The days had grown long and the time had finally come. Sam went through and gathered a few things that he had not the heart to leave behind. He went to his study and took a stack of papers down from his shelf. They were tied together with a leather cord and worn yellow with age. A cover of dust lay upon them and Sam gently brushed it away. He smiled and placed the papers within his pack that sat on the bed in the study. He then went to his desk and looked at BilboÂ’s book. It had been some time since his hand had written anything within its pages. Sam took the book in his hands and held it close to his chest.

A deep sigh passed his lips as a tear fell from his eye. This was the day his story would finally come to its end. Sam turned and went to the bed placing the book within his pack. He tied it shut and then slung it over his shoulder. Sam walked out of the study closing the door behind him. He made his way down the hall and into the den. A fire burned within the fireplace shining a warm amber hue upon the walls. Sam looked to FrodoÂ’s empty chair still sitting near the fire. A large staff rested against the back of the chair casting a long shadow upon the floor. Sam went to the chair and took the staff in his hand. He then went to the front door and reached up for the small golden knob. He drew his hand back and turned around to take one last look at his beloved home. A smile found its way to SamÂ’s lips, as old memories seemed to return to him once more. He looked back at the door and opened it slowly taking a step outside. The cool September air blew through his hair as he closed the door and made his way down the front path. His pony stood near the gate grazing upon the grass. Sam came up to the pony and lifted himself upon his back.

He placed the staff across his lap and took the reins in his hands clapping them together lightly. The pony moved forward down the path marking the beginning of their journey far into the western sky.

A day had soon passed as Sam came upon the Tower Hills. The sun was just now beginning to set casting its golden hues upon the silken clouds. Sam continued on his way as he looked to the sky taking in a deep breath. Sam then thought he heard a voice carried from afar on the wind. He stopped for a moment and listened.

“Father!” The voice called again. “Father, do wait!”

A smile came to SamÂ’s face and he turned his pony around looking down the path. Coming up the path was a small white spotted pony carrying a rider upon its back. As the pony drew closer a tear fell from SamÂ’s eye as the face of his sweet Elanor came into view.

“You canÂ’t get away from me so easily.” Elanor replied riding up along side of Sam. “YouÂ’re not as young as you used to be you know!”

Sam reached out to Elanor as she came along side his pony and he took her in his arms. He held her tightly as tears fell down his face. Elanor smiled and took her sleeve drying away his tears.

“No need for tears father.” Elanor replied softly. “IÂ’m here with you now.”

“I did not think I would see your face again my dear.” Sam replied gently touching ElanorÂ’s cheek. “How did you know I had gone away?”

“Something just told me that you would choose to leave this day.” Elanor replied smiling. “So I rode as fast as I could hoping to catch you before you had gone.”

“And that you did.” Sam said with a wink. He sat silent for a moment and then took his pack down from his shoulder.

“I have something for you.” Sam replied opening his pack. He reached inside and took out BilboÂ’s book holding it out to Elanor. “This is yours now.” Sam replied softly. “It is your turn to keep the story going on.”

Elanor took the book and held it in her lap drawing her hand over the worn leather cover.

“I donÂ’t know what to say.” Elanor said softly.

“Say nothing.” Sam replied putting his hand on ElanorÂ’s shoulder. “Just keep it with you always.” Sam then fell silent as he looked to the path that still lay before him.

“What is it father?” Elanor replied softly.

“ItÂ’s time.” Sam replied. “My journey must go on.”

“May I come too?” Elanor replied.

“Nay my child.” Sam said looking over to Elanor. “This journey should be made alone.”

“I will miss you father.” Elanor said as a tear fell from her eye.

“And I you.” Sam replied leaning over kissing her upon her brow. “I shall always be with you.” Sam said drawing his hand across ElanorÂ’s cheek. Sam then turned his pony back to the western sky. He began on his way waving back to Elanor one last time as he faded away into the setting of the sun.

*******

It was early in the morning on Sam’s third day out when he could at last see the Grey Havens before him. The sun had yet to come over the horizon as he came down the path stopping at the gates. Without any words the gates swung open and Círdan walked out and stood before Sam. He smiled brightly.

