Chapter Twenty: Calm Before the Storm

Kili woke him for last watch and Fili sighed. He hadn't had any dreams of Bella, but he'd known that the likelihood of getting a second dream was slim to none. He nodded to Kili and moved his way over to the look out spot. He breathed in the crisp air, using it to center himself. He had no actual memories of Bella outside of the dreams, but he ached for her. Everything he saw about her in his dreams only intrigued him and made him want to know her more. Even if she hadn't been his One, he would've been content to spend the rest of his life with her and he knew that he would never love another.

Pulling out both sketches, he allowed himself to study her picture briefly before tucking it back away with a sigh. He was on guard duty and he couldn't afford to be distracted. He then unfolded the bracelet sketch. As he traced a finger over the design gently, his fingers suddenly itched to draw. Digging into his pocket, he found the pencil that he'd stowed away.

Settling the sketch on his knee and keeping his other senses attuned to their surroundings, he started to draw. This charm took longer than the others had, the amount of fine detailing beyond anything he'd ever done before. Finally he was satisfied and lifted the pencil to examine the charm. There, in perfect miniature, was the bouquet that he'd offered her for courtship. He was slightly puzzled, he had expected a bear for Beorn, but decided that this was the perfect one. After all, that was the point where their relationship had taken a turn from quest companions to something more. Yes, the bouquet was perfect.

Bella had forced herself to spend the morning planning her garden for the spring. She was become a bit obsessed with writing about the quest, reliving it in her memories. That wasn't a healthy way to cope and it wasn't helping her get over Fili. It just made her yearn for him all the more. If he had been there, he would've gently teased her from her increasingly dark mood, reassuring her that everything was going to be all right.

But he wasn't there, so she forced herself to keep her attention on her work, only to give up in disgust when she realized that she was just planting flowers from Fili's bouquet. And wouldn't that make all the old biddies around Hobbiton cluck when they saw the message. It would be the opposite of lying low.

With a scowl, she pushed her planning aside and put on the kettle for her headache tea. The headache was just beginning to tease the edges of her temples but she knew that if she didn't head it off quickly, it would soon become a full blown migraine.

While it brewed, she quickly put away her garden planning and pulled out the quest book. Flipping through it, she was a little surprised to find that it was over halfway filled already. Taking a sip of the tea and sighing at the bitter taste of willow bark contrasting with the sharp zing of lemon zest and the soothing sweetness of honey, she slowly reread what she had written last.

Once she was satisfied that she knew where she'd last left off, she started to write.

It had taken Fili very little time to weave her courtship braid, pulling a bead out of one of his pockets to clasp it with. She ran her fingers curiously over the braid and drew the end up so she could examine the bead closely. It was a wooden bead, intricately carved and polished to a warm golden finish. She had no idea what the runes on it said, but there were also delicate flowers carved masterfully into it.

As she marveled at the craftsmanship, Fili said quietly, "I'm sorry that it's only a wooden one. I'll craft you a real one when we reach Erebor."

She blinked at him, puzzled. "What do you mean? This is absolutely gorgeous." Something suddenly occurred to her. "This isn't something that you just happened to make up after the goblin tunnels. This took time and attention to detail. How long have you been working on this?"

He flushed slightly, looking both pleased and embarrassed. He admitted slowly, "I started that first night in Rivendell, the night you wore your mother's dress. However, I knew that it was too soon to even think about courting, especially with the quest and everything. Still, I'm glad, otherwise I'd have to use one of mine to clasp your braid while I crafted you a bead."

He looked a bit torn as he realized this, as if he would've liked to see his bead in her hair but at the same time wanting something special and unique for her. She giggled at his expression, her heart lightening for the first time in twenty-four hours. She reached out and brushed her hand gently over his cheek, tracing his blush. "I think it's beautiful. Now, what about your braid?"

He grinned shyly at her, "I can do that."

She shook her head firmly, "Unless it's taboo, I want to do it. Just tell me how."

