Chapter 6

Ornella was convinced that there was no more beautiful place than the Anduin Vales. Spring was maturing, only adding to its magical whimsy. It had no doubt had once been peaceful prior to the appearance of Orcs. But orcs or not, Beorn and Ornella felt anything but peaceful as the weeks turned to months.

While Ornella wondered if each day would be the day Beorn decided he no longer required her services, Beorn was purposely continuously avoiding having that conversation. She knew she couldn't stay forever and Beorn was too hardheaded to admit he had grown to enjoy her company.

The longer they waited to address their pending agreement, the more difficult it became. In Ornella's mind, who wouldn't want to stay in a lovely home surrounded by beautiful animals? It brought a pleasant change to her animal companions as much as it did to her. She noticed Aldo had become less anxious being away from her. The pack-like friendship he developed with the other dogs boosted his confidence tremendously. With his master no longer in constant danger, he was free to just be a normal dog. Lucky, too, was finally free of hard labor and neglect. When he was not eating, he was sleeping. Had he stayed with their master, he would know nothing of peaceful retirement.

The thought of taking that peace from them saddened Ornella greatly. She was constantly torn between letting them stay or to bring them along her travels when the time came. She continued to ponder until her thoughts made her sick to think about, forcing her to take a break from her duties.

That had been how Beorn found her: sitting on a chair outside his home, looking up at the sky pensively.

In his hand he held a simple wooden bow. He had found it long ago abandoned near his lands, assuming its owner had been slain and devoured by whatever or whoever was hunting them. He had taken it and used it every so often leisurely. It had given him an idea to prolong Ornella's stay for he could not find it in himself to simply ask her.

Ornella looked in his direction as he approached her. He felt a stirring at the smile he received, a feeling he had come to associate with her.

"Hi, Beorn," She greeted him, her eyes darting to his hand, "What is that?"

"A bow," He stated obviously, handing it to her, "It is yours now."

She slowly took it, examining it closely. It was a simple used bow but it may as well as been an elvish bow for she looked upon it as if it were. She was about to thank him when his next words brought her eyes shooting upwards at him in disbelief.

"I think it wise to learn its use before you leave."

She looked back down at the bow then back up at him, "So... I can stay for a bit longer?"

The hope in her eyes twisted his insides something fierce. It was the strongest reaction she had brought out of him so far. He nearly forgot to answer her question, her brow furrowing when he didn't immediately respond.

"If you so wish," He nodded, "Until you are comfortable enough with archery to defend yourself."

His body turned to stone when she suddenly leapt from her chair and threw herself at him, hugging him tightly. She felt him tense immediately and released him just as quickly.

"Sorry," She laughed embarrassedly, her cheeks pinkening slightly, "I am grateful for your kindness beyond words. We all are but I am sure they have told you."

"Many, many times," He huffed, bringing another laugh out of her.

"When can we start?" She asked, her eyes sparkling with joy.

"Tomorrow morning when I return," He promised, "In the meantime, acquaint yourself with your bow."

Her dimples dug into her soft cheeks, "Thank you."

He felt a sudden and startling need to touch a soft dimple. Instead, he shooed her away before he was crazy enough to give into the temptation.

"Go on," He spoke gruffly, "Learning how to hold it properly will be a frustrating task in it of itself – do not get discouraged."

"I won't," She replied determinedly.

"Oh, damn it all!"

Ornella's cry of frustration amused Beorn. He watched her aim her arrow at a circle he had carved into a tree but watching her try to actually shoot it was like watching a newborn foal attempt to walk. She would hold the bow and draw the arrow back but the arrow would drop before she could shoot it. She was growing increasingly frustrated and it was quite a sight to behold.

Her coal-black eyes were suddenly orbs of midnight flames, her jaw clenched, her features hardening as her skin pinkened angrily. He noticed she would close one eye when aiming, her tongue sticking slightly out from the side of her mouth in a child-like manner. The wind would blow her long, platinum hair ever so gently, caressing her golden skin.

Good job, Master, Aldo barked from beside Beorn who had nearly forgotten he was there.

"She has yet to shoot her target," Beorn pointed out.

Oh, she will, The loyal dog assured him confidently.

"She does no wrong in your eyes," Beorn shook his head.

My master is perfect!

Beorn didn't respond to that. Perfection was a myth but if anyone was close to it, it was indeed the strange woman who had stumbled into his life against his will.

"I cannot," He heard her say in his direction, her face saddened and defeated.

"If you think you cannot, you will not."

"Would you demonstrate for me one more time?"

Beorn stepped forward, taking her bow in his hand. She watched him very intently, observing him as he slowly took the appropriate stance so that she may mimic him. He shot the arrow effortlessly, hitting his target directly. He turned to look at her but she was staring at the target, rubbing her chin pensively.

"Hmmm... Perhaps if I stand closer, I may hit my target."

The sound of a deep chuckle brought Ornella's eyes to the skin-changer. On his face was the smallest smile. She didn't even think it possible for him to laugh. She found that she liked the sound of it.

"Once more."

She sighed heavily as she took it and turned towards the tree, copying the stance he had just taken. She brought her arrow up clumsily and pulled back, closing one eye. Immediately, Beorn spotted mistakes.

"Stop."

She looked away from her target and at him but remained in her stance. She ignored the skipping of her heartbeat when he reached over and began to reposition her properly. His large hand rested on the small of her back for a moment, pushing it in a way that kept her back straight. When he removed it, she could still feel it as if she had been branded.

He stood slightly behind her, lifting her arm and aiming towards the target.

"Keep both eyes open."

She exhaled slowly. She was finding it difficult to focus on the target with both eyes open but did as told. She gave her eyes a moment to adjust.

"Confidence is key."

She inhaled deeply, clenching her jaw as she willed herself to believe she could do this.

You are as skilled as an elf, she lied to herself in an attempt to boost her confidence, You can shoot any beast from any distance.

She released.

Beorn watched as the arrow flew through the air... for only a moment before it swooped straight into the ground. It hadn't even reached the halfway point.

"Did you see that?!" He heard her exclaim as she ran towards the arrow, picking it up, "That is the furthest I have seen it fly!"

Beorn felt the corners of his lips twitch, Aldo excitedly running after her and jumping in celebration. Beorn never knew one who would celebrate mediocrity but if she was content with her progress then he was too.

"I am famished," She said as she walked towards Beorn, "Should we get dinner started?"

Her smile remained, pride glittering in her eyes at her accomplishment. Beorn so wished she wouldn't smile like she was now, her dimples never failing to make his heart flutter. He merely gave a curt nod before they both walked side-by-side back home.