Speaking of Death Omens

            “They say that crossing rivers is symbolic of dying,” Frodo said quietly, looking at the waterway that ran from the vale in which Elrond and his beloved Celebrían now made their home.

            Bilbo snorted.  “And we Hobbits of the Shire have always looked on the Sea as the same.  Doesn’t make it so.”

            Frodo was searching his older cousin’s eyes earnestly.  “But I do feel as if indeed I died when I crossed the Anduin.  And it took crossing the Sea to bring me back to life once more.” 

            And at that he smiled, that brilliant smile Bilbo so prized.