AN: I'm still alive! Woohoo~

A lot of things happens and sorry for the delay. As usual, I was so busy at work and during my free time I can only write bits of the story and some ideas. My grandfather who raised me had an accident and I became so stressed and worried that I stopped writing for a week, and then due to stress physically and mentally haha, I became sick and was hospitalized for 10 days before undergoing surgery. I had to return back to my home country to recover. Days later after I returned back to work my grandfather passed away. Buuut! life goes on and writing continues as I was so fired up after they announced the cast of upcoming LOTR series. ( ๑˃̵ ˂̵)و woohoo! They said the stories would cover the second age tho I wish they cover all the stories as I really love Silmarillion. I demand the appearance of Finroood!

Viva Glorfindel mi amor!

languages:

'Valari words/ or Erika's mother tongue'

"Quenya/Sindarin"

"Westron/Common tongue"

→ there are conversations where some characters will speak their own languages, specially the elves who mainly speak Sindarin, or in Glorfindel's case he speaks in Quenya when he's in the company of those who can speak the old elven language. I think he is that kind of person. It is literally his mother tongue and the language the elves mainly use in Valinor. They even use Quenya in Gondolin where Glorfindel use is his birthname, its Quenyan version, Laurefindil. As for Erika, the language confusion is kinda part of the story. And no, she don't speak any elven languages. This story is slow burn.

Chapter 6:

The golden sun and the silver moon

The forest seems very lively. They echoed unheard songs and has been passing it around for others to listen to. To normal ears, it sounded as if the wind is whispering softly. To elven ears, it is like a gentle humming. No words can be heard but they can feel the joy and excitement. To the animals living there, it is a rare moment to witness. The birds chirped in their own songs while the gentle wind made various branches creak and rustle its leaves as if creating music in harmony with the unhearable song.

In a not so distant corner, a family of rabbits poke their heads up from their tiny home. Ears twitching in curiosity and eyes roaming around to check what has made the forest so alive. And of course to check if there will be fruits on the ground. They love the vast vegetation but who would say no to sweet, juicy fruit these kind trees can offer? Certainly not them. But they need constant vigilance, soft beings like them are favourite target of hunters. Good thing they can run fast!

The rabbits jumped back inside their hole as they sense something come in their way. See? They were just thinking about it and those hunters appear. Yards away from them, up above in the nearby tree perched a mighty eagle. It's sharp talons made their fur shake. Too many of their kind has fallen victim to those deadly weapons, they need to forget about the fruits for now and hide. But the rabbits noticed as they peer their curious eyes outside, the eagle seems to have no interest in them. They too, are trying to listen to what the trees are saying. The mighty eagle ruffled its wings, puffing its neck feathers and stomping its feet on the branch as if excited. Is it happy? Is it waiting for something? Is it because the wandering grey wolves are howling from somewhere? Or is it because it knows that there is a dinner roaming below? It could be tricking them into thinking it's not interested in eating them.

The momma rabbit twitched her tiny whiskers and ushered her tiny children back inside their home. They could wait, they just want the fruits and maybe nothing more… possibly to hear the reasons why the forest is so alive and happy but the food is more important.

-.-

Glorfindel

Elves love celebrations. Everybody knows that. They sing all the time even from the smallest reasons and they love to dance in a harmonious music. When he was a young elfling, Glorfindel give thanks to the Valars all the time for teaching them the beauty of music. His mother, Findis daughter of Finwë is one of the best musicians in Aman, not to mention has the most beautiful voice (for him!) though she always insist that Maglor, his cousin, second eldest son of Fëanor, would be the rightful owner of that title. At the feast tonight, Glorfindel joined the musicians and play the harp to honor those lovely memories. He and his cousins used to do that when they were young and this celebration made him remember the times where Ñoldor and Teleri elves played music together before the first kinslaying occur. Seeing everyone gather and have fun together made his heart swell with joy.

Glorfindel thought, he would do his very best to protect this peace that they have.

As the feast ended and everyone starts to clean up, kitchen maids gathered all the dining wares. Other attendants and the manor guards helped each other carry the tables and chairs- used in the celebration, to the storeroom.

Glorfindel sat himself on the rail of the upper balcony that was only yards away from the garden. The place oversees the shores of the Gulf of Lune and the ellon watch as the sea bathe in sheen, silver moonlight without night clouds to cover the stars of Elentári. Cìrdan made his way up to him, handing him a glass full of red wine.

"Stunning eve, is it?" the oldest of the eldar in Arda says as his eyes drinks the view in front of him. "Men has this saying that the ring of silver moonlight signifies an upcoming storm."

Glorfindel smiles. "Do you truly believe that?"

"Would you?"

The blond warrior look up to the moon. "Men knew so little that they fear the beauty of Telperion's flower. Innocents I would call them rather than ignorant, though. The Valars are just too kind enough to teach us firstborns a part of their knowledge, hence we would be just like the race of men."

"And yet, unlike them, it would take centuries for us to settle an old score. When a dark, storm-like bitterness pass in our way, we recover slowly and drown ourselves down to the bitter depts." Cìrdan gave him a small smile. "To see the once divided, reunite is something for a long time I've wished to witness. It has been so long since I have seen this kind of peace."

Glorfindel responded with his own small smile. "Children in this generation doesn't need to inherit the transgressions my kin has committed. I pray to Eru that once they hear all the stories of the past, of all the bitterness and grief, they will learn wisdom of peace instead of admiring war strategies and how to win one. I pray they do not make the same mistakes we did, not only once in the name of greed and power. And I pray they will see power not as a measurement of how great we are as an individual but as a means of protecting those we hold dear. War is inevitable, and soon, I know that the remaining darkness here in Arda will rear its ugly head out and will cause chaos. But my heart is glad knowing that when that time has come, we will fight not for ourselves and petty greed but we will fight for all who has the right to live."

Círdan sighs, half in exasperation for his self blaming and fondness for the other. Glorfindel has always been kind and courageous ever since he was a young elfling that many would say he is like the Vala Oromë, whom the then little elfling almost idolize. His spirit is always wild and paired with an undying resolve. It might be also the reason why the Valars favor him to do such an unbelievable task after he comes back from his death. Leave Aman and defend Arda once again. Not many eldar could leave the land of their birth just to be plunge in the middle of war and personally, the old shipwright thought he might have a second heart if he was in the Ñoldorin Lord's position. Yet, this kind hearted ellon whom he knew since his elfling days didn't even blink and think twice. He accepted Manwë's task. Not even thinking about how he will break the heart of his mother, Findis, for the second time. He thought about the possibilities of how many people he could help on this dark times of Arda.

