THE LONG JOURNEY HOME

"It is so nice to see you again cousin!" Rowin said taking Lily in his arms as she came inside the door. Sam stood silently behind Lily smiling at the happy reunion.

"What has it been?" Rowin replied. "Almost a year has it not?"

"That it has." Lily said with a smile. She then turned around to look for Sam seemed to have slipped away from her sight. She then noticed him standing quietly near the door. She held her arm out to him and motioned for him to come near.

"I’d like you to meet Mr. Samwise Gamgee." Lily said as Sam walked to her side.

"So you are the one I’ve heard so much talk about from Lily’s letters." Rowin replied looking down to Sam. "It is nice to see she is fairing well in your care."

Sam blushed.

"That I have." Lily replied putting her hand on Sam’s shoulder. "But my legs have seem to grow much weaker than they were before. If it wasn’t for Sam I would not have this lovely staff to aid me while I walk." Lily replied showing it Rowin.

"A fine piece of work if I say so myself." Rowin replied looking over the staff. "The one I made for Lily was never as fine as this."

"I thank you for your complements." Sam said with a smile. "But my hands fair much better tending to my gardens."

"I can imagine so from the beauty Lily spoke of them in her letter this past summer." Rowin said putting his hand on Sam’s shoulder. "Come now, enough of this talk by the door!" Rowin said leading Lily and Sam into the common room. "Come in and sit with me and tell me more of the Shire."

Many hours passed while Sam and Lily sat in the corner near the fireplace talking with Rowin. Nob soon came around finding great interest in their conversation. Rowin showed him back to his duties and continued on with talk of Hobbiton.

"What about Mr. Brandybuck?" Rowin replied. "I have not seen him around for some time, what has become of that merry young hobbit?"

"He went away to Rohan." Sam said quietly. "He’ll return in the Spring."

"I wondered why I had not received more letters from you." Rowin replied. "But now I know. It seemed as if you had disappeared all together." Rowin said with a laugh. Rowin then called for Nob and asked him to bring around another beer for himself and Sam. Nob soon returned with pints in hand setting them on the table.

"Another pint for you Samwise." Rowin replied placing the beer before Sam. "I’ve heard word of your love for my father’s ale."

"Aye." Sam replied. "None finer in all the parts I’ve traveled." Sam took a drink and sat the mug down on the table.

"Will you be staying for some time?" Rowin asked as he took a drink from his beer.

"Only another day." Sam replied. "I promised my Rose I would be back by the end of the week, but Lily can stay longer if she likes." Sam said taking another drink.

"I would love to!" Lily replied. "A stay of a few weeks would be just fine."

"That it would." Rowin said smiling. "Seeing your smiling face in the Pony would make it feel like old times again."

"Then it is settled." Sam replied. "I’ll come this way again for you in a few weeks for I don’t want to see you travel all the way to Hobbiton alone."

"Thank you Sam." Lily replied. "You’re such a dear friend to me."

"As you are to me." Sam said smiling bright.

They then spent many more hours together within the common room before sleep finally drew them to their rooms where they slept late into the next day.

The following afternoon Lily bid Sam farewell as he left on his way back home. She gave him a kiss upon his cheek and wished him a safe journey home. Lily stood in the street as Sam rode away through the gates of town. Sam stopped near the top of the hill on the western edge of Bree and looked back with a smile. Lily was still standing there and if Sam could have seen her face a tear was falling from her eye. Sam waved and Lily smiled. Sam was at the very spot where Lily had last seen Frodo when he waved his last goodbye. Sam sighed deeply and then turned away making his way down the lonely path home.

On the night Sam returned home a soft rain had begun to fall. Sam put Bill in his stable and returned to Bag End feeling empty without Lily at his side. Sam walked up the front path and opened the door slowly coming inside. Rose was sitting in the den reading. Little Elanor came running up to Sam and he took her up in his arms.

"Where is Lily?" Rose replied noticing she was not with Sam.

"She is staying with her cousin for a few weeks back in Bree." Sam said coming into the den sitting down in his chair with Elanor. "I’m going to go back for her then."

Rose smiled and then looked to Sam. He seemed lost in thought.

"It was hard leaving her behind was it not?" Rose replied.

"It was." Sam said with a deep sigh.

"The days will pass quickly." Rose replied. "Then you shall leave and return with her by your side once more."

