Chapter 10
~The day the Dwarves arrived in Laketown~
It was a quiet morning, dank and cold. The mist rose from the water as a man in a torn coat made his way through Laketown. A soft sigh left his lips and a puff of air was briefly seen. The man held his coat a little closer to his body as memories flooded his mind. Much time had passed since Nora's death. While a side of him still mourned her death, Bard had managed to provide for and raise his family. Much joy had filled his life as he and Heidi welcome two more children into their home. His heart swelled with gladness as he watched each of his children grow with his beautiful wife. Happiness had filled his life but so had a great emptiness as his lovely wife had passed away, only a year ago.
Heidi's golden hair, her soft blue eyes and almost regal smile entered his mind. Then Nora's lively laughter seemed to fill the air. The two people he thought would be with him most of his life, were gone. His mind drifted slowly to the moment he told Nora of his plans to marry Heidi. A soft smile spread on his lips before his footsteps caused a slight creak in the wooden boards. He had almost reached the dock when a slimy shadow, caught his eye. His glanced towards the shadow and quickly realized it was only Alfrid. His attention turned back to his barge and the job that awaited him.
"Morning Bard." the black haired man greeted the first with a sneer.
"Alfrid." Bard nodded but continued to walk. He did not wish to be late for his trade with the elves nor did he have anything meaningful to say. He had only gone a few steps passed the greased haired man when the second man began to speak again.
"On your way to trade with the elves, are you?" Alfrid questioned, although he already knew the answer. A tension had formed between the two men since Nora's death. Bard blamed Alfrid for Nora's discontent at home. She likely would have never hideaway on his barge if that creep had not tried to called her to courtship. Besides, Alfrid had made it point to bring Nora up the majority of the time. She was not a topic Bard wished to discuss with that particular man.
"Yes. Alfrid." Bard answered, respectfully but slightly annoyed. Alfrid knew very well where Bard was going. There was no need for this useless chatter.
"Better be sure no one has hidden away on your barge."
"There has not been a stowaway on my barge since Nora..." Bard trailed off as the memories of his sister's smile haunted him. His heart began to slightly ache. Quickly the man shook his head and began to walk once again.
"How hard must it be to live with her death on your hands?" Alfrid called out. Bard paused a moment before he turned. "How much harder it must be to know if you had married her to me, as I proposed, she would still be alive? I would not have permitted her to..."
"My sister did not want you, Alfred." Bard interrupted as he walked over and towered over the man. A great anger came to his eyes. "You could have called her to courtship for a thousand years and she would still refuse you. I would not marry Nora off to anyone she did not like. Least of all, you." With that Bard turned on his heals and began to walk away.
After a couple of steps he paused before he glanced back to the smaller man. "Besides, you would not have wanted my sister." Alfrid tilted his his head as he wondered what he meant. "A man like you has no use for a woman who could think for herself." The two men glared at each other a moment before Bard turned back to the sidewalk. He thought it was going to be another long, lonely day. Little did he realize he would meet a company of dwarves making their way to the Lonely Mountain. Little did he realize, he would be reunited with someone very dear to him in less than a week's time.
~The day of The Battle of Five Armies~
An eerie feeling filled the air. A knot formed in Nora's stomach as she looked over the ruins of Dale and at the war below. Many bodies of men, dwarves and elves covered the ground while those who still lived fought hard against the orcs. Her eyes remained on the ground as they made their way over the field between Dale and the Lonely Mountain. Her eyes squinted but she couldn't see faces of any of the warriors that fought below. Her thoughts turned to her sister-in-law and niece. How could they survive this? If they did, how could she possibly find them?
Her gaze continued to follow the field as the eagle she rode upon began to swoop down to gather more orcs in his gigantic claws. She quickly spotted Beorn in bear form. His loud roar filled the air as he attacked and killed any orc within his reach. Nora felt her heart pound as she inhaled the cool air. There were still many orcs that needed to be destroyed before this battle could cease. It seemed like it could go on for eternity. Her eyes remained on Beorn's bear form when she suddenly heard a loud cry come from the eagle. Her body jolted downwards. Quickly she turned to the eagle only to find he had been shot with several arrows and had been killed. Her heart pounded as she looked back to the ground. One hand wrapped around her stomach while the second protected her face. Not a moment passed before she felt her body hit hard onto the earth's stone hard surface.
