Languages:

'Valari words/ or Erika's mother tongue'

"Quenya/Sindarin"

"Westron/Common tongue"

"Others"

Disclaimer: LOTR and Silmarillion are properties of J.R.R. Tolkien and Tolkien Estates. None of the songs used in the story are mine too and only borrowed for entertainment purposes.

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Chapter 17

A bond with the unbondable

"Milord." Glorfindel looked up from where he was sitting down. At that moment, he is cleaning and polishing his sword. Something he neglected to do for the past few days. The steel, though filthy with dark blood and other unidentifiable matter, still gleams with sharp elegance.

An hour must have passed since he left Erika on the riverside to have time for herself, his mind might not be at full ease but he has to respect her wish for privacy. He gave a word to everyone about it, especially to the men with them who hardly knew her. It is not like he does not trust them but men can hardly control themselves, besides it is not just any woman or any ellyth he wanted to keep safe but the person he loves.

It's funny because he was never a person to loathe other's imperfection. People, not only men, make a lot of mistakes and so he thought he should look past those mistakes in order to live with everyone in harmony. Of course that depends on what kind of mistake one has made. If it is something beyond forgiveness like taking another person's life, then judgement must be passed. But as he thought of Erika, he can not help but to be a little bit selfish. And probably he felt slightly territorial though he had no right.

Thankfully, the men did not ponder much about it and took no offence to his words. Rather he could see amusement in everyone's eyes, the ellyn are particularly curious but they kept the questions to themselves.

"Something… amusing has occurred." Bronwëg said with a strange expression.

"Speak of it."

"Earlier, one of the men who was about to set up some nets on the shallow part of the river found a pile of fish and other marine food. Now there are even live crabs crawling around and even oysters and clams mix in the pile. They are abundant in size."

"By the grace of the Valar…" Glorfindel murmured in surprise.

"What is strange about it is that, according to one of our Teleri warriors, these kinds could only be found in the ocean. Some of the big clams we saw are a distinct type of pearl producing clams that thrive in a calm salt water environment and certainly not in a fresh water river with strong rip currents. What more, is that… Some of the fish have a mark of being hunted. They are pierced with something sharp, be it a harpoon or a spear."

"Something must have hunted them but why leave everything near our camp? It was as if it were being gifted." Glorfindel ponders, sliding his sword into its scabbard before standing up. "Come and take me to that place."

"As you wish, my lord. Right this way." Bronwëg gave him a small bow before heading out first with Glorfindel following behind.

Striding yards away from where they came from, Bronwëg led Glorfindel to the place he was talking about. They saw men placing the fishes in the barrel, some were catching the crawling crabs, tying their claws first before placing them in another barrel together with the oysters and clams. Some were happily shaking the oysters claiming that they are heavy in weight and possibly have pearls in them.

"One of the men says they saw something swimming in the water from a distance. With their sight not as sharp as our kin, he did not see it clearly. When he walked closely here, that creature swimming away had already disappeared."

The blond general nodded his head. "I believe this is a blessing from the higher beings who must have sensed the suffering of the people. Is it Lady Uinen who graced us with her kindness, we do not know. But I do not feel an evil presence." He said as he bent down and touched the surface of the shallow water.

"Then my thanks to whoever is helping us." The dark haired ellon said with a slight smile on his lips, believing what his lord had said.

Glorfindel then helped the others with putting the fishes in the barrels and as they were done with chasing the last remaining crab, he lifted the barrel with his bare hands.

"Milord, please leave this to us." One of the Teleri ran to him waving his hands.

Glorfindel chuckled after seeing the young ellon's reaction. "Do not mind it, young one. It hardly weighs anything." He said after depositing the barrel in the cart and one man on it placed it properly next to the others.

They were about to move the cart back to the camp when a loud and sharp howl of a wolf echoed hauntingly throughout their surroundings. The smile upon Glorfindel's lips disappeared, with his sharp eleven ears, he soon located where the sound was coming from and realised that it was where left Erika to bathe. For a while his mind went blank until the howl stopped and a chill ran down his spine. His eyes widened in disbelief.

