HERE IS THE NEXT CHAPTER, GUYS! I AM HAPPY TO GET THIS TRAIN EVER CLOSER TO THE IMFAMOUS MIRKWOOD FOREST. A LOT OF STUFF HAPPENS THERE...HEH, HEH. HOPEFULLY, THIS WON'T TAKE TOO LONG! ;)

GOD BLESS AND GOOD DAY!

~LF221

(M) = Mia/Mithra

(A) = Aili

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(M): Last night was embarrassing! Being caught by Aili, who just happens to be sister to Fili, and being consoled and comforted like I was a child...it...it...

It felt...genuinely nice, hearing Aili say those things about friends.

If only she actually wanted to be friends with the likes of me, a hybrid Delf.

But no. No one really wants to get to know me. They say they're my friends, but...I just can't seem to believe it...although for some reason I believe that Aili is one of the extremely rare exceptions to the rule. Gandalf, Bofur, Fili (oddly), Bilbo, and Aili seem to be the only friends that I have made on this trip, though Gandalf I have known much longer than anyone else.

I groan and push my eyelids up as I smack my lips and prepare to sit up. Only to feel something crawling up my arm. I peek tentatively at it, and recoil in terror.

It's a bee. A giant...ever-loving bee. I just...can't stand bees. I can't. With their unnatural number of legs, and their fuzzy bodies, pressing against my skin, which crawls at the feeling of the insect on my arm. I lay perfectly still, praying that salvation will come soon...then, as if in answer to my prayers, Aili woke up.

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(A): The thing that woke me was an unpleasant crawling, tickling sensation on my nose. I blinked, scrunched my nose, and subtly shook my head, but nothing got the large bee from it's perch at the bridge of my nose. I huffed at it, and that seemed to clear it away. I groaned and sat up, rubbing my eyes and stretching.

"Aili...help me." Came a whisper. Mithra. A bee was on her shoulder, but other than that, she looked the same as when I'd left her last night. I saw nothing wrong. "T-the bee...get it off, please..." She begged. I scoffed.

"It's just a bee."

"Please." Came an insistent whisper, hoarse with fear. I rolled my eyes, and walked over. I swiped at the offending insect, and it buzzed off. I then caught sight of Bilbo, a little ways away, standing up and slipping on his jacket.

"You must smell like honey." Came Fili's voice, distracting me as he came forward. He smiled at the sight of us. "Gandalf has us gathering in a room at the back. He won't tell us anything. Come along!" He said, spun on his heel, and walked away. We trailed him, still yawning. We found him in a room that led out to the yard, though no one was exiting the room. Mithra gulped as she caught sight of Beorn through the window. I walked in to several of the Dwarves arguing whether or not to just run out the back and be done with it. I scoffed.

"There is no point in arguing." Me and Gandalf called at once.

"We need supplies." I said, just as Gandalf continued his speech.

"We cannot cross the Wilderland without Beorn's help." I rolled my eyes. I wanted to ask the wizard how confident he was that Beorn would actually help us, but held my tongue. It didn't matter, as long as Beorn helped, right? "We'll be hunted down before we even reached the forest."

"Wait..." Came Mia's nervous voice. "You were being serious about going through Mirkwood?!" Fili frowned at Mia, but she was already looking away. I thought of last night. Mithra had never looked so terrified to my knowledge, all because of one stupid Delf (I think he fully deserves that title, after 'not treating her properly', which somehow led to Mithra's nightmares and everything else) and his prejudice. It was not Mithra's fault she got more Dwarfish blood than Elvin...

Gandalf beat me to the quick, though.

"It's the fastest way through, Mithra."

"Yeah, but...it's Mirkwood. You know what it's like nowadays."

"Oh, please. It'll be fine as long as you stay on the path. You know that." Mithra looked uneasy, but held her tongue. "Now...this will require some delicate handling." I then saw Bofur by the window and walked over, already smiling. He started slightly when my arms went around him from behind. I chuckled as I rested my head on Bofur's shoulder. Bofur hummed. I vibrated, a now familiar chill running down my spine.

"Someone'll see." He whispered.

"Don't really care right now." I mumbled back, digging my chin in playfully. When Bofur moved away, I planted a kiss on his lips. Chaste and innocent, the way we most enjoy them. Everyone was too focused on Gandalf to notice us, anyway...

"We must tread very carefully. The last person to have startled him was torn to shreds." My eyes snapped open. Bofur, having the same reaction, broke away.

