A/N:  Two big thank you's, one for Dreamflower who was my beta.  The other goes out to Llinos, whose suggestions I took to heart for my poem.  I didn't have time to make all the changes you recommended, but I did incorporate some of them :)

IN MEMORY OF FRODO

Sam sighed sadly as he stepped into his home and looked around. Yes, Bag End was now his home, and had been for two months now; he could still scarcely believe it.

As it was now one week into Foreyule, decorations adorned the living area of the large smial. Red and green ribbon adorned the mantelpiece, and the edges of the main door as it opened into the smial, and the kitchen and hall doorways as they led off into the interior. A wreath of pine branches was nailed above the fireplace, and blue candles in silver candle-holders were placed on either end of the mantelpiece. Wood holders filled with pine cones were placed at the farthest corners of the living room, adding a nice, spicy aroma to the holiday atmosphere. Sprigs of holly branches were attached to the corners of the doors, and a twig of mistletoe hung in the shadowed, far right corner of the room.

The first two years back, Merry and Pippin had celebrated at Brandy Hall and Great Smials, respectively, whereas Sam had celebrated the first year back with his Gaffer and Marigold (Marigold hadn't married Tom yet); the second year had been spent at the Cotton's with Frodo, Rosie and her family. Now this year, the remaining Travellers decided they would celebrate together, in Frodo's home, surrounded by memories of their cousin and master. Rosie and the baby would spend the first two and the last two days of Yuletide at Bag End with her husband and the two bachelor cousins; then, they were set to spend first and second Yule with her parents, Jolly and Nibs. The rest of her brothers were spending Yule with their wives' families. It would be just the remaining three Travellers, left alone to fend for themselves domestically, which meant that Sam would be doing most of the preparations for the feasting, since he was the best cook out of the three. Merry and Pippin were fair cooks in their own right, and cooked often for their lasses. 

Sam took off his cloak and placed it on its peg, then stepped into the living area. He wondered, not for the first time, if it had been a mistake to decorate this year, seeing as how Mr. Frodo was no longer here. But he had dismissed that idea as soon as it had come to him. After all, Yule had been Frodo's favourite time of the year, and he would want the inhabitants of Bag End to celebrate it. Mr. Frodo had not died, so mourning at a time like this had seemed very inappropriate.

Shaking off his melancholy, Sam strode into the kitchen, wrapped his arms around Rose's waist and kissed the back of her head. "I'm back, love; when's dinner?"

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Pippin sat in Merry's study, chewing on the end of a graphite stick. He was trying to write a letter to the lass he was courting, Begonia Burrows, but for once, the words would not come. He usually waxed poetic when writing to Begonia; that was one of the things that had won her heart, that Pippin would pour his feelings into words so effortlessly. But now, his mind seemed to have dried up. Where was Merry when he needed him? Merry could always think of the right words.

Sighing, Pippin finally balled up the parchment he had been writing on, and tossed it into the trash. He didn't know what he could possibly write that would make up for the last conversation they had had. Before Frodo had left, Pippin and Begonia had planned on joining his family for Yule that year, and Begonia had been very excited about the prospect. ((She was a very social hobbitess, and she had looked forward eagerly to meeting the large family that had ensconced themselves at Great Smials. She was normally a very sweet-natured person as well; she didn't like confrontation, and usually would agree to any change of plans that presented itself along the way. But when Pippin had tried to explain to her that he, Merry and Sam wanted to celebrate Yule quietly at Bag End this year, she had not understood. Not only were they no longer spending Yule at Great Smials; she was not invited to attend at Bag End with Pippin, and that had hurt her deeply. She couldn't understand why Rosie could be there and not her. Pippin had tried to explain that Sam and Rosie had lived at Bag End with Frodo for a time, so she was considered family. Begonia, on the other hand, had never even met Frodo.

Pippin scowled to himself. He and Begonia had been getting along just fine up until now, and he had even fancied himself in love for the first time in his short life. It was times like these that he envied Merry's choice of lass in Estella. Estella never pushed Merry to spend time with her, understanding that he and Pippin needed time to themselves at Crickhollow due to their experiences during the Quest. Begonia did understand, for the most part, but at times could prettily pout in order to garner more of Pippin's attention and time. Maybe it was the difference in age; after all, Begonia was only twenty-eight, three years Pippin's junior, while Estella was thirty-six, having come of age three years ago. At any rate, if she didn't come around soon, Pippin was afraid he was going to have to call things off with Begonia, and that never reflected well on a lass.

Oh well. He knew that spending Yule this year at Bag End, with only Sam and Merry, would be the way of it. The three remaining Travellers needed this respite in order to take a deep breath and take the time to remember Frodo properly. Of course there had been no funeral. A memorial would have been wasted on the other hobbits of the Shire, since it would have only mattered to the three of them; the three who knew what it had been like out in the wide world. They had all been so busy after Frodo had left, that they hadn't been able to properly take some time aside, just the three of them, to reminisce about their good friend and cousin. Sam had been busy with his little family, and in tying up all the legal matters pertaining to Bag End. Merry had his duties and training as the Master of Buckland's apprentice, as well as his courtship of Estella, whom he had started seeing about a year ago. Pippin also had to put his time in with his studies and work as the Thain's assistant, in preparation for his future duties. And he had been getting to know Begonia, whom he had met during the Free Fair during Lithe this past summer. They needed to take this time, so that they could properly move on from here.

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Merry whistled a tune as he walked down the corridor towards his father's study. He had received a letter from Estella from the post an hour ago, and he was feeling fine. How lucky was he to have landed such a stellar lass as Estella? Maybe he would even marry her one day!

Not even the impending confrontation with his father could dampen his spirits. He knew that Saradoc couldn't hold anything over him, since he had been of age for six years now, but standing in front of his irate father always seemed to make him feel like he was a little lad of twelve again, with his hands caught in Farmer Maggot's mushroom patch. Today, however, he wasn’t going to take any guff from his father, no matter how stern Saradoc tried to be. After all, he was a grown gentlehobbit!

If anyone could understand why Merry wanted to spend this Yule alone with Sam and Pippin, Saradoc should have been able to. He had been Frodo’s foster-father for nearly ten years, raising him as his own along with Merry. He and Esmeralda had always been close with their younger cousin, doing everything in their power to make him feel welcome and loved within their little family. But then again, what it always came down to was the fact that neither Saradoc nor Esmeralda had been on the Quest, and could not know what intense bonding occurred between already close hobbits. Nobody could understand, except for the Fellowship, and the only ones of that exclusive group in the Shire right now were Merry, Pippin and Sam. For goodness' sake, even Estella understood! Why couldn’t his father see reason? 

Before he knew it, Merry was faced with the door to his father’s study. Taking a deep breath, he knocked twice. "Enter", came the deep voice from within. Merry steeled himself as he turned the doorknob and walked into the study.