Without any doubt, the people around him have caught the haunting sound of the howl, only they did not react the same way that he did. So when everyone saw Glorfindel dashed towards the howl's direction, they immediately followed in pursuit. Bronwëg was instantly behind his lord.

The others were in awe as they watched the Ñoldo's incredible speed, and some even had a hard time keeping up. His agility and the way he moved his body was incredible even in elven standards.

When they reached the clearing, they found the young Lady Erika slumped on the ground with two, giant white wolves peering down on her.

Glorfindel's eyes instinctively searched for the woman and felt cold terror enveloping his whole being after seeing her with the wolves. He remembered seeing this one particular giant wolf twice in a row now, in the forest of Harlindon where he found Erika and another time during the battle of Mamgobel while ripping out a warg's neck.

Knowing what these beasts are capable of, Glorfindel unsheathes the sword that is strapped onto his side. "Do not move, Erika!" He shouted, his voice almost shaking, terrified of what could possibly happen to her. Anger courses through his veins as he waits for a perfect time to lunge.

"No! No, wait! Don't attack!"

Though he heard his beloved's voice, it was drowned away by the sound of one white wolf who snarled fiercely towards them, baring its fangs as if ready to fight back the moment Glorfindel would come forward. Seeing this action the others armed themselves with whatever weapon they have at hand. With only light armor, they are at a disadvantage especially as their foes are strong wild creatures.

Then the bigger white wolf howled again and this time it sounded different. It was like a horn being blown in the middle of a war. Only then did they notice glowing eyes hiding in the shadows of the forest gleaming with aggression.

One by one, the wolves slowly emerged and started growling. When the two wolves took a stance of attacking, Glorfindel flared his power and lifted his sword.

Right at this time, he does not care about anything but Erika who was in the middle of everything.

"No! No! Stop it, stop, y'all freeze!" In the middle of all this pandemonium, a small voice tried very hard to get through.

Glorfindel saw Erika place something on the ground before pushing herself up. His eyes widened once again to see her run past the white wolf and towards him, waving her hands up into the air to get their attention.

The ellon opened his other arm as he caught the woman while the other remained holding his sword. Only when he felt the warmth of her body against him did the dread he was feeling vanished as if flushed away and his heart settled.

Glorfindel held her body tightly. "Are you alright? Did they hurt you?"

"Yes! I mean no? No! Please p-put all your weapons down, okay? Listen, violence is not the key! They did not mean any harm. They didn't hurt me." Erika said anxiously while trying to gently push him away.

Everyone's expressions were puzzled at her words but still they kept their weapons at stance. The two wolves in front of them snarl in disdain but to their surprise they did not attack. It is known to everyone that this particular kind of wolf is very aggressive and territorial. They despise anything that is not of their kind, sometimes even the same kind who is not of their pack.

"Hoy! Wait, you guys!" Erika said loudly, the ellon loosened his hold only for her to turn her body towards the wolves. She was about to take a step towards them again but Glorfindel pulled her in her waist back to his chest. "Calm– whoa!"

"What in Arda are you doing?" He said while stepping further back, practically man-handling her smaller form away.

To his annoyance, Erika pushed him again and tried to put herself down on the ground. If they were not in this situation, one would find their battle of pushing and pulling each other quite amusing. "Wait, wait Glorfindel, wait. They will not hurt me, I promise."

"How are you sure about that, woman? Are you even aware how dangerous these creatures are?"

"Hey, come on, chill. J-just trust me, okay?" She reached out her dainty hand and placed them upon his cheek. "Trust me, please, I know this sounds crazy but promise me you will not hurt them, okay? Please." She pleaded while looking him straight in the eyes. Trust her and go back to danger? To these animals who can tear a warg apart? The blond did not know what to feel and how to react with her ridiculous request.

"You want me… to let you go back near these beasts who can kill you in an instant? Nin melwen, you are asking for something so impossible." The elven lord said with annoyance painted in his voice and Erika bit her mouth and made a pleading expression with that expressive face of hers.

