Chapter 11: Beorn

Kira knocked at the large door.

Nothing happened.

"You don't suppose he heard that, do you?" Kira asked Bilbo. They could hardly reached the door handle, after all.

"Maybe we should try knocking harder," Bilbo answered. He rapped his small fist at the door as loud as he could. Still nothing. "Perhaps he's out?"

"Shurryk! Rou Shurryk!" Kira yelled at the door. Bilbo jumped and gave her a bewildered look.

"What on Earth are you doing?!" he cried. It sounded like animalistic growling to him. Before Kira could answer him though, the door opened.

A massive man with a long bushy black beard opened the door. He was so tall that even if Kira had stood on Bilbo's shoulders they wouldn't have reached his shoulder. Beorn scanned the borders of his fence. He nearly didn't notice the nomad and hobbit at his feet. Once he did, he was too surprised to say anything at first.

Kira was grinning with excitement as she greeted the legendary man before her. "Rou shurryk, yom mer wlshuy bo chom rrerrl," she said with a curtsey. Bilbo hastily bowed.

A hesitant smile broke over Beorn's face. "So long has it been since I've heard anyone speak ul-shrruki to me. Rri grrar rou sherruka! Che na-skowa bi rou rrl."

He swept her up into a big hug. Her whole head disappeared into his beard for a moment until he set her back down. Bilbo was at a loss for words.

"I will treasure this moment as long as I live," Kira said still grinning from ear to ear.

"As will I, my child," Beorn responded. He glanced at Bilbo and his dumbfounded look. "What brings you here?"

"It is a long story, rou shurryk, one that I am happy to tell you." Kira told Beorn everything, from leaving the forest, to the elves, to the goblins, to the wargs and goblins, and finally the eagles. Beorn listened thoughtfully. He was especially intrigued at how they'd escaped the goblins. He hated goblins after all: they were like a sickness spreading in the mountains.

"How did you escape those wretched creatures? I have never known them to be merciful," he asked with skepticism.

"That was largely due to the help of our dear friend, Gandalf the Grey. He mentioned that you might know his cousin, Radagast?"

"Ah, yes. He is a decent fellow as far as wizards go. I used to see him quite often. Where is your wizard? Did he survive the attack?"

"He did. He didn't want to intrude in case you were otherwise occupied. Bilbo, can you go fetch him?" Bilbo was all too happy to fetch Gandalf. He gave a slight bow before scuttling off.

Beorn watched him leave. "Are you sure he is a relative of yours?" he asked Kira.

"He is, though distantly," she responded.

"I suppose it would make sense. I've never seen sherruki so short, unless my memory is failing," Beorn reasoned. "In fact, I haven't seen any for nearly a hundred years, now that I think of it."

"I wouldn't know about anyone in your lands, I'm afraid. I'm from the West, as is Bilbo. He is from the hills and I am from the forest just to the South, by the sea," she replied.

"Then it all makes sense, rou sherruka. You are all welcomed here, of course, for as long as you would like. How many of you kin have you brought with you?"

Kira hesitated for a moment before answering. "I have brought my adopted family with me, rou shurryk. We are sixteen in total, including Gandalf."

"Sixteen?" Beorn asked with a tinge of surprise. Kira didn't have to be asked to explain.

"I have not told you why I left the forest yet, since it is difficult for me to talk about." She took a deep breath. "My mother went mad and abandoned me. I left to find a new family that I could better serve and protect. I found my adopted family at dear Bilbo's house. We are on our way to reclaim their home." Kira had cast her eyes to the ground with shame. She could never lie to Beorn, and she was truly ashamed for what she had done. "I am sorry, rou shurryk, for leaving my mother. I am unworthy of your love." She closed her eyes and waited for any punishment he deemed necessary to give.

"Stand up straight, child," Beorn growled in an authoritative voice. "You should feel guilty, but not more so than your mother should. No child should ever be abandoned."

"It is not her fault," Kira pleaded. "She sees things… she is ill."

"Regardless, you have my care, as your mother is unfit," he replied. Beorn gathered her up in another hug, this one purely out of compassion. Kira burrowed her face into his broad shoulder, like a small child would do to their parent. The thick wool of his tunic scratched her chin as she did so. He set her down once more. "Now go collect your adopted family. You must all be very hungry."

With a meek smile, Kira gave another curtsey and ran off to fetch the dwarves. She passed Bilbo and Gandalf as they headed in to meet Beorn. She did not stop, but waved as she flew past them.

