Summary: Bilbo and Gandalf must make their case to Beorn to let them stay...
Even though Gandalf felt very confident about "adventuring" into the home of Beorn, I completely felt as if I were the tiniest of creatures just standing on the other side of the hedge. The thorny divider towered far over both our heads as we walked along, finally coming to the front of a massive gate that sectioned off the house from the rest of the wild forest.
If the sight of the hedge wasn't enough to convince me that the man we were going to see was someone of amazingly tall stature, I was definitely convinced given the size of the gate that we now stood in front of. The dwarves followed along after us but stayed back when Gandalf turned back to motion for them to stay put. Only him and I would be able to go beyond the gate for now.
So close to the gate, I was amazed by the craftsmanship that went into the wood; standing far beyond even the head of Gandalf, the broad gate was craved with images of two great bears in perfect symmetry, both standing on their hind legs and had their arms lifted to hold what looked to be the image of a moon. Around them, patterns and swirls were carved into the oak and treated with a type of varnish that made some of the patterns pop with warm, roasted colors.
It made me think of how my picket fence and rusty gate back at home was a simple thing compared to the heavily embellished work in front of me. It made me think of how audacious it was to even think that anything in the world was a gate compared to this...
Even as I couldn't help but be awed by the very sight of the craftsmanship, I also couldn't ignore just the sheer size of it! Both of the bears were as tall as Gandalf and the very sight of them made me step back.
I didn't want to meet Beorn. He was going to be too tall. We hobbits were never really fond of the Big Folk for more than the specified reasons of us considering them untrustworthy but, also simply enough, we felt them far too tall. As if it were just too excessive for us. If I felt a normal man was too tall than Beorn was going to make me fall over just from the sight of him!
"Good luck, Miss Bilbo!"
When Ori cheered me on, I knew that I had to be the bigger creature when it came down to it. I laughed at the very thought considering who were going to meet but if Ori were counting on me, then I had to go and attempt to be the best guest ever!
As it were, despite wanting to feel brave for the company, Gandalf still had to take my arm and tug me along when he finally opened the gate and went beyond. The forest surrounding Beorn's home and the gate was amazing but they were nothing compared to the actual compound where the man lived. There was a grouping of high walled wooden houses, all built up to look nice and sturdy and filled with the same motif that the gate sported. Depending on the building though, the bears were joined by the images of cattle, dogs, elegantly shaped horses, swirled puffy shapes of sheep, and simple lines for bees.
The grass grew far more lush on this side of the hedge, the healthy soil cushioning my feet well as Gandalf and I walked along.
I saw stables for the horses that Gandalf spoke of, shacks for storage, more bee-pastures, and long rowed houses that connected with others. Dogs traveled through the doorways easily, wearing a type of leather vest so that they could carry things between the homes.
Though the hedge grew along the entire compound as a means of protection, from the inside of the grounds, one could barely see it at times due to an additional ring of oak trees that lined the perimeter. They towered over the houses, shacks, and stables, hanging over some of the structures in a protective embrace. Even with the sun shining down directly onto the compound, the air was cool and a breeze swiftly blew throughout.
It was beautiful in a hardier sort of way than what I knew from Rivendell. The home of the elves was a gorgeous display of curved architecture and elven magic but this was a place built from the hands of someone who was gifted. The dwarves would love him instantly just on those grounds alone.
While most of the animals flew or moved around the compound caring very little for the arrival of two new strangers, Gandalf and I caught the eyes of a pair of horses, who previously had been busy but stopped to see what we were up to. They looked at us in a way that I had never known an animal to look at me before. I thought of Myrtle and how I thought she was going to kill me once upon a time... Looking at these horses, I actually knew that they had the intelligence to do so.
I turned around on the spot and started to leave, only to be stopped by Gandalf once again grabbing onto my arm and tugging me along with him.
"They are leaving, Bilbo; off to tell him of the arrival of strangers, no doubt."
Just as Gandalf said, the horses had taken off at a gallop, rounding the main house and disappearing behind a corner section where a well was being drawn from by a group of dogs. It was such a freakish sight to see animals act in such a way; back in the Shire, all of our animals either just stood around brainless or rolled around in the mud and dirt all day long. These animals were in such possession of intelligence that they did chores and cleaned the floors of the nearby main house. It was amazing...but still freaky.
