Languages:

'Valari words/ or Erika's mother tongue'

"Quenya/Sindarin"

"Westron/Common tongue"

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.

AN: Another super late upload. Peace! I actually finished chapter 11 for a month now but I didn't upload it because I feel like I'm not satisfied. So my writer's syndrome hit me and rewrote it all over again. And then I got addicted to this Korean light novel that I'm reading with 600+ chapters. Lol.

-.-.-.-

Chapter 11

The Second Borns

If I can just kick myself in the ass, I would've done it already. Of course I would kick Faeron first.

That's what I've been thinking the whole time during the painfully awkward lunch with everybody. I forgot that these people act more demure and reserved, and there I was actually wrestling with a guy because of trivial stuff. Maybe I look more childish now in their eyes. It took a lot of nerves for me not to hide my face in embarrassment and act normally through their unhidden amused reactions. Thankfully, none of them spoke about it and acted as if nothing happened.

After eating, I thought I could finally get away from them and hide inside my room, but Lord Círdan invited everyone to have some tea in the garden. The introvert in me was in a dilemma if I should go or not, but of course it would be very rude of me to decline even though I cringe at the thought of sitting down again with them for a long time. Do they know it's bad to sit down after a meal? My belly fat would rejoice and come out again to greet me for sure. I need to work out after this.

The men -err- ellon, wait plural term, ellyn? Fucking hell, this is confusing. I need to write these things down or else all the things I've learned will be wasted.

Everyone sat inside the wide pavilion while beautiful servants were tailing after us, carrying trays of tea and biscuits. I tried to help them with it but they politely refused and told me that 'I'm the lord's guest'. It's a little bit disturbing on my part. Disturbing because I've never had anyone serve me like this before. Just this morning, Ms. Heledh said I will have a servant to assist me on everything I need. It disturbs me, it's not natural!

Trying to forget that subject, I focused myself on the scenery around me. The garden looks so gorgeous and everything sounds so peaceful, the gentle splashing of the water flowing from the stream, the whistling sound of the wind and rustling of the leaves. The landscape is filled with colors from various flowers and plants. This place could calm down someone's anxiety almost instantly, a therapy for tired souls. One thing I noticed is that time flows slowly. Back from home, one blink of an eye and you'll not notice that half an hour has passed already. It must be the rush of things but I'm not sure since folks here move fast and precise… not to mention, graceful.

The ever gentleman… er elf, Glorfindel pulled out a chair for me and carefully pushed it as I sat down, he also grabbed a chair beside me, smiling with all his radiant glory. Does this guy don't realize how lethal those attacks are? He's like a sun, literally shining!

I pulled my eyes away from him and uttered a silent thanks as an attendant placed a steaming cup of tea in front of me, same goes for the others. The tea looks golden and smells fresh and light. I picked up the luxurious looking teacup a little awkwardly, it looks different and delicate on my hands that it's almost translucent and is very light. I'm used to using huge mugs or asian style thick clay teacup when I drink tea so I ended up taking the cup from the body and placed it at the top of my other hand before taking a sip. I'm not describing anymore how awkward I am while doing this.

The elves around me started having conversations about what's been going on with the city, Lord Galdor was talking about some gossips that his wife told him yesterday evening, Lord Feredir was talking about the improvements of the warriors under Lord Glorfindel's tutelage and Faeron actually said something about his grandfather's almost finished golden harp creation that would be presented as a gift to an elven lady named Galadriel, I think I've heard her name before but I don't remember where.

It was really kind of them to speak in a language I can understand even though I can't relate much to their topics. Lord Círdan must've noticed my eyes glazing out from trying to catch up and he chuckled in amusement.

"I-I'm sorry. I don't mean to be rude." I bit my lower lip in embarrassment.

"Quite alright, young one. The Lady Galadriel is the lady of Lothlórien, another elven city ruled by King Amroth, a kin of mine. She is also a family to the Lord Glorfindel." Lord Círdan informed me.

I nod as I turn slowly to the guy with golden blond hair. "She is my cousin. Her father is the youngest brother of my mother and is married to Celeborn, a kin of Lord Círdan."

"Right." I didn't expect these two to have such close ties with each other. Maybe that's why they are very close, well according only to my observation.

"Galwechil greatly admires the music of Lady Galadriel and his brother, King Finrod Felagund and Celeborn was kind enough to invite him in the city to play music during the spring festivals of Lórien and thus made an oath at the memorial statue of King Finrod that each time he travels to the Golden Woods, he will give the lady a gift he personally crafted." Says Lord Galdor who's nibbling a cookie. He said the name of Lurthlorin guy, maybe the two of them are close to each other.

"I remember the last piece grandfather has made, a flute made of pure gold inspired by the music of the Númenor." Faeron said with a smirk.

