Prompt: "Imagine how Professor Tolkien would light up as he stepped into Middle-Earth for the first time and the wonder on his face as he sees his creations"

Author's note: I've written this one like a diary entry. Something new to me, so I'd like some feedback on how well this worked - or not. :) Also, Clive is the first name of Tolkien's friend and fellow author C.S Lewis. Just to let you know for later on.

June 22nd 1956

The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit have been a huge success! Everywhere I turn, I can see the younger generations learning about my outstanding creations; just this morning I overheard two of the younger, more troubled students in my class, trying to hold a conversation in Sindarin. They looked astonished when I began to join in, and correct their pronunciation, and I even taught them some new words in the language. I've never felt so proud to have become a teacher.

But all teachers are a slave to the dreaded Morgoth of education; marking papers. Though my students are highly intelligent and open-minded, this will always feel like a chore for me. Oh, how I wish that I back in the fields surrounding the quaint and peaceful Sarehole Mill - my inspiration for the Shire. The way that young boys like myself could spend days chasing the daring pond skippers, searing the pushes for a rare wildflower, and maybe even wish to spy an Elven maid.

Life was so simple back then; I miss the quiet days. Maybe soon I'll go back there and Christopher's children the wonders of the simple lifestyle. The Hobbit way of life.

How I'd like to one day, visit the Woodland Realm of mighty, courageous King Thranduil, or the reformed kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor under King Elessar Telcontar's rule. To just waste away the days, pouring through the scripts and old stories in the Imladris library, while having polite discussions with Lord Elrond.

To visit the world of my imagination would make such an awfully big adventure. It would make for a journey of improbable dreams.

And I doubt that I've got many opportunities left to have another.

There's been an outstanding turn of events. I must have picked a highly peculiar door when leaving the classroom at the University to return home to Edith because my wishes had been answered.

After finishing marking the final paper from the pile, I packed away everything and pulled on my coat, before heading through the door. I had only planned on saying 'farewell' to Clive before getting into the car, when I'd discovered that I was no longer standing within the dreary school halls.

I was now standing within a field; the grasses were lush and flowers had bloomed in every possible space of land, that growing some kind of food. The warm, welcoming air of the Shire swept over my weary shoulders, and I felt like I'd always be welcomed wherever 'there' was. It couldn't be the Shire; it was almost impossible.

The rowdy laughter of a nearby pair of people reached my ears, and before I could even consider reacting to this revelation, I heard several words that I believed that I'd never hear.

"Hurry up Pippin! He's catching up!"

It was Meriadoc Brandybuck; he even sounded like I'd imagined. There was only one explanation. And like Conan-Doyle said through the voice of Sherlock Holmes: "Once you've eliminated the impossible, however improbable must be the truth." The only logical thing that I can comprehend is that I am actually within the boundaries of the Shire. Middle-Earth.

I have reached the realm of my creation. And it is more wonderful that I have ever imagined.

I couldn't control myself. Before I even considered what I was doing, I have begun to smile broadly and tears had sprung in my eyes. My heart yearned to explore the very world I ahd begun to plan all those years ago, with such a simple sentence.

It already felt like home to me, and I'm ready to enter and explore its mysteries.

But alas; it was yet to be. As the next thing I remember, is Clive gently rocking my shoulder, in an attempt to wake me up.

It was all a dream.

The warm, homely feeling left me as it began to dawn on my, but I will continue to be optimistic.

One day, I will return to Arda, to see the Kingdoms of Middle-Earth with my own eyes.

I will return to explore my creations, as so many have done before me, even if it was just simply picking up one of my novels.