46 Years ago...

I tightened the cinch on Weasel's saddle at the gates of Rivendell. It felt so nice to finally be able to saddle my own horse again. It felt so nice to just do more things by myself again. Vibrations in the ground told me that four people were approaching. I couldn't really see a clear picture of things but I could picture outlines of things.

"Do you have everything?" Glorfindel asked, I smiled.

"Aye, Gilraen double-checked for me," I said, the rustling of cloth drew closer and a gentle hand rested against my face.

"Take care Shyra, may Eru keep you safe and bless you." her gentle voice spoke gently. In her other arm, she held Aragorn close. He was clutching something, I think a stuffed horse. I nodded and wrapped my arms around both of them.

"Thank you," I whispered, a lump was rising in my throat but I swallowed it.

Next, I approached the twins.

"We will miss you, Badger," Elladan said, I smiled and lunged forward. Catching them both in an embrace. I held them tight for a long moment before finally reaching up and messed up their perfect hair.

"Ah, Shyra!" Elrohir complained and they both let go of me. I burst out laughing before giving both punches in the shoulders.

"I'll show up one of these days when you don't expect it," I said with a smile, hearing them both laugh.

Next, I stepped up to Glorfindel. I could feel his strong presence before me. I smiled and held out my hand for him to shake.

"Thanks for looking after me." Suddenly I felt him wrap his arms around me into an embrace. I smiled and hugged him back. I had to admit that I did warm up to him in the end. Even if he was always nagging me all the time.

"Your welcome…" he said and for a moment I could feel him take a deep breath. I smiled again and punched his shoulder too before leaving him to go back to Weasel.

I swung into the saddle and grabbed the reins. The wind blew through my hair and the leaves of the trees around us.

As if it were begging me to stay.

But I couldn't.

I had to go my own way.

I had to leave.

I turned Weasel around and started down the path out of Rivendell. As I got further and further away, I thought of my brother.

I wondered what he was doing now. If he was alright...and if he blamed me for what happened. To be honest, I wouldn't blame him. I finally pulled Weasel to a stop, still feeling the faint presence of Gilraen, Elladan, Elrohir, and Glorfindel behind me.

I waved one last goodbye and set out on my own adventure.