“All is ready Master Samwise.” Círdan replied bowing low. “We are ready to set sail.”

A smile came to Sam’s face as he took in a deep breath. He came down from his pony and stood before the open gates. He looked down to the quay and there resting within the waters was the same ship which had borne his master away so many years before. Círdan placed his hand upon Sam’s shoulder and Sam looked up to him and smiled. He led him down the stone path to the Havens and onto the quay beside the white ship. Sam stood there for a moment in silence as the sails were drawn up to catch the first breath of wind. Sam looked back at his pony and handed the reins to Círdan.

“He has served me well over these years.” Sam replied softly. “If I may I would like for him to be returned to my son back at Bag End in Hobbition.”

“You may.” Círdan replied taking the reins. He then motioned to an elf standing near the ship and he came to his side.

“This is Andorién.” Círdan replied. “He shall be the one returning your pony back to your son in Hobbiton.”

“It will be my honor to return him back to your son Master Samwise.” The elf replied taking the reins from Círdan.

Sam smiled as Andorién walked away with his pony following slowly behind. He then looked back to the ship and began walking down the quay. He leaned upon his staff as he walked with Círdan at his side. They boarded the ship and the plank was drawn up. Sam made his way to the front of the deck and stood there looking out over the sea. The sun was beginning to come over the horizon warming the back of his neck as it cast its golden hues upon the water. The ship soon drew forward sailing out into the harbor upon the shimmering sea. Sam closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath as a cool wind swept through his hair. The day had finally come…he was going to see his dear Master Frodo once again.

Many days and nights had passed since Sam boarded the ship at the Havens. So many in fact that he seemed to have lost count but he guessed three weeks may have went by. It was then that Sam came to the end of the bow and stood looking out into the grey mist that had shrouded the ship during most of their journey. There was no sound but that of the water rushing around the bow and the faint rustle of the wind against the sails of the ship. Sam stood there silently leaning against his staff when a brilliant white light burst through the mist parting it away. He put his hand to his eyes and squinted watching as the mist disappeared revealing a great wondrous landscape before him. Tall green mountains lay before him and at their foot were tall white towers and majestic spires fashioned by the most skillful hands imaginable. If he had not known where he was he would have certainly thought he was coming upon the beautiful veil of Lothlórien. The ship began to turn to the north heading towards the distant shore as Sam took his hand away from his eyes. The sails were slowly drawn down as they came upon the shore of Eldamar. Sam came to the side of the ship and strained his eyes hoping to see the one person he had come for. The ship soon came to rest along the shore and the plank was lowered down to the sand. Sam walked along the deck of the ship and smiled as he seen who was waiting for him. He made his way off the ship and hurried into the open arms of his waiting companion.

“It has been so long dear Samwise.” They replied taking Sam into their arms.

“That is has Gandalf.” Sam replied looking to him with tears in his eyes. “But where is Frodo I thought he would be here waiting for me.”

“He was.” Gandalf replied with a soft laugh. “But he grew restless and wandered away. He is close by for I know he did not go far. He is looking forward to seeing you as much as you are of him. Come now let us go and find where he may be hiding.” Gandalf said leading Sam up the shore and onto a path within the dew covered grass.

As they came onto the path Sam could see a large building with tall graceful pillars peeking above the hill before them. As they drew closer Sam could see elegant stone statues standing at the entrance with their hands outstretched before them. Beautiful mallorn trees rose high around the building casting their luminescent shadows upon the stone structure. The wind blew gently bringing with it the smell of sweet flowers. Sam stopped in the path taking in all the beauty that surrounded him. It was then that he heard a familiar laugh come from behind him. Sam turned around and a tear came to his eye as he seen who stood in the path.

“Hullo Sam.” They said softly.

“My dear Frodo!” Sam replied amid his tears. Frodo then held out his arms and Sam came into them embracing Frodo tightly.

“It has been so long since I last seen you but you look no older from the day you left.” Sam replied drying away his tears. Frodo smiled and put his hands on SamÂ’s shoulders.