"Thorin, Fili, Kili, Ori, Dwalin, and Bofur first!" Kira shouted breathlessly. "Nori, Bifur, Balin, Dori, Oin, Gloin, and Bombur after!" She had ordered them based on their manners and how well (as far as she knew) they liked her.

"You're back!" Fili exclaimed.

"It worked? Your plan worked?" Thorin asked her, a look of relief had spread across his face.

Their faces all lit up. It appeared that everything had gone well. Finally, they would get to eat!

"Perfectly," she replied, very proud of herself. "I told you he was my guardian. I've introduced you all as my adopted family, so please be courteous and act like you like me."

"Right now especially, lassie, we don't have to act," Balin said with approval. They all nodded. Knowing that food was waiting for them did wonders for everyone's moods.

"Thank you," Kira said, "Now all in order, as I said." She grabbed Thorin and Fili and pulled them toward the house. "You two need to be first." She let go of their hands but led them on to the house with a spring in her step.

Neither of them had ever seen her so excited; it was a little intimidating. She was still leading them along, talking the whole time. The dwarves gave each other a concerned look.

"He is absolutely amazing! Bigger than in the stories! He must be at least three times taller than me and he has the most amazing beard. So soft! I think you'll like him, since he is from the mountains and hates goblins, and you all are from a mountain and hate goblins. He picked me up and gave me a big hug, and dwarves are huggers, right? He is like a big version of you dwarves. I think that is part of what makes him so wonderful. I hope we get to see him as a bear while we are here. He must be a fierce warrior, indeed. This is just so wonderful! I-"

"Kira, stop," Thorin interrupted in exasperation, which stopped her in her tracks. "Now breathe." Her babbling was very unbecoming.

She took a few deep breaths and calmed herself down. "Sorry," she said at last.

"It's fine, love," Fili said with a smile. "We've just never seen you so excited before."

"I'm so sorry, it won't happen again," she said. She was thoroughly embarrassed now. She normally had such good self-control.

Thorin put a hand on her shoulder and gave her a sympathetic look. "Just don't forget you've only just met this Beorn," he said. "Don't be so quick to give him your trust lest he prove to not be worthy of it." With a small squeeze, he let go of her shoulder and let her lead them on in silence.

Thorin and Fili followed after her, Fili slightly ahead of his uncle. He took her hand and squeezed it gently as they passed through the open door.

Kira let go of Fili's hand and led the two dwarves to the center of the hall. Beorn was sitting in a large chair next to Bilbo and Gandalf who were sitting on a bench next to his left. Kira perked up when she saw how casually they were all sitting together. She made a curtsey and turned to Thorin and Fili.

"Rou shurryk, these are masters Thorin, son of Thrain and his sister's sons, Fili and…" She trotted over to Kili, who was waiting outside the door, and beckoned him in. "his younger brother, Kili."

The three dwarves bowed and each said, "At your service!"

Beorn nodded. "I don't need any service of yours. Please come and sit." The animals of the household had arranged several lower benches that were easier for his small guests to reach. The three heirs of Durin took their seats. Kira went about introduced the rest of the company in a similar fashion, though Beorn started stopping them short of pledging their service.

"Any guardians of rou sherruka are welcomed in my house without pledging any service. Please eat and relax. You are safe within my borders," he said.

"We deeply appreciate your hospitality, nonetheless," said Thorin.

Beorn did not respond. He simply called to the animals in ul-shrruki, which sounded like growling to everyone else, and went about setting a fire in the pit at the center of the hall. Sheep, rams, and an assortment of other animals brought in large flagons of mead, dozens of loaves of bread, honey, cream, plates, and bowls. It was a lot of food, even if it wasn't what the company normally ate. They were thankful to have an opportunity to relax.

Everyone chatted amongst themselves, some about what they would do with their share of the treasure, others about home. Kira was listening to Beorn tell stories about his younger days and of his family. The was the most she'd felt at home since leaving the forest and she was deeply enjoying it.

Fili spent the evening sitting by and watching Kira and Beorn. He couldn't help but feel jealous over how close she was to Beorn when they had only just met. He knew it was a nomad-thing, but they had pet names for each other and everything, which according to Fili was cause enough for concern. He felt better keeping an eye on them and keeping close by.

Beorn did not appreciate the way that dwarf looked at him, but he tolerated it since Kira didn't seem to notice. "So, my child, did you kill many goblins in your escape from the mountain?" he asked her.