Miracle of all miracles, Saradoc was smiling as he got up from behind his desk and approached his son. Also, there was another person present for this meeting that Merry thought was only between him and his father; his mother was sitting off to the side on the sofa that was placed in here for less formal meetings.

"Merry! We’re so glad you’re here." Saradoc enveloped his son in a huge bear-hug, which wasn’t hard to do, given Saradoc’s size. "Have a seat next to your mother, Son." Merry tentatively walked towards his mother and the sofa, not knowing what kind of greeting to expect from her, after having voiced her opinion quite adamantly on what she thought of Merry spending Yule away from Brandy Hall this year.

Esmeralda got up and embraced her son, clinging to him like a drowning hobbit to a life preserver. She started crying softly as she released her son. "Merry, your father and I have been acting badly. We’ve come to the conclusion that you won’t disappear on us like …. like you did three years ago." She gave Merry a watery smile as she sat back down. Merry sat down next to her, holding her hands in his and looking her in the eye.

"Mum, of course I won’t just ‘disappear’…. I thought you understood why we left so suddenly that time. I thought that was all behind us."

"We do, Son," Saradoc said. Merry looked at his father questioningly. "In our heads, we know that what you had to do was for the benefit of all of Middle Earth, and that you couldn’t leave Frodo to bear the burden alone. We understand that, and have understood that since you first came home and explained everything. It’s our hearts that are having a hard time moving on, Merry. That first Yule you were gone…. Why, we didn’t know if you were even alive, let alone where you were." Esmeralda made a strangled sound, and Merry put his arm around her and rubbed her shoulder. "Then your first Yule back, we were so grateful that we had you and your cousins back with us that we didn’t even think to be angry at you. Last Yule was more like old times, since everything was back to normal by then. We were just hoping for a repeat of last year, that’s all. And then Frodo up and left again…." Saradoc swallowed hard, and tried to subdue his anger for Merry’s sake. According to Merry, Frodo had had no choice; he was in poor health, and he could receive healing from the Elves. However, the manner of his leaving left much to be desired, in Saradoc’s opinion. Instead of saying proper farewells to people who would sorely miss him, he just up and left without even telling Merry and Pippin that he was leaving! It was like a repeat of him leaving for the Quest all over again… except this time, he went alone, and he would not be returning.

"It’s mad, I know," Esmeralda said, "yet we were half –expecting you and Pippin to follow Frodo, just like you did last time. I know that you can't follow Frodo where he's gone this time; but the fear is there all the same. Still," Esme smiled at her son," it's time that we learned to let go a bit. After all, you are thirty-nine years old, and on your way to marriage, it seems to me." Merry blushed. "So we're going to have to loosen our ties sometime, and now is just as good a time as any. Go spend Yule at Bag End, Merry, with Pippin and Sam. Go with our blessing, and we hope that it will help bring you peace. I only wish, "she murmured, half to herself, "that your father and I could get some peace as well. We loved Frodo dearly."

"And he loved you," Merry said gently. "He wasn't even going to say goodbye to me, Mum, and I'm probably the closest one to him, besides Bilbo and Sam. I don't agree with how he left, either, but apparently he felt that that was the way to go about it. I still get angry at him sometimes, Mum. I thought that if I could spend time alone, with Pippin and Sam, at Bag End, surrounded by memories of Frodo, that perhaps I would at last come to some kind of peace about it. Does that make any sense?"

"Yes, it does," Saradoc said. "Forgive us, son, for making things more difficult for you than they had to be."

"I understand," Merry replied in his cheerful manner. "As long as you understand why I have to do this."

"We do," Esmeralda assured her son. "We'll miss you, of course, and Pippin as well. Estella will miss you too, " she added cheekily. Any mention of Estella never failed to elicit a blush from Merry.

"I'll miss you, and her, as well," grinned Merry. "I promise that next year, I will spend the entire month of Foreyule here, at Brandy Hall, whether or not I'm still living at Crickhollow. Agreed?"

"Agreed!" his parents both chorused as one.

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Sam sat in Frodo's study, behind the huge, polished walnut desk, tapping his teeth with his quill. He was preparing for Merry and Pippin's stay a week from now, and he wanted everything to be just perfect. He had the menu for the six days drawn up and set aside to his right. In front of him, he was writing up his surprise on ten separate pieces of paper. He hoped that his friends wouldn't be above such yule traditions. The gentry differed decidedly from the working class on how they celebrated yule, and this was one of the things he hoped they wouldn't turn up their noses at. Well, Frodo went along with it last year, so what was good enough for Frodo would have to be good enough for his cousins.

Today Sam had been busy. He had went to market to buy all the foodstuffs he would require for six days, and stocked the pantry full. He had cut down the tree that was to be used for the yule log, and it was lying in the little copse of woods on Bag End's property waiting to be hauled to the hearth on the day before 1st Yule for the annual burning. He had finished decorating the outside of Bag-End with garland and ribbons of gold, silver and blue. The pathway leading up to Bag End from the road was lined with paper lanterns, waiting to be lit on the evenings before 1st Yule and 2nd Yule. The two fir trees flanking the right side of Bag End were adorned with red garland and a silver star at the tops, signifying, of course, Earendil's star. A small spruce tree had been cut and put into a stand near the hearth in the living room, and would be decorated with many walnut shells filled with oil and a wick in preparation for its lighting on the first eve of Merry and Pippin's arrival. The walnut shells had already been prepared, and were just waiting for the oil and the wicks to be added. Right now, the little spruce tree was decorated with a string of cranberries that had been grown in the marshes in Long Cleeve.

Sam was finally taking a much-needed rest. He was a bit nervous, truth be told, about Merry and Pippin's arrival. He wanted everything to be perfect. He wondered how the absence of Frodo was going to affect the three of them. He had always been a bit shy around the two cousins. Of course, he and Frodo had been very comfortable around each other by the time they arrived home from the Quest. But Merry and Pippin still managed to make him feel subservient. It wasn't that they treated him like a servant; no, quite the opposite. They were very relaxed and friendly, going out of their way to make Sam feel at home around them. They were always joking and light-hearted around him. But it was hard for Sam to break old habits. He hadn't been through the same experiences with them as he had with Frodo. Frodo had been like a brother to Sam in the end, even though they were master and servant. With what the two of them had been through, it couldn't be any other way. Merry and Pippin still remained mysteries to him. After all, they were the heirs of the two most powerful families in the Shire, and that fact served to make Sam self-conscious. He knew, though, that once the two cousins had arrived that he would relax. They had a way about them that put others at their ease..... even anxious gardeners. 

Sam started to relax in spite of himself. The busyness of the day had taken its toll, and Sam was exhausted. He only realized it as he sat here, finally allowing his body and mind to rest. He would sleep well tonight. Good thing, too, because he still had a lot to do before the cousins arrived.

