"It cannot be..." I breathed.

Ebbo released me from his stone grip and I slid a few inches to the ground. I hadn't realized that I was being held up by him.

"Well well well. If it isn't Mr. Baggins."

Frodo, Samwise, Merry and Pippin stood before him. They all looked quite warn out. Frodo didn't even look enthused to see me.

Ebbo walked towards them.

"What does it look like is going on here, shortcake?" he mocked.

"Let her go, Ebbo," Frodo defended.

"Or what? You think you can take on me?"

"Now don't you dare test Mr. Frodo!" Sam shouted. Well. He sure seemed to have gained some confidence. "Or any of us, for that matter. We fought in many battles, faced and killed dozens of Orcs, survived possessive creatures and an unnaturally large spider! And on top of that, we destroyed the greatest villain Middle-Earth has ever faced. I think we can take you on, Ebbo."

Ebbo raised an eyebrow then started laughing.

"You think I'm going to believe any of what you just said?! Oh please!"

"We don't need you to believe us," Frodo said calmly. "But if I hear that you were canoodling with my fiancé while I was unable to defend her, so help me, I will-"

"EBBO!" Cheldric shouted. "I thought I told you that you were never allowed near my pub or my employees again!"

Ebbo pursed his lips. "Yes...sir..."

Ebbo turned to leave. "This isn't over," he whispered to us.

I brought my hands to my face and started crying hysterically. Frodo ran up to me and embraced me in his arms.

"Sshhhh," he comforted. "It's alright. I'm back now."

"Where were you?!" I cried. "You were gone for 13 months!"

"I know..." he cooed. "I know."

"I'll give you the rest of the day off, I suppose," Chaldric said. I lifted my head up and smiled at him.

"Thank you, Chalric," I said. He nodded his head and walked off.

"You three go on ahead inside, I'll be in there later," Frodo said to the others. They walked into the pub.

"Fara," he whispered. "I told you that I would be back." He kissed my forehead. "I promised."

I looked up at him. "But I can already tell..." I whispered back

"Tell what?" he inquired.

"That you're not the same."