Even Bronwëg considers her requests as ridiculous and though he adores the lady, he is unlike his lord who bears great love for her.

"Glorfindel, they didn't hurt me. Look, good as new. And I know in my heart that they aren't here to attack us. So please, just believe me on this one. I promise you, nothing bad will happen." She pleaded while showing her arms as if that is enough proof to convince him.

A moment passed before Glorfindel gave in and sighs in defeat. He gave her a single nod and be that as it may, the ellon does not plan to put his sword away. "Alright. But one sight of their wrong move and I will not hesitate to decapitate them."

Erika gave a small anxious smile before moving away from him. As much as he did not like it, Glorfindel let her go and the woman stepped towards the still snarling white wolf. The golden haired warrior follows with two steps of distance from the lady before giving the others a signal to stand down but be on their guard.

'Hey, uhm, listen. They are friends of mine. They helped me and saved me so many times. There's no need to feel threatened, I promise, they will not hurt you or anyone in the pack.' Erika spoke to the wild beings with her own tongue and to everyone's wonder their aggression dissipated and their visage softened. At least they are not visibly terrifying anymore. The others who never heard her speak her language appeared to be fascinated. To their ears, the sound of her language is harsh and intimidating. It is unlike any language they have heard, be it the tongue of men or elvenkind. 'It's just a miscommunication because they also thought that you guys were trying to attack me.'

To whatever she said, the bigger white wolf barked as if indignant. Erika smiled and stepped closer to the wolves and patted them gently on the head. Everyone was in awe seeing the aloof, wild wolves lower their heads further just to feel the touch of a woman with such dainty stature. Erika then left the two white wolves and walked past behind them just to come out in everyone's vision carrying a tiny wolf pup. She spoke again in her language and moments later, the woman came back to where Glorfindel was standing.

"Here, hold him. It's their baby and they showed him to me to prove that they don't mean to hurt me or scare me. See, I told you they are just trying to be friendly." She said to him while gently passing the fluffy, round pup to the taller ellon's arms.

With slight uneasiness and probably with a little doubt, Glorfindel lifted his eyes and looked towards the two creatures to check if they would attack him or anyone. He still has a lot of distrust but to be fair, one would find it reasonable as these wolves only follow none but the word of Orome, the Vala. Unless these creatures trust someone, only then will they risk exposing their young ones to them. But when Glorfindel did not sense any hostility from them and so, he held the undoubtedly adorable pup.

The wolf pup licked the warrior's hands with his tail wagging. "See? There is no need to be afraid." She said with a smile blossoming in her face. He did not miss the small sigh of relief she made. The pup in the ellon's hands barked with its tiny little voice. "Yeah? Yeah? Who's the good boy, huh? Of course you. You're the good boyyy…" she said before petting the pup on the head. The little wolf clearly enjoys the attention and makes small howls. Bronwëg who was standing behind the golden haired Ñoldo, strides closer with curiosity sparkling in his eyes. Erika waved for him to pet the pup but the dark haired ellon shook his head. At least for now, he is content with just looking. Erika laughed at him for that.

Glorfindel chuckled. "I did not know what kind of enchantment you made but I do not think their friendliness extends to us, Erika. They remain passive because you are here. If it was only us, we would have been fighting a losing battle."

"Yeah but that's a positive thing right? It's a start. At least you guys know that at least they didn't plan to harm anyone here unless we agro them." Glorfindel nodded at her enthusiasm. Only then when the other warriors lessen their guards and laid down their arms. Some are still doubtful, but even so they chose to trust his judgement.

Glorfindel returned the little wolf back to Erika and the woman stepped towards the wolves before setting down the pup on the ground. Its mother nuzzled and licked its small form before doing the same thing to Erika, something that made the woman chuckle.

