Languages:
'Valari words/ or Erika's mother tongue'
"Quenya/Sindarin"
"Westron/Common tongue"
"Others"
Disclaimer: LOTR and Silmarillion are properties of J.R.R. Tolkien and Tolkien Estates. None of the songs used in the story are mine too and only borrowed for entertainment purposes.
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Chapter 15
When The Unshakable Shook
"Excuse me, what?" I asked Glorfindel dumbfoundedly. Since the matter of incident has reached the elves I thought they are more qualified to sentence these men with a just punishment. That's how it's supposed to work where I'm from but Glorfindel just passed the torch to me as if I had the lives of these people in the palm of my hand. I could see some of the guys turn pale, one even widened his eyes in horror and surprise.
"None of the supplies have been taken yet thanks to you, however you were assaulted with the intention of seriously harming you. And thus, I will put their sentence upon your judgement. With all the audacity and greed these rotten men had shown, I would not even hold it against you if you asked for their heads."
"Hold on, hold on. First of all, you can't just throw this on to me." I said while waving my two hands. "Also why me? I'm not asking for anybody's head or any of their limbs. Although I can't deny the fact that they have to be punished, you can't just kill someone that easily. Thou shall not kill, thus says the Lord." I saw Moustache Man sighed in relief.
Glorfindel's expression looks so much like the exasperated face my math professor does whenever he's explaining something to his students for so many times yet they still don't get it. "What they have said about the eldar, I shall let it pass. They were mere words spoken in the heat of anger. But not what has been done to you and their ill plans to take the people's supply for themselves. To be fair, bestow their punishment however you see it fit." Though he spoke in a calm manner, there was a hint of authority in his words as if I had no other choice but to do what he said.
"Wait, bruh, that's not being fair at all. I mean the process should be something like they will be taken to the custody of whoever is the one who is managing the justice system and is more qualified to pass judgement. I'm not even from this city. What if I abuse this power?" I crossed my arms upon my chest with a rough sigh while I stared down at the men on the floor. Instead of being happy because I can extract revenge on these assholes, I felt like a nanny babysitting a bunch of unruly children.
"Yes, there is no fairness in this!" Ubel, the fatty mayor, said. He was still on his fours and trying to settle himself on a steady position. "We will not be subjected by-"
"Hey!" I barked with a half snarled mouth, cutting off what he was saying. This guy, seriously. I was just thinking about how unfair it is to give these men an unjustified punishment and here they are showing me why they are in this situation in the first place. Maybe instead of harsh punishment, I'll just give them disciplinary action. But even if I don't plan to kill them or something and their lives would be spared, I'll make sure they will not enjoy what I'll do to them.
Heh… it's not good to bully the bullies but it sure feels good.
"This guy… seriously. Y'all are lucky to land on my hand. The elves and even the angry folks who knew what you attempted to do were being kind enough not to coup de grâce impromptu your butts despite all the shit you said and done, so shut up and listen." I said loudly, trying to overpower their complaining voices. I won though, because they turned silent.
I turned to the elves, I saw Glorfindel with amusement in his face, it disappeared though as I faced them. "Is there any jail here?" I asked.
"There is one underneath the chief's house that is in good condition. If you are planning to imprison them, I could order someone to stand on guard." It was Bronwëg that answered me.
"Oh, just for tonight. And maybe for the next three days? I have a really good idea for them to do."
"Who says we will follow you, harlot? You have no right to do this!" Ubel shouted, his eyes burning with anger.
"Shut it, fatty. I swear to god if you don't stop complaining, I will castrate all of you and feed your balls to the sharks." I said back to him, I'm starting to get annoyed at his stupidity. My threat must be effective to him as their faces once again turned pale. I heard someone snorting from behind me but I ignored it. "Now sit on your knees and raise your hands up!"
I saw clueless reluctance on their faces as they looked at each other. They must have been wondering what I meant. "What the hell, why do I have to do everything, seriously." I grumbled silently as I fell on my knees and raised my hands up high. "Like this. Do it like this."
"Sweet Tulkas, woman." Nestaron said with a complicated reaction. He looks like snickering but with 'what the fuck expression'. He then puts down the bow and arrow in his hand on the nearby table and walks closer just to pick me up from the ground.
But I wasn't happy to see only two men reluctantly raising their hands while trying to set themselves on their knees. "When I count to three and none of you are doing what I did, y'all are going to be castrated! Hands up now!"
