Chapter 8 – Part 2 Chapter 8 – Part 1
Chapter 7 – Part 2 Chapter 7 – Part 1
Chapter 6 – Part 2 Chapter 6 – Part 1
Chapter 5 – Part 4 Chapter 5 – Part 3
Chapter 5 – Part 2 Chapter 5 – Part 1
Chapter 4 – Part 2 Chapter 4 – Part 1
Chapter 3 – Part 2 Chapter 3 – Part 1
Chapter 2 – Part 3 Chapter 2 – Part 2
Chapter 2 – Part 1 Chapter 1
by Silent Draco
Chapter 9, Part 2 – A Final Word
Preparations were made for a last, but more modest, Birthday Party. There were six in all, with perhaps a surprise guest or two who visited briefly: three hobbits, one Wizard, Master Elrond and Lady Galadriel. One other surprise and signal honor came that day, for the King of the Noldori had dispatched a squad of his Citadel Guard to their smial. Their captain bore a brief note from the King, with his thanks for their valiant effort against the great foes of the Elves, and a brief explanation.
My Guard, for thanks and honor now shall stay
Salute and sound you off along thy way;
With love and care to them the honor fall,
Prepare thee, place thy biers for burial.
A barrow by thy garden shall arise,
Flowered, low and broad, to please the eyes.
And Stones of Memory shall We emplace,
For guests and friends of kindly heart and face.
“Well! This is …” “… quite an honor indeed!” I finished for Bilbo. “After all, it would otherwise be rather awkward to inter one’s own self. His Majesty has in mind a small memorial garden for you. Should the smial meld back into hillock and the trees wander to speak by root and branch, what shall remain is a low, sturdy barrow covered in your favorite flowers. The Stones of Memory for the Noldori have sights, sounds, and message to recall a wonder; in this case, it would be their memories or images of you three.”
And at the Birthday Party wines flowed like a bubbling stream, and delicacies showered the table like rose petals in spring; although the Kings could not attend, the Houses of Vanwe and Finwe sent subtle and bright delicacies, small bites, and sweets almost beyond imagination of construction, texture, and tastes. The event unfolded promptly after second breakfast, and continued until past supper with a proper Filling-In Time. Bilbo, of course, did his best for a Birthday-Speech, bur for once in his life, he was succinct.
“My friends, thank you for enlivening our Birthday Party. This day, I am … er, how many, Gandalf?” I simply shook my head. “Ah. Perhaps time works at another rate here, for it feels as if it were only the last Birthday or so since we arrived. I am at least 132, and comfortably far in advance of the Old Took, but feeling mush finer than him in his last years. Although hale, and we owe you Great Ones much thanks for our healing, we now feel fully replete and refreshed for our final leg of the journey. We had permission to accompany you to the West, but as Gandalf reminded me (well, us), our fate is not to abide in the Undying Lands, but to continue elsewhere. We endeavor to continue this evening, when Earendil can begin lighting us on our way, although with some trepidation. Er, we have no gifts for our guests this Birthday I’m afraid, but … in lieu, please accept our love, and our most sincere thanks for accepting us as friends, and, oh … ah, our thanks for being able to help you with some most dreadful and important work.”
We their guests gave much applause, and all fell quiet for moments. Master Elrond rose and spoke. “The Lady and I shall take our leave of thee. Master Bilbo, it was my honor to host you as a guest for years in Imladris. You were quite welcome and an enjoyable companion. And now I make a last farewell. I cannot know if or where we may ever meet again, but it had been my honor to know you all and consider you Elf-Friends.” He finished roughly, the unshed tears visible on his face, and carefully walked out to their carriage. Lady Galadriel rose gracefully, embraced each in turn, and concluded by kissing Sam once more on the brow. “My young friends,” she said through a cascade of tears, “perhaps one day we might meet again, in a place and time of great changes, with Telperion the Fair once again wreathed in bloom and light; but I cannot know or see. Namarie, and bear my love with thee.” She bowed deeply, and proceeded carefully out to the carriage. I was surprised beyond words, for only once had I seen her shed such tears; however, the same sentiments grew in my own heart.
I now stood, and embraced each of the hobbits. Taking some parcels from the office desk, I spoke with them one final time. “Farewell and journey well, my young friends. The Lords of the West are in full agreement, Sam, that these parcels should go to your heirs directly. Although some great songs are concluded, they consider that other melodies or discord may arise; these may be of great help for those in Middle-Earth. And … though I know not your path nor its final resting place, should you encounter One who will be most obvious, please say that Olorin was most thankful for the gift of care and love for Children of the Great Song. He will know.” With that, I bowed, gathered the parcels, and left on my own mission.
And it was later that evening, as I was told, the Light of Earendil rising high in the West, that they laid down life and breath, and journeyed from this world.
Up next, Chapter 10…
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