There and Back Again: Edith's Story
Chapter 13. Inside Beorn's House
Author's Note: Wow! So, this year has been completely crazy, hasn't it? Things have been pretty hectic on my end as well, I moved to a new state, started a new job and basically a new life, and then covid hit. I hope all is well with you all here on FF. I've been meaning to update this story for quite some time, but considering how crazy this year has been, I've not been doing much writing. I do have plans to finish this story though.
I'm so sorry for the year long delay (almost) but I hope you enjoy this chapter even though it's rather short. Please, don't forget to leave a review! Onwards!
Also, I am using the song that was in the original chapter of the book from "queer lodgings" when they stay at Beorn's house. It's found after the dinner scene and before they go to bed that night. I've also got some major plans for Mirkwood - it's gonna get rough, mostly for Fili.
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The animals of Beorn's house were very helpful creatures to the Company of Thorin Oakenshield. The dogs, in particular, found Edith quite welcoming and she sensed that they liked her. One of them gazed at her with large brown eyes - as if directly speaking to her. He nuzzled her hand with his nose and she stroked his ears. Fili in the distant corner next to the fireplace watched Edith's interaction with Beorn's animal. With his arms folded across his chest, he slowly walked over to where she sat, hovering beside her. She gazed up at Fili with a tender smile across her face as the dog trotted off.
Fili took the seat beside her and took her small hand into his. How well it fit into it, he thought to himself. Despite having a previously rough journey inside the mountain caverns, he noticed how radiant Edith looked that evening, the firelight glowing upon her fair skin - an undertone of red caught through her blonde hair when the light shone against it. Her hair had fallen a little down her shoulders in waves and was rather unkempt and windblown. She leaned back in the large, leather armchair and tucked her legs underneath her. It would be another long while before she could sit comfortably and relax again. Whatever simple pleasures they would have the next few days, she would enjoy it to the fullest.
The night was turning to be quite cozy. The dwarves all sat around the room in small groups telling stories and listening to Beorn's as well. The only one to be seated by himself was Thorin. Edith noticed the distant look on his expression as she glanced over at him. He turned to look at her and she averted her gaze. Fili could see his uncle clenching his jaw. It was a subtle movement but he stiffened at the sight of the pair. Fili knew Thorin would not approve of his choice queen for a long time to come.
He knew that eventually he would have to stand his ground. His mother would approve more willingly than Thorin. She hadn't particularly cared for Berjlot either, but dared not speak against her brother the king. She'd gone on with the arranged engagement - though knowing full well dwarves were only to wed once they found their one. It had been an interesting counsel that day - Fili remembered. Both their tempers had flared and Thorin had stormed out in a rage at his sister's stubbornness, meanwhile it was well known that he was equally stubborn - if not more so.
Fili chose not to meddle into the affairs of his mother and uncle that day. He let it subside until it had been brought up again before the departure of the company to the Shire. He had claimed his chance to avoid a long engagement. She was a kind enough dwarrowdam, and quite lovely to look at - with a head of thick red hair and equally thick beard. The front strands of her red mane had been braided back into a crown and she wore a dress of the finest silk. Her beard had been combed through and elegantly decorated with silver beads and braids as was tradition.
Edith and Fili had been distracted when the dwarves began to pull out their instruments and sing. Bofur began and soon the others joined in with him in deep harmonies.
The wind was on the withered heath
But in the forest stirred no leaf: there
Shadows lay by night and day, and
Dark things silent crept beneath
The wind came down
from the mountain cold,
And like a tide it roared and rolled;
the branches
Groaned, the forest moaned,
and leaves were laid
Upon the mould.
The wind went on from west
To east; all the movement
In the forest ceased, but
Shrill and harsh across the marsh
Its whistling voices were released.
It was a slower song than some of their previous ones they had sung. The low rumbling of their baritone voices calmed Edith and she curled up further into the chair she sat, a wave of tiredness overcame her. Bilbo noticed as Edith was about to fall asleep, drawing the cloak a certain dwarf had given her closer to her chin. She felt a strange sensation when she heard the music of the dwarves again - something magical was about the air as they continued to sing and play their instruments. It was as if they were singing a lullaby enchantment to deliberately put her to bed.
Soon enough, the tendrils of sleep crawled through her, winning the war within her of trying to stay awake and she drifted off. Her breathing steadied and Fili saw her body completely relax. He picked her up into his arms and carried to where the Company would be sleeping. He gently set her down on the bed and pulled the covers over her. Naturally, he reached his hand down to brush hair out of her eyes that had fallen down.
Her skin was smooth against his rough palm and warmed from the fire. She mumbled incoherently once in her sleep and rolled over so her back was facing Fili. He smiled lightly and left her side, closing the door behind him. He would return later but for now would remain awake with the rest of his uncle's company. Thorin found his nephew after he came back and urged to speak to him privately on a certain matter.
"Fili, I do not think this wise - carrying on your betrothal to the human girl. You are my heir and need someone of noble blood, I would not have you marry a human." Thorin growled, looking distasteful as if Edith had been beside Fili.
"I know how stubborn you are. I want to do well by you and my mother. However, Edith is my choice queen. I understand that to you, she may have not done much in service to your Company - but she has kept up our spirits and encouraged Bilbo to come back as our burglar. He would have stayed behind in Rivendell had it not been for Edith. She helped defend your company in the goblin caverns. I think she has matched your stubbornness, Uncle. And you do not like it because perhaps she only reflects you. You and Edith are much the same."
Fili could see Thorin tense even though he stood quite still. His jaw clenched and his grip tightened on the hilt of the Orcrist. He would not have his own nephew compare him, Thorin Oakenshield, King Under the Mountain - to a cowardly human woman. His gaze darkened at his eldest nephew. Inwardly, he muttered curses at the human girl.
If Gandalf had not been involved in this quest to reclaim his homeland and gold, he would have had his own way and rid himself of Edith the moment she defied him in Bag End. She did indeed have a pride that matched his own. But she was far too independent and would not obey his orders.
"She is not the meek and the obedient type that would be suited for a queen. If you are not cautious - you will allow her to rule through you. Mahal knows then what would happen to our kingdom."
It took some strength for Fili not to roll his eyes at Thorin for that remark.
"That is the very reason why she would make an excellent queen, Uncle - because she is not meek and obedient. She rather enjoys a challenge. I think Mother would like her, wouldn't she?"
Thorin knew his sister better than anyone and knew his nephew spoke the truth about Edith. He had a small feeling in the back of his thoughts that should Dis and Edith ever meet - they would cause a storm together against Thorin. Dis would very much take a liking to the girl - that he was certain. Once they reclaimed their homeland, he decided that Dis would be the one to educate Fili's betrothed in their customs. Edith would need to know their mannerisms to win favour of his people.
It would take much convincing even for the counsel to accept a human as queen over their dwarf lords. There perhaps might be a chance the counsel would not even allow Fili to wed her should the time come. This would possibly change if Thorin spoke for Edith as well as the rest of the Company.
"Very well," Thorin muttered. "We will not discuss this any further until we have reclaimed Erebor. For now, I will allow this to continue."
Fili nodded once, thankful for Thorin's acceptance. It was not exactly how he had hoped it would have gone - but now Fili knew he was allowed to freely court Edith in the way which he chose. Once leaving the presence of the company and his uncle, Fili made his way to where Edith slept and quietly joined her beneath the sheets. She was small and warm as he pulled her to him. Edith mumbled lightly in her sleep and rolled over to face him. Her breathing was steady and quiet as she pressed closer up against Fili. He kissed her forehead and slowly drifted to sleep, a small gentle smile still on his face as he did.
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