Please see the Creator's Thoughts section at the end of the chapter.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My face contorted in pain as the shapeshifting spell settled in. 15 years. That is how long it took me to master the basics of the spell finally.
Glancing down, I could only sigh as my tail swished back and forth behind me. Yes, my tail.
With only a basic mastery, my humanoid form still retained some of my traits as a dragon. Thick black horns curved back along my scalp as my gold hair settled onto the center of my back. I was decently tall, standing half a foot taller than Elrond, who was curiously inspecting me. My scales had turned into a gold, scale-patterned cloak like the ones in those Eastern fantasy novels. Behind me, my tail leaked out and hung almost directly down. Luckily, it wasn't too big and seemed not to affect the balance of my body too much.
Finished with grading my new body, I looked back up to see Alvaerelle and Elrond conversing in whispers.
Clearing my throat, they look in my direction while halting their discussion.
"It was a partial success, Tiberius. You will need to refine your understanding of the body more to appear more humanoid, but this is an excellent start," Alvaerelle complimented with a smile.
Elrond nodded his head in agreement. "How is the strain on your will? How long do you think you can maintain it?"
Cocking my head, I delved into my psyche to feel the pull on my willpower. Honestly, it was not much. Mostly because dragons naturally have a lot of will and because, as a reincarnated human, my will had been refining since birth due to the constant battle with the greed inside me. Dragons got it rough.
"I would say a good while, maybe a year or two? I would have to see the strain physical exertion puts on me," I shrugged.
"Hmm." Alvaerelle nodded as she traced her chin in thought. A cute habit I had noticed over our time together when she was deep in thought.
I still have a long way to go in understanding and using magic. The most effortless magic to use is body manipulation, as it is considered your vessel, and therefore, no one has more authority than you, which is why Sauron could not just mind control and corrupt everyone.
Despite our initial clash when we met, Alvaerelle and I had become good friends over the years as I learned more about the world of Middle-Earth. These people are not characters from some story told by Tolkien but real, living-breathing people. It might sound dumb and cliché to think, but you never truly understand that until you live alongside them.
Letting out a deep breath, I smile to myself. Thinking about who to celebrate my achievement with inadvertently led my thoughts to my mother. I had befriended many fellow elves during my stay in Rivendell, and I considered it my new home, but occasionally, my thoughts would drift back to her—my mom.
Having researched my species from the grand library, I fully appreciate how hard it must have been for her. To stay, to care, and to love me more than herself.
I need to see her.
My heart was stirred, and determination settled into my brow as I focused back on Alvaerelle and Elrond.
They are whispering again.
You would think they were secret lovers watching them talking to each other. Luckily for Tolkien enthusiasts, Elrond had no such feeling like that for her and, in the lore at least, would marry Celebrían, daughter of Galadriel.
Also, Alvaerelle was gay. I had met her lover, a lovely elf named Merethyl, and she was very easygoing. They truly loved one another.
Sighing, I turn my head towards the sky.
Yes, it's time to see her again.
Turning back, I cleared my throat to get their attention. I need to tell them I am leaving for a while.