She shoved the bundle of sweet rolls into his hands and climbed to her feet. His stomach grumbled so he munched absently on one of the rolls as he carefully instructed her how to make the braid. She worked slowly but with increasing confidence as she went. Finally she reached the end and offered it to him. He took it, clasping one of his spare beads on it. Once he was satisfied that the bead was on firmly, he ran his fingers carefully over it, one corner of his mouth quirking up in a pleased grin. "It feels just right."

She let out a sigh of relief. "That's good. Now, you promised me food and it sounds like you could use some as well. Didn't you eat either?"

He shrugged, climbing to his feet. "Wasn't hungry. So what do you want to tell the others?"

He reached out and offered her his hand and she slipped hers into it. "These braids tell that we're courting, right?" He nodded. "Well then, since you said that you have Thorin's blessing, I say that we don't tell them anything. I'm sure that they can figure it out on their own."

He laughed at that. "That's true. C'mon then."

They made their way back over to the house and entered to find lunch underway. Kili was watching the door anxiously and studied them closely when they walked through the door. When he saw their joined hands and matching braids, he let out a sigh of relief before grinning widely. He shot them a discreet thumbs up before turning his attention back to his meal.

Bella muttered quietly to Fili, "How long will his restraint last, do you suppose?"

Fili rolled his eyes, "Since he was really worried about you and me and the fact that uncle most likely lectured him to stay out of our courtship, until the end of lunch?"

She laughed and let his hand go, making her way over to the bench. He pouted slightly but followed her. They quickly filled their plates and sat, talking about their plans for the rest of the day. The others at the table discreetly nudged one another and grinned, passing money bags back and forth, but didn't say anything for which Bella was grateful.

After lunch was over, she went to go with Dori, only to realize that she had left her sewing out in the clover. She turned pleading eyes on Fili and he sighed but turned and trudged out of the house. She grinned and followed Dori to the room that they had used the day before. She looked around in amazement as she saw the amount of work left to do. Dori had managed to finish the majority of the work, only small tasks were left, hems and buttonholes. The tailor would also undoubtedly add in some dwarven embroidery as well.

She started to apologize but he cut her off. "Nothing to apologize for, lass. Matters of the heart are heavy business. But it looks like you and the prince have sorted things out between you." He raised his brow curiously.

She smiled at the mithril haired dwarf. "For now, yes. Now, tell me what I can do."

Fili chose that moment to return with the bundle of clothing that she had left outside. She took it from him with a quiet thanks, checking it over thoroughly to check for any stains. She moved absently deeper into the room and Fili made to follow but Dori blocked his way. "No, your highness. No idlers here." Fili looked at him pleadingly and Dori caved slightly. "You may come in but you have to earn your keep as a storyteller. If you should bore us or distract her, out you go, understand?"

He nodded his understanding and Dori moved aside to let him enter. The three of them spent a pleasant afternoon together, all of the new outfits quickly coming together. They finished up just before dinner, only a few last bits of flourishes for Dori to finish up on his own. Bella was amazed that they had managed to outfit the entire company with new clothes.

Leaving Dori to it, they made their way back towards the main room. Bella asked, "How much longer do you think that we'll stay here?"

Fili shrugged, "Until Beorn gets back, then we'll probably leave in the next day or so. Although we're doing all right on time, Durin's Day is coming so we need to keep moving."

Right then, the booming voice of their host reached their ears. "Well, it sounds like our host is back. Let's go see what he has to say."

They reached the main room to see Beorn holding court, his expression brimming with mirth and good humor. Apparently their story had checked out and that fact put Beorn in a downright jovial mood. When Beorn saw her, he cried, "Little bunny, come join us! The wizard spoke truly and I have verified this with my own eyes. Tell me, have you been enjoying your stay here?"

She smiled at him, "Your home is lovely and your hospitality has been beyond reproach."

He boomed, "Good, good. When you and the rest leave I'll make sure that you're fully supplied and even have ponies to ride to Mirkwood. After all, anyone who can take out the Great Goblin deserves help. Come and eat! Tonight, we celebrate!"

