White Shores

The old red-headed Hobbit packed his last bag. He gathered up all his things and set them on his back. He walked through the halls of his house one last time, remembering. He smiled as he looked upon the various pictures on the wall. He brushed his hand over the picture of his late wife. A beautiful maiden, she was. The love of his life. He closed his eyes, and imagined his hands running through her beautiful, curly hair once more. He smiled, and proceeded on through the house. He found his way back to the door. It was time. He opened the door, and set out.

The hobbit arrived at the hills beyond the Shire. He met with his eldest daughter. After his visit was over, he pulled a red book out of one of his packs and handed it to her for safekeeping. They hugged, and said their goodbyes, and he set off further.

Finally, as he walked along the path to the Sea, he saw towers of white stone in the distance. He arrived at the harbor to meet a tall grey-haired elf with a beard that reached his knees. He had an air of wisdom around him. He bowed to the hobbit, and the hobbit reciprocated. The elf extended his hand and gestured to the ship waiting at the dock. The red-haired hobbit grabbed the straps of his pack and took a deep breath. The elf walked with him to the gangway.

The hobbit looked upon the white sails, and he halted in his steps. A pang of nervousness came over him.

The elf placed his hand on the hobbit’s back, and gave him a warm smile. The hobbit smiled back, finding his courage again. He stepped onto the boat, and smiled shyly at the few elves that stood on the deck. Some waved to him, and the others smiled, welcoming him aboard.

As the ship sailed westward, the hobbit looked back upon the land where he had lived for so long. A tear escaped his eye as he thought about all the things that had happened in his life. He thought about his old friend, and everything they'd done. He thought about the last time he was here, and how he and his greatest friend said goodbye.

The hobbit leaned against the railing of the ship, lost in thought. An elf tapped the hobbit’s shoulder and pointed. The hobbit followed where the elf was pointing. It seemed as if a grey sheet had arisen from the sea. It shimmered, and it parted as the ship came close. They passed it, and beyond was a sight to behold. A beautiful green countryside, with rolling hills. The sun was coming up over the horizon. Gulls sang overhead as the hobbit looked on in wonder.

As the ship was docked, the hobbit looked down the shore. There was beautiful white sand, as far as the eye could see, both left and right. The wind blew the trees. The hobbit looked up a stair that let to the green country. A tall man stood at the top, clothed in white robes. He had a twinkle in his eye, and his smile was warm and familiar. The hobbit smiled, and started ascending the stairs. Then, as he climbed, another figure appeared and stood next to the tall man. He was much shorter than the man, and had lush brown hair. The hobbit recognized him immediately, and gave him a smile that could've outshined Aerin herself. The brown haired hobbit didn't hesitate a second, and rushed down the steps to meet him. They held each other in a tight embrace, and cried tears of such joy. They parted, and the brown haired hobbit grabbed his face, and just as he had done when they parted, he left a kiss the redhead's forehead. They looked at each other, and laughed, so overjoyed. They grabbed each other a second time, holding on tight, never wanting to let go again.

Sam was home.