A/N: Oh my God, I am so sorry for keeping everyone waiting for so long! It is unforgivable of me, and I am so, so sorry! I've been doing nothing but revision for the past month, as well as various exams, but hopefully now that they're over, updates will once again be regular! I hope you enjoy this chapter, and I'll see you down the bottom!
When Farryn awoke the next morning it was still dark, the morning sun only just beginning to rise. With a small moan, she stretched forward like a cat, enjoying the relaxation she felt. After a few more moments, she began to rise, careful not to jostle the company surrounding her as she crept into the kitchen. Pulling a smaller mug out of the cupboard she began to make herself a cup of berry tea, the sweet smell of the leaves soothing her.
Hanging the kettle over the small fireplace, a quick snap of her fingers lit the fire, heat pooling from the hearth. As she stood waiting for the water to boil, Farryn's pointed ears twitched at the sound of rustling fabric from the foyer. Incoherent mumbling carried through the house and Farryn quickly stifled a giggle at the resonating snore that followed. At the sharp whistle of the kettle, she swiftly removed the kettle from the fire, pouring the scalding water into her mug.
Gathering the cup of warmth into her hands, she made her way outside. The chilled wind of the morning swept around her slight frame, brushing her hair back gently. Breathing in deeply, Farryn took a seat in the ornate wooden bench just outside of the house, marvelling at the calm that surrounded her at that moment.
It had been such a long time since she had felt peace like this. Whilst she could recall happier times whilst her mother was alive, after her death those moments were few and far fetched, each fleeting and momentary. Sighing deeply, Farryn took a sip of her tea, relishing in the sweet taste that lingered on her tongue. As she sat there in the morning chill, the soft sunlight illuminating the greenery, a sudden shiver ran through her. Eyebrows furrowing, she glanced around, blue eyes piercing the green landscape. Setting her cup down, Farryn stood, muscles tense and rigid. Just as she was about to step towards the forest wall, a murmur sounded from behind her.
"Lass, wha' are you doin' out here?"
Turning, Farryn saw the sleepy head of Bofur peering out at her, sleep still gathered in the corners of his eyes.
"Just enjoying the beauty of a morning sunrise, Master Bofur. Perhaps you'd like to join me?" Farryn asked, forcing her tense muscles to relax.
"Aye, I would lassie, but Thorin's doin' his nut in here; it migh' be best if y' showed your face fer a momen'."
Raising an eyebrow, Farryn gathered up her cup and followed Bofur back inside, confusion painting her features. As the two entered back into the warm house, it took a second for Farryn's eyes to adjust to the sudden darkness. When her vision finally cleared, it became apparent to her that very few members of the company were awake, all of whom looking sleepy, but well rested. Only herself and Thorin seemed to be fully awake, but unlike her, a furious expression was present on his face.
"You know," Farryn began, stepping further into the room as the company turned towards her. "Frowning as often as you do can't be very good for you, Master Oakenshield. Some might think you quite unpleasant."
"Where have you been?" Thorin demanded, scowling deeply.
"I'm very tempted to ask why it is any of your business as to where I go, but I know it won't exactly solve anything. So, for your information I was out in the garden, drinking a cup of very good berry tea and enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the early morning."
"Would your morning have been so tranquil had you realised you most likely gave away our location to the enemy?"
"Yes, considering the fact they already know."
At Thorin's flabbergasted expression, Farryn rolled her eyes and drained the last remains of her tea, careful to avoid a mouthful of soggy leaves.
"Orcs may be stupid, Master Oakenshield, but had the pack lost us, not only would they been exceptionally dim-witted, even for their own kind, but it would be a miracle and a half, I'd tell you that much."
"She's got a point Thorin," Balin yawned from across the room. "That pack has been tracking us since the Misty Mountains."
As Thorin opened his mouth to answer back, heavy footsteps suddenly sounded from the adjacent room. Pausing, they stared at the door, anticipation thickening the air. When the door finally opened, it was clear as to why the footsteps had been so heavy. The man in question was tall, standing at least 8 and a half feet tall, with a thick dark beard and a wild mane of hair that fell just past his shoulders. His barrel of a chest was broad and muscular, a dusting of dark hair coating both his bare arms and chest. A hostile look was upon his face, bushy eyebrows raised in question at the intruders.
"Who are you and what are you doing in my home?"
