Replying to myself again but I finished the book. It took me longer than I'd planned, mostly because I was busy with other things.
But I finished it. And it's as soothing an ending as Sam's return to the Shire. It was not fully obvious, and I'm glad again that Hobb knows to take her time with seemingly boring everyday matters, instead of lumping all into a short epilogue.
I cried. Fitz has earned this outcome. It's not fully happy, but as he says himself: "I am content."
Hobb may have looked to Tolkien for that way to end the book, I think. It's a similar love for the calm family life. And the last sentences spoken by both reluctant heroes, Fitz and Sam, say the same thing.
I love this book.
I will start Assassin's Apprentice tonight before bed, or steal a page or two if I can in between the birthday party.
Mmm.