Disclaimer: I own nothing except for my OC Agathon and any alterations to the original storyline plot her presence creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe during these dark and gloomy days.
The Half-Blood Prince 2 Chapter 5
No turning back now.
It's Agathon's turn to introduce himself. Agathon wears nothing to conceal his stature of facial features so there's no way to deceive Beorn about what and who he is.
There is an uncommon silence that overtakes the surrounding air as Beorn takes in Agathon. Beorn growls lowly in his throat similar to the bear form he takes whenever he shifts, grip visibly tightening on the axe in his hands.
Bilbo and a couple of the Dwarves have their eyes travel back and forth in uncertainty between them. Basically waiting for one to make the first move.
Despite no physical signs showing this Gandalf has made himself ready at a moment's notice to intervene if needed. Although he doubts that he'll actually be that much good.
Beorn makes the first move. Agathon remains perfectly still as the large shapeshifter approaches him after digging the axe into the ground, not wanting to provoke an unnecessary reaction. Unsurprising Beorn can possibly snap his neck with his bare hands. He doesn't need a weapon. Also, in size comparison, Agathon is second only to Beorn.
Getting right in Agathon's face, glaring dangerously at him, Beorn spats "Who are you, Boy?"
Straightening his posture, cordially, Agathon said "I am Agathon, son of Maerwen."
"Maerwen," repeated Beorn, scowling. "I know that name."
"I'm not surprised. Given you live so close to Mirkwood," said Agathon, politely.
Narrowing his eyes, baring his teeth slightly, Beorn demands "And your father."
At the mere mention of him a blazing fire arises in Agathon's gaze, clenching his fists tight enough that they shake a smidge.
"I have no father," said Agathon in outright detest, scathingly.
None of the Company know what to say in response to that as they take in the now stormy visual on Agathon's features. Mentioning the blood ties between father and son is not a wise choice.
The last question probably wasn't needed. His parentage is quite obvious including the scent Beorn smells off of him. Right now Beorn seems to be testing Agathon severely under pressure. Neither of them break from the deadly lock they've found themselves stuck in. Beorn seems to be searching for something inside of Agathon. Whatever it is it appears that Beorn locates and is satisfied with what he receives.
"Very well," said Beorn, easing his aggressive posture and allowing those observing to release the anxious breaths they've been holding. "Come. I'm sure you all must be hungry. There's plenty to go around for a day."
The daunting encounter has passed. Now all that's left is to figure out what to do in order to reach Mirkwood safely without getting caught by the Orcs relentlessly tracking them.
A solution must be found somehow and Beorn perhaps may hold the key one way or another. The only challenge is to convince him to offer more than he's already given.
As everyone sits down to eat and normal pleasantries dealt with Beorn doesn't mince words.
"So you are the one they call Oakenshield," said Beorn, speaking directly to Thorin. "Tell me. Why is Azog the Defiler hunting you? Other than his bastard son traveling amongst your number."
"You already know of Azog. How," asked Thorin.
"My people were the first to live in the mountains before the orcs came down from the north. The Defiler killed most of my family. But some he enslaved. Not for work, you understand but for sport. Caging Skin-Changers and torturing them seemed to amuse him," explained Beorn.
"There are others like you," said Bilbo.
Somberly, Beorn said "Once there were many."
"And now," pressed Bilbo, innocently.
"Now there is only one," replied Beorn, solemn.
Agathon shuts his eyes, bowing his head in shame.
Seeing this, Beorn said "I do not blame you, Agathon. A child cannot choose how they are made. Those who they come from."
Agathon's nods in acceptance to show he's heard but refrains from speaking.
"You need to reach the mountain before the last days of autumn," said Beorn.
Gandalf confirms "Before Durin's Day falls. Yes."
"You are running out of time," said Beorn, stating the obvious.
"Which is why we must go through Mirkwood," said Gandalf. "I see no other way. Traveling around will take far too long."
"A darkness lies upon that forest. Fell things creep beneath those trees. I would not venture there except in great need," warned Beorn, gravely.
"We will take the Elven road. That path is still safe," reassured Gandalf.
"Safe," said Beorn, disagreeing full heartedly. "The Wood Elves of Mirkwood are not like their kin. They are less wise and more dangerous. But it matters not."
Sensing a new danger, Thorin said "What do you mean?"
"These lands are crawling with Orcs. There numbers are growing and you are on foot. You will never reach the forest alive," surmises Beorn, rising from his seat and slowly approaching Thorin and taking hold of a mouse that was on the table. "I don't like Dwarves. They're greedy and blind. Blind to the lives of those they deem lesser than their own." Beorn stands there for a couple of seconds contemplating the mouse held in his hand. But Orcs I hate more. What do you need?"
Beorn is true to his word. He's permitting the Company to use ponies from his herd for transportation on the condition that they be released in order to return to his protected lands once they reach the forest. As the Company prepare and mount up Beorn pulls Gandalf and Agathon to the side separately for brief conversations. Gandalf's was first, ending with him grimmer than when they arrived. Beorn approached Agathon as he is climbing onto Stardusts back.
Putting a hand on Stardusts neck, Beorn said "Boy, do you know your family history on your mother's side?"
"Yes," said Agathon.
"Then you know what you're walking into," said Beorn, brow furrowed.
Laughing humorlessly, boldfaced, Agathon said "That I'm walking from one mess into another. Yes."
