I'm glad you like this. It's always been my feeling that the reason Frodo could go into the West freely was that he knew everyone he loved would live well, and everything he loved truly had been saved. Because of this, the peace and healing began for him with his departure, the ties binding him to Middle Earth falling away like the ropes that moored the elven ship itself.
The appearance of the alder tree was automatic, part of the sentence itself. I didn't think about which tree it should be, which is interesting. In response to your question, I found this page. A couple of relevant bits:
Fearn [alder] was also seen to fend off the destructive power of Winter, signifying the Spring's dew and the year's true start.
Since its buds grow in spirals, it has become a symbol of resurrection and new life. Because Fearn is a harbinger of Spring, displaying a hardy survival to the rigours of Winter, this resurrection image and protective power is reinforced.
When Alder appears it gives great strength in contentious situations... granting tenacity and determination. Fearn's spiritual protection... asks you to be true to your principles - your foundation - and thus to remain steadfast in decisions based upon this quality.
As I said above, the alder appeared on its own in the drabble; I was not aware of these connotations. It seems the tree simply knew its place in this moment. Either that or Frodo gravitated towards it on his own. :)
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The appearance of the alder tree was automatic, part of the sentence itself. I didn't think about which tree it should be, which is interesting. In response to your question, I found this page. A couple of relevant bits:
Fearn [alder] was also seen to fend off the destructive power of Winter, signifying the Spring's dew and the year's true start.
Since its buds grow in spirals, it has become a symbol of resurrection and new life. Because Fearn is a harbinger of Spring, displaying a hardy survival to the rigours of Winter, this resurrection image and protective power is reinforced.
When Alder appears it gives great strength in contentious situations... granting tenacity and determination. Fearn's spiritual protection... asks you to be true to your principles - your foundation - and thus to remain steadfast in decisions based upon this quality.
As I said above, the alder appeared on its own in the drabble; I was not aware of these connotations. It seems the tree simply knew its place in this moment. Either that or Frodo gravitated towards it on his own. :)