At the man's deep growl, many of those awake blanched, their tired expressions changing to ones of fear. Those who were still sleeping grunted, rolling over to find a more comfortable position. The only sounds to be heard were those of the animals, who were carrying on with their business almost as usual, save for the suspicious looks sent their way and the resounding growls of the dogs nearby.
"Beorn, it is good to see you again, my dear friend," Gandalf began nervously.
"And you Gandalf. I was not expecting you back so soon."
"Yes, well, I had a favour to ask. May we step into the kitchen for a private word?"
"We may, as soon as you tell me just what these dwarves are doing in my home!" Beorn's roar echoed through the house, jolting several of the slumbering company awake. Gandalf stilled, obviously trying to come up with a quick explanation that would prevent them from being kicked out.
"We needed your help, Beorn." Farryn's voice abruptly sounded from across the room. Whipping around, the company watched as the Addonexus walked towards Beorn, confused as to how she had moved from one side of the room to the other without any of them noticing.
"Well, well," Beorn suddenly laughed, the sound resonating. "I never thought I'd see you around here again, little swan, especially not at your age!"
"I may not be as young as I once was, but I certainly look a right side better than you do."
Laughing once again, the skin-changer scooped the smaller girl into his arms, and despite her shrieks, brought her up to sit upon a bulging bicep, one hand wrapping around her thighs to secure her in place, the other ruffling her already unruly hair.
"Just because I'm smaller than you does not mean you can manhandle me so!" Farryn gasped, swatting at the hand messing up her hair and laughing.
"I think you'll find I can, little swan, and I do!"
Thorin, who was staring up at the man with a frown on his face, suddenly scowled, a dour expression coating his face. Crossing his arms, he sent a pointed look to Gandalf, who had a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
"Beorn, if you will..?" Gandalf queried, indicating to the kitchen. With a hearty smile, Beorn followed suit, his smile diminishing slightly at the sight of the dwarves. As the three entered the kitchen, the company set about repacking their bedrolls, sending furtive looks at the trio. Finally, after what felt like an age, Farryn reappeared with an encouraging smile on her face.
"He says that as long as you all behave yourselves, you can stay!" she said, motioning for them all to enter the kitchen.
As the company trooped in, they caught sight of a mighty feast laid upon the table. There was an assortment of fresh fruits in bowls, plates of bread and honey, milk and tea and fresh pastries spread out along the colossal table. Beorn himself was setting out various dishes and mugs, each probably the size of Bilbo's torso. Jerking his head, he indicated for the company to sit themselves down at the table.
"Don't mind my companions, friends of Farryn," Beorn stated as the company sat nervously, sending furtive looks towards the animals that surrounded them. "They may seem fierce, but they don't bite."
As he reached for the large jug on the counter, a gleam filled his eyes, for at that moment Bilbo had wandered into the room in a sleepy daze, quite unawares to the events that had happened earlier that morning.
"So, you are the one they call Oakenshield. Tell me," Beorn began as he filled Fili's cup with milk. "Why is Azog the Defiler hunting you?"
Thorin, who had chosen to lean against an intricately carved pillar with his arms folded rather than sit down at the table, looked up at the skin changer, a mildly interested expression covering his face.
"You know of Azog? How?"
"My people were the first to live in the mountains, before the Orcs came down from the north," Beorn's tone took on a solemn tone. "The Defiler killed most of my family. But some he enslaved. Not for work, you understand, but for sport,"
A bitter smile crossed the skin-changer's face, pain beginning to cross his features. Bilbo, who had turned to watch him walk around the room, noticed a pair of heavy, twisted shackles lying upon the wooden floor, scorch marks and scuffs standing out from the dark iron.
"Caging skin-changers and torturing them seemed to amuse him."
"There are others like you?" Bilbo blurted out, wonder filling his small face.
"Once there were many,"
"A-and now?"
"Now there is only one."
A weighty silence fell over the company, each member exchanging looks of pity. Farryn reached out a hand to grasp Beorn's, a comforting smile on her lips. Resting his hand upon her shoulder, Beorn looked around, his brown eyes finding Thorin's.
"You need to reach the mountain before the last days of autumn."
"Before Durin's Day falls, yes." Gandalf suddenly cut in, nervously glancing at Thorin who had a stony expression upon his face.
"You are running out of time." Beorn's gaze shifted to Gandalf, apprehension marring his tanned skin.
"Which is why we must go through Mirkwood."
