Kitanna's post:

So, it all ended here, on the banks of the Withywindle. It had started out as an adventure, but quickly turned into a nightmare. Marroc had never been so happy at the idea of getting in trouble.

When he walked into his home and his family screamed and carried on about him he'd still be happy. He was home and that was truly all that mattered to him. He knew he'd be grieving over Sassy for a long time, but for one moment he'd be happy beyond words.

Marroc looked at down the path that would lead home and then at his friends. He smiled weakly. He turned his gaze back to the path. So close now. I think I'll hold off on adventures for awhile, he thought as he continued along.

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Boromir88's post:

Rory thought he would never see the day when he'd be so excited about returning back home. He knew he was in for a pretty big licking, but that was a lot better than never seeing his family again, or them not knowing what happened to him.

They finally crossed the Withywindle, and were gradually getting closer to the Shire. I would give up anything for a warm bed and some delicious eggs right about now, though Rory. He looked at Sondo who had his face down and was slowly trudging along.

"It wasn't just your fault Sondo. We all should have been nicer and payed attention to her more than we did." Rory had to use the word "her." He could not bring himself to saying the name. Sondo nodded, not feeling any better. It was going to be a long time before the Hobbits ever decided to do something adventurous again, if ever.

Thus did their adventure end. It had not been the excellent adventure of which they had dreamed; quite the opposite, almost everything that could have gone wrong did. They were not returning on fine ponies, praised by all the hobbits of the Shire, but on their own tired feet, noted only by the birds. The journey had been rough for all of them, but through their own resourcefulness, determination, and courage the lads had made it back. The final and most grievous stage of their journey had been passed, and there were only a few short miles left. Finally and already, they had reached the Shire. Unreal as it seemed that their adventure should be over, it was. This was Buckland.

They were home.

~*~ FINIS ~*~

** To Elvenhome **