"Do not blame yourself on something you did not do, Laurefindil. The house of Fëanor chose their own bitter fate. If the Valars can't do anything about it then no love or words can save them anymore." Círdan said, trying to ease his self-blaming even though he did not partake in all kinslaying that has stained the sad history of the Ñoldor.

The ellon smiled sadly on his glass of Dorwinion wine. "Still, they are my blood, my lord. The descendants of Finwë misled both by Morgoth and their greed for some gems." he spoke as if the Silmaril is just some random stone. The shipwright had a small smile at his words. "Yet, I believe everything happens for a reason. Illúvatar's plans are sometimes a little strange, and one perfect example for that is none other than me." Glorfindel added with a small amusement in his voice, taking his first sip onto the prized wine.

Círdan huffed a sigh as he placed his left hand unto his hip. His eyes taking the sight of Telperion flower's beauty. "Time has change and a lot of things happened. We may be living in an uncertain kind of peace but unlike before, we stand together against an old enemy."

Glorfindel sighed. "Haa~, young people today have it so easy."

The shipwright laughed out loud. "Feredir has become softer. He treats the young warriors to delicately."

"My lord, do you have any idea what he has demanded this last expedition? He made me a story teller to a bunch of shiny-eyed young ellyn." he grinned at the remembrance of the young Teleri warriors. "Eru, they have no idea how terrifying the Lord Oromë could be if he found out you do not give your heart on training yourself how to be a better hunter."

The oldest of the eldar on Arda smiled kindly to the golden-head warrior. "Why don't you stay here for a few days, hinya, and enlighten us? You are one of the greatest warrior of our kind, it would be a great honor for me and the warriors of Grey Havens to have you teach them the old ways. Not only that, you could also enjoy the things our haven has to offer. This shores do not hold a candle to the ones we have back at home, particularly the shores of Tol Erresëa but they are beautiful nonetheless."

"The honour is mine, my lord, hanon le. . But if you need a bigger disciplinarian, you would need Erestor to be here. Even Elrond refuse to anger that ellon because you will never hear the end of his sermon."

Círdan can only imagine and he laughed once more. Tomorrow at dawn the eldar of Ñoldor would start their journey to Valinor and the party who escorted them plans to return back after that but Glorfindel told him days ago that they have no urgent matters to do. The old shipwright's idea is very tempting and the twice-born warrior would not say no.

"Well, I bid you a wonderful night, hinya , we have a lot of things to do at dawn and this rusty old elf would like to retire." Círdan said in humour, yet Glorfindel found a hint of tiredness in his voice, not in a physical aspect but in his fëa who yearns for his home.

Glorfindel grinned. "You are far from that, milord. Old but not rusted."

"It must be the beard." the shipwright grunt as he walked back inside the manor.

There the blond ellon laugh joyfully. "Good night, Lord Círdan." He watched as the lord of the house disappeared into a corner. Glorfindel settled his sight back into the moonlit ocean and thought about the offer to stay in the Grey Havens for a while. He likes the idea but he needs to consider his ten companions too. Certainly, Nestaron will be glad about the idea as he is enjoying his time on the western lands. He is always accompanied by the healers and he would often find them discussing things about different concoctions of medicines, poison healing and elfling health. Being one of Elrond's best healers, the Teleri healers would listen to every word and advice he says. Bronwëg, his second in command to this journey and his younger brother Aeglos, enjoy the oceans every time they will have a chance to see once and Glorfindel is sure that they will probably agree. He consider at least thirty days or more.

With that in mind, the former Lord of the house of Golden Flower starts to mentally construct a letter about their prolonged stay on the Grey Havens and he would send it to Elrond by a messenger raven. He is quite confident that Imladris would not sink if he would be gone for a short while and everything would stay hail and peaceful.

You can reign in your sons by yourself, Elrond. May the Valars bless you. Glorfindel thought. Though they have come of age, the twin sons of Elrond is still as rambunctious and mischievous as ever that sometimes the elves cannot comprehend if they are a blessing or a curse. Thankfully, after the birth of Arwen they have partially lay lowed, willing to set a good example to their little sister, to the relief of the people of Imladris. Erestor often wondered where in the stars they took it from when Elrond is always chaste and gentle while their mother Celebrian might be a courageous elleth but a graceful and elegant one in all of her ways.

They later remembered the earlier days of Elros. And then there is his cousins Irissë and Findarato, blood that also flows in the veins of Elrond's children… Glorfindel thought it already runs in the family.

-.-

Erika

"Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? caught in a landslide no escape from reality..." I sang out loud dramatically, and damn yes I'm gonna sing the whole Queen greatest hits album if I have to just to ease the boredom and uneasiness that I'm feeling right now.

I already realized that my singing prowess can be heard all the way to the underworld but right now, I got into the point where IDGAF. I've been soaked in water for a long time and not even a shadow of a person was seen on these area. I tried to do mini swimming around to see if I can see any signs of humanity- granted it was a puny attempt to scout around- but I got none. I might saw small animals, a doe passed by, there's an owl and some birds I'm not familiar with perched on a nearby tree but nothing more that can give me a sign that there is civilization on this island. The boredom pushed me to hum to myself, till I started singing just some lines that then turned into a psychotic looking performance.

"Mamaaaa… just killed a man…"

Currently lying down on the sea shore and being drifted anywhere by the waves, I didn't leave the comforting feeling the water provides to my mental and emotional state. Unlike when I was sitting and feeling cold on the dry shore, I feel a hundred times better and safe when I am soaked in the ocean. Plus, there is this ridiculously beautiful, jaw-dropping sky above me that displays hundreds and thousands of sparkling stars. They are like fireworks that never disappeared.

