I am an Alien in another reality.

The Shire. The air was rich with the scent of fresh earth and blooming flowers, and the sound of birdsong filled the peaceful land.

Lily's voice chimed in Alex's mind.

[The land of Hobbits, they're simple but happy.]

Alex chuckled as he adjusted his travel cloak. "Simple, perhaps. Luckily, they're well protected by the Rangers. Let's make some friends."

He walked into Hobbiton, where a small group of hobbits was gathered in front of the Green Dragon Inn.

The smell of ale and roasted meats wafted through the air. As Alex approached, the chatter stopped, and curious eyes turned toward him.

"Good day," Alex greeted with a warm smile, bowing slightly. "I'm a traveler seeking to learn about your land."

Alex bent down slightly and found a seat to sit on. Ever since his contact with Lily, his height had reached two meters, 6'5.

His golden-brown hair, streaked with metallic silver strands, caught the light. Though he could adjust his appearance to resemble his former self, this time, he had forgotten just how short hobbits were.

Samwise Gamgee, standing near the group, stepped forward hesitantly. "You don't look like a regular traveler, if you don't mind me saying, sir. A bit too... tall and grand."

"Sam, don't be rude!" Frodo Baggins, standing beside him, chided lightly. "We don't get many visitors, but you're welcome in the Shire, stranger. I'm Frodo, and this is Sam."

"Alex," he replied, shaking Frodo's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

The hobbits warmed up to him quickly as Alex shared stories of far-off lands and performed small feats of magic.

He levitated a pint of ale, created harmless illusions of galloping horses and flying dragons, and conjured vibrant flowers from thin air.

"Wonderful!" exclaimed Merry Brandybuck, his eyes wide. "You could make quite the fortune performing at festivals."

Pippin Took grinned. "Or at least earn free ale for life."

Alex laughed. "Perhaps another time. But tell me, what lies beyond the Shire? I've heard tales of Rivendell, the Lonely Mountain, and even the dark land of Mordor."

The hobbits shuddered at the mention of Mordor, but Frodo leaned in. "If you truly wish to see Rivendell, seek out Gandalf. He knows the way better than any of us."

After spending a pleasant day in the Shire, Alex decided to journey to Rivendell. Instead of walking, he took to the skies, his energy forming a radiant golden aura around him. As he soared over the Misty Mountains, a great shadow passed overhead.

A massive eagle descended, its piercing eyes locking onto Alex. It was Gwaihir, the Lord of the Eagles.

"You fly like one of us, but you are not of our kind," Gwaihir remarked, his voice deep and resonant. "Who are you?"

Alex hovered mid-air, bowing slightly. "I am Alex, a traveler. Your kind are known for their wisdom and strength. Would you guide me to Rivendell?"

Gwaihir studied him for a moment before nodding. "You are not a bad person. Follow me, and I shall show you the way."

Although Alex knew the way, he just wanted to chat and examine this eagle that Gandalf befriended.

Alex chatted leisurely with the eagle as they flew side by side. Gwaihir shared tales of the growing darkness creeping across Middle-earth and the suffering it had brought to its people.

When Rivendell came into sight, Alex bid farewell to the eagle and entered the elven city. Graceful spires rose above cascading waterfalls, which fed into shimmering pools.

The air hummed with magic as birds and animals of the forest moved freely through the sanctuary.

Alex was greeted by Lord Elrond, whose serene expression betrayed a cautious curiosity.

"You carry an aura of power, great Maiar," Elrond said, sensing the dissipating golden energy. "What brings you to Rivendell?"

Alex bowed slightly, choosing not to correct Elrond. "Lord Elrond, my name is Alex. I seek to learn about your people and their wisdom."

Elrond nodded. "Then you are welcome here, Alex."

During his stay, Alex conversed with the elves, learning of their ancient history and listening to their beautiful songs.

He was particularly struck by Arwen's grace and ethereal beauty. Together, they shared a thoughtful conversation about the weight of immortality and the vastness of the world.