"They are good people, I swear. So even if I'm ignorant with whatever past your kind had, I wish you guys stay friendly with each other this time. I know I'm just a nobody to ask that from everyone but you know, kindness when given, returns to one in tenfold." She said in Westron, something everyone could now understand. Glorfindel stepped closer to her dainty form, uncertain but courageous. When the wolf did not react, he lifted his hand with reluctance. Erika took that hand and guided it at the top of the wolf's forehead.

It felt surreal to feel a connection with these mystical and fascinating beasts. Held as kings of wilderness, they truly are a sight to behold with their snow white mane that gleams with silver. Unlike their kin who lost their grace and beauty after they were seduced by Morgoth to be in his servitude, the white wolves remained indomitable and fierce. Highly intelligent beings whose beauty can be quite beguiling. Behind the female, is the bigger wolf who was looking at him with sharp eyes. This time, he did not hesitate. The ellon put his hand upon his chest and greeted the wolf with the same respect he would give to one with the title of a lord. It is only right to do so for the wolf itself stands as the alpha of its pack, a king of his own right.

"I greet thee, wolf lord. I pray you accept my apology for the hostility we showed to you and your kin but I only wish to protect the woman whom you wanted to protect as well. I am Laurefindil, son of Findis, daughter of Finwë. With my word, none of your kin will be harmed under the blade of the eldar. Though I cannot speak for the men, I ask you not to treat them with belligerence unless deemed worthy of it." Glorfindel spoke in old quenya. The wolf lord growled softly as a sign he acknowledges the elven lord's words.

Erika, seeing the communication between the two, smiled with satisfaction though she did not totally understand what they were talking about. For her, it's quite fair considering she has been speaking in her own tongue as well.

That was when the alpha howled, communicating with his pack that was surrounding them. The others howled back and they heard thuds of feet and rustles of leaves, a signal that says they are leaving the forest. The female wolf bent down and took the pup from the ground with her mouth. She nuzzled Erika one last time before trotting towards the forest, stopping at the edge of it to look back for its mate.

The alpha remained his gaze at Erika and the woman noticed it. She crossed the distance between them and embraced the wolf on its neck. There was no fear in her movement and it was as if she trusted the wild beings completely.

"I will see you again." She said to him before letting go. The wolf sniffed her face first before trotting to its family. He gave another howl that echoes through the dark forest before disappearing into the shadows.

When the wolves disappeared from their sight, the warriors with them, both men and elves, exclaimed in disbelief of what just happened and everyone spoke to the others about it. Bronwëg gave an order to their company to observe their surroundings and searched for the wolves' chosen place. They need to mark down that territory so that none of their scouts would cross it. Though they did not attack, they will respect the pack's place in the wilderness. The others are to return back to the camp. Bronwëg urges them to move with haste, practically helping his lord to have a private word with Erika.

The dark haired lieutenant of Glorfindel smiled in amusement and prayed to the Valar for his lord to gain confidence and say what he truly felt for the lady. For loving someone is a beautiful experience and for thousands of years, it might just be the anchor that Glorfindel needed to save himself from fading. The salvation that his lord has been seeking.

Bronwëg was the last person to leave the clearing, leaving Erika and his lord on their own. He wished for his lord the best of all luck because he is going to need it.

"Phew! That went better than I thought." Erika said with hands on her hips and a proud grin on her face.

Glorfindel sighed. "You will be the death of me."

"What do you mean? That was an insane experience, you know? Dogs didn't even like me back at home, they always bark at me and now I'm friends with–" the ellon cut her words by pulling her to him and encased her in his embrace.

Even though things has settled down and no one was harmed, the memory of terror is still present in Glorfindel's mind. He does not like it. He did not like the sheer fear that he felt when he thought of losing her. Irrational things started running through his thoughts and for a while, he was controlled by his emotions.

Glorfindel the wise. Saw the light of the two trees of Valinor. Fought great battles and wars. Faced demons and fire drakes and even saw the shadow of Morgoth himself. The one who threw a balrog down to a cliff, died and reembodied, felt terror from a mere wolf. Granted they are a strong kind, but they are just that. An animal.

Only then in this embrace when all shackles of fear vanished from his heart.

