"Into the Unknown"
by North-took

Many times Gandalf witnessed death, each time he marveled at it; the ultimate fate of mortals was a mystery even to Maiar. The Valar's exception to Gimli and the hobbits afforded them the chance to end cleansed of pain and sorrow, it did not alter their mortal nature.

The Ringbearers died so gently it made the transition from waking to sleep seem harsh. Gandalf gently drew the coverlet over Frodo's still face. With this passage, the last hobbit he called friend was gone. The wizard glanced across the room at the second silient form. For once, Frodo followed his Sam.