"And you're thinking it was a good idea to bring us here, and force ourselves into his home?!" I blurted, having regrettably broken away from our kiss a few seconds before. Bofur chuckled beside me. His fingers tickled my side. I giggled as softly as possible, and smacked his hand away. This was a bit much yet in public...honestly...

"I will go first. Mithra, too. A familiar face should help calm him." Gandalf then turned to Bilbo. "Uh, Bilbo? You come with me, as well." Bilbo blanched. Thorin, now knowing better than to mistrust Gandalf's advice, nodded the Hobbit forward.

"I-i-s this a good idea?" Bilbo squeaked as he came forward. Gandalf looked slightly peeved.

"Yes, now, the rest of you, you just wait here. And don't come out until I give you the signal." Bofur, now growing steadily more worried, threw Gandalf a wary glance.

"Right. Wait for the signal." He repeated anxiously.

"And no sudden moves, or loud noises, and don't overcrowd him. Only come out in pairs. Right." He turned to leave, then whirled back. I groaned. How much more do we need to keep in mind when approaching him?! "No, actually, Bombur, um, you count as one, so you should come out alone. Remember...wait for the signal." Was Gandalf's final words of encouragement before he left.

"I call going out with Mithra!" Fili chirped. I scoffed.

"Haven't you been paying attention, numbskull?" Mia hissed, though I swear I saw a bit of a blush to her cheeks. "Gandalf told me to go with him and Bilbo." Fili flushed.

"Well, pardon me for not hanging on Gandalf's every word!"

"It's not a half-bad idea." Mithra muttered, before she, too, vanished out the door.

"The signal. Right. What signal would that be?" Bofur said, just missing Gandalf as he left through the doors.

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(M): Why doesn't Fili seem physically capable of keeping his eyes off me?!

It's...a bit weird. His gaze seems to pierce right through me. But...not in the way his gaze had. Fili's gaze seems like a doctor's. Determining what's wrong, not like a robber, trying to assess whether or not you're worth their time. It makes me get goosebumps. I shook the feeling off as Bilbo chuckled.

"You're nervous." Gandalf frowned.

"Nervous? What nonsense."

"I am. A little." I whispered, so softly I had trouble hearing myself. Bilbo and the wizard halted a safe distance away from the ax the Shape-Shifter was using to chop wood. Thinking of the last time I was in this house, I almost ran into Bilbo.

"Good morning!" Chirped Gandalf with false cheer. Beorn hadn't heard Gandalf apparently, and kept chopping wood. Gandalf moved out of the way to avoid sudden decapitation, and prepared to try and greet Beorn again. "Good morning!" He repeated. This time, he got a response. Beorn glared at us over his shoulder. I gulped.

"Who are you?" The deep, raspy, throaty voice of the Skin-changer came. His one visible eye never left us.

"I'm Gandalf. Gandalf the Grey." Introduced the wizard. I smiled up at the tall Skin-Changer, and went to hug his legs, but stopped when Beorn took a step back.

"Right. You don't like hugs." I reminded myself timidly.

"And Mithra Earthstrider, my companion." Gandalf said, as I settled for crossing my arms over my chest.

"Ah, yes." Beorn grinned slightly. "How could I forget you, milady?" His smile then faded. "Though I have never heard of him." Beorn said, nodding toward Gandalf, who frowned.

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(A): I waited by Bofur, who had yet to move from his perch, looking out the window at the conference being held. His arm went automatically around my waist in that kinda romantic, slightly possessive way.

"Wait, wait..." He said, never taking his eyes off the two Men conferring. Gandalf was saying something about Radagast, but I could hardly hear him over the Dwarves preparing themselves, and Kili's chuckling at the awkward scene Fili had made as Gandalf, Mithra and Bilbo left to talk to Beorn. A sudden thought occurred to me...

"How are we supposed to know when to go if we don't know what the signal is?" I asked Bofur, his hat pressing into my temple. I smirked at his confused face, but refrained from giggling. The situation was much too serious for such things.

"I suppose we'll know when the signal comes." He said, pressing a kiss to my cheek quickly. Then, he saw Gandalf wave his hand. Bofur's face lit up. "That's the signal!" He called. Dwalin and Balin came forward, and left without a word. Even from where I stood, I could see Gandalf's face drop.

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(M): I think Gandalf isn't pleased that hardly anyone he revisits remembers him, but if he is, he hides it well.

