Hopeless Wanderer (Hobbit Fanfic Story)

Chapter 43: The Familiar Man

~2958 T.A.~

After the wedding, Gilornel went to stay with Haldir in Lothlorien. I was going down to Rohan to convince them to be an ally of Erebor. Thorin was reluctant, but when I mentioned that it could be helpful, he caved in.

"Be careful, amrâlimê." He said as he planted a kiss on my lips.

I smiled. "Of course, nîn meleth. Don't worry if anything happens I'll be able to defend myself or have you forgotten that I'm a quite skilled warrior?"

His smile widened. "No, I haven't. But I'm just worried that's all."

"I'll return, Thorin. So don't worry." I assured him.

"Nana!"

At that moment Thingol, Thôr, Dôleth, Lúthien, Nain, and Merileth all hugged me upon entering Thorin's and my chambers.

Thôr was now sixteen, while Dôleth and Lúthien were eleven, Nain was seven, Merileth was three. Thorin had informed them that I was leaving to Rohan.

"Must you leave nana?" Merileth asked.

"Yes, henig. I must go." I replied as I scooped her up into my arms. "But I'll promise to return as soon as possible."

I gave them all tight hugs and gave Thorin one last kiss before they walked me out to the gates, where a group of guards and servants.

"I'll be back before you know it." I assured them. "It won't be long, I promise."

And with that I mounted on my horse and began my journey to Rohan with the guards and servants. Little did I knew what awaited me in Rohan...or who I would find.

After about several weeks or so, we finally arrived in Rohan. Several men and women curiously looked our way, intrigued upon seeing us. We arrived in Edoras, where King Thengel was. The king already knew that I would be coming, we had sent a message before I commenced my journey to here.

We arrived at the entrance, where a few guards stood. A servant appeared and I spoke. "Tell King Thengel that Queen Líreth of Erebor has arrived."

"Right away, your majesty." He said.

He quickly returned with the king himself. Thengel was a middle aged man with light golden hair and a small beard.

"So this is the famous Queen Líreth?" He said. "Pleasure to meet you, I have heard so much about you."

"Please the pleasure is mine, King Thengel." I replied. "And call me Líreth."

"Very well, then call me Thengel." He said with a smile. "Now come in. You are just in time for supper."

With that Thengel lead us inside to the dining chambers. The dining chambers had a large table with several chairs. The chambers was adorned with decorations.

At the table were the nobles, Thengel's wife, Morwen, their ten year old son, Théoden, several of the riders of Rohan, and a rather familiar face. He had long brown shaggy hair with gray eyes. Where have I seen him before. They all stood upon seeing Thengel enter.

"Allow me to introduce Queen Líreth of Erebor." Thengel said, introducing me. "She will be staying with us for a while. So I expect you all to treat her as you would treat me."

I glanced around to find a surprised look on the familiar man's face. After Thengel finished speaking, we sat down to commence eating. I sat beside Morwen, who sat next to her husband, Thengel. I glanced back at the man again to see him at the very end of the table, keeping to himself. Curious about that man, I decided to speak up. "Who's that man over there?"

"Ah, he's a mysterious one. He's a Northerner, his name is Thorongil." Thengel explained. "He offered his service. He told me that he would be spending some time here in Rohan."

"Is that all?" I inquired.

He thought for a moment before responding. "Yes, that's all. He said nothing more."

I merely nodded in response, saying nothing else. After supper, one of Thengel's servants escorted me to my chambers before leaving.

The next days went by slowly. I spent them in meetings with Thengel, his royal advisor, and with several others. Thengel was convinced that our kingdoms being allies would be beneficial.

However I still needed to convince Thengel's royal advisor and his other officials, which was no easy task. I was currently in the stables to give my horse food.

"So you're here." An unfamiliar deep voice said from behind me.

I turned to see the man that Thengel told me about, Thorongil. I gave him the elvish greeting. "Good morning, Thorongil."

He seemed confused to how I knew his name, so I explained that Thengel told me his name. Thorongil nodded before looking around to see if there was anything else before turning back to look at me, making me suspicious. He then returned the elvish greeting before speaking. "Aur vaer, nana."

His words confused me. I knew that the Dúnedain knew our language. But he called me his mother...only one who called me that came from Dúnedain descent was Estel. But how do I know it's him? I shook my head. "...Goheno nin na mistaken. You may look familiar to me, but you aren't my son."

He shook his head. "Have you forgotten me already? Do you not remember our duels in Rivendell where you used your sword, Aranrúth? Or how I was there at the celebration of you and your husband, Thorin's coronation?"

It is Estel! I gasped. "Iston i nîf gîn. Estel! Oh it really is you. Goheno for doubting you."

Estel chuckled. "Nana, it's alright. No need to apologize, you hadn't seen me in a long while."

I then pulled him into a hug, which he returned. I was happy and relieved to see him again.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier where you were?" I inquired as I pulled away from the hug. "I was worried sick about you."

"Forgive me, nana. I didn't want to reveal my true self in front of the others." He apologized.

"It's alright, henig. But I am glad I got to see you again." I replied.

"I'm glad to see you too, nana." He said.

After talking for a while, I returned to my chambers where I quickly fell asleep. I'm glad to have seen Estel again. But I miss Thorin and our children. I hope they're alright.

~Translations~
Henig----My child
Aur vaer - good morning
Goheno nin na----sorry you are
Iston i nîf gîn----I know your face