[piosenniel]

The long arms of the wave came rushing up toward the grassy rise, inundating completely the now empty beach. Fingers of foam reached forward to wet the toes of the waiting friends and families and then receded quickly. Ulmo stood still in the moving waves, as they rushed past his mighty thews to return to the greater sea.

One by one, curly haired tops of heads popped up through the retreating waters, and familiar faces surfaced, eyes blinking in the now bright sunlight. A great intake of breath was heard as those waiting on the grass saw their loved ones reappear from beneath the receding waves.

Then did Ulmo speak once more. ‘Angara, Ancient of Worms! Thee I name Protector in my stead, here on this fair Isle. Thou wilt nurture and preserve my creatures until another Age calls them to fulfill their weird. Come, I bid thee escort thy charges to their new home.’

Angara came down among the new changed Hobbrim and stood with them as they bowed as one to Ulmo. She, too, bowed her head in acknowledgement of the Vala’s gracious gift, both to herself and to the destiny of Middle-earth. They watched as Ulmo gathered his cloak of mists about his mighty form, and then turning from them, strode quickly out toward the deeps of the sea.

It seemed, even as he did so, that it was not he but the waters which diminished before him. For he did not sink beneath them, but moved through them with their waves lapping ever at his knees. And having come at last to the joining of sky and water, he turned and placed the great Conch once more to his lips and blew a single, clear note that fell upon the waves like silvered fire and brought a rush of hope and light into the hearts of all those who heard it.

Then in an instant was he gone from their sight, a bank of glimmering mist soon disappearing in the sun’s light.

The mesmeric moment passed, and soon the two groups were calling loudly to one another as they ran to greet and embrace their loved ones.

[ November 17, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]