by Coriandra
�That sounds just like Frodo,� Aragorn commented. �He
never was one to burden anyone else with his problems.
We were all glad when we got your letter saying he
accepted Arwen's offer of her place on the ship. I
have no doubt he found peace in Valinor.� He smiled
with deep emotion at the Hobbits, and Legolas, Gimli
and Faramir who had joined him for this special
reunion. �It certainly is good to see all of you
again. When I invited you to come to Gondor, I really
hoped you all would, but I never expected it to be so
soon. Especially after everything that had happened
in the Shire while you were away.�
�We had a quite a time, we did,� Sam told him. �But
it didn't take long for us to put things right again.
The Lady Galadriel's gift repaired most of the damage
done to the trees and we had a year of plenty after
that. The pipeweed crop was right good that year so
Mr. Frodo gave Mr. Gandalf a new pipe and a big bag
of pipeweed. Real nice bag too, he bought at the
market, and a real special pipe too.�
�But Sam, you married right after that and had a
child,� Faramir pointed out. �Surely was hard for
your wife and daughter to make such a long trip?�
�I was a bit concerned about that,� Sam admitted, �but
Rosie's a strong lass and she absolutely insisted we
were going and she wouldn't be left behind. She
certainly managed well.�
�As well as any of us did on the Quest,� Merry told
them. �In fact better, she never complained, unlike
some people.� He looked over at Pippin, who shifted
uncomfortably in his Hobbit-sized chair when Merry
made that last statement.
�Hobbits really are amazing creatures,� Legolas said,
rescuing Pippin from further embarrassment.
�My father was right,� Gimli agreed, �they possess
courage and spirit equal to the greatest warriors of
all times� The three Hobbits blushed scarlet at these
unexpected compliments, and even though they insisted
it was because of fine wine they were given, everyone
knew better.