"I'm a Wizard. Perhaps you've heard of my colleague, Radagast the Brown. He resides in the Southern Borders of Mirkwood." I got a chill up my spine. I hate that place...

Bilbo?! He's now hidden behind Gandalf's large, flowing robes, completely concealed behind the wizard.

"What do you want?" Beorn demanded, eyes flashing with both anger at our continued presence when he was trying to work, and recognition when Radagast was mentioned. Gandalf swallowed subtly.

"Well, simply to thank you for your hospitality." Gandalf's smile faltered. "You may have noticed that we took refuge in your lodgings here last night..."Gandalf trailed off as he spun half-way around to indicate which building he meant, or something. But, as he did, Bilbo was revealed, pale as a sheet. The Half-Ling swallowed. Beorn's grip went tight again on the handle of his ax.

"And who is this little fellow?"

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(A): "Bofur..." I whisper worriedly. "I don't think that's the signal..." Bofur's fingers traced my back good-naturedly.

"Nonsense!" He replied cheerily. Apparently, he missed the large, very imposing figure of Beorn raise his ax as the pair of Dwarves came into the light. I suppose it is easy to miss when your planting a kiss on my temple, but still...

"Look at Beorn! He's about to kill Balin and Dwalin!" Sure enough, the harsh, threatening posture of the Skin-Changer did not fade as Gandalf stuttered to explain. Bofur's face fell, and he suddenly grew more serious.

"A-and I m-must confess that, ah, s-several of our group are, in fact, Dwarves." Gandalf said, but I could barely hear him over the sound of Dwarves neatening themselves up before going to meet our host, who had yet to drop the ax.

"Do you call two 'several'?" The tall Man growled, looking slightly confused, but nonetheless threatening. Gandalf nodded for what felt like the thousandth time during this one conversation.

"Well, uh, n-now that you p-put it that way..." Any coherent words were lost as Gandalf failed to work his tongue in his anxiety. As Gandalf started counting (Beorn getting paler with every finger Gandalf counted up), Bofur mistook Gandalf's hand motions as another signal.

"No, wait!" I tried to hiss, but the pair, Oin and Gloin this time, came walking nervously out. Gandalf's face fell. Beorn tensed again. Gandalf turned to the Skin-Changer with an innocent smile.

"Oh, uh, here are some more of our, ah, happy troop." I must admit, Gandalf is a master wordsmith here. By selecting words to describe our number that signify larger amounts of people than Beorn currently knows about, he's reeling the Skin-Changer in, making him interested, despite himself, in how so many Dwarves could come to be in his house. He was even looking more and more resigned as more and more Dwarves came out. Dori and Ori were next (do you ever see them apart?). Thankfully, Dori had the sense (or not, depending on how you look at it) to add 'at your service' in a nervously polite tone.

"I don't want your service!" Beorn growled. Gandalf whipped back from sending Bofur and I a glare through the window to try and calm the frankly quite intimidating Man down.

"Absolutely understandable." Said the Wizard. I face-palmed as Bofur motioned the next pair forward. I gulped as Fili and Kili came out of the doorway. Thankfully, Beorn was not yet homicidal, though he looked ready to start swinging at any moment.

"Oh! Fili and Kili, I'd quite forgotten. Yes..." Gandalf muttered. Bofur then gave up waiting for whatever he deemed a signal, grabbed his brother, cousin, and Nori before coming out. I smacked my forehead, but slipped out without being seen, at least until Fili grabbed my arm, and I ended up in plain sight of the angry Skin-Changer. I blanched as Beorn sent an angry look my way, as he had with all newcomers. With a demand from Beorn to know if there were any left, Uncle came out, leaning against the doorway. Again, recognition seemed to dawn in Beorn's eyes. I refrained (but only just) from rolling my eyes. Everyone seems to know the great Thorin Oakenshield before they ever lay eyes on him. I guess he really is famous for the Battle of Moria, and for leading his people for several years, until we settled down in the Blue Mountains.

"You must be hungry by now." Beorn said, with forced politeness. "Come. May as well eat, before you all set off again." It was clear from his tone that he would not let us stay more than was strictly necessary.