Elanor's soft crying from her bedroom intruded on Sam's thoughts, and he smiled. This may be the first Yule without Mr. Frodo, but it was also Elanor's very first Yule... something to celebrate, indeed. One could not forgot the joy along with the bittersweet.

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Pippin had finally got his letter written to Begonia; he hoped that she would come around and see reason. The decision had already been made to have her spend Yule with her family while he was at Bag End, but the lass could surely argue herself blue. His letter was full of promises to make it up to her, partly by agreeing to help plan her birthday party in Solmath and to hold it at Crickhollow. Merry and Pippin were renowned for their parties since coming home from the Quest, and Begonia made it plain that if she and Pippin were to spend Yule apart, then her birthday was to be something special, and a grand party would help make it so.

Pippin was definitely having second thoughts about his lass. She seemed like a different person these past few weeks; she used to be so thoughtful and accommodating, but lately she seemed very self-absorbed. Begonia was an only child, so she was used to getting her way; she was the apple of her father's eye, and she could do no wrong. She was probably complaining about Pippin to him right now. Her mother had died five years ago, so it was just the two of them; they only had each other to turn to, and it never took much cajoling to get her father to see her point of view. That was how she had convinced him to let Pippin court her; she wore him down by pleading with him day after day, until he finally relented. Of course, the fact that Pippin was the Thain's son didn't hurt, either, nor did his reputation as one of the captains of the Battle of Bywater.

At any rate, Pippin had plenty to keep his mind occupied leading up to Yule. Today he was going to Bucklebury to shop for gifts. He already had gifts for his mother, father and sisters, but they wouldn't be receiving them until the night of the twelfth of Afteryule, commonly called Twelfth Night in that it was the twelfth night of the New Year. It was traditionally a day spent only with the immediate family for a more intimate celebration... including, of course, more feasting and drinking! 

Pippin sobered as he thought of his idea, and wondered how the others would react.... if they would think he had cracked. He certainly didn't want to offend anyone, but he felt that he had to do it. It was just symbolic, of course, and wasn't this the whole reason they were getting together like this to begin with? To remember Frodo from years gone by, and to pay tribute to the great sacrifice that he had made, for not only the Shire, but the whole of Middle-earth.

Deciding that he didn't care what the others thought, Pippin tucked his thoughts about Frodo's gift in the back of his mind, and prepared to shop.

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Merry sighed contentedly as he surveyed his work. He had started it on the day after Frodo left, and had just added the finishing touches to it a few moments ago. More than two full months of effort had gone into it, and he was proud of the result.

After he had seen Pippin off to Bucklebury, Merry had gone into his study and retrieved the secret from his locked, bottom drawer. He knew that Pippin used his study at times, so he made sure this had been locked safely away. He wanted it to be a surprise for everybody on 1st Yule. As he studied his creation, his thoughts flew back to two and a half years ago....

He and Frodo had been sitting in the house provided to them in Minas Tirith. Both sat with their feet up on an ottoman, lazily smoking their pipes. It was windy outside, and the green draperies billowed slightly as the breeze blew gently. Merry and Frodo had the house to themselves today. Pippin was on duty, and Sam was out shopping for food supplies, as the food had run low, trying to keep four hobbits constantly fed. Aragorn and Gandalf were off somewhere; they had been very secretive about where they were going. Legolas and Gimli were off exploring one of the lower levels, taking notes as to what kind of work needed to be done once the Elves and Dwarves arrived to help with the stonemasonry and the gardening.

"What are you thinking about, Meriadoc?" Frodo asked pleasantly, blowing a smoke ring into the air.

Merry smiled at Frodo. "I'm thinking about what life will be like when we get back home. Especially what it will be like for you. After all you've been through, to finally get home and get on with your life again... especially without that cursed Thing preying on your thoughts. It must have had an effect on you, after having it all those years, Frodo. I'll bet that things will feel vastly different. Maybe you'll even find a sweet lass to settle down with. I seem to remember Pippin's sister Pearl giving you the eye," Merry winked.

Something flickered across Frodo's features; was it unease? "Yes, I'm sure things will be different than they were before," Frodo replied carefully. "Looking back, I can see the effect the Ring had on my life... very subtle things. Like the fact that I didn't feel comfortable with the idea of courting a lass. It was like the Ring was very jealous of my affections. It even affected my relationships with you and Pippin. I only allowed you to get just so close, and then I'd pull back. It was like what happened when I was planning to leave the Shire, how I kept you all at arm's length for fear that you'd figure something out. And you did, too... you're too clever by half, Merry."

"Well, now Its influence will no longer be gnawing at you. Don't you already feel so much freer without it?"

"Yes.... and no. In a way, it feels like a limb has been amputated. I was so used to It being there, and now that it's not... Don't get me wrong, I feel tremendous relief that the Thing is no longer around my neck. It was a very heavy burden, especially at the end. But during those seventeen years that I had it, it very insidiously insinuated itself into my thoughts. I feel relief, yes... but I also feel less whole, more damaged. I feel.... like I'm being pulled in two different directions. I don't know......" Frodo's voice faded into the silence.

"You don't know what, Frodo?" Merry asked, concerned.

"I don't know if I'll ever be fully healed."

Merry brought himself back to the present. Tears welled in his eyes as he gazed at his finished product. If only Frodo were here to see this.... but it was not to be, could never be, and wasn't worth crying over. Merry angrily dashed his tears away, berating himself for being an idiot. He almost found himself destroying the thing, but stopped himself in shock. Trembling, he sat down in his chair, put his face in his hands, and sobbed his misery away.

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"Mr. Merry! Mr. Pippin! Come in, come in, dinner is almost ready." Rosie greeted the two hobbits cheerily as she led them into Bag End, taking their cloaks and scarves. Merry and Pippin swept the snow off of their feet, and entered the smial.

"It smells so good in here, Rosie; what is it we're having for dinner? Pippin asked cheerily.

"We're having roast pork, Mr. Pippin," Rosie replied pleasantly.

"Oh, Rosie, come now... it's just Merry and Pippin. Please?" Pippin flashed Rosie his most charming grin, and she practically melted underneath it.

"Of course, M.... Pippin. We're also having cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, mashed and boiled potatoes, and carrots. For dessert, we have apple pie with clotted cream."

"Oh sounds heavenly," Merry sighed. "After two days of travelling in the cold snow, it is most inviting."

Merry and Pippin had stabled their ponies back at the Ivy Bush before they had showed up at the door with their packs. Both automatically made their way to 'their' room, the room they always shared when staying at Bag End.