The days did indeed pass but they drew by slowly. Many of them were filled with rain and Sam often stood near the window looking out into the distant sky. Thoughts of Lily came to him often and he wondered how she was fairing far from his care. Sam would soon tire of his thoughts and he would go away to the study for hours at a time writing within the pages of Bilbo’s book. One evening Sam sat within the study listening to the rain fall outside as he read over his writings. In three days it would be time for him to set off for Bree to see Lily once again. The rain came down softly gently falling upon the window. The night was growing long and Sam was about to leave the study when he thought he heard someone calling out his name. He stood there silent for a moment listening. It was coming from outside. Sam rushed out into the den and to the front door. He opened it quickly and looked outside. Sam came down the front walk looking onto the road through town. A small cloaked figure was riding quickly down the path, holding a lantern high in their hand.

"Master Samwise!" The figure called out into the night. "Where may you be?"

"Here! Here!" Sam yelled to the figure waving his hands. The figure rode up to Sam and jumped off their pony falling down to the ground below. Sam came and helped the figure to his feet.

"I am so glad I found you!" They replied standing up.

"Nob?" Sam replied hearing the familiar voice.

"That it is." Nob replied taking his hood down from his head. "You’ve got to come with me quick!" Nob shouted taking Sam’s hand. "It’s your Lily sir!"

"Lily?" Sam replied pulling his hand away. "What happened dear Nob?"

"No time to explain!" Nob said getting back on his pony. "Quickly now, go tell who you must, but make haste we must ride on!"

Sam quickly ran inside and woke Rose telling her he must leave. All he could say it that it had to do with Lily and he would return when he could. He took his cloak from its hook by the door and fastened it around his neck and quickly ran back outside. He went to the stables for Bill and rode back to Nob who was still waiting for him in the road. They both then rode off together at an unyielding pace straight through the evening and through the next day.

*******

Nob and Sam arrived in Bree in the early hours of the night the day after they had set out. They were greeted at the gate by a man named Thomas who led them to the stables. There they found Rowin waiting at the stable door.

"You made good time." Rowin replied helping Nob down from his pony. "I feared that you would not make it back in time."

"Why, what has happened to my Lily?" Sam replied jumping down from Bill.

"Much I am afraid." Rowin replied leading Sam out of the stables. "Come with me and I shall tell you all I know."

Sam followed Rowin as he lead him towards a house that sat behind the Prancing Pony. He then began explaining what had happened.

"She has not been quite herself since you left her here in Bree." Rowin began. "I’ve often found her sitting alone clutching at that gem she wears around her neck. I asked her time and again if she wanted me to ride with her back to the Shire but she said she would wait for your return. One night I came to her room and she was gone. I searched for her all evening and finally came upon her in the hours of the early morn. She was lying out in a field on the far western side of town unconscious." Rowin replied coming to a stop at the front door of the house.

"She hasn’t opened her eyes since I brought her back here." I sent Nob for you that very day hoping she would wake knowing you had at last come for her." Rowin said opening the front door. "Come now, I shall take you to her."

Rowin led Sam into the house where many people sat within the front parlor watching him as he came inside. Sam looked to each face in the room. Every face seemed full of despair. Rowin led Sam down a hall where he stopped in front of a closed door. He reached to the knob and turned it slowly. Sam peered inside and seen Lily lying within the room on a bed. Many candles were lit shining upon her face with an amber hue. Sam walked slowly to her side. He looked up at Rowin and let out a sigh. Lily’s hands were folded upon her chest and her eyes were closed shutting out the world around her. Sam reached up and placed his hand upon Lily’s. She seemed cold but a soft shallow breath still passed her lips. Lily, feeling a small hand upon hers opened her eyes and smiled.

"Sam." She whispered.

"I’m here." Sam replied through his tears. "I’ve come."

Lily turned her head to Sam and a faint smiled shown upon her lips.

"I never thought I would see you again." Lily replied softly. "So many dreams have filled my mind while you have been away."

"Shhhh." Sam replied placing a finger to her lips. "I am here now and that is all that matters."

"That you are." Lily said quietly looking away. She took in a deep breath and let out a sigh. She looked back to Sam and another smile shone upon her face.

"I seen him often in my dreams." Lily whispered. "I heard his voice singing to me."

"Frodo?" Sam replied softly.

"Yes." Lily answered. "His song spoke of passing by secret gates and then at last taking one that ran west of the moon and east of the sun."

