddenly, and I shook my head.
"And our choice is to stay." I said back in my head. Lady Galadriel nodded her head, and I felt set now. Set in who I was and what I was. I felt my age had caught up with me, I was at least supposed to be nineteen back him now, or eighteen, but now I felt like a true Hobbit and true to my age.
No one else saw this, except us.
"Oh! Well here is a sight I have never seen before!" Bilbo exclaimed with a smile.
"The power of the three rings is ended. The time has come for the dominion of men," Galadriel said as she looked at us all.
Elrond smiled, "I Aear cân ven na mar."
Laura wiped away a tear at that, she understood what he was saying.
Bilbo straightened up and smiled, "I think I'm quite ready for another adventure." He said as he walked to Elrond's outstretched arms. Frodo watched him wearily, and soon we all looked up to Gandalf who smiled at us.
Then we began to cry, we knew he was leaving now.
"Farewell my brave hobbits, elf, and woman," he said as well all wiped away our tears. My work is now finished." We were all crying harder now, "Here at last, on the shores of the sea, comes the end of our Fellowship." He paused as we all wiped our eyes, "I will not say do not weep, for not all tears are an evil." He smiled at us and nodded one last time, then turned and began to walk away.
He turned, and what he said next made me want to throw up.
"It is time, Frodo."
We all turned to Frodo one by one, me being the last. Tears began to flow freely, with no hold.
"What does he mean?" Sam asked holding back a sob.
Frodo gave him a sad look, "We set out to save the Shire Sam, and it has been saved." He paused, "But not for me."
Sam shook his head, "You don't mean that. You can't leave!"
Frodo couldn't look Sam in the eyes, "The last pages are for you Sam," he handed him the book. Then he turned to his cousins and their wives, they were in tears.
He hugged Merry and Gen, "Take care of each other,"
They nodded and he turned to Pippin and Diamond who were trying to not sob, "I say the same to you, and take care of little Faramir."
Diamond hugged him tightly, and Pippin did too. I watched as he bowed to Laura, who embraced him tightly. He bowed to Ginger, who stroked his head.
Then, he turned back to Sam and I. We had been holding it all back. It all came out, the sobs and unexplained noises that made me shake, Frodo ran to us as we were smothered in his embrace. We cried and cried, he pulled us even tighter.
"Leave a few pages for Karolyn," he whispered to Sam. Turning to me, I shook my head.
"Don't do this to me, please! You belong here with us!"
Frodo shook his head, "I know, but it's too hard." He paused as I buried my face in his chest,
"But I love you!"
"I love you too, but you've got to understand me, Karolyn. I love you so much, my dear Karolyn. But it's my time, my chapter here is ending. But yours isn't, I'm saying that now." He held my face in his hands.
I said nothing more but crushed my lips to his, it was the most passionate and sweet kiss we had ever shared, it rivaled all others we had. I felt like one with him as we held each other tight and didn't let go. It was long and tender, he was always so gentle.
I loved him.
We parted and he looked down at me, our foreheads pressed together.
He leaned down once more and whispered into my ear, and slipped a piece of paper into my hand.
I nodded my head, accepting his whisper and looked him in the eyes.
"Frodo Baggins, I will never forget you, I will never stop loving you," I paused and wiped my eyes, "Don't you forget that."
He smiled, "I won't, Karolyn. My Karolyn,"
One more time we kissed, and when we parted it was like a piece of me was taken with him. I watched my Frodo walk past us all and to Gandalf's open arm. They walked together onto the ship.
All of us stopped to watch as Frodo turned to us, not doing anything. But suddenly his face lit up, and a smile like one I'd never seen before on him appeared. Sam and I held each other close and smiled back at him. The smile told us that he was at peace, for real. He looked new and youthful again.
I waved at him, and he smiled at me. Nodding to us all he went down into the ship, never to be seen again.
And I was okay with it.
As the ship left the dock, we all stood together and watched it begin to grow smaller and smaller. If Frodo was happy, I was happy.
And yes, I was happy.
"Karolyn?" Sam suddenly said in my ear. Everyone was waiting for us, and I turned to him. We hugged tightly, we would never forget this moment.
Karolyn, my love and rock. I am so sorry for the pain I've caused you. Don't be afraid to move on, that's how you grow and learn to live in life. Know that I think you ending up in Middle Earth was no mistake, you were sent here to help me. And you did, and I found love amidst all the terrible awfulness in the world.
I love you, Karolyn Hadley. Never forget that. You're in my heart forever. You have so much to enjoy, you have more to do in this story. Don't close this new chapter early, my Karolyn.
Love, Your Frodo
The girls hugged me one last time as they dropped me off at Bag End. It was my place now, and it was so full of memories.
"You gonna be okay?" Diamond asked as I began to walk up the steps.
I turned to them and nodded my head, "I love you guys."
They smiled and waved at me, then they got in the cart and drove away. I watched it grow smaller, but not before hearing them scream my name with grins and waving at me. They were still the young teen girls that were my best friends, at heart really. I waved at them and walked inside.
Frodo's scent was all around me, and it seemed he was in there right behind me. I felt like I would see him again, some day I would. I had no clue when, but I knew I would. The thought made me smile, and a little bit of the hole in my heart and the sadness went away.
Looking out my window, I could have sworn I saw Frodo reading a book under the tree in the front yard.
~The End~
We have come to the end of our journey, my friends, and I cannot thank you enough. It's gonna be weird hitting the small status button to "Complete". I did cry when I wrote the Grey Havens scene, it was really hard. It's now 2:24 AM, and I am writing to you my last Author's Note. Now all that's left is to go back through the entire story and fix it up, so maybe check in once in a while to see if any changes are made! And fix those horrible spelling mistakes, stupid auto correct.
Yes it was my plan since the beginning to not have Karolyn go to Valinor, always was. But, what do you think that means? What did Frodo actually whisper to her?
Thank you all, I really cannot say it enough. You've pushed through some tough times with me but we made it.
Frodo is so near and dear to my heart, he is definitely a part of me. And Sam, all of these girls are too.
Say farewell to Karolyn Hadley, Diamond Took, Genevieve Brandybuck, Ginger (? LOL), and Laura Greenleaf, my friends.
FOR NOW...
-Mrs. Frodo Baggins
Kendall
Mirabella Millstone of Bywater
P.s. Be looking for an update in your email. It will come one day, my lovelies.
;)