After they had safely hidden their gifts away (under the beds), Merry and Pippin tumbled back out into the kitchen and immediately put themselves underfoot, trying to sample all of the food that Rosie was trying to lay out before they all sat down. Sam smiled to himself to see it; they might be all grown up, but the two cousins still had their childish ways about them. Even Merry, who lately had been exhibiting signs of settling down and becoming the responsible hobbit he was born to be. Pippin, of course, was still two years from his majority, so any tweenish behaviour on his part was often dismissed by any adults who happened to be nearby. Frodo's presence had always seemed to calm Pippin, and Sam noticed that ever since Frodo's departure, Pippin seemed more tightly wound than was his usual wont. He had been chattering more, and fidgeted more. He had always had excess energy, but more so these past few months. Merry was sometimes a calming influence, but lately more often than not Pippin's excess energy seemed to transfer itself to Merry whenever the two were together, and what one wound up with were two very talkative, mobile young hobbits.

The family and the visitors gathered around the table for the first Yuletide feast. Little Elanor was sitting happily in her high-chair. She was a very mild-mannered child, and dutifully waited until everyone was seated before she looked to her mum with wide, brown eyes, pointed to the roast and clearly said, "El eat!"

"A woman after my own heart," Pippin laughed heartily before he took the first helping of mashed potatoes and slathered it with gravy. Every one else immediately tucked in after that; no one could ever beat Pippin to food.

The conversation was very cheerful and light-hearted during the meal. Rosie was a fabulous cook, and Merry and Pippin couldn't stop complimenting her on her food. Sam filled everyone in on his family. The Gamgees were all able to celebrate together this Yule, all but Sam. The Gaffer was hosting at Number 3 for the entire six days. Hamson, Halfred, Daisy and May had brought all of their children with them for a total of ten little hobbits under the same roof. Marigold and Tom didn't have any children yet, so they were just bringing themselves. It was going to be very crowded at Number 3 Bagshot Row for the coming week. Rosie was looking forward to spending First and Second Yule with her immediate family. Everyone except Tom, who was going to be at the Gamgees, would be there this year. Both of Rosie's parents were still living, so it would be her, Elanor, the families of Nick and Nibs, and Jolly, who was still a confirmed bachelor. Another full household, but with more room than the Gamgees since they were a large farmhouse and all.

Pippin's family was spread out all over the West Farthing. His sisters were all spending Yule away from Great Smials, to be with their husbands' families this year. Pippin's parents were in charge of all festivities taking place at Great Smials, but Second Yule would see an intimate gathering of Eglantine, Paladin and Eglantine's brothers. Merry's parents would be responsible for various activities planned for the entirety of Brandy Hall, but Second Yule would be spent with Saradoc's brother Merimac and his family.

Sam was thoroughly enjoying the companionship. He knew that Frodo's presence would be missed more as the holiday wore on, but tonight, the mood was very festive. Tonight, the walnut lamps would be lit on the little tree in the living room, and the presents would be laid to rest underneath until first Yule, two days hence. He wondered how hard it was going to be to keep Elanor from unwrapping everything until then. She was a well-behaved child, and knew the meaning of 'no', so it probably wouldn't be too much of a problem. If it was, then the presents would just be put away until time to exchange them.

The evening continued along pleasantly enough. Sam, Merry and Pippin did the cleaning up after the meal while Rosie took Elanor into the living area to play with her for a bit. Rosie smiled as she heard the hobbits raise their voices in song, Pippin's clear high voice melding with Merry's smooth baritone and Sam's deep bass.

Dinner grand now is done,

Guests have to the parlour gone,

Take out your pipes and pinch a smoke,

Thank your host, he is a good bloke!

Singing songs and drinking ale,

Giving thanks for health so hale,

Children's voices raised so sweet,

Little ones asleep at your feet.

Night time falls, light has fled,

Songs turn to stories as children seek their bed

Stars come out, fire burns low,

Conversations ebb and flow.

Another day has come and gone

The grown-ups finally stretch and yawn

Sleep falls softly, bathed in moonbeams

Good night, dear ones, pleasant dreams.

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After the washing up was done, and the kitchen made presentable, the male hobbits sat at the kitchen table and made walnut lamps by filling the walnut shell-halves with sunflower oil and placing a small, cut wick in each. As each was finished, each one was lit with a piece of kindling from the fireplace, and carefully put on a branch of the small spruce tree in the parlour. Elanor had been put down to sleep, so there was no danger of her crawling over to burn herself. The lamps would be watched closely throughout the evening, and put out before bedtime so that there was no danger of a fire starting.

The hobbits joined Rosie in the parlour after the lamps were all lit, and sat for a few minutes just admiring the tree. The flames gave off a soft, yellow glow and gave the illusion of light hovering over the branches without touching. Wax was a mite expensive, and although Sam could now afford such luxuries, old habits die hard, and he still tried to do the frugal thing, and so had opted for walnut shells instead of candles.

Sam, Merry and Pippin had pulled out their pipes and were silently puffing on them, having filled them with Sam's Longbottom Leaf. Rosie silently sat by the hearth, mending by the firelight. Snow was coming down lightly outside, sprinkling the ground and trees with a temporary white blanket. The little parlour was filled with warmth and the light from the tree and fireplace. All was at peace.

Pippin broke the silence. "Do you remember where we were on Yule during the Quest?" he asked softly, hesitant to break the spell. The subject of the Quest was always a sacred one for the hobbits, and never spoken of lightly. Pippin knew that by asking, he would be bringing up memories of Frodo in the process, and that was his intent. That was why the three of them were gathering here this year. Somebody had to be the first to bring it up, and it was no surprise that it was Pippin who did so.

"I remember," Merry replied quietly. He glanced at Rosie. "We were five days out of Rivendell, and the weather had held up pretty well for the time of year. It was cold, but clear. I didn't know it yet, but we were about halfway to Hollin. The night had been pleasant; Pippin, you and I spent a lot of time talking to Boromir and getting to know him, I remember. Gimli was pretty unapproachable and quiet; he kept to himself, at least at first. Legolas was friendly, but distant, as Elves are."

Sam piped up, "I remember just spending most of those first days with Mr. Frodo, trying to make sure all his needs were getting met. That was my job, o'course, him being my master and all. I remember Strider being mighty preoccupied with Mr. Frodo as well, making sure he understood what direction we were taking and why. I also remember that Mr. Frodo seemed hopeful those first few days, before Caradhras and before Moria. The rest in Rivendell had certainly done him good; it had done everybody good."

"Yes," Merry said. "I kept thinking that Yule was Frodo's favourite time of year, and how unlucky it was that we were starting out on the Quest during that time. It would have been better if we could have celebrated in Rivendell, all nice, safe and cosy... and warm. But it was not to be.

"Anyway... we had a good couple of hours to go before stopping to sleep, and we had been walking all that night since sundown. We were all tired, hungry, and more than a little cranky. I think it had slipped all our minds what day it was... all except for Frodo, of course. The four of us hobbits were all bunched in the middle, as we usually were... Gandalf, Aragorn, and Gimli were in front, Legolas and Boromir behind us. All of a sudden, Frodo broke out in song, with one of my favourite Yuletide songs:

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?

