Sam. How I will miss him. He has married Rosie, and they will soon have their first child. I have seen a vision of some of Sam and Rosie’s children. They will have many. Sam is as devoted to me now as ever, but it should not be so. He has so much to live for. He is the mayor, and with that, his family and the care of Bag End, he does not need the added burden of caring for me when I become ill.
I will give everything to Sam when I leave, and I give it freely. Possessions mean little to me. I am of the mind that they mean little to most hobbits. We are simple creatures, just as Gandalf said. But we surprise many who do not know us well; I do not know why.
I cannot think on it now. It hurts me to think of leaving everything I have ever loved, everyone I have ever loved, and sail to the West. But it is best. It will be best for all concerned. I have been deserted by The Shire. I bring only heartache to Sam and Rosie, and by going, I will be able to heal myself and to care for dear Bilbo. Yes, it is best.
I still have the light of Eärendil that Galadriel gave to me. I shall take it with me when I leave, so that I can have a light in dark places. I do hope there are none of those left, as I am quite weary of them.
I had a dream during the Quest, or I think it was a dream. It was in the Barrow Downs when I dreamed it, and I will never forget. I heard a singing in my mind and it came to me like a pale light behind a grey rain-curtain. It grew until it turned the veil to glass and silver. When the curtain was fully rolled back, I saw a far green country open before me. Then there was a swift sunrise. How I long for this vision to be real.
But now, I must first figure out how to write this book. I don’t know why I cannot write, as Bilbo did, about my adventure. Is it because it was not the adventure I thought it would be? What should I call it? Since it was all caused over a Ring, it should have that in the title, I suppose. There was a great war fought because of it, so maybe that too will be part of its name. There are so many possibilities. I will wait a while and figure that out. But now, I must make myself begin. How can I start?
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Chapter 1
A Long-Expected Party
When Mr. Bilbo Baggins of Bag End announced that he would shortly be celebrating his eleventy-first birthday with a party of special magnificence, there was much talk and excitement in Hobbiton.
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Yes, that’s a good start. I don’t think it will be a very long story. I must hurry and finish it so that Bilbo and I can make our final journey across the Sea. I am growing wearier by the day.
End