HER ROYAL HIGHNESS NIMRIEL ELASHOR OF THE NUIN-NEN REALM, FIRST OF HER NAME, VOICE OF THE TIDES, DAUGHTER OF HIGH KING MALON ELASHOR, CROWN PRINCESS OF NARAMYR.

The sound of roaring thunder echoed in Nimriel's head as she woke suddenly. It took her a moment too long for her to realize she wasn't still trapped on the raft in the raging storm, and her body rolled to the side quickly, seeking out the ocean and the safety that came with it on instinct.

But her body didn't hit the water — it hit the hardwood floors of a ship. Nim let out a high-pitched groan while clenching her eyes shut, focusing on the pain in her extremities that woke her right up. Then she opened her eyes while moving onto her back.

Up above her was a wooden roof rather than the sky. And in her peripheral vision, she saw several cot beds, some of which were hanging like hammocks to fit even more. By the gentle way the floor was rocking beneath her and the distant sound of waves not too far off, Nim at least figured out that she was on a boat.

It took another second for Nim to also realize she could hear someone laughing. So, she sat up on her elbows and spotted Halbrand sitting on top of one of the beds that'd been next to the one she presumably just fell out of. And he was the one laughing, greatly amused by the whole falling ordeal.

"Shut up," she grumbled, narrowing her eyes at him.

Halbrand managed to stifle his laughs while putting his hands up in defense. Then he slid off the bed and made his way over to her. "Morning to you too," he said, looking to be in a much better mood than he had been on the raft. He held out a hand to help her stand, which she took gratefully.

"You're looking better," Nim noted once she was on her feet. Though she released his hand, she didn't really put any distance between them. Most of his natural color had returned to him, meaning he must have eaten and drunk something to look healthier. And his hair and clothes were dry as well.

"As are you," he noted. As he spoke, Halbrand raised his hand and brushed his thumb across her forehead. Nim nearly flinched at the contact, not expecting his calloused finger to feel so gentle against her skin. "Head wound's all healed up."

"Head wound?" she questioned, not really remembering the broken piece of the raft knocking her out. But she vaguely recalled being lost to the sea. Galadriel must have pulled her back out. "Well, so long as we're in the ocean, our injuries heal very quickly."

"That's almost as nifty as the trick you pulled on me," he said, glancing at his arm that she'd healed the day before.

"So, where are we?" Nim asked, looking around the sleeping chambers of the ship. Based on the number of cots, there were clearly many crew members that must have been above them and working on the deck. She'd never actually been on a ship — just watched them from a distance.

"Not quite sure," Halbrand admitted. Then he reached for his cot and pulled out a bowl of food, holding it in front of her face like a prize. "Though I don't suspect we'd be given hot food and beds to lie on if we were prisoners."

Nim quickly took the bowl of food he offered and began scarfing it down. Was it delicious? No. But it wasn't cold, and she could taste some kind of fish in it, so she would never complain. She let out a satisfactory moan and moved past Halbrand to sit on the bed he'd been on earlier.

"So, what happened with the storm? How'd we get here?" she asked, glancing up. She could hear feet stomping above.

"I can't be certain, as I'm fairly sure I passed out from exhaustion after pulling you out of the water, but perhaps the Elf will have answers when she awakes," he said, nodding to Galadrial's still-sleeping form. "I haven't been up for very long — what?"

Halbrand stopped himself, noticing how Nimriel's eyes softened as she looked at him, lowering the food to her lap.

"You pulled me back on the raft?" she asked softly, the corners of her lips turning up.

"Well, I wouldn't let you drown. That'd be rather embarrassing given what you are," he said, shrugging as if it was no big deal.

She surprised him with her next movements. After putting the food to the side, she gently took his right hand and pressed the tips of his middle three fingers to her lips. He resisted the instinctive urge to pull away and watched her carefully as she held it for a few seconds. Once she let him go, Halbrand looked down at his fingers which felt a little warm.

"What was that?" he asked, tilting his head to study her.

"A gesture of my people — a thank you beyond words," Nimriel told him. "I wouldn't have drowned, but thank you. The sea would have pulled me home, and I probably never would've seen either of you again."

"Well, I'm sure the current wasn't leading straight to your home."