Pain filled Nora as she laid still a moment. The eagle's heavy body pinned her to the ground. Her mind debated on whether she was still alive for a moment before she managed to lift her neck and see the battle still raging on all around her. She hurriedly looked her body over and couldn't see any injuries. Slowly, she tried to move her legs. They ached but nothing was broken. She went to try to stand, when she had been spotted by a few orcs. They hissed with a venom at her when her eyes met theirs. She didn't think her heart could beat any faster. A giant eagle rested on top of her and she had no weapon to defend herself with. She was going to die, she...
A large black paw appeared, sharp teeth and claws tore at and killed the orcs before they could make any attack on Nora. Beorn stood protectively in front of his mate as more orcs descended upon the couple. A loud roar filled the air as the black bear defended those whom he had come to love most. A few minutes passed before the orcs were dead. Nora saw black bear quickly glanced back at her. Worry filled his eyes as they met hers. He had seen her fall and he knew the distance she had fallen was great.
"I'm ok. We're ok." Nora whispered as he quickly approached her. She could feel her stomach begin to cramp with the pains she had felt several years ago. Still it was no use to worry him. She would not put more stress on him when the battle was not yet won. Beorn let out a grunt before he barred his teeth at an orc behind her. He charged as his great paw raised and his claws tore the creature apart. Nora managed to shimmy her way from under the eagle and soon she stood on her feet. The pain increased but she did her best not to show it.
Promptly, Nora looked the area around her over. She was close to Dale and she could hear the cries of those who lived in Laketown within. Beorn's large, warm nose gently nudged her. She rapidly looked back at him only to see he carried an ax in his mouth. He urged her to take it with a soft whine. A smile spread across Nora's lips as her fingers wrapped around the ax's handle.
"I love you." she whispered to him before Beorn began to motion to his back. She watched him a moment, unsure of what he wanted before the bear slowly lowered his body. Her eyes widened as she realized he wanted her to climb onto his back.
"I can not. That will put you at great risk." Nora told him. He could not fight as well with the extra weight. Again Beorn nudged her to climb on his back. He had to keep her safe and the only way to do that was to keep her with him. "You need to fight without me near, there's no way you can win if you're always protecting me." The bear let out a growl, at first Nora thought it was towards her but shortly realized it was towards a group of orcs who had tried to sneak up on them. The husband and wife sprung into action. They would not die this day, they still had many years that they were determined to live together.
"I will go into Dale. We shall meet there when the battle is won." Nora yelled to her husband as her ax sunk into an orc. Beorn let out a disapproved huff but nodded. He couldn't be sure how much safer Dale was than the open meadow. Still, there was a chance she could find refuge with the women and children of Laketown. Once that last group of orcs were dead, Nora gently placed her head on the giant bear's forehead. They remained like that a short moment before their eyes met a silent 'see you later' was felt between the two. With that Nora began to run towards Dale.
Once inside the gate, she found orcs had overrun the city. Men and elves fought hard against the evil creatures. Nora's ax flung several times, despite the pain she felt erupt from her womb. She shook her head, even if she had lost the child, she couldn't leave Beorn now. She would not die at the hands of this filth.
Nora managed to fight her way through the city before she found herself surrounded by a dozen orcs. They circled her, her ax remained lifted as she waited for the first to attack. A battle cry was heard behind her and she turned to meet the attack. She heard the swoosh of an arrow fly by her. The arrow hit the orc and soon she heard the blade of a sword near her. A man in a worn, familiar coat knocked her to the ground as he heroically fought off the orcs. Once they were all dead, the strangely familiar man reached down and grabbed her arm.
"Go, find refuge in the great hall." he ordered as he lifted her from the ground. He did not look to her, his eyes scanned for more approaching orcs. "Go!" he yelled before he let go of her arm. He took a few steps before he finally looked back at her. Why would she not run? His eyes squinted before they widened. The two remained in an awkward silence for a moment. Why did they seem so familiar to one another? Time seemed to stand still for a moment.
"Nora?" the man questioned as he stared at her a moment. Nora's eyes were also wide, as his face quickly became familiar.
"Bard?" she asked. Her stare resembled his own. The two continued to look at each other. Neither were sure if they believed what their eyes showed them. It had been many, many years and both had aged, still, despite the grey hairs, there was familiarity between the two people. They remained frozen for a moment.
