by Coriandra
“That sounds just like Frodo,” Aragorn commented. “He
never was one to burden anyone else with his problems.
We were all glad when we got your letter saying he
accepted Arwen's offer of her place on the ship. I
have no doubt he found peace in Valinor.” He smiled
with deep emotion at the Hobbits, and Legolas, Gimli
and Faramir who had joined him for this special
reunion. “It certainly is good to see all of you
again. When I invited you to come to Gondor, I really
hoped you all would, but I never expected it to be so
soon. Especially after everything that had happened
in the Shire while you were away.”
“We had a quite a time, we did,” Sam told him. “But
it didn't take long for us to put things right again.
The Lady Galadriel's gift repaired most of the damage
done to the trees and we had a year of plenty after
that. The pipeweed crop was right good that year so
Mr. Frodo gave Mr. Gandalf a new pipe and a big bag
of pipeweed. Real nice bag too, he bought at the
market, and a real special pipe too.”
“But Sam, you married right after that and had a
child,” Faramir pointed out. “Surely was hard for
your wife and daughter to make such a long trip?”
“I was a bit concerned about that,” Sam admitted, “but
Rosie's a strong lass and she absolutely insisted we
were going and she wouldn't be left behind. She
certainly managed well.”
“As well as any of us did on the Quest,” Merry told
them. “In fact better, she never complained, unlike
some people.” He looked over at Pippin, who shifted
uncomfortably in his Hobbit-sized chair when Merry
made that last statement.
“Hobbits really are amazing creatures,” Legolas said,
rescuing Pippin from further embarrassment.
“My father was right,” Gimli agreed, “they possess
courage and spirit equal to the greatest warriors of
all times” The three Hobbits blushed scarlet at these
unexpected compliments, and even though they insisted
it was because of fine wine they were given, everyone
knew better.