Nimriel shook her head, knowing he didn't really understand. "The oceans are alive, Halbrand. Just as much as your trees and mountains on land," she told him. He took a seat next to her as she spoke, listening intently. "I was injured, and it knew — it healed me. And the tide would've taken me home had you not jumped in to save me."

"Interesting philosophy," Halbrand mused. Then he bumped his shoulder into hers. "And is this the same tide that sent a giant sea beast to destroy the vessel I was sailing on and kill those I was with?"

"The very same," she said, nodding. "The sea brought us three together — its means aren't necessarily always gentle. It can be as cruel as it is affectionate, and we must love it as it is."

"So, when you no doubt cause me strife in the future, it's the sea I need to have a word with?" he asked, raising an amused eyebrow.

"Precisely," she said, grinning. "I can't be blamed for any of my actions ever."

Halbrand continued to watch Nimriel's side profile as she finished eating. His eyes traced the outline of her sideways silhouette, following the bend of her delicate nose and the curve of her lips. A patch of thin, hardly visible scales dusted her temple, just above her eyebrow. There were more on her exposed collarbone. Though he thought little of Elves, even he had to admit to himself that the girl was pleasing to look at.

Nim wasn't clueless to his staring but chose not to say anything. She was a princess, after all, she was used to people watching her when she was near. Though it felt less like watching and more like admiring.

Once she was finished eating, Nimriel set the bowl aside. And as she turned her head, strands of white hair fell over her shoulder. She paused and picked up a handful of her long, white hair and stared in awe.

"My hair's never been dry before," she noted, running her hands through the ends. Nim found she didn't run into nearly as many tangles as she usually did, and it was soft to touch, which put a smile on her lips. Then she tucked the hair behind her pointed ears and settled back down. "So, how long do you think it'll be before Galadriel wakes up?"

Halbrand shrugged. "You've known her longer."

"By like a day, so your guess is as good as mine," she mumbled, watching the steady rise and fall of Galadriel's chest, telling her that she was breathing alright and unharmed.

Halbrand's eyes widened, thinking back on how overprotective those two were of each other. Galadriel didn't want Nimriel anywhere near him at first, and Nim would've clearly fought him with that trident if he hadn't let Galadriel onto the raft after the beast attacked the first one. "But certainly you've known each other longer than a few days?"

"No, we met when she was separated from her ship," Nim informed him. "And that was just two days ago. Then the tide led us to you."

"You met an Elf in the middle of the ocean who, in my opinion, makes a horrible first impression, and then decided to travel across Middle-Earth with her to hunt Orcs in the Southlands?" he questioned in disbelief.

"I mean, she only made a horrible first impression because she hates you," she noted. Then she shrugged. "But yes, essentially."

Before Halbrand could ask whether she was just plain naive or insane, Galadriel finally woke with a loud gasp. The Elf sat bolt upright in the cot, panting heavily. Then she looked around, realizing they weren't on the raft anymore. She also glanced down and noticed the blue blanket that'd been wrapped around her shoulders for warmth — Nim had a blanket too but lost it during the fall.

"She lives," Halbrand spoke up, startling Galadriel. He got up and grabbed the third bowl of food to bring to her. Nimriel was half a step behind him, wanting Galadriel to be able to see she was alright. Galadriel took the food but hesitated before digging in.

"Our hosts — saviors or captors?" she questioned.

"It's not poisoned if that's your concern," he told her. Galadriel immediately took a mouthful. Halbrand then leaned against one of the support beams. "Not for humans, anyway."

Galadriel stopped eating and glared at Halbrand, who was smirking. Nimriel scoffed and swatted his chest with her hand, but he quickly snatched her wrist to keep her from hitting him. He looked up at her and raised a challenging eyebrow, and she responded with a childish huff while yanking her hand back.

"Brat," Halbrand accused, letting out a chuckle as she narrowed her eyes at him.

But their bantering was cut off when the sound of boots stomping above got louder. Then they heard the latch on the grate above the cargo hold open.
The hatch was pulled back, letting more sunlight stream in. A low, gruff voice ordered them to come onto the deck, so they'd likely been listening and waiting for all three to wake up.

Galadriel wasted no time in fearlessly climbing up the ladder. And Nim moved to follow after her, but Halbrand surprised her by gently pulling her back. "Stay behind me," he instructed quietly, putting a hand on the ladder. "We don't know who these people are."