"I remember it well." Sam replied. "Those words fell upon my ears as we made our way to the Havens. It was the last song I ever heard pass through his lips."

Lily then reached behind her neck and pulled Frodo’s necklace up over her head. She took Sam’s hand and placed the necklace in it closing his fingers over top of the shimmering gem.

"This will bring you comfort Sam." Lily replied softly. "I shall not be needing it any more."

Lily took in a deep breath and reached up to her head which ached with pain. She felt weak and very ill. Her eyes seemed to want to close upon themselves and she fought to keep them open.

"I’ll never see it again will I?" Lily replied quietly.

"See what?" Sam replied.

"Home." Lily said softly. She then took in a deep breath and looked to Sam. Her eyes seemed pale and dull. A soft smile came to her face and she reached up gently touching Sam’s face. Sam placed his hand over hers as her eyes closed and a faint breath passed over her lips. Tears streamed down Sam’s face as took Lily’s hand down from his face and laid it across her chest. She was gone.

Many hours passed while Sam sat within Lily’s room lost in a veil of tears. Rowin came to Sam placing his hand on his shoulder. Sam looked up at Rowin and dried the tears from his eyes.

"Come dear Sam." Rowin replied. "No tears can bring Lily back now. Let us leave her now and we shall lay her to rest in the morning." Rowin said leading Sam out of the room. Sam looked back at Lily as she lay upon her bed. The glowing light from the candles filled the room shining upon her beautiful face. A deep sigh passed over Sam’s lips. He then turned around and walked out into the hall as Rowin closed the door behind them.

The following morning Sam awoke lying on the floor beside his bed in the Prancing Pony. He sat up rubbing his eyes as the sunlight spilled into his room warming his face. Sam stood up and made his way to the window. A sweet song of a finch came from the tree near the window as Sam looked outside into the clear blue sky. A faint knock then came to his door. Sam turned around and the door slowly opened. A familiar face peered inside.

"Dear Pippin!" Sam yelled running to the door and taking him in his arms. "It is so nice to see you." Sam replied through his tears.

"And I you!" Pippin replied holding Sam tightly. "This loss should not be yours alone." Pippin said looking at Sam.

"But how did you know?" Sam replied pulling away.

"Rowin sent word to me a few days ago that she was ill. Nob met me at the gate when I arrived early this morning telling me that she had passed so I asked to see you and here I am." Pippin replied.

"But alas poor Merry." Sam said with a sigh. "He will come back in the Spring only to find Lily no longer here."

"I’m sending word to him tonight." Pippin replied. "I wish I could take the news to him myself but I would rather be here with you."

"His heart will be broken." Sam replied looking to the window once again. Soon another knock came upon the door. The door slowly opened and Rowin came inside.

"We are ready." He replied softly. Sam took in a deep breath and placed his hand upon Pippin’s shoulder. They then followed Rowin down the hall and out the front door of the Prancing Pony. Standing outside were many folk lining the street with their heads bowed low. Sam came around the side of the inn and there in the street sat a wagon holding his dear sweet Lily. She was dressed in a pale blue gown that shimmered in the light of the sun. Her light auburn hair was full of many small braids and pulled over her shoulders. Her hands lay folded upon her breast and a look of peace shone upon her sweet face. A tear fell from Sam’s eye as he took notice that his beloved Bill was tied to the wagon ready to pull it away.

"I hope that you do not mind." Rowin replied softly looking down to Sam. "He followed me out of the stables when I came for the wagon and I thought no other pony than your own should take Lily to her final resting place."

Sam said nothing. A smile came to his face and he dried away his tears as Pippin came and stood at his side. Rowin led Sam and Pippin in front of the wagon and took Bill’s reins in his hand.

"Would you do us the honor?" Rowin replied handing the reins to Sam. Sam nodded and took the reins in his hand as a deep sigh passed his lips. Rowin then began his way down the path leading Sam and Pippin down the street as many saddened faces bid Lily farewell. They traveled down the road all the way through Bree until they came to a large elm tree on the eastern edge of town. There were many men and women gathered at the tree and Nob came walking up to Rowin with tears in his eyes.

"Is everything ready?" Rowin replied softly.

