Aeareth has been traveling around Middle Earth for nearly sixty years after running away from her home, leaving behind who she was. Gandalf finds her and invites her on a quest to reclaim the dwarven kingdom of Erebor. The wizard gives her a simple...
I waved goodbye to my friends, who stood on above the gate of Erebor. The entire company, along with Dís and Tauriel, had come to see me off. After spending thirty-five years of my life in Erebor, I had decided to leave for Rivendell. I turned Nightfire around and urged him into a gallop, riding away from the place I had called home for so long.
My father knew I was leaving as well. Knowing I would have to travel through Mirkwood to get to Rivendell, he had ordered his scouts, if we ever crossed paths, to let me continue on my way.
My years in Erebor were amazing. I had grown much closer with everyone in the company, along with Dís and a few others in the mountain. It took a while for the dwarves to accept elves in their home, but Tauriel and I quickly proved ourselves and earned their trust. It was relatively easy, though, since we had saved both the princes' lives.
I had spent a lot of my time as Fili's advisor, but I was also one of his bodyguards. During battles, which we had a few of, I would always be by his side, protecting him from any threat. Tauriel was normally by Kili's side.
Over the years, I had journeyed to Mirkwood many times, mainly for celebrations. It was always good to see my friends again. My father and I had grown much closer. We spent a good portion of my time in Mirkwood trying to catch up with one another.
Not long after the Battle, Beorn had come to the mountain, Nightfire by his side. I had gone out to meet him.
"Welcome back, Beorn," I had said. I rubbed Nightfire's nose. "What are you doing here?"
"I am here to give Nightfire to you," he had replied. I was stunned and the skin changer explained. "He has seemed to have grown close to you during your short time together. He is strong and will serve you well, though he may not be a war horse."
"War horse or not, he's perfect. Thank you, mellonnen."
I had spent many months training Nightfire. We became very close. The horse never left my side unless forced to. He would not let anyone else saddle him, which I did not do much, or let anyone groom him. He quickly became the perfect companion in and out of battles. He would always return to me if I called him.
There was not a specific reason I had wanted to leave Erebor. Deep down, I didn't want to leave. At the same time, though, I knew it was time to move on. I knew I would be back, but I felt like I was needed elsewhere for now. Everyone had been disappointed when I told them, but they supported my decision. Fili and Kili promised they would try not to be too reckless, though Dís, Tauriel, and I knew better than to hold them to that. The two promised me they would look after the brothers.
As I rode over Middle Earth, I thought back to each company member and how they had changed since I first met them.
Balin and Ori had left for Moria not two years after Kili and Tauriel's wedding.
Dwalin had become less hostile and was now the head of the guard, training new soldiers daily. I had normally sat by to help if he wanted my input and wanted to give his men a challenge.
Nori and Dori didn't change very much.
Bombur was the head cook while his cousins were guards and toy makers.
Oin was the head healer in the mountain and worked occasionally with Tauriel. The two of them taught me many different healings techniques.
Gloin spent a lot of his time with his wife and son. I saw very little of Gimli throughout my years in Erebor, but I did catch an occasional glimpse of him with his father. He was one of the dwarves that did not trust elves.
Dís was a caring mother, helping her sons when she needed to, along with scolded them when they played small pranks on people, though it was mainly the company. Dís was a wonderful woman to be around. I grew close to her over my years in Erebor, listening to many stories of her brothers and her sons.
Fili ruled over Erebor with the help of his brother. The two of them made wonderful leaders and worked well to keep peace among their people and other races.
What I had not known before was that some of the company members were musicians. Dwalin played the violin, Dori and Nori played flute, and Bofur played clarinet. They had surprised me by playing for me on my birthday one year. I also learned that Thorin could play the harp, which Dís now played.
Before Balin and Ori left for Moria, each of the company members decided to get matching tattoos on their wrists. The tattoo said "dragon fire" in Khuzdul. We got the tattoos to symbolize our journey and to remember our great adventure together.
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I sighed as I travelled farther from Erebor. I still had a long ways to go, but I was excited to get to Rivendell. I pushed Nightfire faster, wanting to get to Rivendell as soon as I could.
~five months later~
I dismounted Nightfire, patting him on the neck. Slinging my bag over my shoulder, I walked into Rivendell, the horse following after me.
"Gi nathlam hí (You are welcome here)," a familiar voice said.
I turned around and bowed as Lord Elrond walked towards me.
"Ni 'lassui, Hîr vuin (Thank you, my lord)," I replied.
"I trust you will be staying longer than your last visit?"
"Yes. I do not know yet how long I will stay, but I plan on being here for a few years."
Elrond nodded.
"You are welcome here as long as you would like, Aeareth," he said to me, giving me a kind smile.