Lord Círdan turned to me with amusement written in his bright face. "Apparently it was quite heavy to carry and the Lady of Light had a hard time using it for a long time. With her own hand, Galadriel decided to create a table that can support the instrument when she plays the flute. Much to Galwechil's chagrin." The old elf gave a beautiful chuckle. "He tried to stop the daughter of Finarfin and said he would do the table himself, however, Galadriel is a true born Ñoldo, stubborn to the roots. Mind you, dear Erika, that the Ñoldor prided themselves with their skills in crafting as much as we do with our music. Galwechil never left Galadriel's side till she finished her priced table and even learned a few things about crafting."

There are so many complicated names that I had a hard time remembering them. But I gotta try. Besides, I'm curious now about this grandfather of Faeron. I see the dramatics run thickly in their veins.

"The harp this time is perfect in all ways. Father took the advice of Lady Galadriel seriously and used the songs of the Maiar while he crafts the harp's column and neck back in the smithy." Says Lord Feredir.

"Wait, used the songs of who? How does singing help with the smithing? Is it a Lurthlorin thing?" I asked curiously.

"Lothlórien, melwen." It was Glorfindel who spoke next, correcting gently the elven word that I just butchered. "Also, it is not just a simple singing. It is something far more beautiful. Have you heard how Arda was created?" I shook my head. I supposed it wasn't made in seven days? "It begins after Eru Illúvatar created the Ainur, the holy beings with powers lesser than Him but has their own nature and power." Ah, those gods I heard from Nestaron and Ms. Heledh. "The first thing that Eru taught them was music, and showed them a concept like any other. The Ainur sang the Great Music that reflects their thoughts from the concept that Eru Illúvatar showed them." Glorfindel and the others continued the tale of how this world was created and the epic rap battle between the gods of this world. Boy, I was so into it and listened with a big interest. The creation of the universe is like the biggest conspiracy theory that I've ever heard in my life that I had a hard time believing it until I saw some similarity between their Ainur and the angels and Melkor Bauglir to Lucifer Morningstar.

Humor came inside of my mind and pictured Melkor being a complete metalhead while the others are singing in glorious soprano harmony. I mean that's the first thing I imagined after Lord Círdan said Melkor's music opposed the harmony of others. But unlike metal music, that for me is one of the epitomes of musical perfection, Melkor is a being filled with selfish dark desires.

And from there I've learned about how the Valars literally sang the world into creation and I was amazed to finally realize the concept of the song that was used to craft the harp. The songs and the music the Ainur have super powers to create something. To some people, they call it magic.

"But not all songs in this world have the power of creation. Those divine music could only come from the Valars and the Maiars. They are sacred and pure and should not be used for anything with ill intent." Said Lord Círdan.

"But how did Miss Galadriel know about it?" I asked with curiosity, turning to face Glorfindel who gave another smile as he saw my interest.

"Galadriel and I are Ñoldorin, a race of elves known for our gifts of crafts and swordsmanship. One of the Valars, Lord Aulë the Great Smith, taught us our skills and passed unto us the music of creation. My grandfather, Finwë was one of his direct students."

"Wow. That was dope." Well, being a student of a god? Glorfindel's grandfather must be a really cool person.

"What was the first song that you have sung, Erika?" Glorfindel moved his body forward, leaning his body in the left armrest looking at me with curiosity.

I shyly grinned from his question because he seems so interested. My childhood songs might sound like a joke compared to the magical songs these people have. "Oh, uhm… it's not as special as the songs you got here but it was the song of Johnny Appleseed." I scratched the back of my head awkwardly, well it was the first song I performed for Christmas as my mother said. Thank you, Disney's Melody Time movie. I didn't add more details because it might lead to me explaining more stuff about where I came from, and then shit would go down and ask me more how I got here. I just don't have the guts to lie on their faces.

"Would you like to sing it for us?" Lord Círdan suddenly said with a mischievous smile.

"Ha?!" I gawked stupidly at Lord Círdan. What's with the sudden request?!

"Well since we do not know who is Master Appleseed, then maybe you could simply sing us his song then." The old fox continued to tease me. I noticed it before but this old guy has a weird sense of humor.

"Oh, give me a break, with me singing the song would sound silly even with a music instrument, what more without it. And with me singing is like calling for the natural disaster. Are you sure you want that in your city?" Lord Galdor chuckled.

"Then you can simply have a musical instrument!" Faeron said with enthusiasm. I shall kill this guy later. "Would you like me to fetch some harp, milord?" He then asked Lord Círdan.

"That is a great idea, young Feredirion."

