Thorin held Liliana's hand as they reentered the house. All of the dwarves had smirks on their faces, although there was one or two of them that didn't look too happy about having to hand some of their money over to those that had placed bets in favor of Thorin and Liliana.
"I thought that you would have been too stubborn." Dwalin admitted in a grudging tone, causing Thorin to laugh a little bit. "I think that we are both rather shocked by the turn of events here."
"Most everyone here is." Gandalf added. "Except for myself of course. I could see this coming from the moment that the two of you interacted with each other."
"Of course you did." Liliana rolled her eyes. "You were the only one that saw this coming." Never in a million years would Liliana think that she would develop romantic feelings for Thorin Oakenshield, and she definitely had never thought that he would think of her in the same way.
Thorin took Liliana's hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing her knuckles. "When all of this is over, and we have Erebor back again, when I am King Under the Mountain, I have every intention of making you my Queen, if you would agree to it."
"I...Thorin…" Everything was moving so quickly now, Liliana was left kind of shocked. "Be your Queen? Won't some of your people be upset by that?"
"I'm not going to lie to you, a lot of them won't be very happy with my choice of bride, but they will have to deal with it, because there is no one else that I want ruling by my side."
"You will have to discuss wedding arrangements at a later time." Beorn interrupted. "For Durin's Day will soon be upon us, and you only have until then to reach the Lonely Mountain. You may take my ponies as far as the border of the Mirkwood forest, but no farther."
"Thank you for your help." Liliana said to Beorn, who gave her a small smile in return. "Good luck on your quest, Liliana Stonehelm, I see great things in your future. I see many things, love, joy, but also much sorrow and sadness. Stay strong, Liliana, lest you fall into the darkness."
Beorn's parting words ate at Liliana as they made their way towards Mirkwood Forest. What had Beorn meant when he said that he saw sadness and sorrow in her future? It could mean a great many things.
"Pay no heed to the shapeshifter's words." Thorin was riding beside Liliana. "He is a skinchanger, not a prophet."
"What do you think that he meant by his words, Thorin?"
"I don't think that he really meant anything. If he did, I don't know what it might be. Perhaps he was just telling you to be cautious moving forward. But you need not fear, I will make sure that no harm comes to you."
"It's not myself that I am worried about."
"If it's me that you're worried about, you don't need to worry, I can handle myself." Thorin assured Liliana, chuckling softly. "I am a seasoned warrior, it would take a lot to take me down. Azog hasn't managed to yet."
Liliana nodded her head, but Thorin's words had done little to soothe her. This journey had already been so dangerous, and they weren't out of the woods yet. Mirkwood Forest was said to have a disease laying upon it. Those who entered started to act unlike themselves,and there were few that actually made it out.
When they reached the forest, Gandalf told them that he had other business to attend to, and he took off on his horse.
"Great." Liliana muttered. "Why is it that he always leaves whenever we need him the most?"
"It won't be that bad." Bofur stated. "I mean, it's just a forest after all."
"It's sick." Bilbo noted. "It's like a disease lies upon it."
"You're right." Liliana said to Bilbo. "A disease does indeed lie upon this forest. I have heard stories, stories of people venturing into Mirkwood Forest. They turn into completely different people, and many of them don't make it back out. Whether these stories are true or not, I do not know, but we must proceed with caution, and stick to the path. If we stray away from the path, then there's no guaranteeing that we'll make it out of there alive."
"Can't we perhaps take an alternate route?" Balin suggested, to which Liliana shook her head. "Not unless we go two hundred miles north, or twice that distance south. I'm afraid that going through the forest is our only option if we want to reach Erebor by the time that Durin's Day falls."
"Liliana will lead us through the forest." Thorin said. "Do as she says, and don't veer from the path."
The ponies were sent back towards Beorn's home, and Liliana took a deep breath as she stared into the looming forest. "Right, let's go."