"Your beauty... it's not just your appearance but something in the way you carry yourself," Alex said, gazing at Arwen, her figure draped in moonlight. "It's almost as if you belong to another time, a world far beyond this one."

Smiling gently, Arwen replied, "Perhaps I do, Alex. The Elves are children of the stars, and we have seen the world change in ways that would bewilder the hearts of Men. Time flows differently for us. We dance along a melody that is constantly shifting. But it is not always easy. Immortality carries a weight that others might not understand."

"Do you ever wish for... a different life?"

Arwen turned, her voice almost a whisper. "At times, yes. Like my ancestor Lúthien Tinúviel, who gave up her immortality to be with the mortal Beren. I, too, desire true love, love worth sacrificing immortality for, just as Lúthien loved Beren. The Elves are deeply tied to the Ainulindalë, the Music of the Ainur, I wish to determine my own melody.

Alex smiled, "You remind me of the stars, Arwen. If I ever visit this world again... I will find you. Perhaps we will have more time to talk about the worlds we have seen, the things we have lost, and what still lies ahead."

Arwen smiled gently, almost knowingly. "I would like that, Alex. The world is vast, and perhaps in another time, we will meet again. And I will be here, just as the stars remain, waiting."

Alex held her hand, as he said. "Until then, I will carry this memory with me. And when the time is right, I will find you. The world is large, but no distance is too far for a promise to be kept."

Her gaze softened, a slight glimmer of hope in her eyes as she nodded. "Farewell, Alex. May your journey be one of meaning and discovery, wherever it may lead."

Two days later, Alex left Rivendell. His next destination was the Lonely Mountain. As he approached the great hall filled with gold and jewels, a deep rumble shook the air.

Smaug, the great dragon, emerged from the treasure hoard, his golden eyes glinting with malice.

"Another thief comes for my treasure?" Smaug growled, his eyes narrowing.

Alex raised an eyebrow, unfazed by the dragon's menacing size. "I have no interest in your gold, Smaug. I'm here out of curiosity."

"Curiosity?" Smaug scoffed, his fiery breath lighting the air. "A likely excuse!"

Before Smaug could attack, Alex gestured. A golden wave of energy, shaped like a hand, slapped the dragon lightly but firmly across the face.

"Behave," Alex said sternly. "I'm not here to harm you, but I won't tolerate baseless hostility."

Smaug blinked in shock, then let out a rumbling laugh. "You're bold, mortal. Very well. You've angered me!"

The dragon unleashed a torrent of fire. The rocks beneath Alex melted, and piles of gold turned to liquid streams.

[Stupid lizard. All his buffs went to his body, none to his brain.] Lily mused.

"He's an ancient creature. His reputation ensures no one dares approach him," Alex replied.

"Are you done?" Alex shouted at the dragon, who was still spewing fire. "Don't waste your breath!"

"Impossible! How are you still alive?" Smaug growled in disbelief.

"I told you, I'm not here to fight or take your treasure. I want to see the Arkenstone. Show it to me."

Reluctantly, Smaug handed over the Arkenstone with his tongue.

"Disgusting." Alex spat, casting a cleaning spell on the stone.

"As I thought, the Arkenstone is one of the Silmarils. The second one, cast into a fiery abyss by Maedhros," Alex murmured.

[Yes. Encased in a crystalline shell like a diamond. Break the crust, and the Silmaril will appear once again.] Lily affirmed.

Alex examined the stone, feeling its energy. "It's just a pretty stone. Many wars were waged over it, causing countless deaths. I could create millions like this if I wanted to. But Middle-earth would probably descend into war again, even for just one."

With that, he tossed the Arkenstone back onto the treasure pile. Amidst Smaug's confusion, Alex exited the mountain.

As the sun warmed his face, Alex's gaze fell on a town built on a lake, supported by wooden pillars. It was the burial place of Smaug.