“I wish I could say the same of you dear Sam.” Frodo replied with a laugh. “But your face is still as bright as I last remember.”

“Then I shall take that as a compliment!” Sam said with a smile. “For this face has seen more than its fair share and it has wept many tears.”

“That is has.” Gandalf replied coming to SamÂ’s side. “But you both have shared many burdens within your life and now the time has come for your healing.”

“And so it has.” Sam replied with a deep sigh. He then looked back to Frodo and smiled.

“Come now.” Gandalf said putting his hands on Sam and FrodoÂ’s shoulders. “Let us meet with old friends.”

*******

Gandalf led Sam and Frodo back up the path and to the building surrounded by the beautiful mallorn trees. Two elves greeted them at the doors bowing low as they came inside. Sam looked around the halls at the statues gracing the walls. The sunlight spilled in through the windows lighting everything before his eyes with a pearlescent hue. They went into a great hall where three figures sat before a glowing fire. A minstrel was standing near them playing a soft enchanting melody upon a golden harp. Gandalf led them both towards the fire to the waiting company.

“And so you have come Samwise Gamgee.” Elrond replied standing to greet him. “The days have been long since weÂ’ve last seen you.”

“Too long.” Sam replied softly. “But now they can be as long as they want since IÂ’m back within the company of such dear friends.” Sam said smiling.

“And so they shall.” Elrond replied. “For time passes slowly here within this place of healing.”

“As I can see.” Sam said putting his hand on FrodoÂ’s shoulder. “For he looks not a day older from when I last seen him at the Havens.”

“That may be.” Elrond said with a smile. “But there is some other work at hand with your dear Master Frodo.”

“Come again?” Sam replied looking rather confused.

“There will be time for explanation later in the evening Samwise.” Elrond replied coming to his side. Galadriel then stood from her chair and came to Sam kneeling before him.

“And what word do you bring back from the Shire dear Sam?” She replied softly. “How is my mallorn?”

“Beautiful my lady.” Sam replied blushing. “But it shall never be more beautiful than you.”

“You always were sweet with words.” A voice replied with a laugh from behind Sam. He turned around and there stood Bilbo. He looked worn with age but his smile was still as bright as Sam last remembered. He went to him and took his hands in his.

“Dear Bilbo.” Sam replied smiling. “So nice to see you sir!”

“And you.” Bilbo replied softly. “Have you kept up my book as Frodo asked.”

“That I did.” Sam said. “And it has been passed on to my daughter Elanor so the story may continue on for many more years to come.”

“Wonderful!” Bilbo replied. “I bet you have added many wonderful tales dear Sam.”

“I have but there are a few which only Frodo and I know of that shall be ours alone in the book we have kept within our hearts.” Sam said with a wink.

“Quite right Sam!” Frodo replied putting his hand on SamÂ’s shoulder. “But come now and tell me more of these tales while we wait for supper.” Frodo said leading Sam away through the great hall.

Frodo led Sam down a small corridor that joined to the great hall. He stopped at a door which was beautifully carved with mountains and flowing streams. He opened the door and smiled as Sam looked inside.

“Why if I didnÂ’t know any better I would say this was home.” Sam said softly. “It looks like your study, just the same as when I last left it.”

“Almost.” Frodo said smiling. “I did my best to have things look as they did back at Bag End but I never was able to get the garden below my window just right.” Frodo replied with a laugh.

“I should say.” Sam said going to the window and looking to the ground below. “Needs some tender care it does, but I think I can manage. Good thing I came when I did.”

Frodo laughed and walked over to his bed.

“I have something to show you Sam.” Frodo said kneeling down on the floor. He put his arm under his bed and pulled out a large wooden box. It was covered with dust and he gently brushed it away.

“IÂ’ve had this for many years now.” Frodo replied opening the lid to the box. “I trust you know what it may be.”

“I wish I did.” Sam replied. “But my mind seems to fail me now and again at my old age.” Sam said with a soft laugh. Frodo then lifted something out of the box and held it out to Sam. Tears began to fall from his eyes and a smile came to his face.