I discovered earlier after transforming that I can breath underwater. I tried to submerge myself and hold my breath, like how I do whenever I'm on a normal pool. You know those breathing warm ups you do before swimming? My brother is a good swimmer and he used to teach me how to do breathing exercises before I do my weird, dog-like swimming techniques so I won't be breathless. I will try to hold my breath for the next ten seconds five times, then fifteen and so on for like ten minutes. I was trying to do that and I didn't notice that I've been holding my breath for almost a minute that I freaked out and got up so fast. I've never held my breath that long before, I usually last till fifteen seconds and then I'll sputter like a drowning bird.

I got curious and did it again. At the fifth try I opened my mouth, and even as the water came into my mouth I. Was. Not. Drowning.

Holy shit, Mary, you have no idea how my mind turned into haywire, that it overloaded and crashed at the processing of what just happened. I was literally stopping myself from squealing like a deranged fangirl. This shit is beyond scientific explanation. I don't know if I should even call it breathing!

Then I realized, hey, I have a fish leg . What can be more surprising than this? Right? So I told myself, fuck this and just stuck my face back into the water and just made some silly noises and even tried to speak 'hello'. I don't even know how long I've been doing it until I

realized I'm fully submerged.

The afternoon has passed and the colourful sky become jet-black and the moon started to appear. Time has passed without me noticing it. I half emerged from the water and was strucked in awe as my eyes landed on the sky that is littered with stars. It was breathtaking. The milky way paintings that I've seen before didn't even hold a candle to this sight. As if the universe was laid naked right before my very eyes, and considering how sharp my eyesight now is. I was there staring the whole time.

"Mamaaa! WoohooHOOO!"

Hours later, I'm still lazily sprawled on the peaceful shallow shore, squirming like a fish out of water and screeching like a banshee. And I don't care since nobody can hear me anyway. Well aside from the few marine life surrounding the area but they're fish and they don't know rock music anyway.

The night passed so fast that the sky started to become bright and the sun rises. I will never be tired on witnessing the shifting of colors specially now that I can see everything vividly without glasses. I noticed this earlier too, I can see on the dark as clearly as if it's daytime, in or out of water. To make it more ridiculous, seeing things underwater looks more real to me than when I'm in the surface, if that even makes sense. I wonder if that is how the fish see their world. How lucky they are they can see what's underneath this beautiful beaches. I'm always curious about it, even though a lot of people made some underwater video, documentary and stuff about the ocean and its deep mysteries, I wish I could see it with my own eyes. Honestly, people knows more about the space than the secrets of our own planet. It's just that, the last time I tried deep diving I was so disappointed because of the amount of crap I've seen littered in the ocean bed and stuck between corals itself. I even found cigarette butts! Now, Though I am not innocent at these kind of habits since I have awesome friends during high school, we never ditched our cigarette buts on canals or in places we knew it could have a bad effects. We still have our manners and respect and throw the butts in a garbage bin. After seeing that sad sight, I really do believe that humans are the main reason of this world's downfall.

Well, maybe I could check out on this area? As far as I know, this island might not have habitants. And hey! I could check this underwater breathing skill-thingy if it's gonna work for a long time. I smiled on the thought and wasted no time on rolling on my stomach and move deeper into the waters.

What surprised me isn't my ability to stay alive underwater but the way my body automatically moved and swim as if I am like walking. Each movement of the tail are like steps on both feet and I found myself quite enjoying the feeling of the water gliding through my body. It's just like feeling the wind on your face.

And I was right, after noticing there isn't any single garbage in there. I'm also starting to see some fish and corals building up on some sharp underwater stones, I even see some blue colored lobsters, sea horses and more colorful variants of fishes. I smile to myself and tried to go further than this. I'm starting to feel a little bit more confident on what I'm doing and soon the careful strides became fast as if I am running in fields. Everything is so new and yet not.

From a distance, I heard a faint sound of a whale groaning like announcing his arrival. Is it the whale from earlier? I got both excited and scared at the same time. The thought of meeting it closely is absolutely thrilling, but then it could swallow me whole. Well, pardon my ignorance, it's my first time to encounter those things! I see a lot of people doing some whale sightseeing on social media and while I think they're awesome, I'm kinda hesitant to do it myself. Maybe because of my imaginary swimming skills?

Well, it will be such a waste not to try it now, right? Specially with these fish leg . If it turns out to be a shark, I don't know what I will do. But based on those cool shark movies I've watched before, sharks can swim so fast they are even like the Olympic gold medallists of the ocean life. No prey can get away from them, unless you are the protagonist!

While arguing with myself if I should check it out or not, I heard the groan louder. I raised my head up to see a gigantic shadow of something a hundred of meters away from me… and I have a feeling it's coming towards me! The shadow became bigger and bigger, and that was my cue to move and swim as fast as I can. Of course, I screamed, as ridiculous as it looks.

The thing groaned one more time and the heck I'm not doing any progress with this so-called swimming, in fact it seems like it's getting nearer and nearer. How far did I swim away from the island? I berated myself for my stupidity.

The next thing I knew is that a humongous thing passed by above me and a with a size I can only compare to a fifty storey building. My mouth can literally fall off from my face as I watch it pass. This is not the whale I saw a while ago. This thing is ten times bigger.

And because I was the biggest ignorant on the planet, my fear got the best of me and I scrambled away as fast as I can.

'Oh, shiiiit!' In short, I freaked out.

Behind me, I heard the whale groaned as if trying to call me back, sounding a little broken hearted but I think that was just my imagination. I knew whales can be pretty harmless but I'm not taking my chances now and… wait, why do I feel like the water is pulling me back?

I stopped with my swimming just to see small currents of water running all over my body pulling me back or as if someone is trying to calm me. The current itself doesn't feel hostile or something. And before I realized it, I felt something big bumped my back.

I turned slowly and got face to face with the gigantic whale. It was it's gigantic snout that nudged me, might be to call my attention. I was stunned from different thoughts and emotions, particularly from fear. But the whale slid slightly from me so I could meet it's eye.

He was greeting me. That's all I could think about as soon as I see it staring back at me. When I stare in it's eye, as ridiculous as it sounds, I feel like I'm looking in the eyes of someone with an old soul. There was no malice. No Jaws looking eyes. I felt the water current stop swirling around me and I watch as it dissipates into nothing. The whale gave a what I can call as a gentle groan.

