Chapter Seventeen: The Bridge

We were all afraid of what we would find at the Bridge. I imagined the Riders to be there, just waiting to claim me and I wondered if I would have the strength to resist or whether they would call and I would follow. It was relief to find hope there instead with the beryl Strider found. It was as though we were being watched over and I so wanted to get to Rivendell before it was too late.

I had the leisure to look around the land, cheerless as it was, and I thought were coming near to where Bilbo had met those trolls. That made me feel a little better that I could have been traveling over the same ground he had. It made me feel closer to him and a little of the cold retreated from around my heart. I had spent so much time wanting to be off with him on some Adventure, but this one I didn’t want to be on. It felt better that I was on his instead of warring against losing myself before I could ever see him again. I wanted to make it to Rivendell so I could be healed, so I could see your face, dear Sam, light up to be among so many of your beloved Elves, so you could all be happy again.

* * *

We all dreaded coming to the Last Bridge for we feared to see the Riders there waiting for us. But there was no one which surprised and gratified us all. Strider had found that elf-stone on the Bridge and we were all cheered by that and when we got more under cover. One more hurdle was passed on our way to get you to safety. But the land was as cheerless as we returned to being. The way was so long. You were being so brave, but we all knew you were hurting. And we had days to go still. I couldn’t even get too excited about hearing that Strider had lived in Rivendell. Imagine that, living with the Elves! But still, I know the Shire is the place for me. As I thought it would always be for you, but now you’ve gone to live with the Elves and I know that’s the place you need to be. You were always like them, my dearest, that fair and that special.

I wonder what it will be like to live with them when it’s my turn to go?