My eyes gaze over the Shire. My vision is blurred from the tears that spring to my eyes. I am sure that as you read this, you can see the tearstains on the paper. I am leaving. Since the day I was born, a call has been on my life. Nay, before I was born, the call has been there. My Creator had a plan for me, and now I must make a choice. Do I follow his will, or do I stay in comfort?

I cannot stay. I don't expect you to understand; however, I will explain it anyway. I cannot stay because if I do, I will have to live with the knowledge that I denied Iluvatar, my Creator, what I owe him; I selfishly kept myself from Him and from you. I know this means that I must leave you all. I must leave questions unanswered, ends untied. I wish you could crawl inside me and feel the pain I feel about leaving you. It hurts so much, that often I feel physically sick. You can't know what I feel, so perhaps this letter will allow you to taste the bitterness of my heart.

I have steeled myself for this mission because it is my duty. My Creator gave me a life I did not deserve. Who am I to withold that which is his when he asks it of me? I hope you understand what I am telling you. I pray that you will not feel the pain as sharply as I feel it. Take care of yourselves, dear ones.

Sam, I know this will rip your heart to shreds. I cannot beg your forgiveness enough. Just know that my heart is also in shards.

Merry, dear Merry, this is the second time I leave you without warning. How can I be doing this to you? I do not know. I am simply following my Creator. I pray that He will take care of you.

Pippin-lad, take care of Merry and keep yourself out of trouble. You have always been a little beam of sunshine to me. I will carry your memory for the dark road ahead.

I will carry all your love and memory with me. I love you all, and pray that I will see you again.

I love you more than words can tell.

Love,

Your Frodo   

Dearest Readers and Friends,

This letter is fanfiction, but it is also my farewell to you.

I must leave Stories of Arda, or at least leave being an author. Everything in the letter is true for me. It grieves my heart beyond words to have to post this. But I must.

I do not condemn anyone on SOA for being here. But right now I believe that God is calling me away for awhile. Prayerfully, it is only for a while. I will still read your works, but not as often. I will not be posting stories of my own. I know that I have left you all on some cliffs. If you request it, I will  relieve you of your positon. :)

A special farewell to Antane, Eleanor, and Queen Galadriel, as fellow fanfiction authors. I will still continue correspondance with you outside of SOA.

I love all my readers and will sincerely miss your reviews.

I thought I ought to offer an explanation rather than drop off into the oblivion.

Namarie!

God Bless,

Frodo Baggins of the Shire