The Dedication

            “Where is he?” Merry asked his cousin when Sam was not to be found anywhere within the newly finished smial of Undertowers, where Elanor and Fastred and their family were to take up their new abode.

            Pippin glanced toward the vaulted ceiling, and the two Hobbits nodded, understanding between them.  Merry led the way out, grabbing a bottle of wine to take with him, and Pippin snatched up a few cakes.  They found their way to the place where it was easiest to climb the hill, and made their way up.

            As they’d expected, Sam stood there, one hand on the base of the ancient tower, staring westward over the silvery expanse of the Sea.

            “He’d love this place, he would,” the Mayor said in greeting.

            “That he would,” the Master agreed, passing the bottle.  “To Frodo!”

            As Pippin doled out the cakes he echoed, “Yes--to Frodo!”

            Solemnly, Sam sipped.