Chapter Twenty: Running into the Arms of Love

Frodo ran into his parent’s arms as though he was a child, not a hobbit of a century and a half. And it was as a child that Drogo and Primula embraced him. The reunion was joyful and the embrace long, the laughs so strong and happy, the kisses and words so tender and loving, kisses that waited so be bestowed and felt, words spoken over the years but now directly to the ones meant instead of at a grave or looking up at the stars. “I love you” and “I missed you” and “I am so proud of you.”

Then after a very long while, Frodo turned from his parents and buried himself in the embrace of his three dearest cousins, the one he always called Uncle and those he considered brothers. The lights of them all mingled and merged and such was paradise for the hobbits, but still a greater joy awaited. Frodo looked at Sam who held Rosie, then out into the brightness and love that surrounded him. His own brilliant light was lost in the Light that surrounded him, in the Love that immersed him in another embrace. Frodo ran into that embrace just as eagerly as he had into his parents’ arms. For he was not just the beloved child of Drogo and Primula, but of Another.

The voice of Iluvatar filled his heart and soul, leaving him filled with such exultant joy, drowned in such unimaginably deep Love. Sam heard it also and felt the same embrace.

Well done, good and faithful servants.