In the lane, snow is glistening,

A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight,

Walking in a winter wonderland.

Gone away is the bluebird,

Here to stay is the new bird,

He sings a love song

As we go along,

Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snow hobbit,

And pretend that he is Mayor Brown,

He'll say are you married, we'll say not yet,

But you can do the job when you're in town,

Later on, we'll conspire,

As we dream by the fire,

To face unafraid

The plans that we made,

Walking in a winter wonderland.

"We all joined in, of course, by the second verse. That started a whole round of song, for the remainder of the time that we walked until we set camp."

Pippin said, "It's what happened next that I remember the most clearly. Frodo approached us at the fire after supper, and after everyone had laid out their beds for the day. Gandalf and Aragorn had first watch, so we hobbits were preparing to retire as well. Frodo surprised us by giving us each a very smooth, flat, shiny stone. They all matched the colour of our eyes; mine was emerald green, Merry's was blue, and Sam, yours was chocolate brown. He had found those stones in Rivendell, polished glistening smooth from the River Bruinen. I'll never forget that, that he remembered us like that, in the midst of all the planning and activity that was going on then."

"Do you all still have those stones?" Rosie asked.

"I do," Sam said. "It survived the entire march to Mordor and back."

"Ours didn't," Merry replied sadly. "They were in our packs when the Uruk-hai attacked, and got left behind in Parth Galen." 

Silence ensued for a few moments, each hobbit lost in his/her own thoughts. Then the story-telling started up again, with Rosie joining in. Memories throughout the years were looked back on, laughed over fondly, and wept over. After a couple of hours, the lights on the tree were doused, and the gifts were brought out and put under the tree. The Yule holiday had begun.

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The next day, which was the day before 1st Yule, dawned clear and bright. Sam was up before everybody else, shovelling the slush that had started to melt in the walkway. The day was already beginning to be warmer than it was the day before, and all of the snow that had fallen during the night had almost all disappeared. Elanor woke Rosie around eight o'clock, and she walked into the kitchen which was wafting with scents of breakfast. Merry and Pippin had risen earlier than was their usual wont to make breakfast for everybody. Rosie threw a grateful arm around Merry's waist as she walked in with Elanor tucked into her arm.

"Thank you," she murmured sleepily. "We needed this little lie-in."

"Our pleasure," Pippin announced happily as he flipped an egg to its uncooked side. "After all that you and Sam are doing for us this visit, it's the least we could do."

"Now go into the parlour and tend to Elanor. We'll let you know when it's ready," Merry said as he gave Rosie a squeeze. "When do you leave for your parents'?"

"Jolly is picking me up with a cart a little before tea-time," Rosie replied. "I'm already packed for the two days Elanor and I will be gone. I hope you lads will be all right, here on your own," Rosie worried. "I know you've all been on your own before, but .... "

"We'll be just fine," Merry soothed. "Pippin and I have done for ourselves for quite awhile now. As to the food, well, we all took our turns during the Quest cooking and feeding for a troupe of nine, and Sam is the best cook out of all of us, so I promise that we won't burn down the smial."

Rosie tweaked Merry's nose. "Oh, I wasn't worried about that. I just worry about the little things; like whether or not Sam can find his hairbrush or not. I'm sure you'll be all right... and you need this time, too."

Pippin turned around as he transferred sausage from the pan to a plate. " Yes, I think we do. You know, last night I was lying awake, thinking...."

"There's a first," Merry joked.

Pippin swatted him. "Anyway, I was wondering if Frodo knows it's Yule where he is, and if the Elves do anything special for Yuletide. I'm sure that Bilbo will remember, and that he'll make sure something hobbity is done to celebrate. I wonder if he'll be thinking of us, the same way we're thinking of him." Pippin's eyes grew unfocused, and Merry hurriedly grabbed the plate of sausages before they tumbled to the floor.

"Steady on, Pip!" Merry exclaimed, and Pippin jolted back to reality. He had tears in his eyes as he looked at Merry. "Oh, Pip, I 'm sure he's thinking of us," Merry said as he placed a hand on Pippin's shoulder. "How could he not? It's his favourite time of year, and we're not there to spend it with him. I'm sure he's happy, but I'm sure he's missing the Shire about now as well. Bilbo's with him, and he'll make sure Frodo doesn't get too lonely or melancholy. Frodo did live with him for twelve years, after all, and he'll know what to do to make this time of year special for him."

Pippin rubbed his eyes. "I hope so; I just think of him surrounded by all those aloof elves, trying to find someone to drink ale with and sing songs. At least Gandalf is there, so he'll have someone to smoke a pipe with." Pippin shook himself. "I'm sorry; these moods come on me out of nowhere sometimes. Let's call Sam in, for breakfast is ready!"

At the mention of food, everybody's heart got a little lighter. Rosie went to call Sam, and Merry and Pippin finished getting the table ready.

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As soon as breakfast ended, the day started getting chillier, until it started to snow again. Later that afternoon, Odo Twofoot came around with a sleigh, offering rides to anybody in the neighbourhood of the Hill. Rosie bundled up Elanor, and she, Merry and Pippin took a ride while Sam stayed behind and finished wrapping the gifts that Rosie would be taking with her to her parents' home. The day was a gorgeous day for a sleigh ride. The sun was shining, the sky was the colour of periwinkles, and a few white, cottony clouds dotted the sky. The day was cold, but clear after the morning snowfall. Weather could be very changeable in the Shire, especially during the winter months.

At about three-thirty, Jolly arrived to cart Rosie, Elanor and the gifts away. Rosie kissed Merry and Pippin on the cheeks, her husband on the mouth, and then was off for the two days of Yule at the Cotton Farm. Sam looked wistfully after the cart as it drove away, carrying his family with it. Merry put a hand on Sam's shoulder.

"They'll be back before you know it, Sam," Merry said.

"Aye, I know it, Mr. Merry."

"Now, Sam there will be none of the 'Mistering' and 'Mastering' for the next couple of days, all right? Let's go and warm up with some tea."

The three hobbits walked back into the warmth of the smial, and took in the scents of baking and cooking. Sam had been busy today. Not only had he wrapped the gifts for the Cottons, but he had also baked pies, bread, cookies, and had started the ham that would be cooking all evening long, just to be warmed up the following day. He didn't have a huge crowd to feed, but it was Merry and Pippin, so a lot of food was needed.

After tea, Merry and Pippin helped Sam bring in the Yule log that had been sitting outside under a blanket for the past two days. It had been kept dry for the most part; any wetness that got through would just serve to make it burn that much longer. The tradition was for the log to burn for at least twelve hours.  Sam brought out the chunk of wood that had been saved from last year, and with his striker lit the kindling surrounding the log once it was in the hearth. Before long a raging fire was burning, keeping the chill of the evening and night at bay.