"A darkness lies upon that forest. Fell things creep beneath those trees. There is an alliance between the Orcs of Moria and the Necromancer in Dol Guldur. I would not venture there, except in great need."
Panic rippled its way through the company, each member beginning to realise just how dangerous this quest really was.
"We will take the Elven road. That path is still safe." Gandalf said reassuringly, nodding his head hopefully.
"Safe? The wood-elves of Mirkwood are not like their kin." Beorn scoffed, rolling his eyes. "They're less wise, and more dangerous. But it matters not."
As Beorn spoke of the Mirkwood elves, Thorin stepped away from the pillar, eyes downcast and features worried. Farryn watched him as he strode further into the kitchen, noting the way his broad shoulders sagged slightly, almost as if a great weight had suddenly been placed on them. Catching Gandalf's eye, she grimaced, turning her attention back to Beorn. At his final words, Thorin turned, fear alive on his face.
"What do you mean?" he asked, his words laced with dread.
"These lands are crawling with Orcs. Their numbers are growing, and you are on foot. You will never reach the forest alive," Beorn began to make his way over to the Dwarf King, stooping under the arches and beams that crossed his home. "I don't like dwarves; they're greedy and blind. Blind to the lives they deem lesser than their own."
Picking up a small white mouse that had been shoved off of Bofur's arm carelessly, he held it close to him, fixing Thorin with a piercing gaze. In turn, Thorin held his head high, stepping back only slightly at the behemoth of a man. Farryn certainly had to give him props for that; any lesser man would have quaked under Beorn's searching look.
"But I hate Orcs more. What do you need?"
With much negotiation on both the parts of Beorn and Thorin, Farryn managed to allow the company to stay at Beorn's home for 16 moons, allowing the company a much needed rest in order to rejuvenate and recover from the difficult journey thus far.
Smiling in amusement at the sight before her, Farryn marvelled at the sight of the Dwarvish fighting, taking note of how much force they put behind each swing, of the way they swung their weapons, of how they struck with precision, but with enough power to move a mountain. As Fili finally managed to 'kill' Kili, the band of dwarves let out raucous cheers, patting the two brothers on the back as they drew near.
"Bett'r than before Fili, bu' yer footwork was sloppy. Kili, yeh need to watch ou' for yer weak spots. Yeh focus too much on the fancy stuff, no' enough on yer basics." Dwalin scolded, dark eyebrows drawn in what appeared to be irritation.
"But Mister Dwalin, that's the fun part!" Kili exclaimed, a mischievous smile on his lips.
"Fun won' get yeh nowhere in battle. Unless tha' stuff is like secon' nature to yeh, don' bother with it."
"Isn't doing the fancy stuff in training how it becomes second nature, Master Dwalin?" Farryn suddenly piped up, smiling at the glare the warrior sent her.
"The lass' got a point, brother," Balin chuckled, nodding at the Addonexus.
"Aye, but what has she got to back it up?" Fili asked, blonde eyebrow raised in amusement.
"Well said Fili," Kili's mischievous grin widened. "We have yet to see Miss Farryn fight!"
Thorin, who had suddenly walked into the clearing outside the house, fought down a smile as he caught Dwalin's eye. Coming to a stop beside him, Thorin crossed his arms, smirking all the while.
"I don't really think you boys need to-" Farryn began to walk away, but Bofur grabbed onto her arm and began pushing her towards the makeshift ring they had set up.
"C'mon, Miss Farryn, it's jus' a bit o' fun! Like yeh said," Bofur chuckled, beckoning Kili forward. "Wha' better way t' learn the fancy stuff than in trainin'?"
Sighing, Farryn set her sword down on the side, rolling her shoulders and head gently. Kili on the other hand was smirking and polishing his sword, oblivious to what was in store for him.
"Right then, are you ready for your first lesson on the 'fancy stuff', Miss Farryn?" Kili smirked, setting his own sword down. When he received only raised eyebrows in response, he continued.
"We'll start off with the basics. It's best to start off with hand to hand combat, because then you can get used to the movements,"
"Of course, that makes sense," Farryn nodded, a tinge of mockery marring her words.
"So before we begin, do you know how to fight?"
At Farryn's nod, Kili's smirk widened as he took in her slim frame.
"Is it mainly little spats, then?"