"I thought the orcs had killed you." he whispered.
"No." Nora shook her head. "I got lost in the forest. I ended up on the west side. I didn't know how to get home." Silence again filled the space between the two. More questions arose. Slowly, Bard's hand lifted and motioned her to him. Nora was hesitant at first. A side of her still wondered if she was looking at a spirit of the past. But those thoughts melted away as the brother and sister tenderly met in a hug.
"I thought you dead." Bard again said as they embraced. His lips gently kissed the side of her head as he held her to him. She was there. She was really there. She was not a figment or a vision. She was real. Tears began to form in Nora's eyes as her heart began to swell with joy.
"I thought the same of you." her voice cracked. For sixteen years, they had needlessly mourned the other? Where had he been that day she tried to returned? How...? She went to ask him more questions but the sweetness of their reunion, however was short lived. Two orcs advanced towards the them.
"Stay behind me." Bard ordered as he stepped in front of her. He raised his sword ready to attack the first orc, "I will protect you." However, Nora had already lifted her ax and was fighting against the orc.
"Maybe I'll protect you." she grunted as her ax blocked an attack. The brown haired man stood there stunned for a short moment before another orc ran towards him and his sister. Quickly he lifted his sword and joined in the battle. They had just been reunited, neither was willing to lose the other again.
"You've changed sister." Bard acknowledged surprised by his sister's actions. There was a confidence about her that there hadn't been before. "I don't remember teaching you to fight with an ax."
"You didn't." Nora stated as the orc she had fought fell to the ground. "My husband did." She turned back to her brother, a small, sassy smile on her face.
"You've married?" Bard questioned, his eye brow raised. He hadn't expected her to marry. Of course, he hadn't expected to see her alive, and here after all these years.
"I have." she nodded. "To a wonderful man." It was then they heard a loud roar. Both turned to see the large bear, clawing and biting his way through crowd of orcs. Beorn let out a huff as his eye caught Nora's. She gave him a small nod before he continued to kill the many orcs before him. Nora had seen him fight many times before, he was always fierce when he fought against his enemies. However, there was something different about this battle. She noticed a great determination in him. Instinctively, she placed her hand on her stomach. Their child, their home, their freedom, there was so much more at risk than there had been before. "My husband is magnificent, isn't he?"
"The bear?"Bard questioned as he looked back to his sister, slightly confused.
"Yes."
"I thought you said he was a man?" Bard asked, slightly worried his sister's time in the forest had caused some form of mental illness. Surely she wasn't married to the bear.
"He is." Nora confirmed as she turned back to her brother. "Beorn is a skin changer. He can transform from man to bear at will." Her brother nodded. It was then they noticed more orcs were entering Dale.
"Come," Bard held out his hand for hers. Nora looked from his hand up to his eyes. She fully expected him to tell her to he'd protect her. "fight with me. Once this war is won, tell me everything." Nora's eyes widened and a smile again appeared on her lips.
"I thought you'd never ask." she told him as her hand took his. So much had changed yet their friendship had remained. The years may have passed but that didn't weaken the bond they h shared. The two fought hard against the orcs for a long while. Still more orcs came and neither were sure it was a battle they could really win. They continued to fight until they heard a small voice.
"Da!" Bard turned and saw Sigrid, Tilda and Bain close by. The hoard of orcs had seemed to die down for a moment and the man made his way towards his children. He took a few steps before he turned back to his sister.
"Come, meet my children." he said to her. Nora's eyes brightened as she followed her brother to two girls and a boy that had been looking for their father. Nora noticed their features almost immediately. She could see hints of their mother but Bard's strong bone structure was there as well. Nora's eyes then caught sight of the oldest girl. She looked to be a little over 16, maybe 17. She had Heidi's gold hair but looked so much like Bard.
"Sigrid?" Nora asked. "You've grown so much." The young, blonde woman nodded before she looked back to her father confused.
"Da, who is...?" she began to ask when Bard's face broke into a large smile.
"This is Nora," he introduced the woman next to him. "She's the sister I thought the orcs had killed several years ago. You were only a babe when she disappeared." Sigrid nodded but looked back to her aunt. She had heard of Nora but obviously had never expected to meet her.
"Two new ones?" Nora questioned as she looked between the young girl and boy.