As the sun started to dip below the horizon, Sam lit the candles hidden within the paper lanterns lining the walkway from the main road to Bag End. Rosie had taken pride in making these lanterns. She had cut the designs in them, through which the candles' flames would show. Some were designs of a log burning, some were wreaths, and some were a star. There were about fifteen lanterns in all, and they emanated a cheerful glow in the gathering dark.

That night, the hobbits gathered in the kitchen for left-overs, warmed up roast pork. There was quite a lot, so there was plenty for three very hungry hobbits. Sam had also prepared some of Pippin's favourite finger food: scallions rolled in slices of ham and creamed cheese, which was a special sort of cheese.... a delicacy, and hard to make.  But Sam knew how, and did it brilliantly. It was one of the skills he had learned while they lived in Minas Tirith. It took some special ingredients that had to be imported from Rohan, but it was well-worth the expense. There were also rolls and cookies to be had, as well as three freshly baked pies: apple, blackberry and cherry. The blackberry and cherry had been prepared with preserves made up during the summer.

Sated, the three friends sat in the parlour, by the glow of the Yule log. Satisfied and content, Pippin let out a healthy belch. "Oh, that was so good," he said pleasantly.

Merry smirked. "Yes, and some of us have to be more vocal about it than others, I suppose."

Sam laughed. He was starting to relax around these gentry cousins of Mister Frodo's. It always took him awhile to warm up to them, not for any lack of friendliness on their part, but being brought up by the Gaffer never allowed him to relax around those born to a higher station. Even the Quest couldn't burn that habit out of him.

"Well, thank you, Mist.... er, Pippin. I'm so glad you enjoyed yourself."

"Oh, most certainly. We'll help you clean up as well...."

"Oh no, no, definitely not. You are my guests, and as such, you will be doing no further housework during your stay here. Helping clean up with Rosie was one thing, but not now. No, you are here to enjoy yourselves..."

"I thought we were here to remember Frodo," Merry said softly.

Sam flushed. "We are, but..."

"No buts about it, Sam," Pippin said gently. "We are not here to be served. We are here as equals. The only reason we're here, instead of you being at Crickhollow, is so that Rosie could be with us, and also because Bag End is more hospitable to company than our place is. Really, Sam.... no arguments."

Sam nodded unhappily. "If you say so, Mr. Pippin."

Pippin smiled. "And no 'mister', please. We're all friends here."

"All right... Pippin."

"That's better!"

The three cheerfully cleaned up after they had all had a chance to digest their food and smoke a pipe. Afterwards, when they were settled into the parlour again, Sam shyly said, "There's a Yule tradition among us working folk, a way we remember those who have passed on during the previous year. We did it for my Ma last year, and Frodo seemed comfortable doing it, so I thought we could do the same for Frodo this year. Now, I know he hasn't passed on, literally, but the result for us is the same. Are you willing?"

"Of course we are, Sam," Merry said. "Anything that will help us remember Frodo... that is what we're here for."

"Alright then. Usually we do it on the night of Yule, but I thought we'd do it tonight instead." Sam got up and went into the study, bringing back with him a medium-sized wooden bowl with slips of paper in it. "Now, I wrote out ten scenes. We don't have to do all of them, seeing as how there's only three of us here. Anyways, for example, one piece of paper might say, "relate a fond memory you have of Frodo during a certain Yule." Whoever draws that slip of paper would then go on to describe their favourite memory of Yule with Frodo. Things like that." Sam blushed. "I hope this all makes sense to you."

"What a charming idea!" Pippin exclaimed. "Truly Sam, it is! This is the very reason we have gathered here. Let's start!"

Merry smiled. "It's a lovely idea, Sam. I'm glad you thought of it."

Sam ducked his head. "Thank you, sirs," he responded softly.

"Who goes first?" Pippin asked.

"Well, usually the oldest goes first, so I guess that would be me," Sam said carefully.

"That's fine, Sam... go on," Merry encouraged.

Sam drew a slip of paper from the bowl. Smoothing it out, he read, "Relate an incident when the two of you had an argument, but then smoothed things over." Sam cleared his throat, and looked very nervous. "I was hoping one of you two would get this one... Frodo and I never had an argument...."

"It's all right, Sam, I'll take that one," Merry offered. "You draw another."

"Right, thank you, Mist.... Merry," Sam said. He drew another piece of paper, cleared his throat and read from it. "Describe a time when Frodo was content and at peace." Sam looked up, tears welling in his eyes. "The happiest I've ever seen Mister Frodo was at Mr. Bilbo's eleventy-first Birthday Party. I was twenty-one then, and had helped the Gaffer set up the decorations and place settings. Mr. Frodo was overjoyed... not only was he coming of age, but his uncle was now eleventy-one, and well on his well to beating the Old Took... begging your pardon, Mr. Pippin. Anyways, on the eve before the big day, Mr. Frodo took me to the Green Dragon, to buy me an ale. I was still too young to buy one for myself... although I heard tell that never stopped you, Mr. Merry, being all of nineteen and not yet in your tweens. I felt so grown up that day, and  Mr. Frodo was feeling very generous. Not only did he buy me a meal, and two ales, but he bought everybody there an ale, and it t'wer a busy evening. He started telling stories, too... stories about what happened on Mr. Bilbo's adventure. Now, hobbits usually don't want to hear that sort of talk, but everybody was in a forgiving mood, Mr. Frodo coming of age an' all. They let him tell his stories. He was so happy that day... and the following day, as well. Even when he knew, all that time, that Mr. Bilbo was gonna up and leave, just like that... even knowing that, it couldn't quell his exuberance."

"Frodo was happiest when he had an ale in his hand and a story on his lips," Merry smiled through his own tears. He glanced at Pippin, and noticed he was quietly weeping as well. "Shall I go next?" he asked.

Sam nodded, too choked up to continue.

"All right," said Merry. "An argument that Frodo and I had.. this is the first one that comes to mind, and involves you, Pip. Actually, it involves you too, Sam.

"It was during one of the summer weeks that Pippin and I were spending at Bag End. I was sixteen, which made Frodo thirty, and Pippin was eight Actually, it was the first time that Pippin spent time at Bag End without his family. He had been visiting me at Brandy Hall, and when time came for my summer visit to Bag End, it was decided that Pippin would come along. So Da took us both and dropped us off for two weeks. Uncle Paladin was going to come retrieve Pippin after a week, since that was about the amount of time he thought Bilbo could endure without losing his sanity.

