febobe

I don't believe I've shown this bit yet, but pardon if I have! It's from the Big Bang that's two years overdue and nearly thrice the requisite length, and still growing....



"I had a dream the night before last," said Lossmeril suddenly. "I had not told it to you, Frodo, because I wished you to experience some pleasure in the work here, so that you might be better able to believe me. Would you like to hear it now?"

"Yes, please." I started on my fourth mushroom. I was glad to have something to look at other than their faces, for I felt sure I was pink with embarrassment, and yet delight as well. And I felt sure that I might weep if this continued. But I did wish to hear her dream.

"I was on a ship from the Havens," said Lossmeril, "and Hir Elrond was there, and Bilbo, and Mithrandir, and many others. And you were there, Frodo; you watched for land at the prow with Hir Elrond. When we docked, you walked with Hir Elrond from the ship. You were a bit heavier, though you were not fat - you looked healthy and pink-cheeked, and when you met Hiril Celebrian, you bowed deeply, and then she embraced you. Frodo ... I have *never* seen you look so healthy and happy as you did in my dream. Never. But you looked as healthy as Bilbo did when he first showed up on our doorstep with thirteen dwarves and one wizard, if a bit less heavy, and it made my heart sing to see you thus."

She leaned forward again.

"Frodo, you know, I think, that you share this in common with us. I know that you have dreams which are sometimes portents of the future. As do the Firstborn. I do not believe that my dream was only wishing. I believe that it will yet come to pass. And in my dream, you were healthy and happy even before you reached the West. You were glad to come there, and it brought you great joy, but you were ready for it, a happy wanderer at his homecoming, not a miserable soul in search of restoration. For the restoration had already taken place."