"Okay, no harps, no harps. I know nothing about harps." I said even before Faeron can bolt out of his seat. "Fine this is the song, it's a short one, anyway don't blame me if I sound ugly." I saw Glorfindel's reaction and he was trying not to laugh. "Look, Johnny Appleseed always sings this with his guitar and it would make more sense if I have one but well, you asked for this…"

I inhaled deeply and broke out into the song with a hundred percent level of energy-

The Lord is good to me

And so I thank the Lord

For giving me the things I need

The sun and rain and an apple seed

Yes, He's been good to me

I owe the Lord so much

For everything I see

I'm certain if it weren't for Him

There'd be no apples on this limb

He's been good to me

Oh, here am I 'neath the blue, blue sky

A-doin' as I please

Singin' with my feathered friends

Hummin' with the bees

I wake up every day

As happy as can be

Because I know that with His care

My apple trees, they will still be there

Oh, the Lord is good to meeee~"

I know I just made a complete fool of myself there as I was singing a nursery rhyme like a kid in a school foundation day performance but like I said, they asked for it. Anyway, my father told me before that I could be pretty shameless, in a good way. It would be better with a guitar though, as the melody could sound more legit than what I just did. The shock must be too high that none of them spoke for a second.

"Who was the Lord you were talking about in the song?" Lord Galdor spoke first, I think it took more time for them to digest what the hell just happened.

"Oh, uhm… it's God. Lord of all lords. You guys call Him Eru." Well I'm thinking they're the same big guy, I mean who could do all these things aside from Him, right?

"It is a beautiful song." Lord Círdan said with a smile blossoming in his face.

"Uh… thanks, I guess?" Seriously? I laughed.

"The meaning of the song itself is beautiful. It was a song written to give thanks to Illúvatar, it speaks about how big one's faith is for the father of all beings. What more could be better than that?" Glorfindel said with a smile.

"I think it would be much better if someone would properly sing it along with a good music." Faeron said, my head turned so fast and eyes are burning with desire to kick his ass. Can't he be a little supportive? Yet the bloke didn't notice me staring daggers at him and is in deep thought. Probably thinking about what type of melody would suit the song that's meant to sound so jolly and enthusiastic.

I sighed. "Well, if I have a guitar I could teach you the melody but unfortunately I don't have one so I could just recreate it for you by tapping and humming. It would suck though."

"Knowing you?"

"Hey!" Before I could continue what I'm about to say, an elf guy wearing a warrior's outfit excused himself and go directly to Lord Feredir's side. He spoke in hush at the lord's ear and I noticed him freeze where he's sitting.

-.-.-.-.-.-

"Everyone, allow me to excuse myself as I have urgent matters to attend to." Feredir said in a serious tone before turning to the Lord Círdan. "Milord, a pack of wargs and a small army of orcs has been spotted half a day's ride away from North of Mamgobel." As soon as those words were spoken everyone in the table aside from Erika, who do not understand Sindarin, became visibly serious. Glorfindel recognized the name of the city in the east of Forlindon and near the Little Lhun River. There resides a small settlement for the secondborns that lives mainly through sheep herding and vegetable farming. They also trade with the Gray Havens for their supply of sea foods. It is a place that has been in the care of the Havens since the first age as the people who reside in that small city were descendants of Beren's men. They live a simple livelihood and led by a feeble yet kind old mayor.

It will take almost a day to ride into that town.

The old ellon nodded his head and stood up. "Milady, apologies for we have to leave as there is an urgent matter I need to attend." He gave a gentle smile to Erika as the Círdan noticed the worry that's starting to show on the young lady's expressive face. "Hinya, will you stay for a while with the young lady?"

Glorfindel gave him a single nod before Lord Círdan and the others walked out of the garden. Even the son of Feredir, who gave the young woman a playful wink, came with them as no doubt he would lead a small cavalry of warriors as first response of help. He can hear Galdor asking the sentry about the news that he brought and the old shipwright ordered Feredir to tighten the border's security and be ready for any possibilities. An orc raid like this is not a new incident anymore but the attacks are now occurring frequently as these stray packs of orcs do not have someone to command them anymore. Glorfindel assumed that Sauron's remaining minions came from northern Eriador and just randomly raided places where they could find something to sustain their hunger and deliver madness.

He prays to the Valars to look upon its people and for them not to be so late.

"Is everything okay?" Glorfindel broke out of his thoughts as he heard the sound of Erika's voice tinted with worry. He look back at her and actually felt bad as he saw a mix of emotions in her brown eyes.

He gave her a reassuring smile and brushed the tip of her nose with his thumb, the way her nose twitched made him feel comforted. "Worry not, melwen, it was only a trivial matter."

He said that so she may not think about it yet the opposite happens and her eyebrows delicately formed a knot. "I know it's not my place to butt in but I feel worried for some reason. Like someone's about to go to war. You know what I'm saying?"

He grin subconsciously. "Your intuition is impressive, my lady, though it is not exactly a war." Knot in her forehead grew deeper as she leaned towards him, her eyes full of expectation for more detailed explanation. It's amazing how easily one can read her like an open book just from her expression. It might be the reason why the son of Feredir likes to tease her. "An urgent report just came in about a possible attack of orcs to a small city of men. We do not yet know the scale of this threat but the city borders and other settlements need to secure their places and be ready for what will happen. Though there is only a small possibility that an attack will occur on such a large elven city, we still have to be careful."

