I apologize for the delay. Writer's block again!

*.*.*

The darkness deepened across Middle-earth. It was seen most in Rivendell, where Bingo left the Last Homely House. He wanted to explore the gardens, but his legs were tired. The weight of the world rested on his shoulders. He thought of Frodo, wondering if he should tell him about these visions he'd been having. He already told Lida some of these vision, but without substantial proof, they were meaningless.

He looked around, spotting a lilac colored baby carriage. A baby's cries were heard inside the carriage, enough for Bingo to investigate. He approached the carriage and pulled back the blanket. It was empty! What sort of monster would do this to a poor, innocent baby?

He looked again. There was Frodo, cradling a blue, blanket wrapped bundle in his arms. That voice, those screams coming from the baby… they were Bingo's screams. But how? Wasn't that impossible? He turned around, spotting an adult version of himself charging straight at him, an orange fireball stoking his hand.

"Don't you dare come any closer!" Bingo's other self said, shooting a fireball right at him….

….Bingo stirred. He was lying in bed, resting on a soft mattress. He sighed, realizing it was all just a dream. And yet, it wasn't. It was almost as if he were fighting himself.

He glanced at the balcony. The sun had just begun to rise. Bingo moved out of bed, going off to do his morning routine. When he finished and dressed in a green tunic, brown breeches, and red straps, he made his way out into the hallway. There was no one around. It was a good sign that he could walk around without too much distraction. He moved swiftly to the Hall of Fire and stepped through the doorway. He was greeted by elves before grabbing a large bowl of porridge.

He would make the trip to Eregion today without delay.

"Hey Bingo!" Lida sat down next to him.

"Lida, I'm eating!" Bingo said between bites.

"You weren't serious about leaving. Were you?" Lida asked, curtly.

Bingo looked at her like she had gone mad. "I'm going, whether you want me to or not! I need to find answers, and I can't do that here. Please understand. This is right."

"Oh." Lida said, sadly. "I wish you could stay. We need you to stay. Please?"

"Are you – do you fancy me, Lida?" Bingo asked, surprised. Lida nodded, much to his disdain. "You know it wouldn't work. You're too young for me." He returned to his meal without hesitation.

"What if it did work? Would you stay?" Lida asked, curious.

"Your wishful thinking won't convince me to stay." Bingo said. "Now please, go off and play."

Lida lowered her head. "I'll leave you alone then." She rushed back to her parents. Bingo shook his head. She would understand. He hoped she would.

.

Bingo left the Last Homely House. Yes, the hill was a good place to teleport. It was nice and open. A wave of blue light coursed through his veins, sending him warm feelings of joy. He would reach Eregion soon enough.

"Now remember," Elrond came up from behind him, "the wilds will be dangerous. I do not know what you intend to find in Eregion."

"Answers. Hope above anything else." Bingo said, staring at the morning sky. He avoided Elrond's gaze. "Look after Lida. I'm not sure if I'll return to Rivendell. I just want to make sure she's safe."

"I will look after her. You will return, Bingo. I know it." Elrond nodded.

"Right. There's that." Bingo grunted, staring at his hands. "I can do this." He announced. "Wish me luck!"

"I will see you when you get back." Elrond said. "Return to us, Bingo. Please?"

Bingo faced the elven lord. "I will. Don't you worry about me."

"It is not I that should fear whatever's out there." Elrond answered. "No matter. The Dúnedain Rangers and the elven folk will look after you."

Bingo nodded. He closed his eyes, thought of Eregion, and disappeared. He couldn't feel his body. It was as if the light engulfed him, making him only see a mental image. The invisible pulls were strong. It was excruciating. He wanted to scream, but he couldn't.

Oh, wouldn't this pain stop?

He got his wish. He opened his eyes, revealing his body fully dressed in blue armor. How did he do that? How did he conjure up a new set of clothes? How much time passed? Where was he?

There was tall brown grass, trees, hills, castle ruins, and buildings made out of stone. In the near distance was a cave, looming over a gentle stream. He sighed, knowing he had reached his destination.

Taking a deep breath, he journeyed through the wild, keen on reaching the cave before sunset.

*.*.*

Thanks for reading. :)