Run It Back Again (Part 1)

Chapter 2

That night, I tested Mother's necklace.  Both her's and Father's energy was still there, but it was really weak.  I decided right away not to try it again until I return to my regular timing.  Besides, why would I rely on the energy rather than seeing Mother and Father in person.  Skyrena, as I was to call Mother, lead me to the room she and Thorin had gotten for the two of us.

"So, how old are you?"  I quickly did the calculations.

"I've seen 105 years...  You saw just over 400 before you died."  She nodded as she handed me some furs.

"How did I die?"  I swallowed hard, remembering what had happened the day she died.

"You died protecting me.  Someone tried to burn me alive, and you got in his way.  You didn't have enough energy to save yourself, and I didn't have enough to save you, either..."  She swallowed hard and smiled at me.

"What was I like?"  I lowered my gaze.

"You were loyal and caring...  Also, you were a warrior.  You fought to defend Middle Earth and travelled every 5 years just to make sure everything was peaceful."  I didn't dare tell her how she mourned Thorin's death.  Not yet...

"What about Thorin?"  I swallowed hard and looked her in the eye.

"He died before I was born...  I never knew him."  She swallowed hard and nodded.

"No wonder you chose to come here and try to save us..."  She smiled and stroked my hair.  "You remind me so much of him..."  I smiled a little, feeling tears well up in my eyes.

"You always told me that...  And, for the record, if we all do make it through this, and I get sent back to my timing, don't bother telling me this as a child.  I don't think I could handle it."  She giggled a little, making me realize that Mother was once young and carefree, like I was during my time in Lothloria.

"I don't think I can take this either, but I'm glad I got to know that I end up with such a charming daughter as you."  I blushed a little as I got into bed.

"Good night, Skyrena."  She smiled and kissed my forehead.

"Goodnight..."  As I fell asleep, I remembered all those nights when I was younger and how she would tuck me in.

"You won't take my son from me!"  Lord Denethor came charging right at me, but Mother stepped in the way.  As Gandalf knocked Denethor away, he accidentally knocked Mother away as well.  I screamed as she landed on the lit funeral prye...

"Era!"  I jerked awake and saw Skyrena standing over me.  "Era, are you alright?"  I took a shaky breath and nodded.

"Yeah, I'm fine..."  She raised an eyebrow at me, but she dropped the subject.

"Thorin already went to get the other dwarves, and Gandalf is downstairs, getting us some breakfast.  We leave later today."  I nodded as she held up a travel bag.  "I noticed you only had your weapons and a cloak, so I got you some supplies."  She emptied the bag.  "There's some smoked and dried food, a few extra weapons, some furs, and some travel clothes."  She handed me the clothes.  "You look as though you've worn those clothes for the last 45 years."  I had...  I nodded and took the clothes.

"Thank you, Skyrena."  With that, I changed into the newer clothes and followed her down the stairs.  Gandalf waited with breakfast: cold meat and bread.  I held back a moan as I ate the food, wondering if it really has been that long since I ate food like this.  Gandalf smiled at both of us.

"So, Thorin will be back by noon.  Then, we head for the Shire."  I remembered what he had spoken off last night before we all retired to bed.  "Now, among the others, try not to draw too much attention to yourself, Era.  Dwarves are curious folk.  Having another female may raise some suspicion.  As long as Thorin is okay with you coming along, the others won't have too much trouble with you."  I nodded as Skyrena shrugged.

"Oh, they won't bother.  If anything, they'll love her!"  Gandalf shot her a knowing look as he responded.

"Exactly...  Remember, she is from another timing.  The less connections she has, the easier things may go when she returns."  I nodded.

"Agreed..."  Skyrena turned to face me.

"So, you never loved anyone with the exception of me?"  I swallowed a chunk of bread.

"I did...  But, he died in a fight."  Gandalf spoke up before Skyrena could ask me for details.

"Maybe that'll change when she returns.  After all, if she changes what is going to happen, she may change the upcoming future of those around her as well."  I nodded.

"It's what I hope to do."  Skyrena nodded.

"Thorin's been distant...  Usually, he's up close and making sure I'm okay, but, now..."  She shook her head.  "He's backed off a bit."  I swallowed hard.

"Maybe it's the journey coming up.  After all, he really does care about you."  She nodded as she brushed some of my hair back.

"I know he does...  I've known since he first saved me."  I smiled as we finished breakfast and packed up, waiting for Thorin.  Gandalf rested a hand on my shoulder every so often and would whisper in my ear.

"Remember, this may not change in the best of ways..."  I nodded.

"I know."

I knew this may be a bad idea, but who knows how long I'm stuck here.  My best option is to go along and attempt to change what happened.  I can't go back to being alone in the Grayhavens.  I just can't...