Bilbo looked out from behind a small rock as trying his best to spot any Warg packs following them. Spotting the pack wandering around a patch of trees he quickly tried to leave to he heard a thunderous sound.

"Roar!"

Bilbo looked to where the noise came there it stood a bear that could tower any troll or Orc, as it raised on it's rear legs it showed how tall it actually was landing back on all fours with a loud thud. Pulling away he rushed back to his company with a panicked jog while being mindful of the roots and rocks around him, seeing them huddled he entered a spot in the circle.

"I'm back and I could see the Orc pack it's still a good distance away that we can sneak past" he explained while out of breath

"That's our burglar!"

"Couldn't count on anyone else"

As a flurry of compliments began as he still had more to share.

"Listen! There is something out there though" he finally shared

"It didn't happen to be a bear did it?" Gandalf asked with a sullen expression

"Well- yes? Yes how did you know?" Bilbo asked quizzical at the answer

"Why Gandalf? What is it?" Hermione asked worried

Groaning he moved where a path out the forest lay bare with a stretch of prairie between them a well fortified house in the distance.

"Okay listen, once we leave these woods we must hurry to that refuge" Gandalf warned

"What aren't you telling us?" Thorin asked bluntly

Giving him a bleak stare he gesture for them to prepare for the chase with a deep breath they dashed out the forest, still confused by the reason it soon came to light as the same bear that was mentioned charged at the company. As they ran the largest of the group began to ran with an unforseen speed the gates seemed to edge closer, but so did the beast chasing them. As if time slowed entered immediately closing the large door behind them by suprise the bear clashed with the wood as they struggle to close it, edging further and further the click of the door shutting made them sit and catch their breath.

"What was that...creature?" Dwalin asked heavily

"That would be our host" Gandalf answered

Everyone seemed to be shocked and even questioned what he had said.

"What are you talking about?"

"Just get some rest, we'll talk more in the morning" he suggested

Still on edge of the beast that stayed outside they begrudgingly did finding spots in the nearby hay pile right next to a stable of horses. Hermione found a spot underneath a window on the higher point of the wall across from her allowing the moonlight to shine on her face, Bilbo sat with the others watching the door waiting for himself to give in to sleep. Just attempting to close his eyes he heard the loud opening of the door and saw a large man with animalistic features he glanced at them as he proceeded to his bed with a heavy sigh.

The next morning the sun seemed to be brighter than usual as it shine upon them the smell of breakfast awoke them even further, sitting up almost simultaneously they peaked over seeing their wizard friend with the skin-changer pouring themselves some mead.

"So what are you waiting for? Come eat" Gandalf suggested eating some egg

Approaching cautiously they sat down with their eyes trained on the giant of a man, Hermione and Bilbo weren't as hesitant as they hadn't received a proper meal aside form berries and soup.

"I thought it strange that Orcs would venture on my land" he said a monotonous voice

"Yes, there trying to keep us from Erebor" Gandalf answered

"I heard, the birds flock though they wait til the dragon is slain"

Hermione was spooked by a small mouse that sat on her shoulder it almost reminded her Ron, but she quickly shook the thought off as not wear down her energy.

"So Beorn are there anymore like you?" Bilbo asked

"How do you know his name?" Bofur asked

"I asked him"

"To answer you question master Baggins, no I am the only one"

"Why?"

"My people were taken as slaves not for work you see, but for sport they held fights forcing each other to kill" he explained bluntly

He then circled them as if still in his bear form he then reached for the mouse that still rested on the young maiden's shoulder.

"I don't like Dwarves" he said looking at the animal

"Their greedy, and do not care for others in search of such treasures" he said petting the small animal gently

Everyone held their breaths as they contemplated the outcome of the conversation.

"But I hate Orcs even more" he said suprising them all

"Tell me what you need"

"We need safe passage to the Dark Forest so that we can make it to Erebor before the season ends" Gandalf replied

Nodding Beorn put down the mug of mead he then approached the stable that housed horses of a large breed.

"These horses can get you there before an hour, but once they get you to the entrance to the forest I want them back" he explained retrieving saddles for them

Hopping one the horses Hermione and Bilbo shared due to the lack of numbers provided, wasting no time they rode out taking a few glances around themselves to see if an Orc pack was in sight. Reaching the treeline of the forest the company hoped off their horses.

"Release the horses let them return to their master" Gandalf ordered

Beginning to take sadles off one by one Gandalf approached the entrance, feeling an abnormal aura he found himself staring at a rock using the end of his staff to clear the vines and twigs off it's face it revealed a red mark a mark long forgotten. His face turned to one of worry and panic as he immediately turned to the others.

"Wait! Don't release my horse"

"Why? What's wrong?" Thorin asked

"A new development has changed my plans to follow you I must leave, but once you make it to Erebor I will try my best to meet you" he answered

"How are we supposed-"

"Follow and keep to the trail you'll find your way out, but be careful dark things tend to haunt these woods" he instructed

Not wanting to answer any more questions he pushed past them returning to his horse, without another word even to his young witch companion.