"What about the people of that city? Would they be alright?"

"There are marchwardens and scouts at the border that can provide a small protection to that place but it might not be enough."

"Is there anything that I can do?" There is a tinged with slight fear in those brown eyes, yet there lies a spark of determination.

"I assume you do not know how to fight?"

The face she made, however, is so ungraceful that no lady he knew would ever do it. "Well, I can throw a punch or two, but I'm no warrior. An extra hand to help might not be a little bad. I can help in other things if you would have me." A shrug of shoulders follow.

Glorfindel stared at the young woman, who is in an unfamiliar place, no home or no friends to familiarize herself with nor possess a knowledge in anything regarding warfare, yet willing to rush head on in a dangerous situation just because she worried about people who are practically strangers to her. It might sound naive and foolish but Glorfindel sees it as kindness. His heart can feel her desire to help.

"You do not have to worry, dear one. There are people who are ready to deal with these kind of situations. You only need to trust us." He told her gently, his greyish-blue eyes are directly staring at hers.

The young woman stared back without hesitation. "You are going there?"

He gave her a nod. "Yes."

Once again, worry registered in her eyes. "Then go and do what you must, there's no need to be stuck here with me when you have more important things to do. Please, be careful. I know everyone keeps on saying how legendary you are as a warrior but you gotta take care out there. I'll be praying for you so you can return back here safely. I also pray to God for the safety of the other guys and that there would be no casualties."

He felt a rush of warmth in his heart as he heard those words. For a while, Glorfindel was speechless. Hundreds of times he heard people praising him for his strength and might, that they would pray for the victory of a battle. But no one has ever told him that despite having a power that could even rival a Maiar, they would be praying for him to come back safely.

He took her small hand to his and softly caressed his thumb on her knuckles, tracing the visible warm veins. "When I come back, would my lady tell me what exactly a guitar is?"

She blinked twice, might be wondering where that came from and then chuckled. "Deal."

Glorfindel nodded. "Great. Now, would you like me to escort you back to your chambers?"

The young woman shook her head and reached out her other hand to grab a biscuit. "Nah, I think I'll stay here for a while. Don't worry about me."

"Then I'll see you again, melwen." The warrior took her hand up to his lips, giving it a subtle kiss before he stood up from his seat. Her reaction did not escape from his eyes and witnessed how her cheeks slightly flushed from his actions. Glorfindel gave her a curt bow before heading off to Lord Círdan's workroom, feeling quite proud of himself for no particular reason.

-.-.-.-.-.-

I sagged on my chair like a sloppy gelatin left out in the open sun. Sweet baby Jesus, how could he be still single with those da moves of his? Granted, I've seen men in some movies who kiss a woman's hand as a sign of being a gentleman but experiencing it is quite different from just watching it.

Seriously, the charms of these elves would be the death of me. I took a bite from the cookie in my hand and took a deep sigh.

I want to know how Ms. Sivrethil and her two daughters are doing but I don't even have any idea where they live and I don't want to bother the others as I think they would be occupied because of what's happening to that town right now. I sincerely pray for the safety of everybody and I hope that this problem will soon be over.

What are orcs anyway? I got some idea of it from Nestaron but it wasn't enough for me to build a picture of them in my mind. They said they are hideous to look at and cruel in nature. They loot villages, destroy lives and enjoy the suffering of other living beings. Well shit, they almost sound like the politicians back from my world.

For sure my new found friends have faced those things in battle before but, you know… I still hope everyone will be okay. What kind of world did I land my ass on? Will I be able to get back home? Maybe I should do some research or at least have someone to teach me some infos about this world they call Arda. Without a doubt it's another world with it's own concept and created by the same Big Guy. Unlike Earth, Arda is a world supported by what I call magic, starting from its creation down even to the smallest things. And they have dwarves! Dang, I can't wait to meet one!

Another thing that I realized is maybe I too am not alone in this world as a mermaid. If they have elves and dwarves and even dragons here, I assume merfolks exist too. I just need to find them or something. It's a shame that Faeron's plan to tour me around was postponed, I was planning to scout this place.

Wait a sec, maybe there is a chance for me to sneak out and go to the ocean? Now that I think about it, the people here would be very busy right now, they might not notice me for a couple of hours. Also, it's not like they would accompany me twenty four-seven, they have their own lives too.

If I remember correctly, the shore is not that far from the manor. I need to plan things properly, I don't want them to find out about my secret yet and I miss the ocean already, I feel like I've been deprived of something that I naturally needed to exist. I long for the water, the beautiful world underneath, the gentle waves and the sensation it brings me is as comforting as the wind. This is like a healthy kind of addiction, only, being a half fish made me feel as if I belong in the waterworld.