"Anyway, this was about the third day of our visit. It was a glorious, sunny day, and I had wanted to go fishing with Sam that day. We wanted to ditch Pippin, because he was too little to go to the river with us, and we were too young to supervise him. But Bilbo was gone to market that day, and Frodo was stuck indoors catching up on his lessons, having abandoned them the past few days in order to spend time with us. He was relying on me to keep Pippin occupied. I, of course, argued that Frodo could watch Pippin just as easily from indoors while he was studying. Frodo said absolutely not, that Pippin deserved to enjoy the nice weather and was not to be thrown aside for an activity that could be done another day. For some reason I had it in my head as soon as I got up that day that I wanted to spend the day with Sam, whether it were fishing or no, without the little rascal tagging along for once. This was the only day Sam would have free during my stay, since his family was going to visit Mistress Bell's family the next day for a fortnight.

"Oh, I yelled and screamed and threw a temper tantrum... probably one of my last ones ever, since I WAS sixteen years old... only three years later I was mature enough to help Frodo manage his party guests after Bilbo disappeared. I was lucky Bilbo wasn't there... he would have clapped me a good one.

"Frodo, of course just stood there, arms crossed and foot tapping, a disappointed frown on his face. When I finally calmed down enough to listen to him, he made me realize how you looked up to me, Pip, and how you would be dreadfully hurt if we were to leave you behind to fend for yourself. After that, of course, I felt guilty, and went out of my way to make the day pleasant for you."

"I remember," Pippin commented. "I remember we flew a kite that day, and it got caught in the Party Tree. I climbed the tree all on my own to retrieve it. We played with Sam all day long, imagining that we were on an adventure all our own, fighting orcs and flying on eagles' backs. That day remains one of my fondest memories."

The room grew quiet as each hobbit was lost in his own thoughts of that long-ago day. The only sound was the crackling of the Yule log as it burned its way down.

Shaking himself out of his reverie, Pippin said, "Well, I suppose I should go next, yes?"

"Right," Sam said. He handed the bowl to Pippin, and Pippin withdrew his folded paper. As he read it, a faint smile formed on his face. "Ah, this is perfect," he murmured as he pocketed the piece of paper. His eyes took on a distant look as he brushed his hair out of his eyes.

The minutes ticked by. Merry said, "Yes, Pip?"

"Oh, I'm sorry," Pippin said, flushing with embarrassment. "My slip of paper took me back a few years." He drew the piece of paper back out again and read from it. "Recall a time when Frodo noticed you were feeling down, and took time to cheer you up."

"Right. The incident that immediately comes to mind is my earliest memory of Frodo. I couldn't have been more than four or five, but I remember it very clearly. It was Yuletide, and my family was spending it at Bag End with Bilbo, Frodo, Merry and his parents. I remember the one thing I wanted more than anything else was a carved pony. I had seen one of Merry's when he was playing with it, the one that Merimac gave him for his birthday that year, and I decided that was what I was going to ask for for Yule. My heart was set on it. Well, First Yule rolled around, and we had all opened our gifts. Naturally, the one thing I wanted, was what I hadn't received. I liked everything I had got; I was just missing my pony. Anyway, being as small as I was, I had not yet learned the art of hiding my feelings. My disappointment, I'm afraid, was plain for all to see. My father reprimanded me, saying that I was acting ungrateful. 'Look at all the nice things you received,' he admonished. 'Just because you didn't get a particular toy, doesn't mean you have to mope around all day with a long face.'

"Father sent me to mine and Merry's room until I could 'get over it'. I remember sniffling and crying, and generally feeling sorry for myself. I laid down on the bed and closed my eyes. I was almost asleep when there was a knock at my door.

"Frodo poked his head in, and winked at me. 'May I come in?' he asked. I shrugged sulkily. He came in and quietly shut the door behind him. Walking over, he looked me over thoughtfully. I could tell his thoughts were whirling away in his brain, and that he was trying to think of something to say to cheer me up.

"'I didn't get my pony,' I blurted out, and started to cry.

"'Oh dear,' Frodo said as he sat on my bed. He rubbed circles on my back as I sobbed my little heart out. He waited until I was all cried out, then he smiled and winked. 'I have something I want to show you that might make up for it.'

"I sat up as I sniffled. 'What?' I asked, half-heartedly.

"Frodo showed me what was in his hand. It was a block of wood, at just the right size for a toy pony to be carved out of. 'Now, I know you wanted it for Yule, but I'll tell you what. I'm showing this to you as a promise.... something to look forward to. Your birthday is the fifth of Astron, right? All right. What if I promised you that I would have your pony carved and ready to give you, from this block of wood, by the time your birthday rolls around?'

"Of course, I was happy to oblige him on that. I immediately perked up, and was in a good mood for the rest of my stay. I don't know if he had planned that all along, to make me that pony for my birthday, or if he thought of it on the spot after seeing how disappointed I was when I didn't get one. Either way, he certainly had a way of cheering you up when you were down. He did make that pony for me, too... I still have it. It's on my dresser at Crickhollow."

The three hobbits stayed up well into the night, drawing scenarios from Sam's bowl and reminiscing. They not only took from what Sam wrote on paper, but they also talked about whatever came into their heads. It was well past two in the morning when they stumbled into their bedrooms, and fell into deep, dreamless sleeps.

The next morning, Merry and Pippin slept in until Sam woke them for elevenses. Sam himself had slept until ten, which for him was unheard of. His sleep was usually interrupted by little Elanor sometime during the night.

Pippin stumbled into the kitchen, bleary-eyed and yawning, finding Merry already there with a cup of tea and a scone with raspberry jam and clotted cream. Scratching the back of his head and squinting into the sunlight, Pippin said, "So what is the plan for today?"

"Well, Mr. Pippin," Sam said, forgetting to omit the mister, "It is First Yule, so we'll be opening our gifts today."

Pippin brightened. He was like a child during Yule festivities. "Oh, yes, our gifts! One moment, there's a gift I have yet to put under the tree." Pippin turned around and headed for the bedroom. Merry gave Sam a blank look.

"I don't know what he's talking about. I saw six gifts under there last night, so I don't know to what other gift he would be referring."

"Ah well, " Sam said around a piece of cracker with cheese, "we'll find out soon enough."

The hobbits lingered in the kitchen through both elevenses and luncheon, the mood was very relaxed and cheerful. After many cups of tea, and some warmed-up soup and salad, they made their way to the parlour, surrounding the tree, sitting on the floor as if they were little lads again. Pippin volunteered to be "Father Yule", so he passed all the gifts out. Eyeing the extra package under the tree, he smiled hesitantly. "That's for after we all open up our gifts. It's something I thought I'd try, and I hope it doesn't fall flat."