The men then scrambled to sit on their knees and put their hands up. "Good, at least the fear of losing their testicles still works for them." If they are passing the burden of their punishment to me, boy, imma do it my way.
It's funny to see grown up men sitting like a bunch of kids though.
"Seriously, you guys. You complain harder than girls. Why don't you just accept the fact that you guys screwed up?" I stood in front of them. "Listen to me, I'm not gonna kill you guys as long as you don't do any shit to me, to the elves and to other people here in this city. Like jeez come on, these are your people, and people should help each other during the time of crisis rather than make things worst, they already have enough burden to carry because if you guys are not updated, your city was just screwed up by ugly motherfuckers and-"
"Eherm.." My glorious speech was interrupted by someone clearing their throats. I looked back to see Nestaron with his face being scandalised by the profanities.
"Sorry." I said before clearing up my throat. I forgot they are quite sensitive to cursing. "Anyway, y'all are gonna stay in jail for the rest of the night and after breakfast, I have a task for all of you." I smirked and crossed my arms. I might not kill them but I'm gonna make them work their ass off. "You guys are gonna be the one who will do the digging for the mass graveyard. I will give two days ultimatum and if you guys are not done within that duration…?" I brought my forefinger up. With my other hand in the form of a scissor and proceed to act as if I was cutting my other finger, I say to them with a big creepy smile, "Say bye bye to your family jewels."
-.-.-.-.-.-
Ubel and his men were taken by Glorfindel and the other elves to detain them in the prisons underneath the city chieftain's workhouse and Erika has an expression of being relieved after seeing them leaving the tent. Glorfindel even heard a sigh as they went out of the tent. He told the woman to stay there for a while and he will return as soon as possible.
To be honest, he had expected her not to deliver a harsh punishment but he at least wanted to see the woman have a little bit of revenge.
He would have at least bashed their faces on the floor for having the audacity to lay their hands on her but it was not for him to decide anymore. She was too kind though, the men came out of the tent without even a scratch and she even asked the elves not to hurt them anymore as they will be punished tomorrow anyway.
It was Bronwëg who chose the elves who will guard the prison and Glorfindel left as soon as it was settled. Together with Nestaron, they return back to the central tent where Erika was waiting.
They found her sleeping while leaning on the table. Her long, dark hair covers half of her face and Glorfindel slowly approached her to gently push the hair behind her ear. She was sprawled gracelessly upon the table but to his eyes it made her look so adorable. Her chaotic energy was like a fresh wind.
Nestaron chuckled silently. "She must have been so tired. She had a long day and she was working very hard."
"Where will she stay for the night?"
"With Lady Heledh, milord. On the tent made for the ellyth that provides help on the Healing Wards."
Glorfindel nodded. "I see."
"Take a rest as well, my Lord Glorfindel, since stepping into this city, you did not take a respite. I will carry the young lady back with me–"
"There is no need for that, my friend." Glorfindel smiled at the ellon. He took steps closer to the woman's sleeping form and gently leaned her in his chest. Without any difficulties, Glorfindel gently lifted Erika up in his arms. She stirred and grunted but did not wake up. "I will take her to my tent. There, she can rest comfortably. Please, move all her belongings there by tomorrow."
Nestaron has a knowing smile on his face but Glorfindel ignored it and started walking out of the tent while carrying the woman in his arms. "As you wish, milord." The healer said with a small bow.
Glorfindel's strides were gentle and light even more than an elf could possibly do. He does not want the woman in his arms to awaken and sees his face painted with fondness. She has absolutely no grace at all while sleeping. Her mouth is slightly open and a drool is starting to form on the other side of her lips, he could hear a snore as well.
Glorfindel has seen ethereal beauty that resembles a living art. The ones that will make you question if it is even real or it was just an object of one's imagination. But in his eyes, hers was a sight that made her look so real. Alive and existing. Breathing and full of warmth. A sight that stirs sleeping emotions deep in his heart.
The kin he met along the way have opted to greet him with a respectful bow after seeing the sleeping woman in his arms and to be honest, he has nothing to say to some of them who have knowing smiles on their faces.
The golden haired warrior entered his tent with the help of one elleth who opened the flap for him. He uttered his gratitude before the elleth went to do her business. Glorfindel walked to his bed and bent down to lay the woman upon it, however to his surprise, her left hand was clutching hard on the cape of his armor and it hindered the movement of his arm making it hard for him to put her down. Thankfully at that time Erika's eyes slowly and slightly opened.