The golden haired ellon held her even more tightly and in his surprise, Erika's arms moved and wrapped around his body. Embracing him back and unknowingly soothes his fëa with her warmth. He loosened his grip and bent down to her height so that he could place his forehead upon hers. There he felt a connection sparks in his fëa, it was only in a span of heartbeat but it made his heart ram within his chest with wild beats. Even more so when he felt her hands cupping his face.

The sensation of her warm breath in his face was a comfort for a tired heart and things in his whole life have never felt this right.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you but I'm okay."

"I know." He said as if whispering, trying to control his emotions that were surging out like a broken dam. Their foreheads moved apart and the ellon placed a chaste kiss on the temple of her head for that is as far as he could go.

"There, there. Feel better?" Erika tapped his cheeks lightly as if soothing a frightened child and honestly that made Glorfindel chuckle in irony.

"Much better. Were you scared?"

She shrugged. "At first, honestly. I mean who wouldn't? There's not even a single noise when they approached me so I was surprised. Also I fell down when I tried to run away but still, they didn't attack me or anything. They were just trying to communicate with me."

The ellon shook his head at her clumsiness. "Sweet Tulkas, woman, even an elfling does not fall that often."

"Ey, you elves are built differently so stop flexing. The difference is big. I was not born with that ridiculous poise and balance you guys have."

A quiet laugh rumbled to his chest. "Let us now return back to our camp and rest for the night."

"Aye, sir."

"Now, would you like me to carry you back to the camp?"

The look that she gave him made him smile. ಠ_ಠ "I was scared not incapacitated. Now you go first because I lost my lamp and have no light source."

"What does the lamp have to do with me leading you?"

"Are you kidding me? Have you seen yourself? You are far more beautiful and shinier than any lamp. Now move your butt, elf."

Glorfindel chuckled when she pushed his back. Honestly, she does not fail to make him feel as if he was back to his younger days. "By your command, my love."

"What was that?"

"Nothing."

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

I heard sounds of shuffles, they were very light and to be fair, if one is sleeping deeply, those sounds won't even be noticed. But since I came into this world, I feel more sensitive towards nature. Especially on anything that's related to water. My swim last night gave me a charge of energy, if that's even possible. I felt more energetic and light and… happy.

I woke up and opened my eyes slightly, my system is still loading. I can hear the river and the splash of flowing water and then I remember Glorfindel taking me back to his tent like he always does, he gave me his space so that I can sleep comfortably and that's where I'm at now. Lying on a warm sheepskin matt that's strangely soft and a warm blanket. You know what's funny? This makeshift bed is too huge for me, of course because it was meant to be used by Glorfindel who's height is like a giant. Honestly, he's the tallest person I've ever met in my life and they said there's even more who was taller than him.

I'm still too lazy to move away from the warmth of the soft blankets but then I can't just slack off and leave everyone to do the rest. So then I sat up and tried to tame these annoying long hair before braiding them on my left side. It was an ugly braid but what can I do, there's no such thing as iron and hair blower here. I was folding the blankets when I heard a voice from the tent's entrance.

"Erika, it is I." It was Glorfindel who announced himself.

"Oh, hi. Good morning. You can come in." I said as I folded the blankets and placed them at the top of the pillow.

The ellon pushed the flap and entered the tent. Seconds later, there stood in front of me his handsome image standing in his full glory. My eyes have to endure this brightness first thing in the morning, but you know what, I'm not complaining at all. He's hot. He's forgiven. I'll just squint my eyes and be happy enough that a mere human like me is in the presence of such a beautiful creature.

He chuckled at the sight of me in a good way. "Mára arinye, ninya melwen. I see your eyes are still laced with sleep. Care for an early morning tea? Or perhaps, would you like to break your fast with me?"

Does coffee exist here?

"Yeah, good morning as well. I think I should go to the river first to wash my face and mouth because my breath stinks." Glorfindel offered his hand and pulled me up.

"That would be fine, Lathron there has prepared a jar of fresh water from the river and was placed near behind this tent. You may use it as you please."