"Aye." Bard answered and he beamed proudly at his children. He couldn't describe how pleased he was for them to meet Nora. "Bain and Tilda." Nora nodded as she continued to look between the three children. Another awkward silence filled the air. She honestly didn't know what to saw to her nieces and nephew. She had been so worried about Heidi and Sigrid being on their own. It was clearly something she had worried about needlessley.
"Come." Bard suddenly said as his grip tightened on his sword. The battle continued on for a while longer but the corpses of orcs pilled up and the battle was won.
"Your children are lovely." Nora commented as they rested on the steps. The people of Laketown began to gather around Bard while other's looked for lost loved ones who had been caught up in the battle. "They are so much like you." A smile formed on Bard's lips, he couldn't have been prouder of his children.
"Heidi raised them well, while she was still alive." he commented. Pain of loss still filled his heart but guilt seemed to die down, since learning his sister was still alive. Heidi had died of illness, something he could not control. He had believed Nora's death was his doing, something he could not forgive himself for. Now that he knew that wasn't true, he felt a weight had been lifted.
"My own child won't be a while more." Nora then commented, her hand and eyes looked down towards her stomach. A pit formed as a dull pain filled her. She wouldn't know for a few days, possibly even weeks if she was still pregnant. The fall could have easily taken hers and Beorn's child from them.
"You're with child?" Bard asked, snapping her out of her thoughts. He had seen the way she held her stomach earlier and it reminded him much of when Heidi carried their children. "And I thought you didn't want to have children."
"So many things changed since then. I never thought I'd marry much-less have children. That didn't change when I first came to live in Beorn's house. After sixteen years of being unable to conceive," Nora began, "and one miscarriage, we may finally have a child."
"Sixteen years?" Bard questioned. He could see a deep pain in her eyes. It wasn't a topic she brought up often but she had felt she could be open with Bard. "You've been trying for a baby that long?" She simply nodded and the two continued to talk.
...
Meanwhile, Beorn's eyes scanned the city for Nora. They were to meet in Dale once the battle was over, yet he could not find her. His eyes quickly glanced down at the dead before he shook his head. The orcs had not taken her from him. She was alive, she had to be. If she bled, he would smell her blood among those who had fallen. He continued to walk until he came to the steps of the city's great hall. there many people had gathered. He could smell many different scents but there was only one he cared for and soon, he found his wife speaking with a dark, brown haired man.
"Nora?" a familiar gruff voice called. Quickly, she turned and there Beorn stood. Bard watched as his sister's eyes brightened. She stood and ran over to the tall, grizzly man. Bard watched as the two tightly embraced and soon their lips met in a kiss.
"Are you alright?" Beorn questioned once their kiss had ended. "You fell from quite a height."
"I'm fine." Nora whispered glad to be back in her husband's arm. "Are you...?"
'"Fine." Beorn quickly answered, he held her tighter to him. A flood of relief washed over the tall man. His wife was fine, their home would still be in one piece and neither would be destroyed by Azog. They remained quiet and content in the others arms a moment more, before Nora spoke.
"The child..what if we've lost it from the fall?" she questioned. Concern and worry filled her voice.
"You not bleeding." the great man commented. If she was bleeding, he'd smell it. He couldn't sense any distress coming from her womb.
"I wouldn't necessarily bleed right after the fall." Nora commented. "It could take days or weeks for the child to miscarry."
"Do not worry about that." he whispered. His arms gently enfolded her once again. "We will know soon enough, if our child is to be. For now, I simply want you." Nora simply leaned into him. His words and warmth gave her much comfort. It was then, Beorn began to notice the looks he was getting from the people of Laketown. Looks of curiosity and unease.
"People you know?" Beorn growled as his eyes met Bard's. While Nora seemed somewhat comfortable to be back around the people of Laketown, Beorn was still the same. His mistrust of people came through before he looked backed down to his wife. He'd rather they find a quiet nook somewhere to speak and be alone.
"Sort of." she replied. "Do you remember the brother we believed had died many years ago?"
"Yes."
"He isn't dead. He's over there. I found my brother." Beorn's eyes widened at her words before he looked back to the dark haired man. That was why she seemed so comfortable with him. "Come, I want you to meet him."