"Hmm?" She hummed in confusion. Her delicate brows knotted at seeing his face. Glorfindel ceased all movement he was about to do and waited for her to return to her slumber. But she did not do that and instead released her hold on to his cape. Her hand slowly came up and it's warmth soon was felt on his cheek, it was a feather-like touch but Glorfindel felt sparks.
"Man… even in my dream you look so hot and shiny." Erika sighs sleepily. "Unfair."
He was about to chuckle but to his surprise, Erika slowly pulled her face closer to his and to her attempt to reach his height, the hand in his cheek went to the back of his neck. She pulled him closer until her lips were on his cheek.
Glorfindel's whole body stiffened at the unexpected contact. For a while, the time of Ëa has stopped, it took him a moment to realize that his heart started pounding it's existence out of his chest. His fëa was gladdened and stirred awake.
Erika spoke almost in a whisper, "Thank you for saving me… And the others. You were.. so… cool." The next thing that came out of her lips was the sound of her breathing that breaks the heavy silence inside his tent. She falls asleep once again, leaving him in a fluster he has never experienced in his thousand years of existence.
Glorfindel's eyes drank the sight of Erika's countenance and thought to himself that the pit he has fallen in has started to become deeper and deeper.
And left him in a place where he can never get out anymore.
He slowly lowered the woman to his bed and again she stirs but did not wake up like before. In all the storm his heart is in, one thing made him smile and it was the fact that she was dreaming about him. Glorfindel quickly removed her boots and gently pulled the blanket to cover her body before heading out of the tent.
Forget about lying down to sleep, he needs to move away from her right now or else he might do things his foolish heart might tell him to do.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
"For the love of all that is good in Aman, Erika. I disappeared just a day away from your side and you already found yourself in the middle of trouble." An injured Faeron said to me, his face full of disbelief and annoyance. I mean, I would never have thought that my argument would escalate rapidly and that it would turn into a disastrous brawl.
"It's not my intention to make it that big, just so you know. I was just pointing out the fact that those supplies are not meant for their personal use. Somebody has to stand up to those men. It's not right to take away what is meant for the people." I said in defence, as of now, I have heard Faeron's version of a sermon about my recklessness and why I should not do it again. "Anyway, things turned out to be fine although I ended up having more than ten grown fat ass men to babysit."
If Faeron ever noticed my filthy mouth, he did not say anything and just sigh. Probably gave up on the fact that he can't do anything about it anymore.
Last night, the elves escorted the men to the prison, two of them will be left there along with some men who were originally working for the old chieftain before Ubel. They will guard the vicinity and make sure none of them would try to do something stupid or even escape.
It's so funny to see big men kneeling and being punished like children but, well, they deserve a little hardship in life. Now, I would give them at least a small benefit of the doubt. Even as I only saw their bad sides, I believe that there is still goodness in everyone. They just need a little polishing and they'll be back as good citizens of this city.
The next morning, I woke up in bed. Now I don't even have any idea what happened next that night, all I know is I fell asleep on the table while waiting for everyone to return.
I was still a little bit sleepy when Glorfindel, as bright as ever, came inside with a deadly smile plastered on his overly handsome face. Not that I was complaining. And not everyday you wake up to see a gorgeous person like this first thing in the morning. He told me then that he brought me to his tent and allowed me to sleep there. I felt kinda bad because I slept on his bed when he should have been the one resting comfortably there. He even came in with a basin of water and a tray of food. The two of us enjoyed an amazing breakfast together.
The guy was seriously sweet and thoughtful, he's gonna be a good husband for sure. No wonder Lady Heledh says many ladies harbour feelings for him. But why is he not dating anyone, though?
Meh.. anyway it's his personal life, I should not interfere with it. I'm just really amazed at his kindness and willingness to help people. Man, if all people on Earth are like him then the world will be a better place.
Then as we finished the breakfast, Glorfindel told me that Faeron was injured from the expedition and has been under the watch of Lady Heledh ever since they came back. Imagine my horror. He told me though that Faeron has already been treated and out of the woods. He is currently resting with his father by his side. I guess even if you are already hundreds of years old, in your parent's eyes, you are still a baby.
Glorfindel also told me that all my stuff is in the tent, he was fine with sharing his place with me and I couldn't be more thankful as he provided me some privacy. If you are a person like me, who has a lot of secrets then this means a lot. He must have felt that I am his responsibility.