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(M): Okay...not gonna lie...I thought Beorn would kill each and every one of those Dwarves, right then and there! Thank Valinor he didn't! He led us inside, growling under his breath. He disappeared into the kitchen, coming back within minutes and a few moments later, the tables were laid with food and drink, as well as cutlery, plates and tankards, and anything else we may need at a meal. We sat down, and began eating in a somewhat subdued manner. Beorn filled my tankard with his rich, creamy milk. I thanked him and he almost smiled back. He then went around the table, filling tankards as though he couldn't trust us with his things, receiving scattered nods and mumbled thanks. Probably wise to keep a firm grip on your things when I'm around, really...I do have a habit of being clumsy...

"So...You are the one they call Oakenshield?" It was the first time Beorn had spoken since leading us into his home. I gulped. Thorin, however, merely nodded. "Tell me, why is Azog the Defiler hunting you?" It was really more of a demand.

"You know of Azog?" Thorin replied, still not looking directly at Beorn. For only a few seconds before he snapped his head to look at our host. "How?" It was an honest question, but judging by the way Beorn subtly flinched, eyes flashing in sorrow and rage, grief and fury vying for the greatest presence, it was pretty much a taboo subject. Beorn cleared his throat.

"My people were the first to live in the Mountains, before the Orcs came down from the north." I grimaced, knowing where this story was headed...pain and death. No one dared speak, allowing Beorn to either continue his tale or not. There were no pressing questions, something I think even Beorn appreciated. "The Defiler killed most of my family. But some he enslaved." His voice was so deep and low...I could feel it vibrating in my chest, though not in the way that Fili's voice made me feel...(what am I saying?) "Not for work, you understand, but for sport." He growled. I licked my suddenly dry lips. It obviously pained him. I wanted to tell Beorn he didn't need to continue, but found that I couldn't speak. I hated hearing about other people's sufferings...hated it. My past was bad enough, but this poor Man...he has clearly been through so much heartache and loss...no wonder he hates people. They must treat him differently because he's been tortured, or simply because he's a Skin-Changer. I can honestly say that I can relate to being 'different' and 'special' in others' eyes. I was discriminated against openly, no one bothering to lower their voices. All but Gandalf spat at me when I past, noses scrunched as if I were something smelly and unclean.

And then there's this Company. They are always looking out for one another, even going as far as to help me, some stupid little girl filled with stupid little dreams of adventures in distant lands. I just hope they aren't too harsh when they thrust me aside when they're done with me. I want to leave with a proper farewell, and no hard feelings. It'll be easier that way...I think. But wait...if that was true, if they just want me to help them, then cast me aside...why am I still here? I am literally useless here. I've been nothing but an extra mouth to feed. And then there's the matter of my bloodline. I am a Delf, a mutant in the eyes of either race I belong to.

"That's what makes you special, not wrong and different. It's something not many people can claim to be. You are also my friend, Mithra. I will not have you call yourself any different."

Aili was really concerned for me last night, though. It seemed like she really meant every word. Maybe Aili's truly a friend, but...not many others are as friendly, except Gandalf, Oin, Bofur, Fili and Bilbo. If I ever accept friends, they'd be at the top of the list.

That thought brought a smirk on. Fili glanced at me, and I held out my hand knowingly. Fili glared at my proffered hand, before sighing.

"You got lucky, Mia." He grumbled as he passed me the ten coins we had bet on whether or not Beorn would kill us (figured I wouldn't have to pay up if Beorn killed us on sight). We still had a bet on whether or not he would give us supplies for the road, though. I have a strong suspicion that I will get ten more coins, though, when we leave.

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Fili's arm wrapped around mine and forcibly dragged me away as soon as breakfast was done. I knew better than to make a scene about it as I was almost literally dragged over toward a small side-room and thrust in. Fili rounded on me as he all but slammed the door.

"What is your problem?" I asked, beating Fili to the first words. His face was inquisitive, demanding. And I didn't like it.

"You and Bofur are together." Was all he said. I scoffed. Just because he's my elder brother...does not mean he can be a pain in my backside about my relationship with Bofur!

"So? It's not like it's been inappropriate or anything!"

"But still. You never told me or Kili."

"It's my life! If I want to love, I'll love. If I want to be cold and impassive, that's what I'll bloody well be! You may be my eldest brother, but you don't need to lord it over me like this!" I yelled, quite angry and cross with Fili for daring to question the morality of my relationship, which has been nothing but pure and innocent in the very short while since it started.

"I'm not accusing anyone of anything! I'm just confirming what I have noticed!" He retorted hotly. His fists were shaking and clenching tightly at his sides, as were mine. "Don't think you've been all that secretive with it!"