"Oh, really? Wow, that was so nice of him." I was amazed. I remember the elf with light brown hair and a jolly personality. I noticed that, out of all Glorfindel's companions, Lathron was the one who assists him personally the most aside from Bronwëg of course. "May I ask where is he? I'd like to thank him later."

"He will come here later, melwen, to serve us our meal." Glorfindel answered as he led me out of the tent to where the jars of water were.

"I mean no offense by this, but is he your personal assistant or something?" I asked as I placed my bag on the ground and started to bring out all the necessities.

"None would be taken, but to answer your question, that would be yes. Now Lathron must be a young ellon at the age of four hundred and eighty–"

"That's young?" I murmured.

"-but his father is a loyal retainer of mine from the House of the Golden Flower back in the days of fair Gondolin. He was one of my people who survived the sacking of our city and after my death, he rallied under the banner of High King Gil-galad, my nephew. After I was re-embodied and given a task by the Valar, I came here to Arda. There I found him and others under the care of Elrond, the lord of Imladris."

I sat down and spit out the water from my mouth to remove the elven version of toothpaste I also smuggled out of Lord Círdan's house. "That was the place you are from, right? The Ing-glob-ris?"

"Imladris, melwen or known to men as the Rivendell." Glorfindel said softly.

"Oh, sorry." I should stop butchering the names here or I'll be in trouble in the future. "So uhm… your city. Tell me more about it. I just.. you know, I only knew about the Havens here, aside from this city of course. I can imagine it's a beautiful elven city too."

He smiled brightly at my words. "Oh, Melmenya, it is a sight to behold. Though Lindon truly is a remarkable city covered by the glorious blue waters, Imladris does not pale in comparison. Of all the seasons, I adore spring the most. You can witness the blooming of the flowers of different shades and smell their lovely scent wafting throughout the city. Such beauty is what they behold and yet none of my words would suffice to describe its tranquility. You will witness the snow melt from the top of the Misty Mountains, creating a waterfall that will color the heaven with seven shades. And during autumn, warm colors would dance at the fluttering of white petals, a kind of flora that would bloom days before the snow falls into the ground. It is like a piece of Aman here in Arda." The blond said, with eyes full of nostalgia.

"Wow, that sounds really amazing. I wish I could see it someday. You know, before I… found myself here, I never really got to enjoy travelling. There are so many beautiful places where I'm from but travelling is a luxury we can't afford. My family is poor but even though we didn't grow up getting all the things we wished to have, we were happy and content." I said as I fixed the things back into my bag, with a pit that's starting to grow inside my heart whenever I think of home. My family. I miss them. "I wish I could turn back time, you know. I wish I didn't act so stupid and selfish and left home alone. Maybe if I didn't travel, I wouldn't have been lost. I could still see my friends and–"

"And I would not have met you." Glorfindel said, cutting off my self loathing. I turned my head towards him and in his face was a smile, so gentle and full of sympathy. The ellon strides towards me and caresses my cheek with the back of his hand. "All of us must have done something stupid in our life, I certainly have. But that does not make one a bad person. Whatever it is that happened that led you here, allow me to be selfish and say that I am thankful for what transpired has led you to me." And he has to say that with eyes full of sincerity. Honestly, no wonder in his tale, people loved him dearly and mourned for a long time after his death.

"Thank you." I said with a smile on my face, the dark pit that I can feel in my heart is slowly disappearing thanks to his presence. I touched his hand on my cheek. "But why do you have to be so smooth when you say that, seriously. This is why Miss Faewen said ladies are crazy for you."

"Really? Well, does it affect you in the same way now?"

"I'll bite your hand." And I bit his hand that's touching my cheek. Glorfindel laughed, maybe he wasn't expecting that but he didn't pull his hand back. Okay maybe I shouldn't have done that, his hand is too beautiful and should not be damaged by me. But how can I not answer that question without being embarrassed?

When it was true that I felt a little thump in my heart?

