2. Promises

It happened the last time we visited the King and Queen at Lake Evendim. I opened my big mouth, saying as I’d take word to Lady Arwen’s folks about her and the children if I ever sailed to Valinor. It had seemed an impossible dream then, despite the Sea-calling. Now it is a foolish hope, which I’ve learned over the years is the best kind of hope. 

Rose had known. She’d once dreamt of me there and described things to me as I couldn’t imagine. She’d even drawn it, white beaches behind sparkling towers. I pull out that drawing and stare at it, tracing it lightly with withered fingers. I wonder if she’d been right. I suspect as she was. She’d had the Vision, though it didn’t come to her often. If I go and it’s just as she saw it, it’ll be as though a part of her is there.

I’ve no delusions that Frodo will be there. Arwen had warned me the Undying Lands can be hard on mortals. Oh, he’d be healed sure enough, but it would shorten his natural life. He’d be nearly as old as the Old Took now. Even the Old Took wouldn’t have lived so long there, and he hadn’t had Frodo’s ills. There’s a chance Frodo might’ve chosen to wait, despite the stress as it’d cause him. I hope not. Much as I’d love to see him again, I wouldn’t want him in pain acause of me.

Do I leave my children and my home? I’ll be leaving them eventually either way. I doubt I’d make it through the winter if I stay. 

I’ll go then, see my friends, meet some Elves, them as had never set foot on Middle-earth. And I have a promise to keep, before the end.

To be continued...

GF 7/23/2012