Standing up from my seat, I walked out from the pavilion and asked a guard that I spotted nearby about the exit. The ellon -glad to see me being used to their terms- greeted me and then pointed out where the main gate is. After giving me instructions and which road to access to get to the town, he warned me about getting lost and that I should probably ask someone to be my guide. I declined politely since I think I can manage on my own. I'm maybe unlucky when I was in the forest but at least houses are easier to spot than trees.

I wasted no time to look for an exit. It was quite an easy task to do since the landscape of the place almost leads out to the gate, a gorgeous gate by the way, it has a wide span that almost reaches up to five meters and was made with two ginormous white stone pillars wrapped in rose vines and flowers. It was an elegant swing gate type made from steel. above it is an arch that looks like it was made of metal and shaped like a middle eastern arch. I see that arch design everywhere in this place, maybe it's their people's signature architectural design? Might be, but these design patterns are far more graceful and detailed than the ones I've seen from my world. It's like someone took their sweet time putting a detailed carvings to it.

From there, the gate leads to a wide road with neatly done stone pavement, the stones set in there looked like it was made of the smooth stones you will find in the sea but instead of having a bumpy round texture, the road is smooth and even. It was impressive. The side paths have trees and bushes of plants with beautiful flowers. It was such a sight to see and if I only have a phone or camera, I might have made thousands of selfies here even though I'm not the type of person who does lots of selfies.

I greeted the elves who were standing guard at the entrance and they greeted me back with their own language, one even gracefully waved to me.

If I'm correct, the time now could be something around two or three in the afternoon. Another thing I noticed is they don't have the concept of time telling¹ here. One time I asked Nestaron what time is it, and he answered me 'late evening at the moon's peak'. Imagine my confusion. I have no idea if these people even have something to figure out the time or do they even have the idea of its concept. I should ask Glorfindel or Faeron or even Nestaron about that later.

The sun is proudly shining up and surprisingly, I can stand the heat. The winds helped too as it was blowing not so strongly, considering we are on the seaside. It might have taken me fifteen minutes of walking before I had the sight of the town, I might not have noticed it before as I was too focused on getting away from this place, but the city is like a place made from pearls. The structures and houses are made from light colored stones with unique designs. On my left side's point of view, there's what I think as a residential area. The place sat at the left half of the city while in front of me is a massive, beautiful port where ships and boats of different sizes are docked in harbours made of stone and have wooden piers full of busy people loading and unloading stuffs from their own ships. I was seriously so very ignorant of how massive this city is. Why did I even think that I could reach the sea by running while injured? From where I stand I'm quite sure I will reach the pier for roughly thirty more minutes. At the right side of the pier is clearly a market place bustling with people selling various things from food to fabrics. Surprisingly, there are humans wandering around the marketplace. How I know they are humans, they lack that weird elf light and though I am still a midget next to them, they are not as tall as the elves. Glorfindel is tall as hell, almost feel like he was at seven foot or more, but his body build was lean and graceful that it kinda blended too perfectly with his stature. The men as I can see them, man they thicc! Some men have such heavy built bodies and some are on the chubby side and others are just average. Not being a racist here, but one can easily spot the difference between an elf and a man. Not to mention, the beauty of the elves look so unreal that I feel like with the men around me, everything is normal and I feel belonged.

Feeling a little bit uncomfortable with the boots on my feet, I removed it before walking barefoot to the marketplace. Carrying the boots in my hand, I stare with amazement written on my face as I scan the whole place. Now that I think about it, I could've brought my pearls here and exchanged them with money or barter them for some items, but well, surely there will be next time. After roaming around the marketplace, I almost went running to the pier as the ocean breeze crossed my nose. If it's just me I would've jumped straight right into the water but there's a lot of people who would see me turn into fish.

I kneel down on the ground careless about my long ass dress due to my excitement of seeing the sea again, I reached out my hand and touched the water. And when I did, strange sensations came to me. I felt a spark of connection with the water as if it was greeting me, welcoming me back. A gentle wave started to form at the surface, flowing smoothly until it reached the pier and it splashed around me playfully. Like how someone would deliberately spray water on your face. I quickly remember the current that always nudged me when I was underwater and I smiled.

I got on my feet and started walking again, now more determined to find a spot where I can sneak and go in without someone to notice me. I guess my best chance was to do it at night as there would be less people around.

A little bit far away from this pier, there is the part of the city where the edges of the valley is quite steep, it was the same place of the white stone wall I saw before, the port gate I call it. If I go there I might have a chance but it would be more than a kilometer worth of walking. I seriously now love swimming more than walking.