"Beorn, this is Bard." Nora introduced her husband to her brother. The two men exchanged a hand shake but they both seemed more interested in looking the other over for now. Beorn was different than Bard had expected. Nora failed to mention how tall and touch looking her husband was. Still, it was obvious he could protect her if needed. Bard went to speak when one of the village men approached and whispered something in his ear.
"I must attend to the wounded," Bard began as more people began to surround him. He turned back to Nora, "You will stay? There are still many things I wish to know." She nodded and soon Bard was gone.
Beorn and Nora walked the streets of Dale until they managed to find an empty, private nook, just as they preferred. Once he found it was unlikely to be disturbed, his lips met hers in heated passionate kiss. Their clothing was peeled from their bodies and despite all the misery that was outside, they made love.
"How long until we feel the child move?" Beorn questioned. They had found a few blankets in their room and they rested covered on the floor. His hand laid softly on Nora's small bump, while they remained in their small room.
"I'm not sure." Nora answered as her hand rested gently on top of his. "Soon, I hope. I don't know exactly how far along I am but it's further than the pregnancy we lost." Beorn nodded, he could sense her body was changing, adapting to the child that grew within her. Their child was not lost, as Nora feared. He was sure of that.
"Can you sense what the child will be? Is it a son or daughter?" Nora asked. His heart jumped slightly but he shook his head.
"I can sense many things, that however, is not one of them." he answered. His fingers slightly massaged her stomach. He had hoped he could encourage the child to move into a postion where they could feel it. That however did not happen. They remained in their shelter a few hours before they emerged from the comforts of privacy.
Many lives had been lost. They learned that Thorin, Fili and Kili had been among those dead from Gandalf. The smell of death and the beginning of decay had filled the air. They spoke to Radagast, who then congratulated them on their unborn child. He even gave Nora a small potion, to help give her and the growing child more strength. Both she and Beorn thanked him for it. They would be glad for anything that helped their babe grow.
While Beorn spoke with Radagast and Gandalf, Nora and Bard continued to make up for lost time. Each getting to know what the other had been up to for the last 16 years. Bard told Nora of how Heidi had died of illness. While Nora told Bard of the little farm life that awaited her back in the Wilderland.
"It's a wonderful place, brother." she said, "The beauty of the meadow is breathtaking. Many of the animals can walk upright and serve food. Beorn is a kind and generous husband. You should come visit us." The man smiled as he listened to his sister's enthusiasm. She was so happy, he could tell this. It was a happiness he hadn't seen in her eyes long before she disappeared.
"You and Beorn are welcome to stay here." Bard urged Nora. The winter season was almost upon them. Soon it would not be desirable weather to travel. He found he also feared the idea of her bringing her child into the world in the Wilderlund. "It may not look it but here is room. We can accommodate you both, well all three of you." Before he nodded to her womb. Nora remained silent as she thought of his proposal. A soft smile came to her lips but she shook her head slightly.
"I love you Bard." Nora told him before her hand lifted up to his cheek. "I am so glad to know that you still live but I love my husband. I go where he goes. When he returns to our home in the Wilderlund, so will I."
"We've only just reunited." her brother said, surely they wouldn't leave so soon. "Surely you will stay a few days. "
"I believe so." Nora nodded. She and Beorn had discussed attending Thorin's funeral. They would then head back to their house with Gandalf and Bilbo, who planned the spend the Yule season with them. She and Bard still had time. They sat quiet in the moment before she spoke again. "He tried to bring me back to Laketown, you know."
"Pardon?" Bard questioned
"Beorn, he tried to bring me back to Laketown." she repeated. "He wanted to bring me back to you. For a long while, he didn't believe I belonged in the Wilderlund. But when we arrived on the bank of the lake, a man with your barge tried to rape me. I know how protective you were of that boat, so I assumed the orcs had killed you." Bard thought a moment as his memories turned back. He asked her what date it had been and slowly he remembered where he had been that day.
"I was taken very ill for some time." her brother told her. "I was in bed, having difficulty breathing. It was several days before he could climb out of bed. It must have happened then."
"Aunt Nora," Tilda, Bard's youngest, questioned as she and Sigird approached their father and aunt. Nora nodded, a smile formed from being called 'aunt'. "We were wondering if you would join us in preparing some soup."
"Of course." Nora responded, a twinkle came to her eye. The request was simple but she was glad her nieces wanted to spend time with her. She turned to her brother and simply said 'bye' before she was off with his girls.
