I whipped around so fast I almost fell off of the stairs. I frantically looked around for the person that called out. In the distance, farther down the beach was a person walking towards me with long brown hair. I had no idea how he heard me from so far away, but maybe he saw me.
He slowly approached me and I could see he was wearing leggings and a long green tunic with dark boots. He had a dark coak wrapped around his shoulders and a small bag slung across his body. I hesitated as he approached, not knowing if he was a friend or foe. I was completely lost, so I guess I will take a chance. I don't have a large knife, just a small Swiss one but it is buried in my bag. If he turns out bad I will have to run for it.
I could see him better now as he approached. The first thing I noticed was that he is strikingly beautiful. Nobody should be that perfect, it was uncanny. His long soft brown hair and sharp cheekbones gave way to beautiful blue-gray eyes. He was so close to me now that I was starstruck by his good looks.
"Eithel govannen, nin híril. Im am called Voronwë. Im washed ashore hi. Ceri- cin baur some help? Where na- cín herven ben escort?" he said.
"I'm sorry, I don't understand you?"
"I apologize, my lady. I said well met. I am called Voronwë, I washed ashore here many years ago and was wondering if you needed any help. Where is your husband or escort? Or has the war ended and the lands are safe now?" he asks.
I hesitate, I don't know if I should trust him if he finds out I'm alone. Instead, I say "Hello, I am Kiera Sutherland. I was camping in the Black Hills with my friends when I ended up here. I got a bit turned around from them and they are looking for me. If you have a phone I could use or could point me to the nearest town that would be great."
"I'm sorry my lady, I don't know where those places are. We are on the shores of the elvan city of Vinyamar in the realm of Neverest. Nobody has lived here since my kin left many centuries ago. Tell me what is this "phone" you speak of?"
Ok, this guy is crazy. How does he not know what a phone is, and did he just say elvan like elves? "I'm sorry, did you just say elvan like elves? And a phone like a cell phone or telephone to call and talk to people. I have mine but it doesn't have any service, I was hoping maybe you have a landline or know of a town nearby that has one. I'm sure my friends are looking for me."
"I'm truly sorry but I do not have this "phone" of which you speak of. The only towns close by are the elvish settlements at the havens of the Falas, a few days walk from here or maybe a week. And yes, an elvish city for I am an elf," and when he finished talking he brushed his brown hair behind his ear to reveal it's pointedness.
I stared at him and his ear. They couldn't be real because elves don't exist except in stories. He must be cosplaying or pretending.
"Ok, very funny. I'm fine with you cosplaying or pretending or whatever, but I really need a phone or a map. So could you cut the act for like a few minutes and help me and then you can go do whatever your heart desires. No judgment from me, but I would really like to get back to my friends." I say desperately.
His beautiful face turned down with a frown. "I am very sorry, but I am an elf. I was sent by my king Turgon to follow the streams to the sea. There I was to build a boat and sail for Valinor to beg the Valar for help against the enemy. Sadly, my friends and kin had perished on the seas. I was saved by Lord Ulmo; the lord of the sea. I was washed up here on the shore many years ago. I saw you approach from the cliff wall and came over. I have not seen anyone for many years and I've been alone for some time. I truly am an elf, my lady, I would not lie to you."
He said it with such conviction that I had to pause and think. "I don't think this is real, I must be dreaming. I was camping in the Black Hills of South Dakota with my friends. I woke up here on the beach which is impossible as there are no oceans for hundreds of miles."
"You're not dreaming, my lady. I am real, we are in Beleriand, and it is the year 495 of the first age. Is the "Black Hills" your home? I have never heard of it, but I am also young for my kin and this is my first journey from my home. I have not seen that much of this world but I have never heard of any black hills. Here take my hand so you know this is real," he reached out his hands to me.
I reached out and grasped both his hands in mine. They were real and soft, with rugged callus on the palms. I dropped both of my hands and continued to stare at him. This was getting weirder by the second.
"That doesn't help me at all. I'm from Duluth, Minnesota, in the United States. I was camping with some friends in the Black Hills of South Dakota. In a campground near The Black Hills National Forest actually. Does any of that ring a bell? It's kind of hard not to know where the United States is."
"No my lady, I have no idea where those places are. I have never heard of this "United States" or of any black hills. I was living in the city of Gondolin before my king sent me to the Mouths of Sirion and the Isle of the Balar. There Círdan, my mother's kin, helped me build the last ship to sail for Valinor. We searched for many years, but never found the blessed realm. We were sailing home when our ship got lost at sea. I was spared by the grace of Ulmo for which I know not. I have stayed here for some time as I did not desire to leave."
"Gondolin, like the hidden city of Gondolin?" I ask.
"Yes, my lady," he replies with a smile.
Right I think, this guy is a little nuts if he thinks he's in Lord of the Rings. My ex-boyfriend James was obsessed with the books and movies. Gondolin was his favorite, but I can only vaguely remember what happened to some of the characters. I take a good look at Voronwë again. He definitely looks like an elf. He's downright gorgeous with his straight brown hair, high cheekbones, and blue-grey eyes. He's dressed like they were in the movies too. Maybe I am on a set or something or this is some crazy guy who is wandering the wilderness cosplaying.
I'm not at my campsite though and everything seems real. It's either I am dreaming and this is all a very vivid dream or I somehow ended up in this world. I sigh and sit down on the bottom step. At least he doesn't seem like he is going to murder me anytime soon, so I guess I can trust him for a little while. He sits down next to me, and both need a minute of silence.
"I don't know what to do now, I have no idea how to get home. I hardly have any food or a place to stay."
"We will think of something together. King Turgon doesn't allow humans, but I could lead you to Círdan. He would be happy to help you and take you in with his people. I have enough food for us for the journey and he could help me prepare for the journey home. Or perhaps I will stay as well as I long to be near the sea. I have been alone for quite some time and I wouldn't mind some company. Let us rest a minute though before we decide our route."
We sat in comfortable silence. I felt a little better knowing I have a plan now and I'm not alone. Maybe this Círdan guy can help me get home. Just then we hear a person walking towards the beach. I look past Voronwë and see a man walk towards the edge of the water.
He is dressed in gleaming armor. A large shield and sword to match but no helmet. His hair is long, blonde, and dirty. Voronwë and I watch him and just as he reaches the water's edge, a giant figure made of water rises above the waves.