The Shadow Has Departed

There was a change in the wind. An overwhelming heaviness was lifted from his heart and at that moment it seemed that the air was rid of the stifling power of Mordor; the Sun was unveiled, shining warming rays upon him, heartening him.

The outline of a great brown Eagle flew towards Minas Tirith and brought forth a flurry of song. And then all Gondorians seemed to burst out in song, to celebrate the downfall of Sauron, to celebrate life.

Joy welled up in Merry’s heart for the first time in a long while. Frodo and Sam have succeeded. Tears welled up in his eyes, falling down his cheeks. Relief washed over him as he closed his eyes to relish the thought of a Free Middle-Earth, to relish the thought that Frodo had succeeded in accomplishing the impossible.

The Quest had been achieved.


A/N-- This is a drabble and a half written for Gondorian New Year March 25, 2006.