“So it did find its way to your hands.” Sam replied touching the bottle with his hand. “She wished so much that you would find it.” Sam said placing his hand upon his chest. “Only she never told me what she put within it.”

“It was a letter Sam.” Frodo replied taking the cork out of the bottle. “I found it nearly forty years ago. The writing is worn and faded but it can still be read. Here now.” Frodo said taking the paper out of the bottle and handing it to Sam. “You should read it too.”

Sam unrolled the paper and began reading the words softly to himself.

My Dear Frodo:

I am writing in hopes that this letter may one day find its way to your hands. Soon after my return home my uncle fell ill and passed away. That evening I left to return to you once more. When I came back to the Shire I was deeply saddened to find that you were no longer here. I am now staying with Sam here at Bag End and he has since given me your beautiful gem which I wear around my neck. It has brought me much comfort on many nights when I have been troubled with the past. I do plan to stay within the Shire for as long as my life allows. Although I know I will never see you again, take comfort in knowing you shall always be here within my heart.

Lily

Sam looked to Frodo with tears in his eyes as he rolled the paper back up when he was finished reading. He handed the paper back to Frodo and he placed it within the bottle closing it shut with the cork once more. Sam then turned away and took FrodoÂ’s gem out from beneath his shirt. He held it within his hand and closed his fingers tightly over it.

“Sam?” Frodo replied softly. Sam then turned to Frodo with his hand still clasped over the gem. “What have you got there?” Frodo said pointing to SamÂ’s hand. Sam then opened his hand and them gem fell from it coming to rest upon his chest. Frodo reached out to it as tears welled within his eyes.

“She has been gone for some time dear Frodo.” Sam replied softly. “She gave this back to me moments before she passed.” Sam said pulling the necklace over his head. “It is yours.” Sam replied holding his open hand out to Frodo. “Take it.”

Tears fell down FrodoÂ’s face as he placed his hand over the necklace in SamÂ’s hand. He then closed SamÂ’s fingers over the necklace and sighed deeply.

“It is yours now dear Sam.” Frodo replied pushing SamÂ’s hand to his chest. “I have no need for it any longer and I know it must have brought you much comfort when youÂ’ve been reminded of that day.”

“That it has.” Sam replied opening his hand looking at the gem. “It seems to keep her close to me though she is not here.”

“As has her gift she left for me.” Frodo said putting his hand over LilyÂ’s necklace beneath his shirt. Sam then placed FrodoÂ’s gem around his neck and sat upon the bed within the room. Sam fell silent and brought his staff close to his side. Frodo then came and sat on the bed beside Sam placing his hand upon his shoulder.

“Tell me Sam, when did she pass.” Frodo replied softly.

“It wasnÂ’t more than two months after she cast that bottle into the sea.” Sam replied softly. “She was ill dear Frodo and very weak. I made this staff for her while she stayed with me to help with her walking.” Sam said touching the staff with his hand.

“Weak?” Frodo replied. “Why?”

“Her old wounds never seemed to heal proper is what she told me.” Sam replied. “She grew weak soon after you returned her back home. She never seemed herself while she stayed with me. When I first seen her again she looked worn for her young age. Time seemed to have passed over her quickly while she was away.” Sam said softly. “She was saddened that you were not there but she seemed to find a new friend in Merry. Then when he went away to Rohan she became distant. I took her back to Bree to stay with her cousin Rowin for a few weeks but Nob came back for me and I returned to get her. She passed away that night.” Sam replied quietly.

Frodo then looked at Sam and placed his hand over SamÂ’s which were folded in his lap.

“It seems as though her letter was her way of saying goodbye.” Frodo replied. “She may have known her time was soon coming to its end.”

“That may be.” Sam replied softly. “But deep down I do think it may have been more.” Sam said looking to Frodo with his face stricken with tears. “I think she died from a broken heart.”

*******

Sam and Frodo had been sitting in the room for hours when they heard a soft knock come upon the door. It was Gandalf.

“I have brought you your things Samwise.” Gandalf replied coming into the room. He went to Sam and handed him his pack. Sam took it within his hands and held it close to his chest.

