Mood:
blueTopic: "Delano" (4)
Although never a member of the Fellowship, Delano has always been a special friend to Frodo, and to Sam. Whereas Frodo was ambitious and curious, Delano was fun-loving, and charming. Delano has always been, and with all due apologies to the feminine gender herein, the guy who could charm the pants off of any woman. History is a guide.
Today Frodo returned from an overnight in reunion at Lake Lovey, with an old friend. Fish were caught by Frodo's guile, and flames gently touched the garlic sauce, which dripped onto the charcoal, which browned the tender insides of the meal made for erstwhile kings. Stories long legend where re-told and laughter long forgotten was recalled. Frodo dropped a lime into the clear bottle, and offered one to his friend, but the offer was uncharacteristically rebuffed.
Lines were cast deep into the darkness, and continued until Frodo's friend surprisingly urged a return to the comfort of bed and hearth ashore. Aland, Frodo found himself reaching out to grasp the arm, and to steady his friends' step as they climbed to the lights above the berth of the Minnow. Once settled beneath the stars, and beside the citonella candles which guard against the most devilish of intruders, Delano lit a cigarette, and exhaled deep into the night sky. Frodo was quizzical, but before he could offer comment, Delano spoke to his old friend.
"Frodo, I cannot drink, because of medication. I cannot make love to even the grandest conquest of my life. I have but one pleasure left, and it is mine to enjoy, as I have always done. Let me say that the pain I have experienced has been more severe than any wound from any sword, and the intensity has been such that on many occasions, I have considered the only remedy."
Frodo tried to respond, but Delano continued, telling him that his life's partner had taken charge of all firearms, and had put them beyond his reach. He told Frodo that the suffering had eased, and that he had found ways to adapt which no longer made the final remedy seem a matter of implementation, much less timing.
In the morn the two dropped line again, and Delano matched Frodo's catch of the evening past. It was a matter of attainment for Delano, and of silent joy for Frodo. Frodo was increasingly aware that many of the most bawdy and baudacious moments in his life had centered around the outrageous and unrepentant character who sailed this day with Frodo, and Mick, the Wonder Dog. Wisdom teaching Frodo that all would probably not gather again in celebration as they did when Delano landed that struggling panfish at Lake Lovey.
Frodo drove home, recalling the final words of Augustus to Woodrow, which befit the soliloquoy of those who have lived life as they wished, and who face its exit without regret.