I look up to the mammal again. 'Y-you're not going to eat me, okay? And what the hell… I'm speaking…' I automatically covered my mouth and tried to form words to speak but my brained is on the verge of overloading again. The whale bumped it's huge head into the sputtering me to get my attention, the big thing looks like laughing from my antics. And here I thought finding out I have a fish leg was the biggest surprise of my life. 'Okay, let's just stack up this one to my list of impossible things that has happened to me. I can no longer find any sense in all this.' the whale groaned again as if in agreement. I look in his way again, 'You think so too?'

Well, I'm conversing with a whale. What the hell did I get myself into?

The whale moved and nudged me again with it's snout, a little demanding this time. 'Hey! Hey! You promised not to eat me, Edgar!' I said with a finger pointing at it's snout, one hand on my hip. I assume we're buds now since a minute has passed and I'm still alive.

Edgar (I hereby name thee!) swim away from me and when I didn't follow him, he returned back to where I was just to make me stumble into his huge back. I reached for one of his giant fin and hold on to it. 'What is it?' I asked loudly but I bet he can't hear this because he's too freakin' huge. I pushed myself away and swim towards his face. He tried to push me again and I realized what he is trying to do. He wants me to follow him. 'Okay… where are you planning to take me?' Iasked suspiciously but the big thing just gave of a sound as if he is laughing and gave another push. 'Fine, I will go! But if you're leading me to a pack of sharks I'm gonna make a jerky out of you, you hear me?' the big thing made a noise so loud I actually had to cover my spiky looking, scaly ears.

When he started to swim away, I followed him not even knowing what is gonna happen. Well, where's the thrill in knowing it right? Screw all logic and let me have some fun when I can.

ALTHOUGH her carelessness and her ability to trust easily made Uinen wince her lovely face, the Maia is glad to see Ulumiel finally go into the water. Her antics gave Ossë quite an amusement at first, seeing her discover herself and her surroundings. But once she started to screech out those ridiculously sounding thing she called a song ever since last night, Uinen literally had to stop her spouse from showing himself to the young one just so he can stop her from screeching like a dying orc.

It is not the time yet. They wanted to know who is she first and find out what happened to her. Or at least, the latter was because of Uinen's whim. She is curious as well as feeling slightly protective. Ossë was no different from her and though he may appear as if he is not interested, he actually is the one who initiate to keep an eye on her during her first night on Arda's shore. He even persuade Uin to show her the depts of his lord's kingdom after he saw her tearing in sadness and frustration. Needless to say, the old whale was happy to oblige as he too is curious about their young.

All in all, Uinen is confident that the seas would probably be calm and no storm or frightful waves will be made for at least the upcoming days as her spouse is quite careful about scaring the already frightened young lady. The Maia can't help her smile as she hears the young one laughing while she glides into the water playing with other sea folks who were also happy upon her arrival.

-.-

Erika

I can see the faint sunlight above the water surface as I lay down on the anemone covered sea bed. I can hear the splashes of water as if the wind just passed. The giant whale itself took me to places I've never even imagined and into the deeper parts of the ocean as if showing me around his turf. I witnessed a group of giant manta rays pass with their young, followed a school of sardines dance near the surface, discovering the beautiful forms of coral reefs, and even meeting sharks.

Meeting those fellas was probably the most hilarious moment of my life because as soon as I saw the humongous great white shark, I freaked out and tried to swim away just like what I did with Edgar the whale. Seeing as there is no nearby island to go, I pressed myself to the fins of the giant whale hoping his size would scare the sharks away. Seeing them next to Edgar is like seeing a lime beside a watermelon. But the big guy practically tossed me using his big snout to the sharks' direction and the great whites just rubbed their scary looking, barnacle covered snouts on my tail. The fear I felt dropped down like a hot potato and replaced by confusion. That wasn't how it's supposed to be right? In the movies or even normally, sharks don't act like a freaking puppy yet here are they literally wagging their tails!

I was reluctant at first, but Edgar egged me closer to them. I gave him a stink-eye but he wasn't affected. Moments later, I found myself playing with them. They are fast swimmers and I was challenged to keep up with their speed. Soon my reluctance turned into comfort as one small shark gently rubbed it's snout on my palm. I have no idea what's with this island or these waters but marine life here sure doesn't act like they were supposed to.

That was the reason why I ended up resting on the sea bed, I felt like I've ran a mile though the tiredness I feel is different. It's hard to explain and I don't even know what to call it. Maybe all I need is a short break. Before I settled here in my spot, I emerged on the surface and found that it's dawning again. I was surprised, I didn't even notice the time or how many hours has passed since I decided to follow Edgar.

But instead of over thinking, I just shrugged my shoulders and return back to the deep. The sharks was still roaming around, Edgar was nowhere to be seen but I can certainly hear his loud moans as if telling me he is just nearby.

Calm surrounded me and I found myself half closing my eyes. I felt something caress my hair as I enter some sort of trance. It was so gentle and each connection I felt, something in my heart stirs. It made me feel safe and I basked in it.

Moments passed and my trance was broken by a shadow that passed above the surface. I fully opened my eyes just in time to see a ship pass right above me. Excitement overtook me as I realize, if there is a ship, it means there are people!

I pushed myself up and swim to the surface and just yards away from where I was, a white ship continued to move forward.

Finally! A sign of civilization!

I jumped back below and followed the ship. I was at its tail as I notice it's lack of propellers. Not that it's weird or something but as far as I know, ships as big as this one tends to have a propeller or two. Now I'm not a sailor nor a boat expert but this is just what i know. Maybe this is a very old one. And a beautiful one though.

Unless this is a ghost ship. An idea which I ignore asap.

I slid underneath and swim towards the ship just to resurface again by it's left side. Which I think is not the best idea because there is a seriously good looking dude leaning at the edge just right where I popped myself out. I yelped in surprise and froze. The dude with his cute man bun of brown hair though wasn't as surprised as I am and seems to be looking at me with anticipation. The guy look otherworldly and he can even pass as a male supermodel. Well, I might sound biased since a man with hair bun is my thing.

"Mae Govannen, eärwen."

Did he just greet me? Should I reply back? I gave it a little thought before I lift my hand in a small wave, my eyes are never leaving him. The sound of his voice makes his words melodic as if he is singing gently. Or was it the language? I knew there's hundreds of languages in the world, but as far as I know, there's no language in this world that sound like a gentle, flowing water.