"We weren't meaning to be! Mahal, why is this an issue?!" I screamed, my hands thrown angrily in the air. "You know Bofur, have known him for several years, decades even! You know he would never even think-"

"I know! Gah! Just forget it." He said, and stormed out, slamming the door behind him. I stayed in the small storage room for several moments, gathering myself. Deep breaths helped. Soon, I was calm enough to be among other people. I exited, and slipped in among the other dwarves, finding Bofur and kissing him in full sight of Fili, which made him stalk away to enjoy his soup with Mia. Okay...the hypocrite! He's totally starting to fancy Mithra, and yet he dares to question my relationship?!

"What's wrong, amralime?" Bofur whispered, his mouth close to my ear. I stiffened at the closeness, fighting off a giggle despite myself.

"Nothing."

"Don't hide away, Aili." He whispered. "Not again. There's some bee in your bonnet and I want to remove it." I chuckled despite my previous sour mood at Bofur's choice of words.

"Fili's just being Fili, that's all." I reply, rolling my eyes. Bofur cocked a brow.

"Really? What'd he do this time?" I sigh.

"He just wanted to confirm that you and I are, uh, an item."

"We are, are we not?" Bofur asked. I turned to look him fully in the eyes to emphasize the sincerity of my coming words.

"Bofur, we are one being before Mahal. I know it." I whispered, placing a hand against his chest. Bofur grinned in relief at me.

"Glad to hear it, Aili. I love you."

"I love you, too, Amralime." I replied, before standing up and explaining that I wanted a walk. Bofur replied that he wanted to talk with his brother and cousin, so I headed out on my own. Kili soon found me. I knew what he wanted, and kept walking around, admiring everything around me.

"So...you and Bofur, huh?" He asked, grinning ear to ear. I sighed.

"Fili told you?" The smile slowly faltered.

"Yes. Why'd you hide it?"

"I'm not ready for Uncle's reaction, no matter what it may be." I sigh again. "I am truly sorry. I had no right to keep something like that hidden, but...I felt it right." Kili frowned.

"You thought I'd tell Uncle?" I blushed. Kili was right. I should've had more faith and trust in my brother.

"Y-yes, but not now. Sorry." Kili sighed. It was clear he was disappointed in me. I was disappointed in myself, fer Mahal's sake!

"No more secrets, alright?"

"Alright." I promised, knowing that I could never hide anything from Kili, anyway. He knew me better than I know myself. We embraced to seal the forgiveness and once we'd broken apart, I saw everyone heading inside and packing their things, so I followed their example. I found Fili in the niche we had shared. I shifted from foot to foot awkwardly, unsure of what to say.

"Fili...I wanted to...apologize. I was out of line, snapping at you like that." Fili chuckled.

"Nah, I was foolish in making rushed judgments. Forgive me."

"I will if you do." I replied, smirking. Fili laughed.

"Then let's put this behind us." As with Kili, I embraced my brother with forgiveness. I then smiled.

"So...did Beorn agree to help us?" Fili nodded as Kili swiftly swept his things haphazardly into his pack.

"Aye, sis." He said, smirking. "So Fili here owes Mia another ten coins." Fili groaned.

"That I do. I've lost too much money on this quest."

"Than perhaps you should stop gambling, Fili." I replied, giggling. Fili shrugged.

"Probably true." We headed out to find everyone already saddling up and mounting ponies. I tied my pack gratefully to my saddle and swung up, grimacing at the pain of the movement in my ribcage. I need to ask Oin to check it tonight, if he has time. They're feeling better, though. Bofur brought his pony over and mounting it with ease.

"Are you alright, Aili?" I smiled.

"Yes, Bofur. Since Oin checked me over again, I've been steadily getting better. And don't say 'I told you so', please." I added, chuckling. Bofur smiled.

"Wouldn't dream of it." Up ahead, Thorin called for Gandalf. Moments later, we were on the move. It felt good to be back in a saddle, and not having to worry about exerting my ribs. Time slipped by as the leagues increased between us and Beorn's homely cottage. I'd miss it, though our stay was brief.

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(M): "Take care of yourself, little one." Came Beorn's scratchy, deep voice from behind me as I packed my few belongings I carried with me. I turned, smiling up at the tall man before me.

"I will Beorn. You know, I'll miss you."

"And I, you. Tell the Company they are welcome to take a rest here whenever it is necessary." I smirked, adjusting my pack.