“Supper will be ready within the hour.” Gandalf said smiling. “I will come for you then.”

“Thank you Gandalf.” Frodo replied. “We shall see you soon.”

“That you shall.” Gandalf said with a smile as he left the room. Sam then placed his pack in his lap and opened it up.

“I have something for you Frodo.” Sam replied pulling a stack of papers from his pack. He placed them in FrodoÂ’s lap smiling.

“This is LilyÂ’s book.” Frodo replied. “The one I made for her.”

“It is.” Sam replied. “But look.” He said untying the leather cord that held the pages together. “There has been more added to your story.”

Frodo pulled the leather cord away from the pages and looked through them. They were yellow and worn with age but the writing was still as clear as the day it was last written. Frodo then noticed where his writing ended a new hand had brought a pen to the paper.

“ItÂ’s her story.” Frodo replied looking up to Sam. “Of her stay in the Shire.”

“She said your story just didnÂ’t seem complete without it.” Sam replied. “But her hand fell still and it was never finished.”

Frodo continued reading and when he came to the last page he sat the papers down in his lap. He dried the tears from his eyes and looked to Sam.

“But it was finished dear Sam.” Frodo replied. “It came to an ending that drew tears to my eyes.”

“And mine.” Sam replied. “For she will always have her place in the Shire and here.” Sam said putting his hand over his heart.

“That she will.” Frodo replied smiling. “For now and all time.”

Gandalf soon returned for Sam and Frodo and he walked with them back to the great hall. There laid out before them was the most glorious feast Sam had seen since he was in Ithilien. Two chairs sat empty side by side across from Bilbo who had already fallen asleep in his chair. Frodo went to the table and pulled out a chair for Sam. He came and sat down then Frodo sat at his side. Gandalf then went to the front of the table and stood with Elrond and Galadriel.

“And here we are.” Elrond began as Gandalf came to his side. “So long it has been since we all stood within each others company, but at last he has come.” Elrond replied taking his glass from the table and holding it out. “The last of the ring bearers. May you at last find your healing.” Everyone then raised their glasses and drank to SamÂ’s arrival.

Hours later the meal finally came to its end. Sam was sitting quietly in his chair smiling as Frodo sat talking with Gandalf. Bilbo was still sleeping in his chair, never waking for a moment to have a bite to eat. Frodo then looked away from Gandalf and to Bilbo smiling. He then stood up and went to Bilbo and placed his hand upon his shoulder. Bilbo opened his eyes and Frodo took his hand and helped him up from his chair taking him away to his room. It was then that Sam got up from his chair and sat down beside Gandalf.

“What a wonder it is.” Sam began. “I canÂ’t understand a thing about Mr. Frodo. He looks as though he hasnÂ’t aged a year since he has been here.” Sam replied looking to Frodo as he walked away.

“That he hasnÂ’t.” Gandalf replied taking his pipe from the table. “HeÂ’s twelve years older than you and he looks young enough to be your son dear Sam.” Gandalf said with a laugh. Frodo then came back and sat down next to Sam smiling.

“Sharing secrets are we?” Frodo replied patting Sam on his back. “You know itÂ’s hard keeping anything from me.”

“That it is.” Gandalf replied. “But we were sharing nothing of the sort. Sam was just asking questions of you is all.”

“Was he now?” Frodo said laughing. “You always seem to be poking your nose into things. That is how you ended up going with me to Mordor if you remember right.”

“I remember.” Sam replied looking at Gandalf. “And I remember being pulled right through the window in your study I do.”

“As do I.” Gandalf replied. “You should have seen the look on your face. Cutting grass indeed!” Gandalf laughed.

“But what was it you wanted to know dear Sam?” Frodo replied. “IÂ’m an open book.”

“Well I seem to be puzzled with how you look.” Sam said softly. “I myself am just over one hundred but you still look not a day over fifty.”

Frodo smiled and then placed his hand over his chest. Gandalf looked to Frodo and nodded his head. Frodo then took LilyÂ’s necklace out from under his shirt and held it in his hand.