"I'm sure whatever it is, we'll enjoy it, Pip," Merry encouraged, clapping Pippin on the shoulder. "Now, who should go first? Actually, Sam, I would like you to open yours from me first. It kind of sets the stage for what this little holiday this year is all about. "

"Right then," Sam said. He reached for the square package, and opened it carefully. What he saw took his breath away. "Oh, Mr. Merry," he breathed softly, reaching out to touch the precious gift. He traced the outside of it gently, feeling the hard wood of the walnut frame, admiring its reddish tint. But the real treat... oh, how lovely he looked!

Merry had done a charcoal drawing of Frodo, in a likeness that was uncanny. Merry had captured the almost-blue colour of Frodo's curls, and his coloured-pencils filled in areas such as his deep blue eyes, and his pale red lips. It was a drawing of Frodo sitting behind his desk, quill in one hand, face resting on the fist of the other, a dreamy expression on his face as he sat with the Red Book open in front of him, writing his story... their story... down. The sunlight was captured coming in through the window and highlighting his hair, giving an almost halo effect around his head.

Sam looked up into Merry's eyes, speechless. Merry smiled, and nodded. " You're welcome, Sam," he said softly. "I thought you could put it in Frodo's study, and you could look at it whenever you sat at his desk, doing whatever bookkeeping needs doing."

Sam finally found his voice. "Oh, Merry... It's lovely. Why, it's just the spitting' image of him. It looks like you were right there in the room with him, the likeness is so near."

"I drew from a memory I had of him during one of my stays here, after the Quest. The door to his study was open, and instead of knocking, I walked right in, and this was the picture that presented itself to me, a split-second before he saw and acknowledged me. It imprinted itself in my mind, and there it is."

The rest of the presents were opened with much grateful exclamations. Sam received from Pippin a spade with a mithril blade. "It's more for show, of course, than to use," Pippin said lightly. "I had it ordered two years ago, not knowing when I'd be giving it to you, but today seemed a good occasion. I had to go to Bucklebury's market to pick it up, because that's where they delivered it to, and conveniently it was where I went to do the rest of my Yule shopping!"

From Sam, Merry received a book of herb lore written by the Elves. Sam was mum on how he got his hands on such a copy. Merry also received a set of quills, some charcoal, parchment and some watercolours from Pippin. Pippin received some Gondorian chocolates from Merry, who had ordered them well in advance, and a book of poetry and songs from Sam, to help him in his wooing of Begonia, Sam winked.

The presents that Merry and Pippin had brought for Rosie and Elanor were to be kept under wraps until Rosie returned the following evening. That left only one present left under the tree. Pippin ducked his head shyly as the other two hobbits looked at him askance.

"This might seem very silly, and I'm not sure what's to be done with it.... but I got a present for Frodo," Pippin explained. "I bought this for him two months before he left, in anticipation of Yule, but now he's not here... and... " Pippin's voice died away as he realized he was groping for straws. Tears leaked from his eyes down his cheeks, and he turned away from Merry and Sam.

"Pippin, it's all right! Why don't Sam and I unwrap it?" Merry reached for the gift. Reflexively, Pippin pulled it way from Merry's hands. Mortified, he stumbled an apology. "I... I'm sorry, Merry. Here, take it; please, you and Sam open it."

Merry looked at Pippin sympathetically as he took the package from Pippin's hands. Turning to Sam, he smiled and said, "Well, Sam... shall we?"

"Yes, sir," Sam responded, and he and Merry did just that.

Sitting on the floor before them was a beautiful, shiny onyx chess set. "I know how Frodo loved to play, so I got him this while you and I were in Bree, Merry," Pippin explained. "but now that neither he nor Bilbo are here, I'm not sure what's to be done with it."

"I'll tell you what, Mr. Pippin," Sam said, ignoring the rueful look Pippin threw his way. "Mr. Merry plays chess, don't he? Maybe he could keep it, for now, until... well, I don't want to be presumptuous, but...." Sam stopped, clearly embarrassed.

"Go on, Sam," Merry urged.

"Well, Mr. Frodo hinted that when I was ready one day, I could maybe follow him. I'm to be allowed passage on one of them Elven ships. If I ever do take up that offer, I could always take that chess set to him, Mr. Pippin. I'd be happy to do it. But for now, I think it should go where it will at least get some use. What do you think of that?"

Merry and Pippin were both looking at Sam with their mouths open in shock. Pippin finally found his voice. "You... you were offered a place in the Undying Lands?" he asked tremulously. "That's quite an honour, Sam. Do you mean to take them up on it?"

"Well, not for a long time yet, o'course. Not unless... unless Rosie... unless she passes on before I do. But if, at the end of my life, I find myself alone, then yes, I think that I will."

The mood grew sombre as each hobbit thought of the ramifications of this decision. Merry and Pippin were both pleased that Sam was given this opportunity, and Sam was a bit embarrassed to admit to it, wondering if Merry and Pippin would be envious. But they showed no signs of being so; they were just happy for Sam, and Sam was grateful for that.

The rest of the day was spent preparing for the evening feast... warming up the ham, and preparing the secondary dishes and desserts. The Yule log finally burned itself out; the lanterns along the walkway were relit. It was a very pleasant day.

On Second Yule, most of the day was spent sitting around and taking turns reading from the Red Book, starting out with Bilbo's birthday party. Of course they didn't get through the whole thing, but what they did read brought back many memories of that time that had started Frodo on the path to where he ended up. It was a bittersweet journey, and many tears were shed. But it was a worthwhile journey, all the same. Rosie returned that night, and the next two days passed very pleasantly. More reading from the Red Book was done, with an effort to include Rosie, and more tears were shed, but laughter was also involved. On the whole, it was a very memorable holiday.

The time finally came for Merry and Pippin to return to Crickhollow. Rosie, Elanor and Sam gathered to say their goodbyes. Merry went to retrieve the ponies while Pippin gathered all of their gifts and clothes together. "Thank you so very much for your hospitality, Rosie and Sam," Pippin said as he pecked Rosie on the cheek and shook Sam's hand. "This Yule will always hold a special place in my heart and memory."

"T'was a pleasure to have you here," Rosie beamed.

"Aye, it t'were," Sam said. "In 'nother couple of years, why, you and Mr. Merry will probably have your own families to spend Yule with, so it's a good thing we did it this year."

Pippin blushed. "Er, yes, maybe so."

Merry returned with the ponies, and came in to say his goodbyes. After the pleasantries had all been said, the Gamgees sent them on their way

Sam sagged against the door after he closed it. "I love 'em like brothers, and I'll miss 'em, but that was right hard. I'm glad we won't be doing that again anytime soon."

Rosie smiled. "I know what you mean. T'was a good thing to do, though; Mr. Frodo would approve."

"Yes, he would," Sam agreed. There were many more Yules to come without Mr. Frodo, and this was only the first. It was good to have a sense of peace, at last. Sam thought "Happy Yule, Mr. Frodo", and made his way back into his home... the home that Frodo had bequeathed to him and his family

The End.