15. Welcome

There’s a gathering by a large dock where our ship will soon anchor. Elves start waving, so I wave too though I can’t yet see who’s standing there - or not, as the case may be. 

We come to port and the gangplank is raised. I sit, thinking to let those with family waiting go first, but they all step aside and look at me. By some mutual consent I know naught of, I’m to be the first to disembark.

A couple of my traveling companions step up behind me to help me down the plank, if needed. The elves on the dock are quiet now and smiling. Those in the back stand on tiptoe, as if I’m someone important to be getting a glimpse at.

I swallow, put on my Mayor of the Shire face and start down. The plank is sturdy but the ship bobs. I grab for the rope, which is at my eye-level and only somewhat helpful. My companions stay close, steadying hands ever at the ready.

Halfway down the plank, I notice who it is I’ve been looking at since I stepped off the ship. The tall chap with the short beard and long robes of red and silver is none other than Gandalf! I laugh and he laughs. I was expecting the White Wizard, not this ethereal being standing amongst this majestic crowd.

Next to him are Galadriel, Elrond, and a woman who can only be Arwen’s mother. There’s a few more of Elrond’s household, but no sign of Frodo or Bilbo. While I expected it, I admit I’m disappointed. I push that aside to focus on my friends before me.

I step off the gangplank and into Gandalf’s arms. 

“Welcome home, Samwise Gamgee.”

“Welcome, Panthael.” They all bow as one.

I am home.

GF 9/4/12

To be continued...