Chapter Text
Disclaimer: I don't own all the Tolkien bits
“ Please reconsider Nana. They’ve found a donor. They can make you better.”
“ For what purpose? A few more years of creaking bones. No, I’ve had a long life, filled with love and happiness darling. How could I take such an opportunity from another? I am ready.” The hand I moved to cover hers was riddled with spots and laced with deep blue veins. It was an old hand, a hand that had seen over ninety years of memories, both good and bad. The young woman took a shaky breath as she raised tear filled eyes to meet my own.
“ I know. I know I’m being selfish, but you’re all I’ve got Nana.” It was said with the utmost sincerity, but was enough of a fallacy that I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“ Oh pish, my darling! I’m merely your eccentric spinster of a great aunt. You have an entire family who will see you through this. Never fear you will most certainly be just as loved.” I forced arthritic fingers to shakily stroke her cheek. It was such a simple gesture, but a nearly impossible feat for my broken-down body.
“ All they care about is things. Greedy vultures the lot of them. They don’t care about your stories or our adventures. They don’t get it. They think you’re crazy, but they just don’t see.”
" If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” A wry smile twisted my mouth; the familiar well loved text falling easily from my lips. The words seemed too bittersweet for her and more tears rose to hazel eyes as her fingers interlaced with my own. My bones ached at the pressure, but I allowed her the comfort without complaint.
“ Nana, they won’t be you.”
“ Charlotte, my darling child. I know my decision hurts you, but I can only beg that you will forgive me my weakness. .” The girl’s young mouth twisted into wane smile of her own.
“ The journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey rain curtain of this world rolls back and all turns to silver glass. And then you see it. White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise. Who am I to keep you from your next adventure? Even if it is one I can’t follow you on. I’m going to miss you more than you’ll ever know Nana.” She leaned forward; her head tucking neatly into the crook of my neck as I brought my arms up to fully embrace her.
“ I know darling. I know. Would you do an old woman one final favor?” Charlotte nodded into my shoulder without raising her head from were it rested. “Would you go into the cupboard and bring me my book? You know the one.” She pulled away slowly, but swiftly rose to fetch the object in question. She grabbed the well-loved book from the armoire before returning to my bedside. I reached forward eagerly, ignoring the creaking bones that belayed my age. I sighed at the familiar weight in my hands. It had been a dear constant companion throughout my years and I found it was something I wished to hold until my last breath. “Thank you Charlotte. You ease an old woman’s mind.” I sighed as exhaustion overtook me. The medicine that the nurses had given me to ease the pain of my departing was clearly beginning to take hold. My great niece sensed the change immediately and her tears renewed.
“ I wanted to be strong, but now that it’s here I…I don’t want you to go.” Her voice cracked. I settled back gently into my bed, with my fingers curled around the edges of The Hobbit.
“ Well, here at last, dear friends, on the shores of the Sea comes the end of our fellowship in Middle-earth. Go in peace! I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil.” Another watery smile met my words. I laced our fingers once more and lifted her hand to my lips. “I will always be in your heart Charlotte. Never forget that I love you. But you must promise me something.”
“ Anything Nana.”
“ Promise me you will always plunge headlong into adventures. Promise me you will still wander without the fear of becoming lost. Finally, promise me that you will always know that you were my daughter in everything, but name.” I made no effort to fight the tears that had begun to well in my own eyes. I allowed them to tumble freely down my wrinkled cheeks. My body was ready to depart this world, but my spirit was not.
“ I promise, Nana. Always.” I nodded.
“ Good girl. Now I think it is time for me to rest my eyes. I love you.”
“ Of course Nana. I love you too. Sleep well.” Her words were little more than a choked sob, but they were enough. I lifted the book to rest above my heart as my eyes fluttered closed. I sighed deeply. I was ready for my next adventure. The world slipped away into silence and all that remained was a soft voice beckoning me into the darkness. Without looking back I pushed forth into the void and died leaving my own world behind me.