[Child of the 7th Age]

Leaning upon his staff, the Grey Pilgrim strode across the sands, as hobbit families disembarked from ships and followed him towards a grassy nook under the shadow of Eru's Mount. Here, they waited quietly, with faces solemn and hearts pounding, curious and hopeful that their families would find joy in the deep matters soon to be discussed. A hundred stories had circulated on shipboard over the past day, each stranger and more unbelievable than the last. Yet no one had guessed what was actually to occur, and those few who knew the prophecies kept the secrets well hidden.

Ancalimon asked Loremaster and Andril to be seated on one side, and told Cami and Rose to go to the other. Then he stood, and looked about the grove. Around him were hundreds and hundreds of hobbits--Stoors, Fallohides, and Harfoot, some healthy and robust while others bore the scars of their rescue and imprisonment. All looked toward Ancalimon with hopeful, expectent eyes.

The Grey Peddler began by telling them how the great Siril had run from within the tombs of Numenor to the very shores of Amon, carrying with it the grief and tears of the hobbits. The King of the Sea had hearkened to their cries and promised to come to them in two days' time. For Ulmo would take on the rainment of the World, so that Elves and mortals alike could hear his deep voice and marvel at his majesty. The hobbits should not be afraid to stand in his presence, but greet him with respect and joy.

Then, Ancalimon related how Ulmo would descend to Meneltarma, with sceptre clasped in hand and a single task in mind. His mission was not to alter the foundations of life which had been set in the beginning, but to reveal more fully those desires and longings already hidden in hobbit hearts. Two choices would be given for those who gathered on that day, both good and worthy paths but leading to different ends. Ulmo would ask each family to stand forth and choose the way of the Sea or the way of the land. Those who loved the Sea would be given a home in its waters, while those who loved the land would be taken to a fair place at Ulmo's command.

Several of the hobbits were frightened at these words and called to Ancalimon, "How can we do this? We are small and have never lived in the waters of the ocean."

Then Ancalimon patiently explained, "If you choose the Sea, your bodies will transform like those of your hobbrim cousins. But your hearts, your will, and your intellect will be just as they were when Eru breathed life into you. You and your kin will dwell on Meneltarma, free to explore the mystery of the Abyss, and to delve into many secrets. For Ulmo will conceal the island with a mysterious veil, and set a great guardian above the Mount to defend it through all time."

"You will stay, safe and secure, guarding the hidden books of history and lore, and making songs and poems of great beauty. But never will any others be permitted to come to your shores, and never will you be allowed to leave. For, if you break your oath, the fate of Numenor will fall upon your heads, and the great wave will crush you forever. But you and your people must remain loyal and not go astray. For, if you hold true, the hobbrim will play a role in that distant age when the final battle for Arda is begun." But, about this, Ancalimon would say no more.

When some of the group heard about their chance to make a home in the Sea, their eyes glowed, and they knew the choice they would make. But, for many, it was not easy. Some were afraid to have their bodies change, while others truly loved the rolling hills or the trees, and could not bear to be separated from these. These hobbits cried out and asked Ancalimon to speak more fully about what awaited those who chose the land.

With great care and love, Ancalimon described Middle-earth, its rivers and forests and grassy plains, and how many wonderful things could be grown there. He talked about the free peoples who would share these lands, Ents and Elves, Dwarves and Men, each with their own customs and speech. He warned the hobbits their path might prove hard. Struggles and danger could follow them, but they would be free to wander wherever they desired, with no limitations or bounds. They too would have an important task to do, one even closer in time, but first they must learn to live in harmony with the earth and search for a place of their own to call home.

Then, Gamba stepped up and asked in a quiet voice, "Those hobbits who choose the land, may they come back to visit their brethren in the Sea?"

Gandalf shook his head sadly. "No, that can not be. There are no reunions within Arda itself, but only in the circles beyond."

Gamba said nothing but his eyes mirrored great sorrow. Many other hobbits whispered to one another about what this might mean for their families.

Then Ancalimon told the hobbits that, over the next few days, they must think and decide what to do. For, when Ulmo came, he would ask each family or individual to step forward and state their choice and their reason for choosing. Soon afterwards, all would depart: the hobbrim with Ulmo to learn the ways of the Sea; the land hobbits with Ancalimon himself, since he too would be sailing to the shores of Middle-earth where he promised to keep a friendly eye on them.

Just before leaving, Ancalimon added, "You are welcome to speak with me, or with Andril and Loremaster, or Nitir and Azra, if you would like to talk on these matters further." Then the Grey Pilgrim walked back to the ship, with several hobbits already staying close by his side and asking many questions.

Family by family, the hobbits left the grove to wander on their own throughout the island, some walking among the trees or meadows, others sitting and staring out to sea and wondering what to do. A few came up to Cami and Rose, and a few more to Loremaster and Andril, asking questions or seeking advice in trying to reach their decision. Yet, always, they were told to listen and trust the small voice within their hearts to help them decide which path would be truly theirs.

[ November 11, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]