Sighing deeply, Farryn cleared her throat, turning around to look back at Thorin and Dwalin, who were watching the exchange with excitement and anticipation. The rest of the dwarves just looked amused, watching the two interact.
"Rule number one, never take your eye off of your enemy," Kili sighed, aiming a light punch to the Addonexus' turned face. Sending a quick wink to her babysitters, Farryn whipped around and grabbed his hand, twisting it hard sideways. As he bent forward in shock and pain, Farryn spun herself underneath him, wrapping her thighs around his neck, pulling him down into a forward roll. There was an almighty crash as Kili's body hit the floor, and a series of "Mahal!" followed in its wake. Chuckling slightly as Kili slapped at her legs, she released both his neck and arm, which she still had twisted sharply. Getting up, she dusted herself off, mussing with her hair as she waited for the Prince to arise.
"What in Mahal was that?" Kili gasped, looking up at Farryn in shock.
"That, Master Kili, was the 'fancy stuff', as you so called it," she replied, a twinkle of mirth in her eye. The sound of jangling coins caught her attention, and as Farryn turned to look, she saw several of the dwarves begrudgingly handing over their gold, disgruntled expressions upon their hairy faces.
"One should never challenge little swan to a fight – I have yet to see her truly lose one." Beorn called from across the clearing.
"What do you mean, 'truly lose one'?" Fili inquired, eyes gleaming with slight awe.
"The only time she has ever been close to losing a fight has been when she has drawn, which is a rare occurrence."
Raising an eyebrow, Fili smiled mischievously, the resemblance to his brother uncanny. Jerking his head towards Kili, the two princes huddled together, must to the confusion and wariness of the company around them. After a moment or two, the two broke apart, identical grins upon their faces.
"Miss Farryn, we would like to challenge you to a sword fight. One on one, with each dwarf here," Kili stated, folding his arms across his chest.
"And why, exactly, would I do that?" Farryn replied, eyebrow quirked in interest.
"Practise makes perfect, Miss Arrowstone, and none of us have actually seen you fight with a sword. Not closely, that is," Fili quipped as he rested a hand on the sword at his belt.
Grinning slightly, Farryn glanced around at the company, noting the eager yet reserved expressions upon their faces. Sighing, Farryn made her way towards her sword and picked it up, gripping it firmly in her hand. Walking back into the middle of the clearing, Farryn held her arms open wide, a playful smirk playing on her lips.
"Who wants to go first then?"
Without what seemed to be a second thought, Kili darted forward, his own sword raised before him. As he swung towards Farryn, she ducked below his sword, kicking his legs out from underneath him. As he once again fell heavily to the ground, the breath knocked harshly out of him, his sword flew away from him. Farryn held her sword to his neck, watching as he gulped uncertainly.
"Guard your lower half, Master Kili. That is your downfall." she said, scraping the point along the underside of his chin.
As he scrambled out of the way, Fili stepped forward, his twin blades gleaming in the brilliant sunshine. As he stood his ground, feet spread wide and shoulders broad, Farryn surveyed him, seeking out his weak spots. Her reluctance to move paid off, as Fili twirled the blades around him, creating an impressive display. Smirking, she beckoned him forward, taunting him with a raised eyebrow.
Lunging forward, Fili barely had time to think before Farryn flipped back into a back handspring, her pointed toes kicking one of his blades clean from his hand. Running forwards, she slid under his parted feet, grabbing his ankles with a vice-grip. As Fili fell forward, caught off guard by the sudden assault, Farryn used this to her advantage, holding her sword to the back of his neck.
Bowing in response to the cheers that had erupted from the company, a triumphant smirk found its way onto Farryn's face. One by one, the dwarves tested her skills, each one forcing her to think of new ways to beat them. A couple of times she was almost hit, but managed to dodge just in time, sustaining only mild bruises and one scratch along her cheek from Nori, who apparently was just as flexible and deft as she.
Finally, there was only Thorin left to duel. Dwalin had certainly left her more battered than the others, the brute strength of him enough to challenge her evasive tactics. Though she had bested him, it had been a gruelling session, one that was both brutal and captivating. By now, Farryn had discarded her sword, favouring the small daggers at her thigh and her body, much to the delight of the company.
Quirking an eyebrow as Thorin brought forward his oaken shield, the Orcrist held in his hands, Farryn smirked slightly. Around her, she could hear bets being placed, the company divided in their choice of champion. Rolling her shoulders, Farryn readied herself, slipping on a mask of cool indifference as she observed the dwarf before her. Much like his eldest nephew, there were no obvious weak spots on the King, only the obvious desire to beat her.
