THE LONG JOURNEY HOME

A month soon passed and with it came the cold of winter. A new year had almost come when Sam heard a knock come upon the front door in the early hours of the morning. Sam awoke from his sleep and came to the door yawning. When he opened the door a weary face peered out from under a grey cloak.

"Merry!" Sam yelled taking him in his arms. He drew him inside and took his cloak draping it over his arm as he led Merry to the fire to warm himself.

"It seems I had left too soon dear Sam." Merry replied as he stood before the fire. "I rode back at once when I received the news."

"I only wish the news that came to you was not with ill tidings." Sam replied coming to Merry’s side.

"I wished that too." Merry replied. "But I chose to come back to see if you would ride with me to Bree so I might pay my final respects."

"That I will." Sam replied placing his hand on Merry’s shoulder. "You shouldn’t need to journey there alone."

With the rising of the sun the following morning Sam began to pack a bag for his journey with Merry to Bree. He went to Rose as she sat within the den and left a kiss upon her cheek. As Sam left the den he took a glance at Lily’s staff resting against Frodo’s chair. Merry came to Sam’s side placing his hand on his shoulder. Sam turned back and went to the door opening it to the crisp December air. He pulled his cloak tight around his chest and headed down the path to the stables. Sam took Bill by his reins and led him out of the stables. Sam lifted himself upon Bill’s back and him and Merry began their long journey to Bree.

As the day drew on they came to rest along the path in the early afternoon. There Sam shared stories with Merry of the last few months Lily spent within the Shire while he was away. He told Merry of their journey to the Havens and of the bottle that Lily cast out into the sea.

"Did she ever tell you what was written on the paper?" Merry asked.

"Nay." Sam replied. "She never told me what was written upon it. But I know in my heart the words were meant for only Frodo’s eyes to read."

"Do you suppose it will ever be found?" Merry said looking into the distant sky.

"It may." Sam replied. "With Lily to guide it along the way I suppose one day the bottle may be discovered by the very hands meant to find it."

A few hours soon passed while they rested along the path and they began on their journey once more. Along the way Sam seemed lost in thought and often closed his eyes clutching at Frodo’s gem that he still wore around his neck. As the setting of the sun drew near Merry looked to Sam and he seemed to be humming to himself. It was a song unfamiliar to Merry, one that he had not yet heard before.

"What is that you are humming?" Merry replied.

"Something I thought up while we have been on the road." Sam said looking over to Merry. He then closed his eyes and began singing softly as his words were carried away on the cool breeze.

When the cold of winter comes

I will walk this lonely way

As the setting of the sun

Passes yet another day

In your footsteps I shall trod

From your journey to find me

As they lead me where you rest

Underneath the great elm tree

Years shall pass along the way

Though my journey will not end

When the cold of winter comes

I shall walk this way again

"That was beautiful." Merry replied with a tear in his eye. "What shall you call it?"

"Namárië." Sam said softly. "My farewell to Lily."