And that's what they did. They ate and laughed and after dinner the company all dragged out their instruments and they danced. Bella was passed from partner to partner until she was dizzy with laughter. A few times during the evening, she saw Thorin, Gandalf, and Beorn all talking seriously. But after everything that had happened over the last several days, the enemies, fights, and injuries, it was nice just to relax and blow off some steam. Her braid brushed her cheek and she blushed slightly, not to mention all of the emotional upheaval as well. Tonight, her family was all together and in one piece, they were happy, and her future was suddenly looking much brighter than she had previously thought.

She looked up and caught Fili's eye from where she was sitting on the side catching her breath. She smiled brightly at him and he grinned back at her, then he turned and walked away. Before she could puzzle out what was going on, he was back carrying a mug of something. Sitting next to her, he offered it to her. She took it and cautiously sipped, only to discover cool water. She gratefully drained the mug and then leaned her head on his shoulder, relaxing into him. She murmured quietly, "It's nice, to see everyone so happy. I wish that it could always be like this."

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and leaned his head on top of hers. "Soon, ghivashel, soon. Once we reclaim the Arkenstone, we can raise an army to defeat Smaug and take back our home. Erebor's halls will once again be filled with dancing and music, the sound of anvil and hammer clanging as dwarves ply their craft, love and laughter and Mahal willing, the happy sounds of children. That is my dream, our dream, that is what we are fighting for."

She smiled, "That's a beautiful dream. I'm glad that I get to be a part of it."

He admitted, "You've become a large part of it. My dream doesn't work if you're not there. Not anymore."

She said softly, the music almost drowning out her words, "I feel the same. It scares me a little, how deeply I feel for you. I mean, we've just barely started courting, I've only known you for a brief amount of time."

His arm tightened fractionally and his voice deepened, "I think that we've been courting since the night that we met, this just made it official. And I've been looking for you my entire life. When I'm with you, I'm at peace."

She felt her heart melt from his sweet words. Knowing that she would do something foolish if she sat there any longer, such as kissing him senseless in front of the entire company and not even caring, she jumped to her feet. He frowned but she just grinned tenderly at him, "C'mon, let's dance. If you keep talking like that I'm going to kiss you and then poor Master Dori would be scandalized."

He sighed but gave her a lopsided smile, "Well, when you put it that way." He stood and bowed gallantly before sweeping her into the spirited reel that Bofur was playing.

The celebration lasted long into the night, so the company was slow to gather the next morning. When everyone had finally assembled, Thorin informed them that they would be leaving early the next day. When Bella questioned him, respectfully, about his wounds from the warg and whether or not he should be traveling, he grudgingly informed her that that was the reason that they weren't leaving until the next day.

Sensing that that was a sore subject with the proud dwarf, she quickly offered to help Oin replenish his kit with herbs. The medic eagerly accepted her help, wanting to learn more about hobbit medicine and what worked for them and didn't. Oin also added slyly, "Best for me to learn as much as I can where it looks like ye'll be staying afterwards, lassie."

She grinned cheekily at him and winked and the whole table burst out into laughter and teasing. She bore it with good grace, having honestly expected it the day before. Even Thorin threw out a couple of cheeky jabs, leading her to believe that Fili had been truthful when he'd said that his uncle had given his blessing. Finally she laughingly fled the table and spend the rest of the day gathering herbs with Oin while the rest of the company worked on repairing what gear that they did have left.

They turned in early that night and were up with the dawn. Beorn was there to see them off and Bella was actually sad to say goodbye to him. She had woken before the dawn and had slipped out into the garden to make a special gift, something to thank him for his hospitality and his generosity. After his initial reluctance, he had turned out to be an outstanding host. She knew that he was lonely but she knew that he wouldn't be comfortable around other people any more. So she promised herself that she would come back and visit occasionally if she could.

So when they prepared to leave, she shyly came forward, hiding her gift behind her. Beorn knelt in front of her and smiled sadly, "Are you sure that you don't want to stay a little longer, little bunny?"

She smiled at him and said softly, "They need me. If I can, I will come back and see you again. Until then, I wish you all health and happiness." She pulled out the flower crown she had made and offered it to him.

