11. The Passing of the Elves
[Frodo and Sam set up camp for the night. Sam cooks their meal of bacon,
tomatoes and sausages as Frodo lies in a tree limb. Suddenly they both stop and
listen. Singing can be heard in the distance. The voices are sweet and high,
singing in a strange language.]
Frodo: "Sam! Wood-Elves!"
[They scramble up to a ridge where they can lie and watch unseen.]
[A group of Elves is passing slowly through the forest, some on horseback,
some walking, some with banners. The group seems to shine of its own light,
their white garments softly glowing against the purples and midnight blues of
the woods. Their haunting song continues.]
Elves:
"a Galad ren i veniar hi' aladhremmin ennorath A Elbereth
Gilthoniel ithil nâ thûl, ithil lîn hen"
(O Light to us that wander here Amid the world of woven trees O
Elbereth Gilthoniel Clear are thy eyes and bright thy breath)
Frodo: "They're going to the harbour beyond the White Towers. To the Grey
Havens."
Sam: "They're leaving Middle-Earth."
Frodo: "Never to return."
Sam: "I don't know why — it makes me sad."
[Later, Sam and Frodo prepare for sleep. Sam is trying to find a comfortable
spot on the ground.]
Sam: "Everywhere I lie there's a dirty great root sticking into my back."
Frodo: "Just shut your eyes, and imagine you're back in your own bed, with a
soft mattress and a lovely feather pillow."
[Sam gives him a skeptical look, and settles back. After a moment he sighs.
and gives up, frustrated.]
Sam: "It's not working Mister Frodo. I'm never going to be able to sleep out
here."
Frodo: "Me neither, Sam."
[Frodo smiles. Sam stares at the sky and finds something to nibble on.]
[Mist descends over the landscape. On a ridge high up above the Hobbits, a
horse neighs and stamps. Its Black Rider comes slowly to a halt and surveys the
scene.]
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