Months passed since they had returned and freed their homeland. The Shire was growing again, spring was upon them and Sam’s wedding was fast approaching. Thus, one cool spring day, Sam and Rosie Cotton married under the newly sprouted mallorn tree. After the ceremony, Pippin played ‘Wind of the West’ in their honor. It was the first time elvish music was heard in the Shire. Its beauty quieted even those old aunts who could never seem to get enough gossip. The haunting notes of the flute floated in the air and brought tears to many an eye due to its beauty and once it was over those who knew enough about the elves to not fear them, were saddened once again to hear that they were fading into the West. However most affected of all by the song was Frodo. Hearing the song now in his own homeland, he finally understood. He would not be able to last here much longer either; he was fading just as the elves were and before the following year’s end he would leave these shores forever and follow the elves into the west. He only hoped that when the time came his friends would be able to accept his choice.
**
As he rode back from the Grey Havens, lost in his own thoughts, he was saddened. Not only had his dear cousin Frodo left and his Uncle Bilbo, but so many dear friends that he owed so much to, Gandalf, Alatáriël and Elrond. Though his heart was darkened with sadness, he found consolation in the fact that though he would never again see them, they would be happy, especially Frodo. He hoped that Frodo would finally find healing. Thus, as they rode home he hummed ‘Wind of the West’ to himself knowing that though the western wind had taken his friends, it would also bring them happiness and healing.