“ItÂ’s this.” Frodo replied.

“LilyÂ’s ring?” Sam said with a confused look. “But how?”

“It is one of the lesser rings.” Gandalf replied. “It is only second to the Great Rings, the Rings of Power, the one and of the seven and nine. It was made in Eregion long ago. It was then that many Elven-rings were made, magic rings as you call them, and they were, of course, of various kinds: some more potent and some less. The lesser rings were only essays in the craft before it was full-grown, and to the Elven-smiths they were but trifles – yet to my mind dangerous for mortals.”

“But you said they were all accounted for.” Sam replied looking at Gandalf. “Did you not say Sauron took the Nine Rings and the lesser works of the Mírdain; but the Seven and the Three he could not find.”

“That I did.” Gandalf said looking to Sam. “But even we do not know how many of these lesser rings were made or if Sauron truly did find and take them all.”

“But I donÂ’t understand.” Sam replied

“Nor did we at first.” Elrond said standing from his chair. “Years passed and as they did Frodo often sat near the shore fingering something that hung around his neck. I never took notice until ten years went by and Frodo seemed as though he was not aging.”

“I felt as if I was aging on the inside.” Frodo replied. “But I did not seem to notice it on the outside until Elrond confronted me. He asked me if there was anything I had on me that I had brought from the Shire and that is when I showed him LilyÂ’s ring.”

“The ring so much resembled the one that Frodo bore to Mordor that I began to wonder if it was indeed one of the lesser rings since we knew it was not any of the seven or the nine.”

“Then as the years continued to pass by and Frodo did not age we knew it must indeed be one of those rings.” Elrond replied.

“But why is he not aging?” Sam said quietly.

“All of those rings dear Sam had the ability to make their wearer pass by through life without aging. That is why when the One Ring was in Bilbo and FrodoÂ’s possession they held their age well. And all of the seven and nine including the one could render their wearer invisible. The lesser rings could not, just as this one can not do but it has made Frodo hold his age, yet there seems to be more power behind it than what we may know.” Elrond replied. “Frodo has been quite well while he has been wearing it and has not yet been burdened with his past wounds as he was while in the Shire.”

Sam fell silent for a moment and then looked to Frodo with tears in his eyes.

“Lily.” Sam said softly. “She was well until sheÂ…” Sam then grew silent not speaking another word.

Frodo then took the ring within his hand looking at it. He then looked at Gandalf and sighed.

“You remember her do you not Gandalf.” Frodo replied.

“That I do.” Gandalf replied. “I have heard you speak of her often over these years.”

“She passed away the year after I left.” Frodo said quietly. “Sam told me that she had become weak and ill soon after I came here. He said that her wounds never really healed.”

Gandalf looked to Elrond his heart heavy. Indeed he knew the true answer behind her weakness.

“The ring had kept her well.” Gandalf replied quietly. “She had worn it until she left it for you had she not?”

“That she did.” Frodo replied looking down at the ring again.

“She grew weak on our journey back to Bree.” Frodo replied. “It was the first time she had during her stay with me. She didnÂ’t have the ring then, she had left it for me back at Bag End.”

“And when she returned to the Shire a few months later she looked worn for her young age.” Sam added. “It seemed as though time had passed over her quickly.”

“It may have.” Gandalf replied. “While she possessed the ring it kept her young and well. Without it she finally felt the true burdens suffered from her injuries. All the time that had passed while she bore the ring finally caught up with her once she was without it.”

A deep sigh then passed Frodo lips as tears fell from his eyes.

“She unknowing gave her life away by leaving me this ring.” Frodo replied. He then pulled the necklace up over his head and held it within his hand. He sat in silence staring at it for some time before letting it fall from his hand and onto the table as he stood up walking away, leaving it behind.

*******

About an hour later Sam came to FrodoÂ’s room and gently knocked on the door. There was no answer. He knocked again and then Frodo softly told him to come in. Sam opened the door and came inside finding Frodo lying on his bed. He was looking up at the ceiling with his hands folded upon his chest. Sam came to his side and opened his hand showing Frodo LilyÂ’s ring.