"Greetings…" I greet him using the world's universal language. Looks like it was effective since the man perked up with a mix of confusion and a fascination in his face.

"Common tongue, used by a maiden of the deep."

I scrunched up my brows. "Would 'ya understand me if I speak with my tongue?" I told him. 'Well I guess you won't.'

His eyes widened in surprise. "Elbereth." He gasped. "Such a joy to hear the oldest of words."

Huh? Is this guy high on drugs? Maybe I should stay away from him. But his skin looks too healthy and pristine and gives no sign that he is a user of bad substances. I looked back to where the ship came from, and if my calculation is right, that was the way going to the island where I woke up. When I was trying to scout around the area, I didn't go further because I was being a chicken. But now that I see signs of civilization and have an idea of this body's limitations, I'm kinda excited to see what's in the island. They might help me or they might not. I don't know but it's better than being stuck in one place.

The ship was already far when my internalizations was done, I can still see the gorgeous guy with a sexy man-bun on the edge of the boat ship with his eyes still locked on me with the unfading fascination on his face. He didn't freak out after he saw my appearance which I think was a good sign. Why is that, I have no Idea. I slid back into the deep to chase the ship and emerged just to give the man a wave before I swim down and head for the island.

Some of the smaller sharks followed in pursuit, and I have no problem with that as I've learned to enjoy their company. Edgar is still nowhere in sight but my instincts are telling me that he is still nearby. Moments of swimming later, the island came to view and I was surprised to find almost a hundred meters wide gulf between two lands. I've never seen this before. Maybe this isn't the area where I woke up and I also didn't check out the rest of the place. Maybe the ship came from here. Or should I go and check how big this island is? What if there are more entrances? I should think about this more carefully or I might end up a sushi on some cannibal's platter.

That was when the water moved again. I can feel its currents surrounding me and pushing me gently into the entrance of the gulf. It was as if it's trying to urge me into venturing this unknown place. As if someone is pushing me to go ahead.

I felt conflicted. Why should I trust this phenomena? What is there's an evil entity trying to lure me into the place where it will trap me?

But then, I stopped and remember what happened the last time with this weird water current. If this thing didn't stop me from running away -well maybe swimming away, I wouldn't have met Edgar and the gang of softie sharks. And now this.

Is it leading me where I should go?

At that moment, the water moved again, not the regular wave that normally happens but it actually felt like something embraced me. I was frozen as I feel currents rest against my cheeks. And I feel warmth. I am underwater and I feel like I am in the surface, dry and being hugged by a family.

This one might be the weirdest above all the weird things, so far. And yet, my heart feels so safe. It's the same comforting feeling I get when I'm in the water rather than the shore, if not, this might be ten times better. Is this happening because I'm a mutant fish now? No I don't think so. And I smiled to myself before I swim into the gulf.

Feeling more curious, I wonder if this really is where the ship came from. Based on the guy's appearance he look clean and civilised. His clothing seems a little unusual but the man was rather elegant. Maybe this place isn't so bad after all, but just in case I'm readying myself with all the possibilities and I'm swimming with my head above the water.

It didn't take me an hour before my eyes found the sight of a tall, white stone wall. While it's still less than a kilometre away from me, I still scrambled away and hid behind a sharp stone, half face submerged and eyes widening at the sight. Above the stone wall are two majestic watch towers and for sure there are people posted on that place. The gulf is not deep enough, roughly it's like fifty feet deep and the water is unbelievably crystal clear. If I swim directly to it's ungated entrance, they will see me for sure. And I don't think it's a good idea too, an open entrance like that might mean that this place is a trading dock. I don't need that kind of attention while I'm in my fish leg .

I backed away from the stone before I turn around and swim away, already forming a plan B in my head. I need to retrieve clothes if I'm gonna venture in this place. Maybe I should resurface into a less crowded place and sneak into a house. I have to be really careful if that's my only option.

When I felt far enough from the possible sight of anyone, I kept myself close on the left side of the tall bank and emerged my head out of the water. Unexpectedly, something jumped right straight into my head that made me shriek. Whatever it is, the thing moved like crazy and tangled itself into my long ass hair and my scalp suffered the consequences. I plunged myself back into the deep water untiI I felt its weight lift off my head.

"Oh, what the fuck?!" flailing my arms as if trying to shoo away whatever it is that tried to attack me. I look up and saw a small otter trying to resurface back. Suddenly, my horror and annoyance turn into worry as I see the tiny thing struggle to go up. I swim up and lifted it back into the air.

'Oh, shit… sorry, little guy. You scared the hell out of me so I thought you're attacking me.' I look around and noticed that meters away from where I am is a valley with a river connecting into the gulf. I glided carefully while carrying the otter who is now clinging into my forearm. I thrust my tail faster when I saw the wide and sandy river shore and I immediately put the otter into the driest part that I can reach.

And in my disbelief, the pipsqueak jumped back into the water and climbed into my tail as if it's trying to hug me. 'The hell, now you're not scared of water anymore?' the otter just kept on hugging me. He even have the audacity to look up straight in my eyes. The little shit tricked me. Just then, I remember that there are water otters who mainly live in rivers! And maybe to annoy me more, the otter jumped into the water and floated on it's back.

'You look cute, but that won't let you get away from tricking me!' I reached the otter's belly and tried to tickle it. It made sound as if it's laughing while his hind legs twitch like crazy. 'How dare you jump into me like that! I can make a barbecue out of you, you know! There are plenty of oysters in the sea!'

The otter then rolled and ran into the dry. I thought the bugger permanently left me alone. But minutes later as I try to (read: struggle to) pull myself again out of water, the otter came back with a back up. More otters came to me, different sizes and even the colors of their species. Some are light and some are brownish. One chubby otter carried its baby and offered it to me. I was confused, but I realize maybe these creatures are trying to make friends with me.

When I petted the baby otter and the mother look so proud with her baby.

Things started to go crazy after that and more and more small animals came to nudge my head, my hand and even my tail. Of course the softie me enjoyed their presence and not a moment later, I was already playing with them. The first otter that I encountered was hereby named Antonio inspired by a famous Spanish action star. He stayed with me until I started to dry. When the steam started to came out, I straightened up and started to walk. I found that oddly hard as I felt like my legs are made out of jelly but nothing a stretching can't remedy.

