Well dearies I must apologize for the long delay between updates! College has not been the easiest battle in my life, but I have endured! I promise to make this story my priority for a few days. Now that I have some inspiration! Enjoy and thank you for staying with me this long! You all know who you are! =D
Chapter 37
To Mirkwood
I woke up the next morning beside Thorin. I looked at the ring on my finger and smiled. I jumped on Thorin and kissed him. He woke up and smiled into the kiss before wrapping his arms tightly around me. I pulled away a little.
"Good morning my beautiful Zora."
I smiled and kissed him again. He deepened the kiss and rolled so I was beneath him. He leaned down to kiss me again and pressed himself against me. I trailed my fingers down his back and he moaned. That was when a loud bang came on the door.
"We're leaving!"
I groaned and looked at Thorin.
"Remind me to smack them both on the head."
He chuckled and kissed me once more before we got up.
Thorin's POV
We walked out to the others where Beorn was waiting for us. He promised us ponies, horses and provisions, along with a bows and arrows.
"When you reach the borders of Mirkwood I will ask you to send my horses and ponies back, although you Minuialwen may keep yours, seeing as how she belongs to you anyway." Zora smiled and so did I. "Though I believe it would be wise for you to send her around the forest, for there are dark creatures dwelling in there now." She nodded. "I provided you with plenty of water and there are certain to be small streams along the way to Mirkwood. Now once you reach the forest and walk into the trees, I know of only one river which flows black and strong. You must not drink from it or bathe in it! It runs through the path, and you must never leave the path! It is unlikely you shall ever find it again."
I could tell Zora hung on his every word. Though something in her eyes worried me. I hated that forest for the people who dwelled in it, but Zora seemed to fear it and hate it.
"Thorin Oakenshield!"
I snapped out of my daze and looked at Beorn.
"A word with you if I may."
I nodded and kissed Zora's cheek before following him. Once we were outside he turned and looked at me.
"I have known Minuialwen since she was a baby, and she has been my friend since she was a mere 3 year old child. That forest…..their king is responsible for her exile. Though he was tricked and could not see it, it was he who drove her away. For her sake please….do not let your anger show should you meet his people. She loves you and if you were to be caught and locked up…..it would break her. She has already lost so much. Please do not allow her to lose you."
My eyes widened in shock. I clenched my fists.
"You should not have told me this." I hissed.
He sighed.
"I had to. If you had found out in captivity it would have been worse. Zora has forgiven them, for we found the ones responsible and the Elvenking has been filled with guilt and sorrow since he found this out. He has never forgiven himself for what he did to her. I believe his son and she were the best of friends as children. It was his son who helped me to find the proof she was innocent. I doubt they would even recognize her now. And above everything else…..you must promise to take care of her."
I looked up at him.
"I give you my word no harm shall come to her."
He nodded and then we went back inside to the others.
Zora's POV
When Thorin came back inside I went to him. He smiled at me and kissed my cheek before we all went outside with Beorn. He smiled and brought to me a mare I had not seen in a very long time.
"Epona." I said.
She knew me immediately. She came galloping towards me and I wrapped my arms around her neck.
"She came to me after you had been banished. She is a rare horse that one."
I smiled at Beorn.
"Thank you old friend. For taking care of her and us."
He smiled and nodded.
"When we reach Mirkwood, I am going to send her back to you. I cannot take the chance of the wood elves recognizing her."
Beorn sighed.
"You still have not forgiven the elf lord?"
I looked away.
"No. No I have not. He knew me, and yet he still believed I slaughtered my own family."
"He knows what he did now! He feels horrible Minuialwen….."
"As he should! I lost my mother, father and sister! And he cast me out. I hope for my old friend's sake…..we do not meet."
Beorn knew better then to argue with me. He nodded and I hugged him.
"I will see you again my friend."
"I hope so. Always remember who you are Minuialwen. Not only the Lady of the Dawn and a Numenorian elf…you are a pure hearted woman. Do not ever lose that."
"I promise."
Thorin's POV
I had heard Zora's angry voice and went to see if she was alright. I heard the conversation between her and Beorn. So she had a sister, or at least did have one. I clenched my fists in anger. How dare Thranduil cast her out! I hope for her sake I did not meet him on this little journey.
"Uncle?"
I looked at Fili.
"We are ready to leave."
I nodded and followed him out. I took Zora's hand and looked at her.
"Are you alright?"
She sighed and smiled a little.
"I always was told I was abnormally loud when angered." She squeezed my hand and looked at me. "As long as I have you I will be fine."
I kissed her quickly but passionately. We mounted our steeds and giving a last farewell to Beorn we left. Bound for Mirkwood…Zora's old home.