"I did manage to kill a few," Kira replied, "Though I haven't had the opportunity to properly honor it yet."

"We should fix that," Beorn said with a smirk. "Come child, the night is young yet, and I know of a more private area nearby. We can build a fire there without being seen. Did you collect a piece of your kill?"

"I did," Kira pulled the bundle from her tunic. She was excited to finally be able to burn it; it had begun to smell even through the cloth wrapper. She handed it to Beorn.

"Follow me," Beorn took one more drink from his giant flagon of mead before heading to the door. Kira hopped up to follow and Fili followed right after her.

"You don't have to come if you would rather stay in the warmth," Kira told him quietly.

"I swore to protect you, Kira," Fili replied trying his best to cover the anger boiling within him. He nearly lost it at the mention of Beorn taking her to a secluded area alone. "I would follow you anywhere."

"Okay," she said with a smile. She took his hand and followed after Beorn. Beorn lead them to a nearby thicket of trees with a small clearing at the center. There was a ring of stones in the clearing, a perfect place for a fire. Beorn piled a few logs and tinder in the stone circle and quickly had a small fire started. He added the goblin hand to the flames once the logs had begun to crack.

Kira had gone behind a tree and peeled off her belt, tunic, and shirt. She felt a chill down her spine. She shivered as she wrapped her long discolored shirt around her chest and tied her belt around the small of her waist. This left her shoulders and upper back exposed while still covering her breasts completely. She folded up her tunic and returned to where Fili was standing by the fire next to Beorn. Fili had been keeping an eye on the tree she was changing behind.

Beorn poked at the fire with a long stick. It would be a while before it burnt down. Kira shivered in silence.

"Would you like my coat, Kira?" Fili asked. Her shivering concerned him.

"No, you'll be as cold if I take it," she responded.

"I have blankets inside," said Beorn. He growled to the trees. A sheep came forth and baa-ed. "Show the dwarf to the blankets," he said for Fili and Kira's benefit. He had already communicated this to the sheep.

Fili did not like leaving her there, but he followed the sheep anyway and planned to rush back as quickly as he could.

"I don't like how he looks at you," Beorn said as soon as Fili had left the thicket. "It's unsettling."

"He's been nothing but kind," Kira said softly. "I owe him my life, too." She was referring to the incident in the mountain pass; she was still under the impression that it was Fili who had saved her from hypothermia.

"That does not give him the right to look at you like he owns you," he responded sternly.

"I think that's how dwarves show they care," Kira reasoned. "They speak of their homeland like a possession, too."

"Rou sherruka, I don't want to see you imprisoned by a dwarf's greed. Caged birds don't sing or fly."

"Do not worry, shurryk, if he wants me, he will have to take me as I am. He has so far, I think."

Beorn grew quiet. It saddened him to hear her talk so naively like this. He felt like a parent who was forced to see his child leave willingly with unsavory characters. He had an ancient responsibility to her, though. He would not let her be harmed.

"You will always have a home here, my child," Beorn said at last. "Promise me you will come back here at the first sign that you are no longer happy staying with the dwarves."

"I promise," she said with a soft pat on his large arm. They watch the goblin hand as it popped and burned in the fire. It was getting close.

By this time, Fili has returned with the blanket. He had actually run from the house, but he stopped short of the trees and walked the rest of the way. He didn't want to seem too eager in front of Beorn. He went up to Kira and wrapped the blanket around her shoulders.

"Thank you, Fili," she said. "We'll be starting soon, I promise."

Fili nodded and left his arms around her and the blanket. They continued to watch the fire burn down.

Suddenly, Beorn fell over onto all fours with low grunt. The massive man tore his tunic off as fur sprouted through his skin, quickly covering the scars on his exposed back. Fili pulled Kira back behind him and drew one of his swords. Beorn continued to grow in size, fur still sprouting up as his skull bulged about, steadily becoming more like a bear. The whole process looked so painful, but Beorn made no sign to confirm or deny this.

"Fili, it's okay," Kira grabbed his arm that was holding the sword. "This is what he is. He isn't going to hurt us."

Fili did not sheath his sword nor did he answer Kira in any way. His eyes were locked on the massive bear before them. The bear growled and let out a laugh that sounded like barking mixed with wheezing. Fili stood his ground.

"See? He is fully in control. Stop being rude and let him carry on with the ceremony." Kira had pushed past the dwarf and placed a hand on the bear's massive head. Beorn nuzzled against her hand in response.