"Greetings, young one." I heard someone speak from behind me and I abruptly halted my steps and looked back. There stands a man, (I assume?) leaning on a wooden pier pillar. Well this is a little complicated, he has the elf signature glow but he got a normal shaped ear, I can see it as his long black hair is in a messy low ponytail that sat on one side. Strangely he is not wearing the clothes I'm used to see with the elves, his chiseled upper torso is quite exposed from the loose, dark blue fabrics of his clothes, it looks more like the robes of Lord Círdan minus the neatness, elegance and the long sleeves. His forearms are covered by a black and gold metal vambrace with scales and water waves pattern, in his hair are beads made with gold and pearls. He is undoubtedly gorgeous, face and all but a little bit on the rugged side. He looks more like a mafia who's about to unleash a machine gun and fire at everybody.

"Uh… hi there."

"Where are you planning to go, little lady?"

I rolled my eyes. There they go again, calling me little and treating me like a child when I am not. "When will you guys stop calling me little? I'm not a child." I said almost sounding like I'm whining.

The man smirked. "That doesn't change the fact that you are a child in my eyes."

"Okay, I'm calling you old man." I crossed my arms stubbornly.

"You can do that, I do not mind." He shrugged. "Shouldn't you be still resting considering you just recovered from your injuries?"

"That's creepy, how did you know I was injured? Are you stalking me?"

A not so graceful eye roll was made by his huge navy blue eyes, by the way, that was a unique color. I already thought he might be one of the people in the manor who knows my predicament but a little bit of joking around wouldn't hurt. Rather he was more ready for a banter. "The hilariousness of a young lady almost dying from tripping is a hard thing to forget."

"You're so brainy on that part."

"I already know I'm awesome."

I like this guy. He speaks my language. "Don't tell anyone I sneaked out. I just don't want to bother them now that they are pretty busy. They've done enough."

"I can help you go around if you like, maybe I can help you with some things."

"You're not planning to do something bad to me, right?" I gasped dramatically and covered my body with my arm.

"Such a disgusting thought, little child. I am married to the most beautiful being in the whole Arda just so you know." He said indignantly and I laughed out loud from his reaction.

"Chill, dude, I was just joking. Thanks for offering me your help, though I think I'm fine on my own." I gave him a reassuring smile.

"I can take you to a place where nobody would witness as you transform. You can swim freely in the ocean but you cannot stay in the water for a long time, you have to come back or else the people of Círdan would be suspicious and will surely search for you."

I froze where I was standing, I literally stopped breathing for seconds while my eyes turned so big it would almost fall out from its sockets. What did he just said?

"Who the hell are you?" I said backing off a little from the guy who is still standing there as if he didn't just said all my hard kept secret. How did this guy know about my transformations? Did he see me when I was at the ocean? Or did he peeked while I was taking a bath at the Healing Halls?

"Calm down, little Ulumiel, I'm not planning anything bad. More like, I'm here to lend you a helping hand."

It took me seconds to reply and process everything he just said in my head. "And why would you do that?"

"Why not?"

"What do you want from me? You said you want to help, then what's the merit of helping someone like me?" I asked warily, this guy is sus.

The man gave a sigh of frustration. "I will explain things to you but not at this time and day. Besides, the right to explain everything does not lay to me. You just have to believe that I am not here to put you in harm." It took him only two strides to reach me, I'm still a little bit more reluctant and cautious with his actions but surprisingly, his hands on my shoulders were gentle, quite the contrary from my first impression of him. "I can feel your longing for the ocean and I will help you find a safe place. Just don't mention me from anyone and I mean no one."

"Do you think I could just accept that?"

"I am not here to hurt you, little one." One might not believe him if they are just looking at his face, truly he is a sight to behold but something about him would make someone feel anxious. Yet a part of me that wanted to believe him. Especially as his eyes are full of sincerity.

"Have you ever heard of saying that there is no such thing as free lunch?"

"I have no idea what that means. You just have to believe that not everyone is as bad as you think."

I sighed. I don't want to sound so ungrateful but I just don't get why this person seems to be so determined. "Okay, I will trust you. But you need to give me explanations next time. And if you're planning to do nasty stuffs and I end up dying, I swear my ghost will come back at this very earth to haunt you."

"Your imagination is really impressive."

"What's your name? I'm fine with calling you old man but at least let me know who you are." He smirked again and I gasped when he flicked my forehead. "Hey!" That was painful!

"You may call me Ossë."

-.-.-.-.-.-

The Maia waited patiently as the young Ulumiel warmed up to him. She is currently following him to the place he prepared for her to go whenever she wanted to return home. That is right. The ocean is her home, but for now, he cannot really say it out loud.

He led her in a steep rock just yards away from the city walls, that way she does not have to walk so far from the house of Círdan. He also reminded her that riding a horse on her way to this spot might not be an ideal thing to do as the stable hand would notice her come and go. He casted a spell on the place so nobody would bother her or even discover her as she submerged into the water. If an outsider decided to evade this place, the spell would influence it to go into another place, dread would be felt as soon as the invader steps its feet into the boundaries of his spell. In addition, the sea itself would send a threatening wave, courtesy of his beloved Uinen, just enough to scare anyone who would dare to go in this particular spot.