Bard found his lips spreading into a smile as the three girls, he found most important, interacted. He never thought this was scene he would witness. He watched them for a few minutes before a tall figure stood next to him. Bard looked to Beorn a moment and greeted him with a nod. Beorn returned the nod before the two men turned back to the trio of girls.
"It seems my wife has taken quite a liking to your daughters." Beorn commented as Nora helped the two girls with their soup. Bard nodded.
"A year has passed since their mother died." He replied. "The girls have needed a maternal figure in their life. I'm glad Nora can help with that a bit."
"She has spoken of you often these passed sixteen years. It gives her great pleasure to know you are alive and see the family she didn't know she had." The tall man then turned to the smaller one. Bard nodded in agreement. He found much happiness, knowing his sister was alive and at the news of her child.
"Will she be safe to give birth out in the Wilderland?" Bard asked Beorn. "From what Nora has said, it does not sound like there are any midwives to assist with the birth. I fear for her and the child's well-being." Beorn was quiet a moment. He had thought of that since the battle had ended. Nora seemed confident that she could deliver their child herself, still that seemed unwise. He had wondered if she would be better staying with her brother until the birth of their child. However, he knew his wife well enough to know that would never happen.
"I will find a midwife for her." Beorn replied. "She will not be left to birth on her own." Bard looked up to the tall man a moment before he nodded. The two men silently watched as Nora interacted with her nieces. Great happiness could be seen between the three females as she talked, joked and laughed. Smiles rested on their lips before Bard began to speak once again.
"I must say, I've never seen Nora so happy." Bard commented after a few minutes. "For that I must thank you. She speaks very highly of you and you seem to be a reasonable man. Still, I can't help but wonder if the Wilderlund is truly the best place for her."
"She is safe with me." Beorn interrupted. "Should she wish to remain here, I will not stop her. However, I expect the same from you, should she choose to leave with me, after the funeral." Bard let out a small chuckle, while the grizzly man's eyes darted down towards him.
"Well, this is Nora we speak of," the smaller of the two man said, "I think she'll do what she pleases regardless of if we approve or not." It took a moment but Beorn's lips also spread in a smile as he let out a loud mighty laugh.
"That is very true." the grizzly man agreed.
"There is one thing I would ask of you, in regards to Nora and your child." Bard began, hoping he was overstepping his boundaries. "Do you best to not let her give birth in the woods on her own. It seems we both know she will try to birth this child without help." Beorn again become silent. It was a thought that had entered his mind as well.
"The bear in me will sense when the child's time to enter this world has come." the bearlike man spoke after a few minutes, "I assure you. She will not be alone. I love her dearly. I've told her sevearl times I would be childless before losing her." Bard furrowed his brows for a moment before he looked up at the gigantic man.
"You would choose Nora over your unborn child?" he questioned. He could tell there was a love between his sister and her husband. He hadn't realized how strongly his brother-in-law felt towards her.
"Hopefully I won't have to." Beorn commented as Nora began to make her way over to the men. Supper was ready and she found she could not wait to share a meal with the whole family.
"I'm not sure I like the two of you speaking together." Nora smiled as she approached the two men. "It feels like you're conspiring against me." Smirks formed on the two men's faces. It was like she could tell what they spoke of.
"Me conspire against you." Bard joked, "never." The three chuckled and soon were all sitting and speaking as they ate their supper.
..
Darkness filled the air and nighttime was upon Dale. Nora and Beorn returned to the little private nook they had found. His large arms enfolded around her while she rested peacefully against his chest.
"So, how do you like Bard?" Nora asked as her fingers laced with her husband's.
"He is a good man." Beorn replied as his head rested on top of hers. His thoughts drifted to his conversation with Bard. Here in Dale she would have a midwife and could recieve maternal care. "Perhaps it would be better for you to remain here until after the child is born. You know I will not stop you from staying if that is your desire."
"That's what you two spoke of?" Nora realized as she began to digest what Beorn had said. She sat up. "I belong with you, in our house with all our animals. I can give birth to our child just fine on my own. Remember I trained as a midwife."
"I know but it is different when it's your own child." Beorn commented. "Perhaps it is best if you remain here with your brother..."
"While I appreciate you both worrying over me, I shall be fine." Nora insisted. "Women give birth every day, it is not something we need to stress over."