"Hear me and listen. I meant what I said about the Mirkwood Elves being less wise and more dangerous than the rest of their kind. Those in Lothlorien and Rivendell may have accepted and given you safe haven, but here is a different story. You will find no welcome there. Not even from those who share your blood."
"You need not be concerned for my sake, Beorn. I heard the same from my mother's lips before I set out on this quest. I am prepared," said Agathon.
"Then I wish you luck, Boy," said Beorn, letting Stardust go.
Not wanting things to end this way, Agathon called "Beorn."
"What," said Beorn.
Genuine regret and remorse radiating off his form, Agathon said "I'm sorry…sorry for everything you've gone through. If I had the power to do so I would reverse it all."
Beorn nods, grateful for the admission despite there not being any blame or guilt for Agathon to hold onto.
Gesturing at Thorin, Boern advised "Go now while you have the light. Your hunters are not far behind."
Speed is of the essence. None of them can rely on anything else of the like until they reach the forests.
Authors Note:
In honor of the brand-new Justice League: Dark Apokolips War film that just came out I uploaded a new story called Morning Star based off of it. Please check it out and let me know what you think. It would really mean a lot to me to see what your thoughts are about it.
Also, watching it gave me a certain idea. What do you guys think of me combining my characters Audrina from Heart Of Atlantis and Danika from this one once we get to this new movie?
Also, I still haven't figured out what Danika's superhero name should be. I really need this figured out because the following chapter after this one will be where her superhero name is chosen for this story. The choices are now down to Tempest and Twilight.
Just a heads up I'm accepting suggestions on numerous shows, books, and movies to write about in the future. You see I'm trying to reach my goal of 100 stories on my profile. Currently I have 4 left to go after this one until I get there. So think it over and if I feel a connection with what you suggest I'll do it.
I hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D
I've been meaning to get back to this one for a while and only now I've managed to find time and inspiration for it. I'm very satisfied and happy about it. Apologies for it taking so long. I've been debating on how to go about it for a while and finally figured it out.
Right now during this epidemic with the coronavirus that's impacting every nation in the entire world we really do need find whatever sources we possibly can in order to lighten our spirits. Especially those who are unfortunately stuck sick or those locked in self isolation in order to prevent both contraction and spread of the illness. For those of us who have the abilities to do this we have a duty to keep up morale and that's exactly what I wholeheartedly desire these new stories and updates concocted during this time do for you.
I recently put up some other works I've put out at titled U.A. High Schools Own Blue Eyes White Dragon, Sayuri Wren, Fifth Turtle, Crown Jewel Of Gongmen City, The Emperor's Daughter, Glenstorm's Daughter, Dianca Robbins, Morning Star, Reira Todoroki: Daughter Of Fire and Ice, Secret Of Bristol Cove, Predators Redemption, Rava's Journey, Princess Of The Forest, A Revolutionary Romance, Aunt, Fantine Tezla: Hot Wheels Acceleracers, Green Lantern Odette Dupree: First Flight, Magic And the Brave Little Toaster 1, Lavinia: Princess Of Edelweiss, Rorschach's Legend, Watchmen Meets Avengers: The Newest Defender, The 8thLoser, Naomi Poldark: Mistress Of Nampara, Serenity: End Guardian To The Moors, Dido Cruger: Power Rangers SPD, The True Catwoman Of Gotham, Green Lantern Odette Dupree: First Flight, and Nuala: The White Lioness. I highly recommend them. ;D
By the way, U.A. High Schools Own Blue Eyes White Dragon, Reira Todoroki: Daughter Of Fire And Ice, Morning Star, Crown Jewel Of Gongmen City, Fifth Turtle, The Emperor's Daughter, Rorschach's Legend, Sayuri Wren, Bianca Robbins, Aunt, Glenstorm's Daughter, Mandalorian: The 2ndFoundling, Eira Byrnison, and Watchmen Meets Avengers: The Newest Defender, Rava's Journey, Princess Of The Forest, Green Lantern Odette Dupree: First Flight, and The True Catwoman Of Gotham, are some of the best newest additions to my profile. If you're a fan of the Golden Compass and Watchmen which are the new series on HBO then you will love these. Then if you haven't saw them yet then I recommend that you check it out. Since there are still just recently uploaded I really would enjoy hearing other peoples thoughts on the subject matter so far. So feel free to do so if you have the time.
I have other grand news! I was a patron at New York Comic Con 2019! Ah! I'd been dying to go for years and now I had the opportunity. The Jokers from Impractical Jokers have been here along with Tom Hiddleston and so many others. Over those few days I actually got my picture taken with a couple of other actors/actresses and some really great panels. It really is so exciting there. This is an opportunity of a lifetime so there's no way in hell that I was going to waste a single second of it. No one ever should with something like this. Ever! ;D
For future preferences I highly recommend that you all keep an eye out for when tickets for New York Comic Con are available for purchase again for next year. This is a huge event and you should jump on it whenever you have the chance. Unfortunately this year it appears like Comic Con might be skipped not just in New York, but also in all it's regular places during the course of scheduled events. I think we all know the reason for it is plain as day.
The coronavirus.
Can't exactly blame with how dreadful things are getting in escalation and the fact that places like the Javits Center in New York have been temporarily converted into makeshift hospitals in order to deal with the overflow of people contracting infections from this rapidly spreading virus that might as well be called a plague at this point. Let's keep fingers crossed that an aim is to have this pass us before then so things can get back on track. If it is then New York Comic Con might be exactly what people need in order to lighten their spirits after all this darkness. Stay safe everyone and long to eventually see you there.