Fili begrudgingly replaced his sword into the double-scabbard on his back. He was still not convinced that this was safe. "And what exactly is his role, then?" he asked Kira.

"Well," she said, her hand still on Beorn's furry head. "He is going to carve the design into my back, press the ash into it, transform back into a man, and wrap the wound." She gave Fili a hard look. He looked like he was ready to lunge at Beorn at any moment, which was not helping the bear's opinion of him. "You don't have to watch," she added.

"Don't worry," Fili said without changing his expression. "I won't interrupt s'long as that's what you want." He crossed his arms and stood off to the side, giving Kira and Beorn plenty of space.

"No, Fili. Please sit next to me. It will be painful at first and I'll need your hand." Kira kneeled by the fading fire and held out her hand. Fili took it and knelt beside her. She slid the blanket off with her other hand and gave it to him. Her back was exposed to Beorn once more.

Fili gritted his teeth as he watched Kira wince with each slice into her shoulder blade. Though Beorn proved to have a certain finesse with his sharp claws, Fili did not let his guard down, not even after Beorn had transformed back into a man and had bandaged Kira's shoulder.

"What do you think?" Kira asked. It was very late now, and everyone had fallen asleep in Beorn's house, except for their host who had gone out to patrol the perimeter of his lands. Kira was far too excited to sleep, and Fili was still wired from the adrenaline of earlier that night. This left the pair awake, sitting on the edge of the porch. Kira had redressed hours ago, but she was constantly touching her shoulder blade, as if to keep reminding herself that she was officially a warrior.

"I think it will heal nicely, love," Fili said with a smile. He had been thinking about everything that had happened that day. Seeing her so happy with someone else had brought out a side of him that he'd never experienced before.

"Thank you, Fili, for being there for me." She said. She genuinely appreciated that he has resolved to stay with her. Today had been the most time that she'd spent with Fili, and, apart from the one time the day before, she hadn't thought of Thorin at all. Perhaps forgetting her feelings would be easier than she thought? At least she had made some progress today.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," he replied. Honestly, he couldn't imagine being without her, not after today. Butterflies started buzzing in his stomach. He stared off into space thinking about what this meant. It was killing him that he didn't know for sure if she cared about him in the way he cared for her.

Kira had noticed that Fili's demeanor had not fully returned to normal since they saw Beorn change skins. He was staring at the floor, not fully paying attention. His behavior was worrying her, so she took his hand with the intention of cheering him up. She was not a very physical person, but making more contact with Fili was part of how she was trying to get over Thorin. He squeezed her hand in response.

"Kira I need to ask you something, and I want you to know that no matter how you answer, I will be content with it," he said as he looked up into her dark golden eyes.

Kira's throat tightened. Her heart raced, but she tried to remain calm. "Yes?" she said in an even voice.

"Do you care about me?"

This was much too soon. She was not ready to confront this just yet, so she tried to hedge the underlying question. "Of course, I care about you," she said, feigning ignorance.

"I mean as more than your friend."

"I'm not sure what you are asking me." This was a lie. She knew what he was asking, she just didn't want him to be asking it. Not now, anyway.

Fili sighed. "I am asking if you would accept my offer to court you." He realized that she might not have the same idea of courting that he did, so he clarified again, "I mean, do you care as strongly about me as I do about you? Do you see yourself being my wife one day?"

Author: And another chapter as an apology for the last one being late. Hope you enjoy! I know Fili fans will have. ;D

So, ul-shrruki is not a language by the late and great Tolkien, but a language that I made up loosely based on Russian grammar and syntax but not sound. I wanted it to sound like growls to untrained ears, since Beorn is described as communicating to the animals by growling. The phrases I used in this chapter with their translations are:

"Rou shurryk, yom mer wlshuy bo chom rrerrl"-Lit. Translation: "My Guardian, we thank you for your care."

"Rri grrar rou sherruka! Che na-skowa bi rou rrl."- Lit. Translation: "You are welcome [here is implied], my child! Be not lost in my care."

Both of these are references to the story that Kira told the company in the last chapter. Kira contimues to call Beorn "rou shurryk", which means "My Guardian/parent/person older and wiser than me" while Beorn calls her "rou sherruka" which is the diminutive form of female person, so means "my female child/small person".

Thank you everyone, for reading! Let me know if you have any questions/comments. I always enjoy reading your reviews. :)