"Women die in childbirth every day." Beorn replied. "I would not be able to forgive myself if I denied you a midwife's care, should anything go wrong."
"You deny me nothing. I can catch my own child and take care of any complications that arise on my own."
"Still it seems unwise."
"I will be fine. Trust that I know my body and the process well enough to take care of myself."
"I do trust you. I only want what will keep you and this child alive." Beorn urged. He did not wish to part from her but he could not simply stay. The animals still relied on him. The journey between Dale and their home would be long one.
"I promise we will both be fine. There are still many preparations we need to make before the child comes. There's so much to do." Nora changed the subject slightly. The child would need clothing, a place to sleep, toys, a somewhat cleaner house. Yes, it was better for her to return home with Beorn now. There was too much work that needed to be done. Plus the thought of spending so much time away from him seemed unbearable. There was nothing she wanted more than to be at his side.
Beorn nodded. There were some things he wished to do in this time of preperations. However, he kept these thoughts to himself. He was then distracted from his thoughts when his mate placed her lips on his. He quickly returned the kiss, his arms tightened around her slightly.
"We'll both be fine." Nora whispered to him as she gently cupped his cheek in her hand. "That I promise you."
...
After the funeral of Thorin, Fili and Kili finsihed Nora, Beorn, Bilbo, Gandalf and Radagast made their way around the northern part of Mirkwood forest. It was a long journey but joy and merriment filled the air. While they were saddened at the news of the dwarves who had spent a little time in their home, neither could deny they were glad Azog and Bolg were dead. Still, Nora's thoughts turned to Bard, his children and their tearful goodbye.
"You will come to visit?" Nora questioned Bard. "Once the child has come. I would love for you to see everything, my home."
"I will try." Bard agreed with a slight nod. He then embraced her, not wishing to tell her goodbye. "Promise me you'll be safe. Don't do anything reckless."
"Of course. I'll be a mother soon. I can't afford to be reckless anymore. That and I live in the Wilderlund." she answered as a small tear began to fall from her eye. How she wished he could just come with her. However, she knew that would never happen. He had much responsiblity when it came to the people of Laketown. He would not forsaken them. "Take care, we will see each other again."
Nora was then brought out of her thoughts when she heard her husband call her name.
"I'm sorry my love, what did you ask?" Nora questioned turning back to him.
"Do you need a horse?" Beorn repeated. "There is a great distance between here and our home. I'm unsure you should walk such a distance in your condition."
"My condition?" Nora raised an eyebrown. "I'm fine to walk." With that she turned on her heels and walked ahead of the group. She could take care of herself perfectly. Meanwhile Beorn let out a sigh at Nora's streak of independence. He had not meant to offend her.
"Are all pregnant women this stubborn?" Beorn found himself asking Bilbo, Gandalf and Radagast. How pointless that seemed. They were a trio of bachelors and none of them had, had much experience with pregnant women. The three men shrugged while Bilbo mumbled some inaudable response.
The group of five continued on their journey. Nora wasn't too far ahead of the group. A smile formed on her lips when she heard the group of men behind her begin to sing. Her thoughts turned back to the day Beorn danced with her for the first time. She let out a soft chuckle at the memories while her hand gently rested on her stomach.
She walked a few more steps before she felt a small twinge in her stomach. She inhaled sharply and her hand extened back towards her husband.
"Beorn, BEORN!" she cried out. The tall man panicked slightly at her distressed call. He couldn't smell any blood but her great fall suddenly became embeded in his mind. While losing the child was not what he wanted, the outskirts of Mirkwood was a less than ideal place for the miscarriage to begin. Beorn took her hand as he reached her. His eyes wide with concern. Nora quickly placed their hands over her womb. "The child moves!"
Beorn's eyes darted towards her stomach and he remained silent. Suddenly he felt a small flutter against his hand. Nora's smile could not have extended wider as she watched her husband's reaction. Beorn's eyes raised to her own as he returned the happy grin. A loud laugh erupted from his lips followed by her own.
Much happiness filled the two lovers and the two shared a small kiss. Soon the child's movements stopped. Beorn placed his arm around Nora and the two began to speak and plan for their child. They continued their jounrney home.
...
The time passed and soon winter turned back to spring. The time spent with Gandalf and Bilbo in their home had been a happy and joyful time. Once the snow melted, however, they continued their journey to the Shire.