He studied it, seemingly reading her message for him of friendship, health, and peace. Reaching out, he took it from her and solemnly placed it on his head. "My thanks, little bunny. I look forward to seeing you again someday."

He stood and moved away, warning the company to release the ponies as soon as they reached Mirkwood. His words sounded ominous to Bella, but she tried to push her worries down. Surely the dwarves had traveled through Mirkwood before and would know what to expect. Although being told to not stray off the path made her nerves tighten as well. What exactly was in these woods?

However, as they rode, Fili and Kili's teasing caused her to relax and set her laughing. The halt had been good for them, allowing them to rest and regain their spirits. Plus between the eagles, Beorn, and heading straight into Mirkwood, the chances of the orcs catching up to them were slim. The tensions in the rest of the dwarves had eased as well and once she even caught Dori chuckling discreetly at a sly joke that Nori told.

The good mood lasted all the way until the edge of Mirkwood. It was late afternoon when they reached the edge of Beorn's lands and hit the edge of Mirkwood. Gandalf looked spooked when he saw the statue. He told them that he had other matters that he had to attend to and grew agitated when Thorin questioned him. Bella eyed him closely but deemed it to be wizard business unrelated to them. He repeated Beorn's warning to stay on the path and then he was gone.

Thorin's good mood instantly soured and Bella didn't know if it was due to Gandalf leaving them or proximity to the forest that housed one of his greatest enemies. The absolute disgust and hatred in his voice every time he even spoke of Thranduil made it clear his opinion of the elf. Balin had taken pity on her and taken her aside to quietly explain a few things one day and she couldn't blame Thorin his anger, even though she didn't approve of it. That sort of anger consumed a person and just left them a shell of their former selves. However, from all that she knew about Thorin, from what she'd seen and heard, he'd taken his anger and transformed it into strength for his people. That was something that she could respect. Still, she wondered what would happen when they reclaimed Erebor and they weren't just struggling to survive anymore. Would he deal with his anger or would he become a bitter and haughty king.

Sighing, she put such thoughts aside. That was a worry for another day, right now they had to unload the ponies and send them back to Beorn. Thorin told them to set up camp for the night, they'd enter the forest in the morning, before stalking away to brood majestically. Before Bella could dismount, Fili came over and lifted her from the saddle and swung her around once before setting her on her feet. She grinned up at him and said laughingly, "Thank you, kind sir. I'd forgotten how tiresome riding can be."

He chuckled, "Ah, but swifter by far than walking, fair lady."

Kili chose to walk by right at that moment and rolled his eyes, "Less flirting, more working. I want to be finished before dark."

Both Bella and Fili rolled their eyes but obediently separated and got to work. Bella was sad to see the ponies leave, something that she'd never thought she'd feel for the animals when she first dealt with them. However, Beorn was very fond of his animals and she knew that he was deeply unsettled by Mirkwood, so she sent them off with a word of thanks and set about making dinner.

Dwalin placed her on first watch, the easiest of the three. As she watched sparks from the fire disappear into the darkness, she idly wondered what the following day would bring.

Bella closed the book with a sigh. Staying at Beorn's was a pleasant interlude and it had done the entire company good. It was also the last untroubled patch of their journey. Someday, after some time had passed and the danger of running into dwarves returning to Erebor on the road had lessened, she would have to make good on her word and go visit Beorn. He was one of the world's unique beings and she had the feeling that he hadn't forgotten her when the others had.

That thought brought a smile to her face. Maybe that's what she would do, when she got tired of pretending to a normal life in Hobbiton and enough time had passed so that her disappearance wouldn't do more than make a small ripple in local gossip. Then, she would just quietly pack up one day and go live with Beorn. She could be happy there and then they both wouldn't be so lonely. Knowing that she had options suddenly made everything much more bearable.

Sighing, she rose to handle her chores. She could write about the shadows of Mirkwood another day.

Notes:

Next chapter - Mirkwood (and possibly arachnids of unusual sizes, but no promises)