For the birthdays of TwentiethCenturyVole, Poppymuddyfoot, and Cookiefleck.
Promise to the Departing
Frodo sat by Bilbo’s bed, holding his hand. “I’ve found the Sea comforting. It bore me here to my healing, and has washed away my fears. Its rhythms sing peace to my spirit. Its colors delight me, and its bounty feeds me. I rejoice when it’s calm, and dance when it’s stirred by storms.
“One day I pray it will bear Sam here so I won’t continue the only mortal living within Valinor. Eru willing, I’ll tarry until he chooses whether or not to come. Then we will rejoin you.”
“Good!” breathed the old Hobbit, and smiling, released his spirit.