“You left this behind.” Sam said quietly.

Frodo looked to SamÂ’s hand and sighed. He took the ring and held it in his hand as it caught a ray from the setting sun. It shimmered brightly casting a reflection on the wall.

“It pains me Sam knowing Lily would have still been well if she had not left me this ring.” Frodo replied. “She may have even still been alive today.”

“Maybe.” Sam replied. “But we shall never know. Leave it in the past and look forward to what is yet to come. She gave this ring to you not knowing what powers it held but she did know it would help heal you while she was away.”

“And it did.” Frodo replied. “In more ways than one. I have not been burdened with my pains from the past since. My only thoughts have been of Lily and you while I have stayed here waiting for the day when you would come. But now that you are here and I know she is gone I feel as if I donÂ’t need this anymore Sam. She is with me here and always will be.” Frodo said putting his hand to his heart.

Sam smiled and sat in the chair that was next to the bed. Frodo then sat up in the bed and looked out the window at the setting sun. As it fell below the horizon the sun cast its golden and crimson hues upon FrodoÂ’s face. He then turned away and looked to Sam. Sam was softly singing a tune to himself that he had not heard before. It was LilyÂ’s farewell song.

“What is that youÂ’re singing?” Frodo replied. “It is beautiful.”

“Something I wrote for Lily.” Sam replied. “ItÂ’s my farewell song I sang when I last traveled to her resting place with Merry by my side. IÂ’ve gone there every year since planting flowers around her grave. It seems to resemble the gardens back home nowadays.”

Frodo smiled and then looked over at the table next to Sam. The bottle that contained LilyÂ’s letter was sitting upon the table. He came down from the bed and took the bottle in his hand. He sighed and pulled out the cork and took out LilyÂ’s letter. He placed the letter on the bed and then looked at Sam.

“There is something I must do.” Frodo replied. “Will you come with me?”

“That I will.” Sam said getting up from the chair. He followed Frodo out of the room and down a long corridor that lead outside.

When they came outside Frodo began making his way down to the shore. The moon was now hanging in the sky shimmering upon the crystal waters. The stars began to litter the darkened sky as Frodo came down to the sand standing silent near the waterÂ’s edge. The soft sound of the water rushing against the shore filled FrodoÂ’s ears as the clear sea rushed in around his feet. Frodo still held the bottle within one hand and LilyÂ’s necklace in the other. Sam came and stood at his side as Frodo opened his hand revealing LilyÂ’s necklace. He undid the silver chain and pulled the ring away. It shone within the moonlight as he held it up to his lips leaving a kiss upon the golden band. He then placed the ring inside the bottle closing it tight with the cork. Frodo stood for a moment holding the bottle close to his chest and then he lifted his arm throwing the bottle into the water. Sam was silent as he watched the waves gently pull the bottle further out into the sea until it finally disappeared under the light of the moon. Frodo then turned to Sam and put his hand on his shoulder.

“IÂ’m so glad you are here with me now.” Frodo replied. “Here at the end of all things.”

“I am with you.” Sam replied smiling. “And youÂ’re with me. And our journey has finally come to its end.”

“That it has.” Frodo replied leading Sam back up the shore. Sam then stopped and looked back out to the sea.

“But what of the ring? Why get rid of it Mister Frodo?” Sam replied softly.

“It would trouble me now that I know it kept Lily well.” Frodo replied. “I thought I was healed but there is more healing that needs to be done. Come now Sam let us go home.” Frodo then made his way back up the shore with Sam at his side. Frodo fell back in step and stood silently on the path taking in a deep sigh. Sam continued walking up the path as Frodo turned around looking out over the moonlit sea.

“Goodbye dear Lily and farewell.” Frodo whispered softly. He then turned back to the path. Sam was standing there with a smile upon his face.

“Saying goodbye?” Sam replied as Frodo began making his way back up the path. Frodo came to SamÂ’s side and turned around taking one last look at the still waters.

“That I was.” Frodo said looking back at Sam with a tear in his eye. “That I was.”