When Glorfindel told me he has to go and that he will see me a little later, I quickly headed up to the healing wards just to see how Faeron was doing, only to have him almost scream in my face about what happened yesterday. I let him do it anyway, I know he was worried and he is injured so I'm not gonna stress him more. Just this time, he is allowed to scream at my face as much as he wants.
Lord Feredir brought food and insisted for me to eat again even after telling him that I just ate. The three of us shared a good breakfast and there were fishes and lots of vegetables that I have been craving for since yesterday. The tea was amazing as well but I still miss the wonderful effect of coffee. Like three mugs of it is what I regularly need to start my day. Also I noticed that my appetite became so big that I can eat up to fifteen servings. Normally, I eat maximum up to four serving, and I'd be sick as fuck after that. But now I'm slowly starting to turn into a glutton.
Also here's what I observe. If I am on the right track from my calendar before I was transported to this place, I should be having my period now. Because I took my vacation on a date that I am on safe days and has no possibilities to dye the sea of Batanes with blood. Is it because of stress? I never missed a period since I had it at eleven years old. Right now I'm observing myself and I don't feel any sign of it coming anytime now.
Last but not the least, I'm not sure if it's just because of the curse or because of my predicament but I am yearning for the sea.
Like everything about me now screams of being submerged into water. Not baths or anything but to swim into the deep and feel its connection resonates with my whole being. It hasn't been a week since I went away from the shores and now I want to see it again. Washing myself with water isn't just enough.
The deep feels just like home. The way I miss it feels like I'm longing for my family.
After we decimated the seven big salmon that was grilled by Lord Feredir, I told him about my plans for the boys and he said he is aware of it already courtesy of Nestaron and Glorfindel. I found out that Glorfindel has been out into the field where the mass burials will be held and has ready all the things that need to be done so they could start digging.
I kissed Faeron on the forehead before going out of the tent. Together with Lord Feredir we went into the field that is outside the city walls. I didn't expect to see Ubel and his men already there sitting on their knees with their hands up in the air. Exactly as I showed them too last night.
"Pfft-!" I couldn't help the burst even as I tried my best to stop myself from laughing out loud. I saw Glorfindel together with some of the citizens already starting to dig the soil.
He might have noticed my presence because he turned our way and gave me a small smile. Too manly, too dignified and too graceful. He was bright as usual and his golden hair emits an ethereal golden glow. I don't even know how that is earthly possible.
I gave him a wave and approached from the canopy tent they built next to the perimeter line of the graveyard site.
"May Arien lift her beacons and shine light into your way, nin melwen." Glorfindel said, his right hand was placed into his heart. Well that's a new greeting I've never heard before. "Feredir, my friend." He said acknowledging his friend and the general did the same gesture.
I smiled. Still not getting used to the ways elves greet people or each other. "Hello! Good morning to you guys as well." I said, greeting the elves with us both familiar and unfamiliar to me. There were seven more ellyn with us who I have never met before.
Glorfindel must have noticed me observing the guys that he smiled at. "You have met Bronwëg and his brother Aeglos but not the rest. Together with Nestaron, they are my most loyal subordinates that have followed me for hundreds of years." He said before lifting his hand to present each one. One thing I noticed is that all of them have dark shade hairs unlike the elves from the Grey Havens. "This is Túrthogor, Elgalad, Lathron, Idhrahan, Belegrior, Vanarwë and the youngest, Naergon."
I waved at them instead of giving them a shake hand. "Nice to meet you, guys. My name is Erika and I came from the land far across the western sea." I said, trying to match their majestic greeting with my nonsense. It sounded cool on my ears so… meh.
They have weird expressions on their faces though. Even Glorfindel's glorious eyebrows slightly knotted but thankfully none of them asked a question about it. Gonna take note not to confuse them again with my random shits.
I inhaled and exhaled as I placed my hands on my hips and walked over the men who were all kneeling on the ground. "Good morning, ladies. I see you are all bright and fresh this morning. A good breakfast makes you energetic indeed!" I told them with a bright smile and Ubel can't help but glare at me with dagger-like eyes. He must have been in that position for a while since I can see his arms shaking and almost sagging.
"So, you guys must have been aware of what you did. Where I am from, we still give second chances to people who have committed crimes by rehabilitating them. So this is my take, I will not be merciful if y'all try to do any weird stuff, understand?" some of the men nodded their heads, and for me that's a good sign. That means they are listening. "So, I am giving you all punishment and that is to dig the mass graveyard. It's a small thing to do if you compare it to other life long sentences or even a capital punishment, besides this is for your people as well, you know, for the victims of this attack. The consequence of not meeting my time limit is not a joke, understand?"