My single ass is being tested but I should not be tempted. Should not give in on his innocent pick up lines. I am the master of my fate, the captain of my soul. Don't taint this person, Erika. Please!

"Well then, as much as I would love to indulge you with what my hand is capable of–" AYO? "-I prefer you eat proper food. Come." His what? And he has talents on teasing as well. I stood there dumbfounded. With the same hand that I bit, he lightly shook my chin in an endearing way and then left. I rolled my eyes before following him back to the tent. I was about to enter through the flap when my attention was stolen by the group of men who were lifting a barrel full of still moving fishes. When I turned towards the river, I could see both elves and men pulling a net out of the water. The only difference is that unlike yesterday, everyone was pulling with strength.

"Uhm… am I seeing something or I'm just dumb? What's going on?"

Glorfindel also looked in the direction of my sight. "Last night, we discovered something strange. A pile of fish and other sea food was found near the riverbanks. I assume it was a gift left by the higher powers and that it would end there, but the river was suddenly filled with fish, strange it is for the environment is not something their kind would be able to thrive nor even survive but there they are, so abundant that our barrels were not enough to store our catch."

I fell silent at that. I thought last night was weird when they started coming to me, but… what the heck happened? I mean I did kinda wish there were more fish to catch but is there some kind of magic that happened overnight?

Or… is the presence in the water that I encounter all the time watching me? Because I don't see any other reason for this strange phenomena.

I honestly thought I was just imagining that presence but… if this is true then that something or someone is aware of my existence.

I suddenly feel afraid of this unknown presence but to be fair, it hasn't done anything bad to me yet. And even now this presence is helping us.

"Erika?" Glorfindel's voice brought my attention back to my surroundings. He was looking at me with those mysterious blue eyes of his as if he was trying to comprehend what I was thinking.

"Oh, uhm… should we help them?" I said just to break the ice.

"We will, but you must eat first. Lathron has brought us our meal, come now." I sighed and once again looked back before heading inside the tent. There is another sheepskin laid out on the ground and atop of that were a hot metal pot with steaming hot stew, a clay plate with two grilled fish, another plate of fruits sliced evenly, a basket of bread and a pot of tea along with two porcelain cups. Where did all these things come from so suddenly?

"Well this looks fancy." What an amazing smell, I felt my stomach rumble. The two of us sat down and I took a bowl, poured the stew in it, it looked like a seafood stew with lots of mushrooms and other stuff I don't recognize. I handed it over to Glorfindel who accepted it with a murmur of gratitude. I served some for myself and fell in silence for a short prayer of gratitude before digging in.

"We are going back to the city before noon strikes and the sun is high for our catch is plenty and we wanted to gather up some more for the people. The barrels we have here would not suffice and when we reach the city, we will send more barrels and more men to help."

"Oh, I see. Are you coming back here too?" I asked while chewing the bread I dipped in the stew. I wish I had coffee, it would be amazing on this bread.

"Nay, melwen, we shall stay in the city and finish what we must. By then we will return back to the Grey Havens and let the people of Lord Círdan handle the rest for the city bears no more threat, at least for the next seasons."

"Oh, thank God." I said in relief. Thanks to the kindness of the elves, many are saved and even now they are helping the people to get back on their feet. Come to think of it, I wonder how my boys are doing with their assignments. The mass graveyard site should be half finished now, we should be able to bury the poor ones who's still sadly piled up away from the people. Should I make a cross for them as a headstone? Nah, maybe not. They don't even know the significance of it and also, knowing that they have their own culture and beliefs, I don't want to interfere with their customs and rituals or so.

I'll just say a prayer for them. Maybe a psalm.

Unlike me, the guy in front of me is eating with poise worthy of a king even though he is sitting down on the ground, far from my somewhat barbaric, unlady-like manners. I mean, I'm not really used to eating grilled fish with a knife and a fork unlike many people and I don't think trying it now won't make me look dignified, lol. I'm just a simple person who grew up in a regular household who does not give a shit whether you use a hand or a utensil to eat on family dinner. I mean traditionally, where I'm from, it is a communal feast to eat with bare hands. It's how you bond with locals.

