THE ROAD GOES EVER ON

-1-

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 Bilbo’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 Frodo’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 Sam’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 Sam’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 Sam’s eye as the face of his sweet Elanor came into view.

"You can’t get away from me so easily." Elanor replied riding up along side of Sam. "You’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. "I’m here with you now."

"I did not think I would see your face again my dear." Sam replied gently touching Elanor’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 Bilbo’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 don’t know what to say." Elanor said softly.

"Say nothing." Sam replied putting his hand on Elanor’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.

"It’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 Elanor’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 Sam’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 Sam’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 Frodo’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 we’ve last seen you."

"Too long." Sam replied softly. "But now they can be as long as they want since I’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 Frodo’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 Sam’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 didn’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.

"I’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 Frodo’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 Sam’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 Frodo’s face as he placed his hand over the necklace in Sam’s hand. He then closed Sam’s fingers over the necklace and sighed deeply.

"It is yours now dear Sam." Frodo replied pushing Sam’s hand to his chest. "I have no need for it any longer and I know it must have brought you much comfort when you’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 Lily’s necklace beneath his shirt. Sam then placed Frodo’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 wasn’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 Sam’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."