All of them gave me a nod, some might have half heartedly agreed, but they have no other choice. "Good! Then move your asses and go to work. Lunch break and dinner will be served, don't worry, y'all pussies are not gonna be hungry."
With that the men got up from their knees and picked up equipment like shovels, hoes and pickaxes from the nearby table. With a satisfied smile I also approach the table and grab a small size hoe and a pickaxe for me to use. Of course I'm not just gonna stand here and like an idiot, I have to help too. The more hands, the faster it is to bury those people who passed. Besides, keeping them exposed in the air could be dangerous and might trigger an epidemic.
As the men approach the parameters and start breaking the soil, I hear some grumbles and utters complaints.
"Put your backs into it, ladies! My grandmother could hit the ground better with her fists more than your axes!"
"Who's your grandmother? Morgoth?"
"What was that?"
"Nothing, milady."
"Good! Now stop complaining and start moving!"
And I too, got into position. I dropped the hoe on the ground and prepared myself with a small pickaxe, bruh this thing is heavy but I guess its purpose was to hit the ground with force. Since I'm not new to gardening and ploughing soils, pickaxing is a trivial matter to me.
However, before I could lift the thing above my head, a hand stopped the pickaxe. Confused, I turned behind me and there was Glorfindel.
"E-excuse me but…"
"What are you doing?"
"Uhm, digging the ground?"
"And why are you digging the ground?"
I became more confused. "I mean, why are we digging the ground? We are making a graveyard, right?"
I can see Glorfindel stopped himself from rolling his eyes. "This work is not for you."
"Wait, but how am I gonna help if I'm not gonna do anything?" I said as one elf silently took the tools Glorfindel had confiscated from my possession.
"There are more tasks aside from this one. This is too strenuous even for a woman who was not injured just days ago, remember we are not digging a simple garden but a graveyard."
"B-but…"
"There are no more buts, my dear. Tasking them with this work does not mean you have to do it as well. I completely understand your desire to help and I will not stop you from doing that. But not this." He said with finality and the way he looked at me, as if I'm a child that was just reprimanded by her father, made me drop all my arguments.
"Okay, fine."
"Do not worry about this, there will be others who will lend a hand so that we can finish this in a short span of time. Your little ladies are just an addition to those who have already planned this."
"Okay, sir. But please make sure that they can still rest just like everyone. I'm not that heartless to just slave them away for the rest of the day. They are humans too. Same goes for the others."
"Of course." Glorfindel's smile then erased his stern reaction. "If you want, then you can go with us as we go back to the Little Lune river. There will be a change of sentries and some will be there to fish. It was a river with healthy freshwater life and since the threat of the enemy was gone, it could help with the city's supply of food."
"I'm in! I'm in!" The mention of the word 'river' got me extra excited. Being away from the sea is kinda hard, to be honest and hearing this is like music to my ear. If I can only find a way to be submerged in it, then it is enough for me. If not then at least I still got to go somewhere with water.
"Good." Glorfindel's smile became even brighter. "We will leave after having the mid noon meal so please prepare yourself."
"Awesome. But… How about my boys? Who will be with them while I'm slacking off?"
"Feredir and the others will be here to keep watch." I nodded at him. "Shall we head back to the city together?" With his smile still plastered into his sinfully gorgeous face, Glorfindel offered me his candle like a beautiful hand. Like, jeez. Why is everything about him and about these elves beautiful? Eru out there help me, I can't simp on them on a regular basis. It's not good for my health.
-.-.-.-.-.-
There was only one cart and it was full of wooden barrels. Okay so how am I gonna fit myself here without me dying on our way to the river?
Minutes from now, we are about to set out and everyone is ready to go. I was standing behind the cart with a small bag behind me containing lots of soap bars that I've carried all the way from the city and of course my change of clothes. I also brought a basket with me just in case I found some fruits.
The ones Glorfindel has brought for me from the wild were so sweet and now I am craving it so badly for it. It's so different from the fruits I've had before back on Earth.
One little owl that was perched on my arm bobbed her head up and down. "Are you excited?" I asked the little Luna and she responded to me with a loud hoot. Lord Feredir managed to find some leather arm guard for me to use so I could perch the owls on my arm, it was so sweet of him that I almost cried. He reminds me so much of my father minus the shiny silver hair. The other owls are inside the carts, maybe sleeping since it's still daylight.
