Life as a Dragon (LOTR)

I hurriedly strode through the halls of Rivendell as I was late for my lesson in magic. It has been a decade since the War of the Last Alliance and the "defeat" of Sauron. I became good friends with Elrond and Graghin and spent most of my time going back and forth between Khazad-dûm and Rivendell.

The descriptions in the books and the movie depictions did not do justice to Rivendell's otherworldly beauty and the grand spectacle of Khazad-dûm. I had tried to hint to Elrond that Sauron may not be as defeated as he thinks, but I think he does not want to believe it. He lost many kin, and the losses are still felt, especially by the Elves and Dwarves. It seems that long-lived people have long memories.

I also tried to warn Graghin about delving too deep, but he was turned away when he brought it up to the King. Having a Jurgen as a friend had left many dwarves dissatisfied, and Graghin had been slowly but surely pushed out of the King's confidence and politically stripped of power. He was still the commander of the Dwarven army but had no real input to the ruler anymore. Secretly, he confided in me that he would probably be replaced as the commander any day now.

I was excited that my friend would be free to explore the world as we discussed, but I was also sad that it had to happen this way. It felt like leaving in disgrace instead of retiring in joy.

After the battle's conclusion, I only requested Elrond to teach me magic to shapeshift. He was not an expert in the craft but was willing to try. He agreed to keep an eye on me, but we had become good friends over the last decade of talking and learning.

Finally, after five years of exclusive study, I changed my form into that of a blonde elf with refined features that catapulted me up the hotness ratings next to Elrond. Many a delicate, young Elven maidens had tried to get this booty, but I wasn't that interested. After all, Elrond started teaching me more magic! Magic is the best!

It has nothing to do with the fact that I was faithful to my probably long-dead wife, Melony!

On a more serious note, I quickly entered Elrond's study as I saw him reading a leaf parchment. He glanced at me before returning to reading. Curious, I bounced over to his side and peered over his shoulder.

The report seemed to be about increased activity from Orcs around Khazad-dûm. If I remember correctly, Sauron would harass the dwarves for a while but ultimately couldn't do anything. The problem for the dwarves was that they lost many people in the War of the Last Alliance, and their people's recovery rate by birth was worse than that of elves. Their people were not born straight from Eru Ilúvatar and were flawed creations. This manifested in troubling birth rates. The same could be said for my race. We have horrendous birthrates, which resulted in my race dying out before the end of the Third Age. Smaug was one of the last of the dragons.

I paused as a thought crossed my mind. I need to see Mother.

She probably hadn't noticed my absence yet, but the human part of me wanted to see her.

Elrond finished reading and put the scroll down. I backed away and returned to the front of his desk.

"Elrond, my friend! I have come to seek your bountiful knowledge of the mystic arts. Please disseminate your seed (wink) of wisdom unto this humble student."

I try not to laugh as Elrond groans while rubbing his eyebrows.

"You realize that I am the Lord of Rivendell, right? If my people heard what you say to me, they would be outraged," Elrond says exasperatedly.

"That's the fun of it! After all, with Galadriel and Celeborn now ruling Lothlórien, you need some friends to chat with and relax," I smugly replied.

All Elrond could do was sigh, but the smile tugging at his lips revealed his true feelings.