There was a hint of suspicion in Ulumiel's face as he explained everything to her, it must not be in her intention to show it as he noticed her trying to look as normal as possible. Unfortunately, the young one possessed such an expressive countenance, revealing an expression that almost reflects her thoughts.

"Well then, I have to go. Remember to keep the time in mind and do not stay late. People will come to look for you if you neglect the time and you don't want that to happen."

She pursed her lips and scrunched her eyebrows in thought. "Why do you care so much about my secret? Are you not suspicious of me? I might be deceiving these people."

"I thought we talked about the matter of trust?"

The young one shrugged ungracefully. "I know but you can't just tell me not to wonder why y'all are so willing to help me. The elves are like that too, they let me in their house without second thoughts. They trusted me as if they've known me for a long time. And you, you think so much about keeping my secret that you even planned stuffs to help me. Honestly, I mean no offense but I even thought that your offered help might be a trap. And I might be a bad person, you know?"

Ossë smiles as he hear those words. Was it safe to say that the young one is not used to people who deliver kindness to anyone? "Little one, has nobody ever told you that the elves and the men have a lot of difference other than their appearance?" The Maiar stepped closer into her until he captured her in his embrace. He felt her stiffen but his heart was glad when she did not push him away considering how cautious she was to him. "The eldar was born good at heart and kind in nature. Granted, not everyone is the same and you might encounter some of them with overwhelming arrogance but they are not bad people. They have the ability to sense the good and evil in someone. Anyone with ill intentions would not be able to enter the Gray Havens so believe me when I say their hearts have felt the good in you. In time, you will have all the explanations you need."

The young one sighs in resignation. "Fine."

Ossë parted from her and gave her a pat in the head. "I will see you again, little Ulumiel. May Eru watch over you while I am gone."

"Wait, where are you going anyway?"

"To meet distant relatives."

"Well that sucks!"

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

The sky that usually displays a sea of bright stars is being covered by a thick dark smoke, and from a distance, a halo of fire can be seen from the horizon. Fire runs through a quarter of the Mamgobel city and cries of terror reach the ears of Glorfindel even as they stand not a mile away from it's gate.

The warriors of Mithlond did not waste even a single moment of hesitation and rushed towards the city with their tall war steed, arrows are notched upon the bow and ready to fire, others were armed with long swords and spears. As they got closer to the city, the enemy met them with their rusty and crude weapons that did not even stand the sharpness of their blades paired together with the power behind every strike they made. The battle must have been going on for quite some time now and Glorfindel can see houses on fire and people lying down on the ground, are they breathing or not, he does not know. He can only utter a prayer to Elbereth that it was the former and that they still have a chance to save some lives.

Behind Glorfindel is the tandem of Nestaron and Lady Heledh leading a small number of healers. The wife of Galdor wields a dirk in her hands while trying to get through a pack of orcs that blocks her path, the elleth isn't just a healer but also a formidable warrior who played an important part during the battle of the Last Alliance and fought side by side with her spouse to defend the Gray Havens. Together with the other healers and warriors, they made their way to the civilians. Some of the warriors started to evacuate the people in a place far away from the battle while the others checked the injured victims lying on the ground.

To his assumptions, nearly half of the city has been sacked by the foul beings. It would've been easy for the people here and the few number of marchwardens who initially responded to defend the place if the assailants were simply just orcs, but banded together with the wargs, Mamgobel stood no chance.

Glorfindel is facing four of them right now, their fangs snarling and determined to destroy another one of the Firstborns and the warrior can almost smell their anticipation. Unfortunately, they did not expect the lone elf in front of then to possess such power.

A black warg shook his mane before leaping towards Glorfindel but the creature met the sharp edges of his sword and the warg howled in misery as it lost one of its hind legs. The other three attack all at once. The golden haired warrior summoned a great light that both blinded his attackers and instilled fear unto them for this is the light of Elbereth. With great speed, Glorfindel beheaded the three wargs and threw a dagger straight into the eye of the other one who tried to limp away from him.

A distance away from him is a battle between the orcs and the civilians of the city who wield farming tools like pickaxe, a maul and soil rakes. Putting his sword back in his scabbard Glorfindel reached for his bow and fired three arrows all at once killing three orcs who were about to attack a man from behind. He ran into the skirmish and took one arrow from the head of a dead orc and shot one orc in his left.

The orcs were blinded by the light of this elf who blazed like the sun and sliced through them like the herald of death, he alone was enough to destroy dozens of them that banded together to kill the measly farmers who tried to fought back.

The people feel nothing but awe as their eyes took the sight of this great elven warrior who brings death to the foul minions of Sauron with every move he made.