The bit of protectiveness made Nimriel feel somehow both warm inside but also offended that he didn't think she could take care of herself. Nevertheless, she was the final one to climb the ladder, and as they stepped onto the deck, Halbrand kept his body in front of hers. She had to peer around him to get a glimpse of their surroundings. On the boat was an entire crew of men, who were all wearing uniforms made of thick teal-colored fabric and golden breastplates for protection and they were watching the passengers warily.

"The Sea Elf."

"One of the blessed."

Nimriel's head whirled around as she overheard some of the men whispering about her. They didn't bother to hide their wonder as they looked her way, taking in her scales. Given that her blue skin and gills had faded while out of the water, it was really the only proof they had that she wasn't like Galadriel.

A man was standing at the bow of the ship and staring directly at the three of them, clearly in charge based on the different medals he wore. Then he strode forward, keeping his eyes on Galadriel who stood with her head held high, unintimidated despite how they were outnumbered. She also was uneasy because her brother's dagger was strapped to the captain's side.

"One of the Eldar on board my ship? Strange tides indeed," he remarked.

"What vessel is this?" Galadriel questioned, wasting no time.

"Be at ease," he told her, not nearly as tightly wound as she was. "I'm obliged to deliver you safely to my betters. They will answer your questions, not I."

Galadriel took a defiant step toward him. "To what port do we sail?"

"Gal," Nim muttered under her breath, knowing the Elf would overhear.

The human captain didn't hear her chastising her friend, though. "See for yourself. We're nearly there."

"Nearly where?" Halbrand then asked, his own curiosity growing.

The man looked over at him. "Home," he simply answered.

Nimriel managed to get out from behind Halbrand, wanting to see up ahead. And she grew still at the approaching view, looking on with wide eyes at the sight that none of the others could quite make out yet, not even Galadriel. Slowly, she traveled to the railing of the ship to get as close as she could. Halbrand reached for her to pull her back, but she slipped out of his hold easily.

"Are we where I think we are?" Nim asked, her voice barely above a whisper. She turned her head slightly to see the captain standing next to her, looking on at his home with fondness. "You hail from legends."

"As do you, Eccaia Mardo," he said with a small smile. Her eyes widened in surprise as he called her a 'Sea Elf' in her native tongue. It was so ancient that they didn't even bother to speak it half the time back in her kingdom.

"What can I call you?" she asked him, wanting to respect anyone that knew her ways.

"Elendil," he introduced while nodding his head to her. "And you, My Lady?"

"Nimriel."

"Then it is an honor, and the honor of all those you will meet on our shores, to make your acquaintance."

Nimriel couldn't stop smiling as she looked back out at the crystal-clear, blue water. They were closer now, as those that crafted these ships had mastered speed just like they'd mastered everything else to do with sailing. Galadriel and Halbrand joined her at the other side, and the trio looked on in awe.

The first thing they passed was a looming watchtower, and up above, someone lit a fire to signal the ship's return. Nim's eyes could've fallen from her head as she watched, gripping the rails tightly.

"What is that?" she couldn't help but ask, watching the orange glow that danced against the blue sky.

"It's fire, Nimriel," Galadriel said with a small smile. "Do not touch it if you come across it."

As the ship drifted closer, more and more of the land was revealed. The island was built up of large stone mountains. And the sides of those mountains had giant faces of past rulers carved into the sides, greeting every ship that passed. Everything was so impossibly perfect with lively green trees adorning the rocky terrain and birds chirping over their heads.

They floated past a man-made waterfall that fell from the hand of a statue that must have been hundreds of feet tall. The water sprayed then as they went, and everyone caught how Nimriel giggled excitedly when the drops hit her skin. Halbrand watched fondly as her skin was dotted with blue, like freckles, knowing the color would be gone as soon as it appeared.

"What is this place?" Halbrand then asked, looking back at the faces carved in the stone.

"There is only one place it can be. The Land of the Star. The westernmost of all mortal realms," Galadriel told him, a wave of nostalgia washing over her.

"The Island Kingdom of Númenor," Nim breathed out, leaning over the railing to feel the sea spray.