"It is." Nob said quietly. Four men then came from the crowd to the wagon where they took Lily in their arms carrying her away towards the tree. Sam followed closely behind them. There at the foot of the great elm tree lay Lily’s final resting place. She was gently placed inside as a soft melody was sung. As the grave was covered Sam turned away burying his face into Pippin’s shirt as tears filled his eyes. Pippin held Sam tightly as his eyes too filled with tears of sorrow. Rowin came to Sam and Pippin and knelt down taking them both in his arms.

"It is over now." Rowin replied. "She has been laid to rest where she will at last find peace from all her hardships." Sam turned away and looked to the grave freshly covered with a mound of dirt. He then walked to the great elm and stood there silently looking down to the ground. He then reached into his coat pocket and pulled out Frodo’s necklace. He held it in his hand as the sunlight touched the gem casting its iridescent hues upon Sam’s face. Sam then placed the necklace over his head with a heavy heart.

"You will be here." Sam whispered softly placing his hand over his heart. "Here with the memory of my dear master Frodo." Sam then turned back to Pippin and Rowin. He drew in a deep breath and walked back to them and stood by Bill rubbing his hand along his velvet nose.

"Come now Sam and Pippin." Rowin replied. "Let us have a bit of rest and share her memory by the warm fire." They then turned away and made for the inn where they spent the hours of the day away next to the fire.

Later that afternoon Pippin left heading back to Buckland and Sam too grew weary of his stay. He quietly made his way out of the Prancing Pony to the stables to fetch Bill. He took him from the stables but could not find the will to ride upon his back on the journey home. He took Bill’s reins in his hand and began leading him down the road through town when he heard someone call his name. He turned around and seen Rowin coming out of the inn with Lily’s walking stick in his hand.

"Don’t think you can sneak away so easily." Rowin said with a slight smile. "Here." Rowin replied handing Sam Lily’s walking stick. "You made this for her and I can’t see letting you leave without it."

"Thank you Rowin." Sam replied taking the staff in his hand. "But what of you? Do you not care to keep it in her remembrance?"

"Nay dear Sam." Rowin said placing his hand over his heart. "She lives still within me here."

Sam smiled. He then turned back to the path and began his journey home without his dear Lily.

It was three days later when Sam finally came back to Hobbiton. Along the way he found himself stopping often to look back down the road which he traveled longing to see Lily following closely behind him. When he came up upon the walk in front of Bag End he could see a light burning in the window. He sighed deeply as he made his way up the path and to the front door. He reached for the knob and turned it slowly opening the door. He came inside and hung his coat on the hook near the door and dropped his pack down on the floor. He then walked into the den and propped Lily’s staff against Frodo’s chair. He then sat in his chair next to the fire. Sam heard a door creak open and Rose soon came into the den rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"You’re home." Rose said with a smile. "Is she in her room Sam?"

Not a word passed Sam’s lips. He sat looking into the flames of the fire lost within his thoughts.

"Sam?" Rose replied. "Are you alright?"

Sam turned around and Rose seen a tear fall from his eye.

"What has happened Sam?" Rose said rushing to his side. Sam took Rose in his arms and rested his head upon her shoulder.

"She is gone." Sam replied through his tears. "Gone forever."

"What do you mean?" Rose replied taking Sam’s head in her hands and drying his tears.

"She has passed dear Rose." Sam said softly. A tear then fell from Rose’s eye catching the light from the glowing fire. She drew Sam close and held him tightly kissing his brow.

There they sat for many hours within each other’s warm embrace until the night drew them to their bed.

In the morning Sam awoke and found his hand clutching tightly to Frodo’s gem. He sat up rubbing his eyes and then he looked out the window to the morning sky. It was a pale shade of blue with not a cloud in sight. A soft breeze seemed to fill the air as it blew through the leaves lying upon the ground. Sam stood up from bed and walked out into the den. Lily’s staff still rested against Frodo’s chair and a small fire still burned within the fireplace. Sam then looked to Lily’s room. The door was closed not having been opened since she left. Slowly Sam made his way to her room gently opening the door. He looked inside feeling a vast emptiness come over him. Sam came into the room and sat on her bed. Frodo’s book that he had written for her was lying on the bed tied together with its leather cord. Sam then noticed some papers lying on the chair next to the bed. He reached down for them and took them in his hand. It was Lily’s story. Sam read through the pages and when he came to the last page a tear fell from his eye as he read the final words written by Lily’s hand. No matter where my path takes me, my heart shall always be at home in the Shire.’