"Leave this place quickly." The warrior said as he comes closer, the tail of his tied up golden hair follows each of his graceful moves and the people cannot help but to feel mesmerized. "Go!" He urged a little more force. The people did what he said and carried the injured with them.

The battle went on and there were more orcs than they had expected and they are entering through the broken walls they created in the north-eastern side of the city. Glorfindel whistled for Rhosfein and the majestic steed came galloping to him, running over some orcs who stood in his way without mercy. Rhosfein has no need to stop for the golden haired warrior to mount, his master is nimble and a capable fighter.

Glorfindel rode until his sight landed on the broken north-eastern stone wall where orcs continued their intrusion, this is where he found the majority of the city's fallen warriors. He can almost feel the anger rising in his heart as he watch more men who have little skills to fight defend themselves against one foul creature only to fall by the hands of another one attacking his back. The Ñoldo sent arrows flying in their way.

He leaped down from the back of Rhosfein, beheading two orcs in the process. He was clearing the broken entrance when he heard two different consecutive howls broke through the horizon. One was the terrifying howl of a warg, and the other one was the distinct sound of a white wolf. Not everyone could identify the piercing, clear sound of these extremely territorial beings. They have their own unique sound than a normal wolf, and Glorfindel could almost describe it as rather graceful.

From the distance, he could see wargs with orcs at their backs fighting creatures that almost contrasted their horrible dark shade color. In Glorfindel's count, ten huge white wolves fight savagely with the foul filths of Mordor. The wargs almost look as if they were running away from the rare beings while one of their unfortunate kin is being torn apart by two white wolves, ripping and tearing its limbs off with their sharp canines and powerful jaws. Their white furs were stained by black blood.

Glorfindel was nothing short of amazed as he watched how these smaller creatures butchered their enemy that is two sizes larger than them. His eyes took sight of their stealth, nimbleness, and incredible reflexes. But as much as these white wolves are impressive to look at, a question blossomed in his mind. Why are these creatures here? Clearly they are not siding with the enemy. Did they see an opportunity to attack and hunt the men of this city? Are they smart enough to take advantage of the situation the orcs created?

The battle inched closer to the walls, the orcs and the wargs chose to bombard their way through the elves just to get away from these ferocious things but they were met with the sword of Glorfindel and the other elven warriors.

One white wolf edged closer to them and gave a snarl more frightening than any other warg could give. When Glorfindel raised his arrow on their way, their body acted on reflex and took a stance as if they are about to pounce, their snow white furs standing up in anger. He was about to shoot when a gray colored owl flies past in front of him with a loud screech as if calling his attention. It hovered on the ground surface before coming up just to perch in his vambraced arm that is holding the stretched bow string. The bird bobs its head up and down, hooting loudly while flapping its wide wings.

For a while Glorfindel was confused about what was happening, until the wolves howled loudly, the sound echoed through the air. All of them were surprised as they watched the fair beings turn their backs and run. The owl in his arm flapped its wings and soared through the sky, going in the same direction as the wolves did.

Did that owl stopped him from shooting the wolves down?

The sun was already dawning when the last orc was killed. The people are exhausted, scared and anguished as their eyes take hold of their burned down homes and destroyed livelihood. Glorfindel's heart is heavy with pain as he watch families mourn for the death of their loved ones. They are peaceful folks and this generation has no experience with the violence of Sauron.

"Milord." The voice of Bronwëg broke Glorfindel's vigil. "It has been confirmed that our people suffered no casualties in this battle and only injuries. Unfortunately, a lot of men died as they tried to defend the city as the attack broke. Some men started to gather the dead orcs and burned them away from the city. Nestaron came with the scouts to gather medicinal herbs for the ones we have now would not suffice to treat all that is injured. Lady Heledh established a healing area and asked if we could send a word to Lord Círdan to send more healers to help."

"Do it."

"Yes, milord." Bronwëg gave a bow before taking off to do his task.

Glorfindel sighed, as a warrior who fought great wars and won hundreds of battles, he should have been used to this kind of feelings, he cannot despair yet his heart felt heavy at each loss they suffered. It was a bad habit that Ecthelion and Turukáno always tried to correct. He suddenly remembered the face of the young woman he left at the city, how is he going to tell her that they have arrived late to the battle?

Should he send another letter solely for her? Just to share to her what happened and to at least let her know that he is fine and whole. Glorfindel kept the idea in his mind. He would do it later when he finally had some time to sit down and think.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-

AN: ¹the concept of clock or time telling was briefly mentioned in The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings but Sir J.R.R. Tolkien or even the late Sir Christopher Tolkien didn't made a detailed explanation about it. The clocks were only known to be used by the hobbits to check the exact time of when they will eat and do their chores. It was most likely done by a dwarf in the late Third Age of Arda but aside from that, no other info was written or stated.

AN again:

Ossë is such an introvert ｡ ﹏ ｡