Sea Elves in general didn't think much of land, but legends were told of Númenor, of the people that worshiped the Sea Elves. Even still after thousands of years of reclusively keeping away from those in the world above, when Sea Elves came across a ship hailing from Númenor, they would stay with it and ensure it reached its destination safely, whether by manipulating the waves or leading away creatures that could cause the people harm.

Despite all of that, they still did not keep in contact with each other. It was just a part of that instinct to stay away from those that lived above sea level. Nimriel was one of the rare exceptions that longed for more than a simple life in Naramyr.

The ship traveled under a set of large, round arches that led into a busy port on the coast. There were countless other boats of all sizes, but it was hardly the focus. Now that they were through the winding river that led into the island, they could truly see the city that went up and on for miles, looking as beautiful as if the Valar had hand-carved each crevice of the kingdom from the stone that was under it.

Once they came to a stop, everyone exited the ship and settled onto smaller row boats to bring them to the shore. The three of them were kept in the same one as Elendil as well as a few guards to watch over them. When it was drawn into the pier and tied up, Elendil wasted no time in getting off, and neither did Galadriel. But Nimriel couldn't help but hesitate.

She had never been on land before.

But the moment of hesitation was gone when she felt Halbrand's warm hand on her lower back, easing her off the boat with him. Her foot touched the ground, and her pulse picked up speed in anticipation of another step and then another.

Nimriel didn't pay any mind to the people watching them and whispering about her and Galadriel as they passed. She was far too busy taking in all the new sights, sounds, smells, and even colors that just simply didn't exist in her home. It was like a child discovering something new as she walked as fast as she could — which, admittedly, wasn't very fast.

Of course, the city was amazing even when not through a Sea Elf's eyes. Halbrand was quite impressed as he looked at the immaculate kingdom that was bustling with life.

"Since when did men like me build kingdoms such as this?" Halbrand questioned. A group of children cut through their group, laughing as they kicked a ball back and forth. When Nimriel was nearly knocked over by them, he steadied her with a smile.

"These men are not like you," Galadriel told him as they kept walking. "In the Great War, your ancestors stood with Morgoth. These men stood with the Elves. As a reward, the Valar granted them this island, which has changed much since then."

"Do I detect a note of envy?" he teased with a smirk.

"Not envy. Sorrow," she said, walking ahead of him and Nimriel. She was hardly paying attention, seeing as she knew the legends, and was instead following along deafly while looking around. "Once, Elves came and went freely from these shores. Our people were as kin. Sharing gifts, knowledge."

"What happened?"

"Númenor began to turn away our ships. In time, they broke off all contact."

"Why?"

Galadriel came to a stop while eying the many guards around them. "We may be about to find out," she said vaguely.

"Keep moving," Elendil instructed from around the corner they'd stopped at. "You would not want to be lost here without an escort."

"Lost is definitely the word," Nim muttered, noticing how there were so many streets and they all branched off in countless directions.

As they were led away, they walked past a forge that was making weapons. When Halbrand slowed in front of it, Nim did as well, studying it. The burning furnace was quite intimidating to look at, and even from the street, she could feel the heat coming off of it. It was stoked by that same fire she saw in the watchtower, but this fire was more red than orange. She wondered if it had something to do with how hot it was burning.

"Do you know how to make weapons such as that?" Nim asked Halbrand curiously. She didn't know much about how weapons were made in her kingdom, but her trident had been forged in the heat of an underwater volcano hundreds of years ago. Speaking of, she'd have to ask Elendil where her trident was.

"I know a little something of the craft," Halbrand told her, not bragging nearly as much as he could.

The group kept on after that. Elendil was taking them to the palace to meet with the Queen Regent Míriel, who would decide their fate. And the walk to the palace was a long and uphill one. Nimriel was starting to see the whole downside of this 'not swimming everywhere' thing. Sure, she had plenty of strength, but walking for so long was exhausting.

"This is horrible," Nim groaned, dragging her feet as they turned up yet another street. But at least the palace was actually in sight.

"Would you have me carry you?" Elendil asked, a clearly joking tone in his voice.

Nim grinned brightly. "Actually—"

Galadriel grabbed Nim's shoulder to keep her by her side before her companion could actually demand that someone carry her the rest of the way. The rest of the horrid walk was made in silence before they finally made it to their destination. Nim let out a sigh of relief when they reached the throne room.