I still can't get over with this anticlimactic transformation. It takes more than a minute to transform back into my human legs and that would be a big problem if I'm not careful enough. Luckily the transformation back to my fish leg happens only when I'm fully submerged and water contact wouldn't be a huge matter. I fixed the two sides of my thick hair in front of my body and left some behind to cover my butt. It's not as good as clothes but fairly enough to hide my most private parts.

When I saw the trees nearby filled with fruits I suddenly felt my stomach rumble. Come to think of it, how many days has it been since I last eat? I trotted into the nearest tree and tried to reach into one of the branches to grab some of its fruit that looks like a peach. I was failing at it miserably until a great grey owl perched on the very branch and nibbed one fruit until it fell straight into my hands. I gasped loudly in amazement. The bird just helped me!

A joyful laugh escaped from my lips and split the fruit in half. 'Thank you, love.' I offered it to the owl, forgetting the fact that it is a bird of prey. Instead I gave the other half to the rabbits who is patiently waiting on my feet. The other animals started helping too and some squirrel looking fellas even have nuts in their tiny hands. There's even a family of deers and foxes. I was amazed, these animals are not afraid of humans and they gladly accompanied me.

Antonio the otter and the brown owl who was named Hedwig -after the loyal owl of the great Harry Potter- stayed with me as I sat between the roots of a big tree. I talked to them as if they're a regular person and it was really amusing to see them as if they really are listening and Hedwig even hooted back as if giving his own opinion. I fell asleep moments later, feeling a little bit comfortable with the warmth of the rabbits rested against me and with Hedwig perched right next to my head.

-.-

The trees sang, the wind whispered and the land hummed in a lullaby like peace that can even be heard or felt by a regular mortal. The nature's festive mood was carried all through out the woods of Grey Haven's nearby valleys up to the big forests of Harlindon .

From were they peacefully live, the white wolves or Ered Luin who live at the top and highest peak can hear the very sound of this unusual celebration. Their leader, a mix of great white and silvery mane who have led them for almost a decade now, raced down into the nearby trees to listen along with five of his greatest. He then became curious about the gentle one who was being praised so highly by the trees both ancient and young. And as he discover more, his curiosity became longing. And his longing became a need.

He need to let his pack pay their respect to the daughter of a king. And have their prides set into being her protector. Long they have been persuaded by the darkness to side with them and conquer the world but they remained neutral. They are not like their other kin who is weak just from the mention of having their own power. They are untameable. They have their own will and their own purpose.

The alpha howl loudly, heard by all the members of his pack. And each of them, including their young stood with each other, eagerly pawed the cold ground and made small howls of anticipation. They will be with her and that is their pride. With their elders standing in front followed by the five of their most ferocious, the leader of the pack stood at the very back watching as his family form the line of their hierarchy, an impenetrable defensive position the fierce white wolves are known for. And with one final howl, they advanced on their journey, determined and ready for anything.

-.-

Glorfindel

The expedition continued it's journey the following day after the departing elves doned the white ship heading to Valinor .

It was a beautiful day and the sea is calm and peaceful. The kind Teleri elves who became acquainted with the Ñoldorin with the short time they stayed in Lindon said their goodbyes to them. Bittersweet music and songs created in Valinor was played nostalgically and made everyone happy for they will finally be back home. As the sun rises they sailed with a smile on their faces.

Glorfindel and Lord Cìrdan talked to the elves of Imladris and asked them if they would like to stay for a little longer, and the balrog slayer was happy to know that all of them accepted the invitation. Knowing that the expedition will proceed again, they too also volunteered to go with the scouting party.

Soon, the said party is on their way to the planned destination. The young ellyn was elated to know that one of the purpose of their prolonged stay was too give them guidance and combat training. They were looking forward to the Ñoldorin lord's teaching the most, being one of the wisest in the continent. Not that he didn't like it the first time but now Glorfindel is fully committed on teaching the young warriors some of his combat techniques and even wisdoms passed down from his grandfather, Finwë. They are mostly interested to sharpen their ability to hunt, and while most of their kind prefer earth grown food, they still resort to hunting. It's a mean of survival. Feredir is also bent on honing their tracking lessons.

Continuing south, they again followed the dirt road before splitting into two groups, on inside the woods and one to remain on the road. They will meet again after an hour to the site the elves of Mithlond marked when they were planning the expedition. Glorfindel leads the one in the forest and Feredir on the road. Like the last time, it was an easy ride.

It was when they were approaching the marked camp site when Glorfindel felt the unusual behavior of their surroundings. While Glorfindel is no wood elf, he had spent centuries surrounded by them in Valinor and of course the other place he stayed it at the past ages. The golden haired Ñoldor certainly felt their lively movements. From the shrugging of leaves, to their almost waving branches, down to the humming of their roots. He can almost feel it beneath his feet. It has been so long since he felt the children of Yavánna made their existence known.

Feredir might have felt it too, when they reach the camp, the first thing he told Glorfindel was that the animals are acting strange. He have seen rabbits came out of their hiding, both small and predatory birds flying everywhere, even the horses have excitement in their trots. Nestaron, who is more sensitive with his surroundings due to his gifts in healing told them that the forest is being so expressive.

Glorfindel asked them to be ready just in case something happen. It goes on while they are preparing their food and they manage to go on with their tasks without being distracted though Nestaron and Aeglos was exchanging opinions, listening and trying to decipher the meaning of the wordless messages the trees sent to each other.

They were about to finish their mid afternoon meal when suddenly a loud howl echoed into the forest. The birds who was chirping peacefully flew away in haste, startled by the sound. It was one howl after another. These wolves are trying to communicate with each other.

The elves immediately got into their feet, their stance defensive and ready for battle. Bows are taut with arrows ready to be lose.

It was after the last and probably the loudest howl that Glorfindel heard a terrified scream that sound like a girl. The Ñoldorin lord moved so fast that the younger Teleri warriors lost sight of him as he ran down to the path where he heard the sound. His fierce spirit burning brightly praying to the Valars to keep the lady safe. He heard the voice of Feredir ordering the others to follow him and the rest donned their horses.

