�Mr. Frodo?�
Frodo stood still, unable to move or speak. Only one person ever had called him that � Sam. Sam approached him and embraced him. Frodo returned the hug. �Hullo, Sam,� he said finally. �It�s good to see you, my friend.�
Sam backed away and looked his master over. �Time has dealt well with you, Mr. Frodo.�
�And with you. What are you doing here?�
�Why it�s your birthday, sir.�
�What about Rosie and your children?�
For a moment there was a glimmer of sadness in Sam�s eyes before he spoke. �Rosie died, and I left. Elanor now has the Red Book. The children cried so, but they will go on. They do not have so much to bear as I have had and still have.�
�I am sorry to hear that. I hope you find what you are looking for here.�
�I already have. I am happy wherever you are, Mr. Frodo.�
�I am glad to hear that. Now, have a seat. We can catch up over tea and cake.� Sam took a seat, and smiling Frodo poured more tea and served Sam a piece of cake, taking a seat afterward.
�Thank you, Mr. Frodo.�
�You�re welcome, Samwise.�
�Err � Frodo-lad, there�s something I�ve been meaning to ask you,� Bilbo broke in.
�And that is?�
�Do you ever regret leaving the Shire so much earlier than I did?�
�No, uncle. I missed Sam and Merry and Pippin, but I was with you, and I was happy.�
�I am glad to have a cousin like you, Frodo.�
�As am I.�
�Well, let�s drink t� your health, Mr. Bilbo and Mr. Frodo, sirs,� Sam said awkwardly.
The three clinked their cups together in agreement and laughed, knowing the remarkable Baggins health needed no such thing.