As they walked in and around the edge of the room, it was clear some kind of gathering was being held with a speaker. The lower portion of the throne room was filled with citizens as they chattered, and a beautiful woman stood apart from them with a small crown made of what looked like branches around her head.

Seeing the crowd that could easily turn on them, Halbrand whispered to the more difficult of the two Elves. "I suggest we set history aside for the moment and show some restraint. Let's try not to antagonize these people."

"I do not think she knows what those words in that particular order mean," Nimriel chimed in, knowing it wasn't any help at all. She simply smiled as Halbrand shot her a look, likely fighting off the urge to call out her bratty behavior yet again.

Elendil was leading them but was stopped just before they could descend the steps toward the throne room. "Captain," the guard greeted. "The Queen Regent is occupied. As is Chancellor Pharazôn. I suggest that you..." He trailed off then, laying eyes on Galadriel and Nimriel, identifying them as Elves.

The guard quickly stepped to the side, allowing them passage. Elendil took them down the stairs, and their arrival was noticed almost instantly. All the chatter slowly died out as everyone's eyes fell on them. While Elendil stopped to the side, the three travelers stopped in the very center of a circular floor, standing before the Queen Regent, who eyed them warily. Yet again, Halbrand found himself doing that thing where he stayed in front of Nimriel.

"Kneel," Halbrand whispered to the girls.

Together, the three of them started to bend their knees, the movement feeling especially awkward for the Sea Elf, but the Queen stopped them before they could finish. "No one kneels in Númenor."

Nimriel glanced at Halbrand and rolled her eyes as they all straightened up. "Sorry," he muttered quietly, and she had to fight off a smile.

"Speak, Elf. Name thyself," Queen Míriel demanded, looking at Galadriel with disinterest.

"Galadriel of the Noldor. Daughter of the Golden House of Finarfin. Commander of the Northern Armies of High King Gil-galad," she introduced confidently, no waver to be found in her tone.

Halbrand, though impressed by her title, didn't show it as he casually introduced himself as well. "Halbrand. Of the Southlands," he told them as if it held importance.

"A Man and an Elf, together?" the man who Nim presumed was Chancellor Pharazôn said before she could even introduce herself.

"Circumstances arose that—"

Galadriel cut Halbrand off before he could get another word in. "We are all companions by chance. Met on the open sea at different points."

"That explains your final companion," Queen Míriel said, nodding to Nimriel. She could hardly see the scales on the girl's skin, but it was evident she wasn't a regular Elf.

Nimriel stepped forward and past Halbrand, keeping her shoulders back as her father taught her. "Her Royal Highness Nimriel Elashor of the Nuin-nen Realm, First of Her Name, Voice of the Tides, Daughter of High King Malon Elashor, Crown Princess of Naramyr," she announced, reciting the long and official title that had been torture to learn as a child.

Halbrand's mouth actually fell open as the realization that he'd been floating with a runaway princess set in. No wonder Galadriel had been so protective. Then again, he supposed if she was raised as a sheltered royal, it explained her optimistic and naive outlook on life.

The throne room was equally as silent as he was. To have a sacred Sea Elf on their land was one thing, but to have the daughter of the High King who ruled over all other kings below the waves was an honor they'd never imagined. The Queen Regent was suddenly questioning her no-kneeling policy.

"But you can call me Nim," Nimriel offered when the silence went on a little too long. She glanced over her shoulder and smiled warmly at Elendil. "Your Captain Elendil delivered us from certain death. He has my undying gratitude and favor for that."

"Then we welcome you to our kingdom with open arms, Princess Nimriel," Queen Míriel said, nodding her head to her.

Then Galadriel was opening her mouth again, just as tactful as always. "All we ask is that Númenor continue his mercy and grant us ship's passage to Middle-Earth."

The crowd began murmuring amongst themselves, clearly not happy about her request. The Chancellor spoke to her rather than the Queen. "It's been generations since a ship of Númenor was permitted to make such a journey on an Elf's behalf."

"It is because of the Elves that you were given this island," she replied spitefully. "Surely you can spare a few planks and a rudder."

Queen Míriel was unphased by Galadriel's attitude and slowly descended the stairs to be on their level. "Our ancestors were not given anything. They paid for this isle with the blood of their kin."

