Author's Note: I know this chapter is somewhat short, but the next will be much longer, I promise. A big thanks to those who review; it means so much to me!

. . .

It was just after dawn that Bucky awoke. He sat up, and looking out his open window, he saw that it was quite a pleasant morning. He stood and ventured out of his room to a balcony, taking deep draughts of fresh air and straining his ears for any signs of other people in the area. He heard nothing, and seeing a few figures on the river bank, he decided to take the walk to the shore himself.

It was an easy, ten minute stroll to the water's edge. When Bucky had reached it, he recognized the people near the river as Aragorn, Elladan, and Elrohir. They appeared to have a predetermined path which made Bucky assume they were about a task, but when they spotted him, they made their way in his direction.

"Good morning, Rancelevon," Elrohir said pleasantly. "Did you rest well?"

"Yes, thank you," Bucky replied. "Are you three doing anything particular?"

"Not in the strictest sense," Aragorn replied. "We were planning on saddling up and scouting out Rivendell's western border soon, though right now we are only discussing the matter. With trolls so close to the road, we must assess the situation closer to our own lands before evil can gain any footholds."

"Would you like to accompany us?" Elladan asked politely.

"No thanks," Bucky declined. "I think I've had enough of trolls for a while."

They all four laughed together. "I guess Estel still needs to learn his lesson," Elrohir chuckled, "though I doubt he will do so in daylight, when all trolls will be in their caves."

"If we are to be back for sure tonight," Elladan said, "I think we should start out soon."

"I agree," Aragorn said. "Let us make what preparations are needed and be off within the hour. Shall I fill our water skins while you two saddle the horses?"

"We will meet you at the stable," Elrohir said. "Don't be too long." With that, the sons of Elrond walked off together, leaving Aragorn and Bucky temporarily alone.

"I must go fetch the skins," the ranger said, turning to face his companion directly. "But you could walk with me if you wish."

"Certainly," Bucky said, stepping to Aragorn's side and following him down the river's side. As they walked, Bucky became slowly aware of a strange sensation. He lifted his right arm and noticed that he had goose bumps, and he felt as one does before they are electrocuted. Suddenly he remembered that he had experienced this same feeling right before plunging into the dark abyss in the museum.

"Are you alright?" Aragorn asked, having felt nothing.

Just when the ranger finished speaking, the strange darkness appeared only a few feet ahead. Aragorn saw it, but he was not drawn into it as Bucky was. To Bucky's joy, the force pulling him into the abyss, though irresistible, was not such that he had no time to think or react. Somehow it seemed that a brief farewell was intended.

"Good bye, Aragorn," Bucky said, wrapping his arms quickly around his friend. "I believe this is my door to home, and it's pulling me through."

"Farewell then, Bucky Rancelevon," the ranger said, returning the hug. "Give my regards to Steve when you see him. May you find forgiveness and peace, by Eru's grace!"

"Thank you," Bucky said, beginning to slip toward the small void. "And tell Bilbo goodbye for me. Farewell, Aragorn!"

The darkness swallowed him entirely, and he vanished from the ranger's sight. The darkness disappeared only a few seconds after Bucky, and in the space of one minute, Isildur's heir went from a common walk with a comrade to standing in a state of shock all alone.

Everything had happened so quickly that Aragorn felt almost cheated. Not only had he just met Bucky a few days ago, but the man's departure had been both unexpected and very short. There was so much Aragorn had desired to discuss with Bucky and learn from him, but now he would never have the chance.

"I hope our paths cross again," Aragorn said aloud, though there was no one to hear him. "But until then, may Eru bless you richly!"

It did not take long for Aragorn to fill the water skins, but he then angled back towards the house and went immediately to Elrond, wanting to notify him of Bucky's departure. He found the Lord of Imladris in his study, busy pouring over documents as he often was. At the ranger's entrance, the elf stood up and greeted his foster son with a smile.

"So the troll trackers have not yet gone abroad?" Elrond inquired with a raised brow.

"No, though we are about to depart. I have come to bring you some news, which is both good and sorrowful. Bucky has left, or more correctly been taken, to his own land. It was quite sudden, but I believe he will be safe."

Elrond was silent for a moment, pondering what he had just heard and acknowledging the information with only a nod. "I wish him the best," the elf said at last. "I think his healing here will lead to much greater things in his own story."

"I perceive this also," Aragorn agreed, "and I am glad of it."

"Enjoy your scouting trip," Elrond said, sitting back down. "I must now attend to my duties, but we will talk of this in greater detail later. Would you like me to tell Master Baggins?"

"No; I'll inform him on my way out," Aragorn said, feeling a responsibility to tell his friend of the matter directly. He dipped his head to Elrond in respect and exited the room, walking down the hallway and onto a flower-filled balcony where Bilbo often spent his mornings. He found the hobbit on a bench among the plants, reading from a small book on his lap.

"Bilbo," the ranger began, sitting down on the bench. "Rancelevon was called back to his own country this morning. He was sorry he could not say his farewell to you personally, but he told me to wish you well."

The hobbit looked up, at first seeming to be surprised but then calming down. "I figured his departure might be sudden," Bilbo revealed as he turned his eyes back to his book, "but I thought that I might finish the song before he left. It's a pity he shall never hear it, or at least not for a while."

"We shall see," Aragorn said distantly. "We may meet him again yet."

"I certainly hope so," the hobbit said, turning the page and pretending to be interested in the volume below him.

Aragorn nodded and sighed. "As do I."

. . .

It was a very quick and sudden departure, I know. But I don't want this to become a novel; it's just supposed to be a short-ish story, so I made things flow as I saw fit. I mean, I am the writer. ;) You're getting near the end; review and keep on reading!