Oh wait, come to think of it. I do have chopsticks in my bag! It was the one I asked the smiths to make for me, hey I paid with it with my pearls. While we do eat with our hands, this one I am much more adept at using just because we grew up in a place with an amazing Chinese culture. God, I miss those people.

With my trip down to memory lane, I reached for my bag and opened its leather strings. Thankfully I properly folded all my dirty clothes from yesterday so nothing terrifying would surprise Glorfindel while he is eating. The guy eyed me with curiosity but did not ask.

I was yanking out the spare dress that I've brought and when it popped out something came out with it. The object clinked when it fell onto the ground and I had to force myself not to look as shocked as I really was when I saw the old and ugly broken arrowhead that I used to hunt fish yesterday.

Every second that ticked by fell in awkward silence until Glorfindel placed his knife down on his plate and reached for it even before I did, his brows furrowed and face masked with confusion. "Erika, why is this on your belongings? Where did you obtain this?"

"Uhm… uh… last night? I-I found it while I was on the river and uh… I stepped on it thinking, oh, hey this should not be here or else someone might step on it too and get hurt so, uh… yeah I took it, put it inside my bag and somehow forgot to throw it." Yes, I did try my best not to look so damn awkward.

"You stepped on it?" Glorfindel blurted with worry in his face. "How is your foot? Were you hurt?"

"Oh uhm, yeah! Totally fine. Don't worry, my foot is stronger than a troll. Nothing to worry about here."

The ellon sighed. "This is an orc arrow, Erika. It is something I should worry about because orcs drench them with vile poison." His blue eyes then scanned the arrowhead. "Thank, Erú, this one seems clean and has no trace of poison."

My eyes widened at his words. A what? Holy shit, thankfully I scrubbed all the funky stuff away before I used it on the fishes or else I'm gonna have a big problem!

"But you should not be keeping this, it's still sharp even though it is jagged and broken." He said with finality, placing the so-called sharp thing inside the pocket of his armor. Phew, I got him with my bamboozlement.

"Yes, sir." I said with a single nod. I took the chopstick out of the bag but did not use it anymore. I'll just eat in silence or else my bad luck would be the end of me.

Later that morning, all the barrels are filled to the brim with our catch and everyone aside from the sentries that will take duty as guards are getting all their stuff ready. I tried to help with cleaning and with the other tasks but everyone is shooing me away saying I should just stay still and enjoy the scenery. I mean, I didn't just come here to do that but they are all treating me like a kid. The headpats they give me are welcome though. He he…

When all things were settled, everyone prepared to depart and I ended up sitting again on Glorfindel's horse with him behind me. My eyes scanned everything and saved all it could take in my memory. I hope one day I can return here. I hope I can see this place again. And if I ever lose all the possibility of me going back to my own world, I hope I could visit all places like this in this world. Maybe I can swim my way to those places and to be honest, I am not afraid anymore. I know the spirit in the water will guide me again like it always did.

With Glorfindel leading the group, we departed the Little Lhun river and as we took the road back to the city, a loud distinct howl echoed through the air.

Some of our companions were startled at the hollow sound but it made me smile. Though keeping their distance, my new friends were following us. I sighed and looked forward to going back to the city.

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

AN:

Of course, what's new? Lol another late update, I've been so busy these past weeks since I was transferred AGAIN to another country for work related reasons but like I said, AMT's story plot is already done and just needs to be written and I'm trying to write them as well as I could. Thank you all so much for your kind comments 💜✨

Thanks to Tea with Tolkien dc server and The Tolkien Society for many ideas and stuff they share that helps me a lot, though I was sometimes just lurking around and not actually engaging in the convos.

I have a facebook, so to those who wanted to add me, just search my pen name, NovemberHarrowOfficial. Let's be friends! I'd be happy to mingle and wiggle (ง •̀_•́)ง with y'all there 💜 thank you all so so so so much for reading this piece of work. Much love and stay safe!