For Sir Ian Holm . . . thank you for enriching our lives with your representations of Frodo and Bilbo. :)

Frodo curled up at Bilbo’s side and put his head against his uncle’s. He had not done so since he was a lad. The only times since then was on the boat and their first night in the Undying Lands, so far from their own kind. They had only each other. And now . . .

“It’s time for another adventure,” Bilbo said, his soft voice a curious mixture of sadness and excitement. “You’ll follow me, won’t you, my dear lad?”

Frodo could not keep back his tears. “Yes, Uncle, but I must wait for Sam. He would not have me leave him behind.”

Bilbo smiled. “Of course not. I shall await you both then. Do not be sad. My life has been so full of adventure and love and joy, in good part because of you. You will not lack for care or love here. And I will not abandon you either. This is not the end.”

Frodo tried to smile back. “And you have filled my life with love and joy as well, Uncle. I could never thank you enough.”

Bilbo smiled again. Frodo placed his hand over his uncle’s heart. Bilbo placed his over Frodo’s. The younger Baggins felt the moment Bilbo’s heart fluttered and then stilled, and the last breath brushed his cheek. Frodo’s own heart felt it stopped at the same instant, but he knew that was not so. No dead heart could make the wail his did.

* * *

“Are you ready, Sam?” Frodo asked.

“Ready, Mr. Frodo. You are well healed, and I want to see Rosie and Mr. Bilbo again.”

“I am ready as well. Let’s go.”

And so softly, gently, Gandalf and Elrond and all their Elven friends watch the hobbits peacefully accept the passage to roads unknown.

“Farewell, my hobbits. May you find naught but joy on your Road home,” Gandalf said, as their souls passed.

“May the stars shine upon your faces,” Elrond said.

* * *

Many ages later, Frodo, Sam, and Bilbo stood with others as another soul entered into Iluvatar’s kingdom.

“Welcome, Sir Ian,” said a warm voice. “Thank you for so faithfully representing my dear hobbits. Well done.”

“Entirely my pleasure, Professor. You have enriched so many lives. It was an honor to do my bit.”

Tolkien turned to his hobbits. “May I present to you Sir Ian Holm, a knight most valiant.”

Sam’s eyes widened. “A knight? You mean like Mr. Merry and Mr. Pippin?”

Ian’s laugh was rich and warm. “Not quite. But there are many ways to fight against darkness, and we have all done our part.”

Frodo hugged him. “You are most welcome."

“Thank you, my dear lad.”