Anticipation began to mount. Time went on, yet neither opponent moved. It was evident that each was waiting for the other to make the first move. Then, without warning, Farryn lunged. Kicking the Orcrist out of his hand, the Addonexus swiftly delivered a second kick to Thorin's shield, knocking the dwarf back a few paces. She repeated the action, only this time managing to knock the King onto the floor, hair strewn across his face. Almost immediately, he leapt up, Farryn following his lead. Flipping back, she caught his chin with her foot, causing him to stumble slightly to the side. Ducking underneath his punch, she grabbed his arm and twisted, much like she had done with Kili's, using the momentum left from his failed hit to swing him round. As she let go of him, he fell into a roll of his own, using his shield to help him push back up again. Over and over again, Farryn kicked at the shield, noting the way that Thorin began pushing back, vainly attempting to turn her own force against her.
Finally, he succeeded, sending her back into a roll. A chorus of cheers erupted from half of the company, words of encouragement aimed at both competitors. Smirking, Farryn ran towards the King, a series of various kicks and punches sent flying towards both the shield and its owner. Thorin, having seemingly had enough of the blows delivered, caught Farryn around the middle, threw her clear over his shoulder, dodging out of the way of her flipping form as she came to a stop a couple of metres away.
Panting, Farryn looked at Thorin, excited shivers running up and down her spine as she lowered herself into a defensive position. The company around them were certainly enthralled, struck dumb by the fight before them. Never had they seen Thorin so defensive – normally he was the one attacking, using his brute strength to overpower his opponent. But here? He seemed reluctant to do so, almost as though he was afraid he'd hurt the Addonexus before him.
Dashing forward once more, Farryn aimed a kick and punch at Thorin's chest, which was swiftly blocked by the oaken branch. Grasping the shield tightly, she suddenly found herself flipping over as Thorin turned the wood sharply. Lashing out, Farryn's foot found its mark in Thorin's side, causing a grunt of pain to escape him. Thorin forcefully pushed Farryn back with the shield, watching as she only just saved herself by falling into a backwards roll. As she went to stand, he threw the shield at her, noting how she dodged it easily.
Running forwards, Thorin found himself suddenly regretting his decision as the Addonexus drew a small dagger from its holster, flipping it impressively in her hand. From that moment on, their arms were just a blur, a mass of white and royal blue, flashes of silver darting in and out of the fray. Both were continually ducking and dodging, lunging for the others exposed areas. Somehow, Thorin managed to duck underneath the sharp knife and grab the girl around the middle, once again unceremoniously throwing her over his head. To his annoyance, she landed as gracefully as ever, only slightly ruffled by the trip.
Lunging forward, he grabbed his sword, holding it aloft in front of him. Noting how calculating Farryn looked, he steeled himself for the worst, his grip on the weapon tightening. Just as he was about to start forward, Farryn dashed over to him, ducking underneath the swing of his sword and pressing the small dagger against the skin of his throat.
And just like that, it was over. Both Farryn and Thorin were out of breath, chest heaving with effort. The company surrounding them was silent; shocked. Then, almost as if a dam had broken, the members rooting for Farryn let out booming cheers, lifting their arms high above their heads in triumph. As their celebrations grew louder and more dwarves joined in the applause that had started, Farryn removed the dagger from Thorin's throat, grinning at the shocked expression on his face.
"Not bad, Master Oakenshield. Seems you can hold your own in a fight," she murmured, looking into his deep blue eyes.
"Aye," he replied after a moment's pause, blinking slowly.
"Watch your footwork though. It's shockingly sloppy."
And with that she walked away, hips swinging confidently as she strode back up to the cottage. The company watched her go in awe, heads shaking in disbelief as money was distributed and awarded to different members. Only one kept his eyes trained long on her after she entered the cottage, still a little shell shocked at the fact that he was beaten.
A/N: Well, there it is! Chapter 10 of Arrowstone! I hope you've enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it, and I hope you don't think Farryn and her family are too Mary-Sue or boring! Hopefully in the next chapter I will be adding more family time, so you can learn more about Farryn's life thus far! Please feel free to leave a review or favourite and I hope you've had a lovely month, day and year, and I'll see you in a week or so!
X