"What changed your 'no-visitors' policy, may I ask?"

"You may, Earth-Strider. It is simply a gesture of friendship. I've seen a better side of Dwarves in this Company than in all my previous years. There is potential for improvement there."

"There is." I muse, watching as Aili and her brothers pack in front of us. Beorn walked toward his kitchens, to a secluded area.

"Do tell me, Mithra; why is it that the lone strider travels with others, when you are known to abandon other groups when the fancy seizes you?" I take several moments to think of an answer.

"Because...There's just...something about them, Beorn. They actually watch each other's backs. They love each other, and thus have formed a family, though they are not all related by blood." Beorn hummed.

"Indeed. Their bond is unique. You'll find, little one, that family can come from unexpected places. So can love." I remembered Beorn telling me of his wife and sole child. They'd loved each other so much. It was another reason that I detached from everyone I came across; there was always the potential for heartbreak, and I've had plenty to last a life-time. "Don't be afraid of love, Mithra. Embrace it." I was reminded of Beorn's apparent ability to read any and everyone. I swallowed.

"I'll try, Beorn." It wouldn't be easy, but I was quickly becoming quite attached to this little Company. The way they helped each other, depended on each other in ways I'd never thought of before, and just the way they loved each other in general was something to behold. I found I wanted to find my place amongst them. He ruffled my hair and left to gather the ponies we'd be riding to Mirkwood. I made sure to thank him profusely, leading others to do the same. Even Thorin thanked the giant Skin-changer. I smiled and waved as we took off. There was something amazing about Beorn and his home. Something I'd miss until the next time I saw him. Fili, of course, rode up next to me. He smiled.

"Ready for the next leg, Mia?" I smiled back.

"Naturally. You?"

"Absolutely! You know...I have a wager for you..." This was usually where I listen to another suggestion for a pointless bet or competition. Not this time. I'd keep my personal promise not be a butt and not enter into any contests of any sort with Fili. I smiled again and shook my head. Fili looked stunned, an eyebrow cocked at my behavior.

"Not this time, Fili. I've decided not to do anymore competitions between us." Fili smirked. I felt a bit hotter. Especially in my cheeks for whatever reason (no, I most certainly am not thinking of what Beorn said and applying it!).

"Oh, sure. I was just about to suggest that we see-" I was adamant, however.

"No, Fili. I mean it. Those competitions were stupid and they have gotten us into trouble. No more." That, and it was making him get too close to me. I'm just not ready for that. But I can't stand to see the droop now plastered on Fili's face, either. I rolled my eyes. "Alright. As long as we're careful, and not too extravagant, we can challenge each other to see how many enemies we can kill in a fight. But that's it." I saw no way that that could go wrong. Which was why I suggested it. It was not to see that adorable smile light up Fili's face.

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(A): "I love the view." Bofur mused, keeping his pony alongside mine. I laughed.

"Yes, quite exquisite. Especially when there aren't any Orcs to be seen yet." Bofur frowned.

"You think they're out there?" It was my turn to frown in thought.

"I can't be sure, but Orcs, especially ones like Azog, don't give up on their prey that easily."

"Fair point, but soon we'll be in Mirkwood. I heard Gandalf say we'll be safe in there."

"That's because Orcs fear the place." I muttered aloud before thinking. I hadn't meant to be so negative, and certainly not when Bofur was trying to lift my spirits. "Probably cus of the Elves, though." And a host of other fell things, I added internally. I kept it to myself, however. No sense ruining the mood with my inner depressing thoughts. I managed a smile in return to Bofur's.

"That's the spirit, Aili!" He cheered. I sighed.

"I do wonder what's in the forest, though." I mused, frowning. Bofur's pony was suddenly a bit closer. His hand gripped mine.

"Aili...whatever's in there, we can handle it. As a Company. Together." His words tumbled out in a rush, but the meaning remained. I smiled, squeezing Bofur's hand in reassurance. True, we had no idea what awaited us beyond the borders of the forest we approached, but Bofur was right.

We'd face it together.

WEIRD PLACE TO END IT, I KNOW. I KNOW. BUT IT'S FIFTEEN PAGES, AND IF MEMORY SERVES, I END THEM AROUND THIS LEGNTH ANYWAY, SO...YEAH. SORRY FOR THE UNINTENTIONAL HAITUS, BUT I'M BACK!*FISTPUMPS AIR* SEE YAH NEXT CHAPTER!