Halbrand then tried to defuse the tension. "What the Elf means—"

"Then if blood be the price of passage, I will pay it," Galadriel interrupted threateningly. Nim and Halbrand looked at her in disbelief, knowing this was the opposite of helping. "But one way or another, I will depart."

"I welcome you to try," she said, her voice frighteningly steady.

While Galadriel continued to speak, Halbrand looked around at the crowd of people that were growing more upset by the second. "I have no need of your welcome."

"And you are quickly wearing out yours," Queen Míriel said with a glare. "Guards!"

"My friends!" Halbrand said loudly while stepping up. Slowly, the people in the crowd silenced themselves to listen, and the guards came to a stop. "It seems to me that our leaving presents some complications. Perhaps it'd be better if we stayed—"

"Stayed?" Galadriel asked, clearly hating the thought.

Halbrand cut his eyes to her in annoyance but went on. "—Long enough, good Queen, to give you and your advisors adequate time to weigh our request."

"Perhaps a few days?" Nimriel suggested with a charming smile. "What's a few days in the most beautiful kingdom this side of the sea level?"

A murmur ran through the crowd as Queen Míriel and Pharazôn shared a contemplative look. Finally, the Chancellor was the one to speak their decision. "Three days. And the Land Elf is to be restricted to palace ground."

Galadriel bristled angrily. "I will not be made a prisoner."

"I would sooner knee-cap a stallion than seek to imprison the mighty commander of the Northern Armies," he said with a smirk, and a few of the people dared to snicker. "So, you shall be Númenor's guest."

It was clear the discussion was over as the guards moved toward them again to escort them away. Though when Elendil passed, Nimriel was struck with a thought and moved after him quickly.

"Captain Elendil," she called, getting him to stop and face her. Hoping she could pass it on as a cultural difference and he didn't know of the real way they thanked people, she moved to hug him tightly, which surprised him a bit, though he did return the gesture — albeit a little awkwardly. "You have my gratitude for saving me and my new friends."

"Thank you, Your Highness, but I was only doing my duty," he said humbly as they parted.

Nimriel had an obvious skip in her step as she rejoined Halbrand and Galadriel with her hands behind her back. Galadriel wasn't nearly as happy as she glared at Halbrand. "Good Queen?" she repeated while walking, clearly annoyed.

Halbrand sighed and shook his head. "The Southlands will still be there in three days."

"But will its people?" she retaliated.

"Look around you," he argued. "This is a paradise. Ripe with opportunity. You really expect me to leap with you back into the furnace?"

"You leapt into the sea to save two lives," Galadriel reminded him. The trio came to a stop at the top of the stairs, the guards waiting to take them separate ways to clean up from their journey. And Halbrand's eyes flickered to Nimriel for a moment before looking away. "I seek to save many."

"I have been searching for my peace for longer than you know," he said, speaking as softly as he could. "Please, for all our sakes, let me keep it. Perhaps some peace would do you good as well."

"Alright, look," Nim said, getting in between the two. "Let's just all cool down and take our three days. And maybe you two could try to be a little friendlier to each other."

"Is that an order, Princess?" Halbrand asked, raising a teasing eyebrow and stepping a little closer.

"As a matter of fact, yes," she said, smirking. Then she turned away from him and faced Galadriel. "It is also an order to try not to make any new enemies."

Galadriel began to grumble under her breath but stopped when Nim suddenly brought her hands out from behind her back. Finrod's gleaming dagger was clutched in her hands, which she'd swiped when hugging Elendil without anyone noticing, even the experienced Captain. With a grateful smile, Galadriel took her weapon and held it tight, refusing to lose it again.

"Thank you, Nim," she told her.

"You can repay the favor by tracking down whoever has my trident," she said, glancing at the direction Elendil disappeared in. It wasn't as if it was a hard-to-spot weapon, and she was anxious for the one thing other than her crown and clothes that came from home. "I'm not leaving this island without it."

"Then you might never see it," Halbrand muttered, looking back down at the throne room. "Something tells me they'd like to keep a Sea Elf Royal here until the end of time."

"I just left one metaphorical cage. I won't be thrown into another," she said, shaking her head. "Now, if you'll excuse me, someone thinks I smell like fish, and I'd like to remedy that situation."