Glorfindel's sharp eyes caught sight of something or someone running in haste. He moved his sight back to where the runner came from, and a hundred yards away stood the most elusive and rarely seen breed of the white wolves of Ered Luin. Arda's one of the most mysterious wild animals, who then gave another loud howl before running after the figure.

Glorfindel then heard another cry followed by pained yelp. The Ñoldorin lord prayed to Eru that he is not yet too late.

-.- ~(´●﹏●`~)

Erika

Waking up from my sleep, I found myself surrounded by more rabbits also sleeping next to me, in my head on one even lying across my stomach. As cute as they are, they smell like a bunch of used baby diapers. I carefully plucked them out of my body and place them gently next to each others. I smiled on the sight and wondered, the people on this place must be really kind. The animals aren't even scared of humans.

I decided to stay on this river's shore to observe if there are people gonna pass by. I walked back into the water and dived underneath, immediately changing into my other form which I am more comfortable. Water greeted me with soft currents running gently through my cheeks. My hands reaching for it as if expecting to find another hand but there is none. I smiled and glide into the part of the river where the otters are trying to catch small fish.

The whole day passed with me trying to help the otters catch their food and giving some to Hedwig who now have three other friends with him. An almost identical looking Eurasian eagle owl and one small snowy owl. Hours after they stayed like Hedwig do, I gave them names of their own just so I have something to call them. Artemis and Apollo for the identical owl and Luna for the white one, in loving memory of my cats who already crossed the rainbow bridge years ago. And I think they kinda like it since they look at me whenever I call them with the name that I gave.

I spent the next night underwater since the winds started to become cold. I decided to swim back to the deep ocean for a short while. I found Edgar maybe two miles away from the gulf entrance and he greeted me warmly. That means making me stumble in his back and nearly tossing me with his giant snout. I also found big oyster shells and took at least four of them back into the otters' river. The sun is up already and I dried quickly. With a stone, I tried to open the oysters, planning to eat it with the otters who now surrounds me, curious why I'm beating the shit out of a poor shell. The black thing cracked and I carefully took out the bits of the shells before prying out the fresh meat. And in my surprise, large pieces of pearls came out of it. I found at least three pieces of pearls in each shells. Most of them are white colored and some were blue and violet about the size or a cent.

I ate some of the oyster and gave some to the otters and the owls. With nothing to carry the pearls I took some big leaves out of a nearby tree and wrap the pearls with it, trying the ends with a soft but strong vine. I braided some of the vines and tied it around my waist.

One doe push me from behind using her head while I'm fixing my DIY belly bag. When I look into her, she bobbed her head up and down and pawed the ground, hitting some of the otters with dirt, giving the doe an indignant shriek. 'What is it with you?' The doe pushed me again before running off in another direction. She jumped up and down when I didn't follow her.

Artemis, the smaller eagle owl perched down to my left shoulder, she hoot loudly and nibbled my left ear. 'Ouch! Hey! That's not nice!' I rubbed my ear before following the doe. Behind me, some of the foxes followed us.

After minutes of my clueless trekking, clumsily tripping in some roots, and lots of complains, the doe finally stopped in front of shrubs weighing down by its berries.

I smiled and pat the doe in her head. I ran up to the shrubs and picked one berry. I popped it straight in my mouth, I knew this is edible because the doe is now eating the berries straight from the shrubs.

Taking a handful of them, I walked behind the it to check if there's more if these that I didn't see. Not far away from where I stand were trees of apples and some fruits I'm not really familiar with. Artemis took off from my shoulder to perch in the nearby lemon tree. I was amazed by this part of the woods, it's full of plants and trees that gives food, I even found some overgrown lettuce.

Without realizing it, I already walked far away from my animal friends. I got busy checking out all the food and when I noticed it, I didn't even know where I came from anymore!

'Hey guys, I'm still here. Don't leave me.' I was relieved to hear the hoot of Artemis though she is out of my sight.

I walked back into the berry shrubs but I found myself walking towards a slope. I walked to the left side which I'm sure the way I came from but I found no apple trees and berry shrubs. Wait I think it's on the right side. Huh? It was just here.

What the hell, I'm lost!

I held my panic and tried to keep myself calm, I should walk more. For sure I'm gonna find the way back. I took patient steps and tried to be positive.

But I've been walking for minutes now and I don't hear Artemis anymore or the foxes or the doe. I bit my lower lip, when I found my way back to the shores I'm not going anywhere far from it again.

I was trying to figure out where I came from when a loud, ear piercing howl echoed through the forest.

My eyes widened and goosebumps run all over my body. Though I haven't seen or encounter one in my whole life, I know what these sounds are. Those are wolves. And based by the sound of it, one is just a heartbeat away from me. My panic doubled and my eyes darted in my surroundings. I have to get away from here. I have to go to the ocean. I have to go back to the water. There I would be safe!

Breathless, I started to run, trying to make each step as noiselessly as I can but nature is not in my side this time. Twigs and dried leaves made loud crunching sound as I step on them. I absolutely have no idea where I'm going all I know is that if those wolves get a whiff of me, I'm fucked.

I stop abruptly, my bare feet painfully scraping the ground and my eyes grew bigger if that's even possible as a huge white wolf emerge from the trees. It must be over four feet tall, hell it might even be five. The thing is certainly bigger than me if it's going to stand on its two hind legs. Large arctic blue eyes settled on me before giving another loud cry. It's howl triggered a chain of other wolves' cry as if announcing to each other that it finally found a prey.

When the wolf starts to walk towards me, that's where I started to lose it and scream my lungs out. I bolted so fast, even I can't believe I'm doing it. The sound of these wild beings are making me panic and I'm just running in random ways, trying to remember the way back into the sea.

Please, please, let me find the sea. Let me go back to the water. And I swear to myself I'm never venturing out of it ever again. Screw being stuck in one place, I will never go out of the sea for the rest of my life.

Tears started to blur my sight and I sloppily wipe them away with my arm but they won't stop flowing. I didn't notice the ground started to become uneven, and I ended up tripping in one of the trees' root. The momentum of my fall becomes faster as I rolled down into the slope. I felt pain in my right leg and I finally stop rolling after a tree broke my fall. I slammed into its trunk as if I was hit by a car. The pain registered into my mind but I don't know where it is anymore. I tried to breathe but ended up coughing painfully.