"Alright, I need to squeeze myself in these barrels, Luna."
"You are riding with me, nin meleth." Glorfindel pitched from behind me. I'll be lying if I say I wasn't shocked, seriously these elves, I can't even hear their steps.
"Ha? But would it be too hard for Rhosfein? I am heavy!"
The chuckles that came from the ellon sound so beautiful that I'm green with envy. Why instead of a beautiful laugh, I cackle like a dying witch. "Do not underestimate Rhosfein's strength. He is a very strong steed that has proven his greatness many times. I am sure he will not mind having you in his back."
"Did you get his permission?"
"He loves you."
"Oh, okay. Fair enough." I giggled at our silly conversation. "But I'm gonna put my bag in the cart since I have so much stuff." Instead of saying anything, the ellon took the bag from my hand and effortlessly placed it safely in the cart in between barrels. I uttered my thanks before we head to where Rhosfein is.
The beautiful steed fondly sniffed my hair before rubbing his face into mine. "I told you he loves you."
I smiled and wrapped my arms around the steed. "As I do, Sir Rhosfein. I'll be honored to be escorted by you!"
"Ready?" Glorfindel asked and when I gave a nod, he placed his hand on my side and helped me mount the horse. It was my first time riding a horse as tall as Rhosfein and to be honest the height made me feel a little nervous. Thankfully I wore the comfiest pants that Anauriel gave me and it made the riding easier.
"Is the saddle comfortable for you?" Glorfindel asked.
"Oh yes, it's okay. How about you? Are you okay to ride without one?"
"Worry not for me, melwen. I am adept at riding bareback." He said with a smile before easily mounting Rhosfein. Easy is not the perfect word at all to describe how he moved, he was like water gracefully and weightlessly flowing into the river. I remember how effortlessly he defended himself against the men last night, his movements are so fluid-like yet it shows strength.
He must have noticed me staring at him as he touched the tip of my nose. "What is it?"
I shook my head. "Nothing. I just thought, elves are so much different from humans. I wonder how easily people accept these differences."
"Well, it was not without any prejudice. Men fear what is unknown."
"And don't you?" I looked away from his eyes that's staring straight into mine.
"Rather than the unknown, I say ignorance is far more dangerous."
I sighed. "Maybe you're right. Maybe it was fear that made me make so many wrong decisions."
"What do you fear then, nin melwen?"
"To never return home." Silence followed the next seconds that passed between us. Did he not say anything because he was trying to maneuver Rhosfein to the group? We are about to depart after all.
"Do you… really wish to go back?" Glorfindel said eventually, not sure if I heard a hint of hesitation to his voice.
Still looking forward, I answered him. "I want to see my family again. You see, I don't know where I am, Glorfindel. Nothing is familiar to my eyes. And I don't know if they are going crazy too from searching for me. At least, I don't want to give up searching for a way to go back before I could even try it." I said with honesty. I reached my palm forward and pat Rhosfein's luscious hair. But now knowing to myself that I am in a different place, in a different world with different people, I don't even know if there is a way to return back to my world. "That doesn't mean I don't like this place. You found me, Glorfindel. Albeit butt naked."
The ellon groaned. "Do you really have to say that now?"
I laughed at the tone of his voice. There was embarrassment and annoyance mixed together in it. "If not for you, I wouldn't even dream of surviving alone here. You helped me even though I am a complete stranger and have a lot of secrets hidden inside."
"We all have secrets, Erika. And sometimes, not even time can stop it from being shown into the light."
"Yeah, but I hope one day when my secret is revealed, none of you will end up hating me." I smiled bitterly.
But that bitter smile soon vanished when I felt two arms wrap around my body in a warm and gentle embrace. From behind me, Glorfindel encased me in his hold. Even with our height difference, I felt his breath touch the back of my neck. And in my back I felt his heartbeat.
"It is silly, maybe for your ears right now to listen to my words. But hear me when I say to you, that my heart bears no more capability to feel hate towards you."
I smiled with joy when he said those words. He really is a very good person. "Thank you, Glorfindel. You don't know what it means for me to hear you say that." I leaned the back of my head to his left arm and lifted my arm up to reach behind me. My hand soon felt the soft golden locks of his hair that resembled strings of light gold.
"As always, nin melwen. I am always here for you."
-.-.-.-.-.-