Beorn and Nora began to welcome more and more people onto their land and soon a small circled village surrounded their home. Beorn acted of Chief as he continued to patorl the lands for danger. However, the Wilderlund was much safer after the death of Azog and Bolg. Beorn also spent much of his time in the backyard of their home doing woodwork.
Nora continued her care of the animals and household. She also spent much of her time in the rocking chair crocheting or sewing clothing, blankets and other needs for their child. Anders made it a point never to leave her side for a moment. He hadn't liked how long she had been gone. She rocked back and forth, crocheting a small toy when Beorn returned home from one of his patrols. The potbellied pig slept happily next to her as the tall man walked over to the steps. They greeted one another with a joyful smile and a gentle kiss.
Their bond became stronger through the winter months and as they prepared for their child. Nora didn't realize her love for him could grow as much as it had. Yet it had. Bliss had filled these last few months for the two people. Both had complete faith that their child was healthy and growing well within her.
The evening had approached and small fires had cracked in the background from the village. The sun's orange rays were slowly cooling as it set in the west.
"Soon out our own child will be able to enjoy these sunsets." Nora commented as her hand rested on her stomach, swollen greatly with child. "Only a couple more months, I believe."
"How are you feeling?" her husband questioned noticing her gesture.
"Tired but happy." she answered, a gentle smile rested on her lips. Beorn nodded, she looked tired but very content. There was a scerene feeling between them, everything was peaceful and secure. He went to speak when he sensed something approach their home. The scent was strangely familiar. He took a few steps away from the house, not believing what he was smelling.
"What is it?" Nora questioned. She stood from the chair and made her way down the stairs to him.
"Beorn?" a woman's silky voice seemed to say. Nora turned to where Beorn's eyes widened slightly at the woman before them. There, in front of their house stood a small group of skin changers.
...
~Author's Note~
Hi everyone! I'm back and man this chapter took forever to write. I wanted to see the extended edition of the last Hobbit movie before I released it but there weren't many Beorn scenes. It made me so sad that they've cut him out so much. I've also been having a really rough year with a death in the family and school but anyway, thanks for being so patient. I promise I will finish this story! Thanks to everyone who is following and favoring my story. A special thanks to everyone who reviewed:
PureAngelEyes: Thanks so much for the review! I'm so sorry it took forever to update. I hope you liked it though. :)
XxxMadameMysteryxxX: Thank you for your review! I hope you've enjoyed the chapter! Thanks again! :)
MrsPhantomSylvia: Thanks for the review! I hope this update made you happy too. :)
KHandFF7fanforever: Thank you for your review! I know it would be so awesome to ride an eagle. I hope you've enjoyed this chapter! :)
partygirl98: Thanks for your review! I hope this chapter brought a smile to your face! :)
Scout out: Thank you for the review! I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well. :)
Guest: Thanks for your review! I hope you enjoyed reading more of my story. :)
Mariana Lestrange: Thank you for your review! I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter and hope you enjoyed this one as well. :)
Guest: Thanks for your review. I'm glad you enjoyed it so much and hope you enjoyed this chapter as well. :)
jesskalynn4: Thank you for your review! I agree, Beorn deserves love. He's one of my favorite characters. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. :)
tbonegirl28: Thanks for your review. I promise I will finish this story. Hopefully I won't take so long to update it. i hope you enjoyed this chapter. :)
Guest: Thanks for your review. I hope you enjoyed the update and will continue to love my story. :)
jessica: Thanks for your review! I'm so glad you enjoy my story. I hope you enjoyed this new chapter. :)
DefenestratedCountess: Thank you for your review! I agree there needs to be more Beorn stories. I hope you enjoyed this update. :)
Stardust67: Thank you for you compliments. I appreciate your kind words and hope that you enjoyed this chapter. :)
Cionnfhaoladh: Thanks for the review! I hope you enjoyed this update! :)
Marie: Thank you for your review! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! :)
adelphe24: Thank you for all the reviews! I finally did update. I hope you enjoyed this new chapter! :)
angel897: Thanks for your review! I'm so glad you like it and I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
I think that's everyone. Thanks again for your patience! I am determined to finish this story! Thanks for all the support and reviews! I will update asap. Thanks again! ~ Lin