Just when I thought my misery was over, I heard something whimper just a meter away from me. I opened my eyes and saw the white wolf that I saw earlier staring straight into my eyes. He gave off a whimper as if he is crying, his eyes looks as if he is trying to apologize. I might be hallucinating now, I don't know.

Suddenly, the wolf look up on his right and took a step back just in time to avoid the arrow that struck deep in the ground. His cry sounds very sad as he looked back to me before running away only God knows where. I tried to push myself up but I ended up gasping in pain. My vision starts to darken.

I heard a gasp. Once again, I tried to open my eyes. My sight landed straight into another set of beautiful greyish blue eyes.

It belonged to this… I don't know, is he a man? He's… too beautiful. And he is so bright. It is as if I was looking to a person born with a golden sun inside them. An angel perhaps?

His face was marred with something akin to sadness. Why is he frowning like that? Compare to his perfect state, I was the perfect definition of a mess. Thank God for my thick hair, I can feel it covering my nakedness.

My vision started to be more blurred.

There was a sudden rush of footsteps and horse hooves, the next thing I know there were arrows pointed towards me. It was all my hazy eyes can see. I gasped in fear that again turn into a fit of painful coughs. This is more painful than the last time. I can hear voices but I have no idea what they are saying anymore and all I know is a soft cloth touched my skin before I lost consciousness.

-.-

Glorfindel

The unexpected appearance of the white wolves puzzled Glorfindel in a lot of ways. First and foremost, they rarely leave their home mountain and they are known to be very territorial. They hate it when an invader cross their borders and would fight anyone to death whether it's a beast, a man, a dwarf or even an elf. Another reason is because a regular pack of wolves hunt by chasing their prey in long distances, testing its endurance and weakness and then work together to kill it. They are smaller and has to rely on their pack's strength and number. But not the white wolves.

White wolves are different and so little are known about them. Only that they are bigger and stronger and behaves more like an ambush predator, they will spot the prey, trap them before they pounce and kill. They can use stealth despite their color and they're very intelligent beings. So smart they even refused Morgoth and be used as his pawn like their other kin. Perhaps being smart is their most powerful weapon because they can adapt easily in their surroundings.

Seeing them here, making noises, boldly communicating with each other and chasing a person is unexpected indeed.

Glorfindel ready his bow and arrow. He ran after the figure and stopped just in time to see the wolf standing near a young woman currently lying on her right side. The young woman probably fell down from the slopes he currently stands due to her panic.

He fired a single arrow in their way, aiming at the wolf's front leg, not to hurt the creature but only to chase it away. The wolf turned its head in his way just before he let the arrow fly, then it took a step back and whimpered. The golden haired ellon then race down, he change his bow into his sword in case the animal decided to attack him. The wolf and its nearby companion gave a whimpering cry before they run away from the sight.

Glorfindel scanned the vicinity with his keen eyes, making sure there's no more danger lurking around. He then turned to the girl… just to stop again on his track.

Glorfindel gasped and felt his cheeks become warm as he gazed down the prone, naked figure of the young woman, with only her hair to cover her most intimate parts.

Her eyes opened and Glorfindel met her brown eyes that glows like the silver moon in the dark starless sky. He felt as if she is searching into his soul. For a while, Glorfindel was lost on what he would do next until he heard her faintest moan of pain and the rest of his party reached them.

To his shock, one of the younger warriors took his bow and notched up an arrow pointing in her way, assuming she is an enemy. Her eyes tore away from his and she tried to scramble out of the harm's way but ended up heaving in pain and coughing for breath.

Glorfindel berated himself for being so distracted and shouted a halt into the others, put their weapons down and turn around. Feredir saw the situation. The ellon jumped down from his horse before asking the others to step away, protecting the young lady's virtue.

"Forgive my intrusion, my lady." Glorfindel crouched in front of her while taking off his cloak. He laid it gently on her body before calling for Nestaron who was ironically the farthest. The healer came running and gasped at the sight of her.

"Did the wolves bit her, my lord?" Nestaron whispered an excuse before lifting up the hem of his cloak, looking into her bleeding right leg. His face serious and dark. He then started to give her first aid. Checking for more injury in her head and the rest of her body. They found an unusual and small bag made of leaves but they let it be.

"No, I don't think so. Thank Eru, I arrived here before they do."

Nestaron then shook his head after checking. It was then another howl echoed through the forest, followed by a screech and hoot of an owl. "We need to take her back to Mithlond, Lord Glorfindel. While I can say that externally she is fine, I won't know what is the extent of her injuries especially if there are wild animals lurking around. I cannot treat her here properly."

Glorfindel nodded and look up to Feredir. "He is right. I will ride with them."

"And I will stay here to survey the city borders. I will find out what is going on." Feredir nod back, gone was the humor that usually sits in his eyes.

"Bronwëg, stay here with the others and report to me as soon as you get back. You will follow the instructions of Lord Feredir. Nestaron and Aeglos will come with me back to the Grey Havens." Glorfindel ordered before whistling for Rhosfein. He then turned to Feredir. "My friend, if something happens, send Bronwëg and Limhîr to escort the young ones back to the city, that way we can also send reinforcements if you ever need it."

Feredir nodded. "I will, mellon nin. Take care of the young one. It pains me to see someone so young on this state, for I too have two precious daughters." The Teleri warrior patted Glorfindel in his shoulder. Nestaron wrapped the cloak securely to her body before Glorfindel scooped her in his arms. He climbed his steed with utmost care. "Ride well, my friend and may the Valars bless all of you." At Feredir's words, they ride in haste back to Mithlond.

Glorfindel held the girl closer to his body, giving her warmth and whispered to her his promise that he will not let anything bad happen to her again.

Rough Translations:

Elentári - (Quenya) Varda

Laurefindil - (Quenya) birth name of Glorfindel

Hinya - (Quenya) my child {endearing}

Findarato - (Quenya) Finrod

Irissë - (Quenya) Aredhel

Disclaimer: the song/s are not my property, everybody knows that. All hail Queen!

LOTR and Silmarillion belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien. None of it is my property except for Erika the keeper of the fish leg. Rest in peace, Sir Christopher Tolkien. You are all legends.