The Long Talk

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Ancalagon'sFire

Makes you wonder though, if Tom isn't interested in the workings of men, the downfall of Sauron or the end of the age of the Rings, then where do his loyalties lie? Surely in the earth itself, the trees, the water, the shores, the stars and everything that was created and lasting, that is of course unless its very existence is threatened! What does Tom care about? ;

Tom actually appears to know a great deal about the history of Middle-earth; he was aware of the Ring and its power, the Dunedain of Arnor, all the way back to the time of the Elves awakening. Just because he may not have played an active part in those histories doesn't mean he was oblivious to them.
Maybe he had become so enamoured of the 'natural' elements of Arda he was content to idly sit and watch time pass.

Originally Posted by Ancalagon'sFire

Neither do I suspect Tom would be giving Gandalf absolution. In fact it would seem to me that was already granted upon his return following his apparent demise after the battle with the Balrog of Moria;

I don't see it as absolution so much as Gandalf looking for someone to whom he could finally lay all his thoughts bare, leaving him at peace with himself and his finished task.