Following after the horses, Gandalf and I came upon a courtyard that split out into a pathway that led on one side to a vast garden of fruits and vegetables, baskets of perfect orange carrots sitting waiting to be carried inside while on the far side, one could see grape vines twisted up carved wooden spires. On the other side of the pathway, pollinated by gigantic bees was the largest garden of flowers I'd ever seen in my life.
I thought of Gaffer Gamgee who was in possession of the best garden in all the Shire but even he didn't have as many flowers planted in one garden as Beorn did. They were amazing too, some being pink, others being yellow, and others in combinations that were vivid and gorgeous. In the middle of a patch of red tiger lilies, one of the horses stood at the shoulder of who I assumed was Beorn, who from what I could see, was just as tall as I thought he would be.
Dressed in what looked to be a wool tunic that was belted and hung to his knees, he didn't seem to notice the hot weather as he rolled down the long blue sleeves of his robe and brushed the dirt off his dark brown breeches. As we neared, I realized that he was so tall that I could easily trot along underneath his legs and he wouldn't even notice me if he weren't looking down. The thought alone was overwhelming and I felt my stomach churn at the sight of such height. "Ah, and here they are! You can be off now."
I closed my eyes at the sound of his voice, unconsciously bringing my hand to rest on my chest where my heart felt like it thumped unsteadily in my chest. Such a voice was incredible not only because he spoke smoothly and clearly but because the way the sensation echoed on my body was like a thundering rumble that reverberated in my chest. It wasn't painful nor was it unfriendly in any way but it reminded me of thunderstorms and how the thunder felt when it cracked the sky, the way it shook your very body if you didn't prepare for it.
Since Beorn was in his garden and didn't want us to step into it lightly, he followed after the horse he dismissed and came to properly greet us, his bright blue eyes looking down at Gandalf and I, friendly in their openness but quite wild looking. Just as Gandalf said earlier, he was in possession of thick black hair that traveled in waves over his shoulders. Even though some of it was held back in a leather tie to help keep it from his eyes, it was messily hanging all over the place, insistently wild and out of control.
His beard was equally as dark, peppered with bits of brown but it was not long as once said though it still retained its thickness. His face overall was actually quite different than what I expected; instead of being rugged, old and worn - an aged friend like Radagast- Beorn had a wild look to him that made him appear much like Kili. Happy in his wildness, a sense of youth in that joviality.
Catching me staring at his thick beard and the features of his face intensely, he scratched at the thickness of his jaw and looked to Gandalf for answers since I was lost in a daze.
"Who are you and what do you want?"
Once again, my hand went to my chest to almost try and soften the rumbling there, the way it stole my breath away. Beorn's eyes flicked over to me quickly but went back to Gandalf, waiting for him to answer his question.
"I am Gandalf." The Grey Wizard replied back politely, a slight bow of his head and a removal of his hat to show his respect.
"Never heard of him," Beorn's voice was brisk, his eyes already watching me for my reaction and noting with a glint of his eye that I responded to his voice just as I suspected he knew I would. If what Gandalf said were true and he could change into a bear, did that somehow lend him a sense where he could feel that I was somehow different? "And who is this little hobbit?"
Even though he had very little need to do so, he stooped down low to be near my same level, his robe pooling around his ankles even as I realized that when he stooped, he did so in a way that was very much like an animal. Despite the fact that he possessed the physical movements of an animal, his eyes were entirely too scrutinizing, intent on looking at me as if he were planning to eat me or something!
I blushed and tried to introduce myself but my nerves were far too frayed for such a thing. At the sight of my flushed cheeks, he laughed loudly, the booming of his voice rumbling unpleasantly in my chest. Even with the booming sensation, I could not deny that he behaved in a playful manner, his cheek leaned heavily against his knuckles, "How I adore Hobbits and how easily they become flustered. Used to see them every so often when the caravans came to trade, squeaking like little bunnies and fussing about."
As he spoke, his voice in my chest trembled and vibrated, changing so easily. My breath quickened from my heart beating so heavily in my chest and to try and quell the feeling, I clenched my fingers into the fabric of my skirt. At the same time, his words did not come as a shock to me, the fact that he knew of Hobbits even so far away from Bree and the Shire. Though it wasn't particularly common, there still were Hobbits that traveled in caravans with other traders and sold their wares.
"Still, it's been quite a while since I've seen a Skin Listener. How lucky I am to meet a Hobbit one too."
"This is Miss Baggins, a hobbit of good family and unimpeachable reputation." Gandalf introduced me in my defense and because I was left silently surprised by the fact that he knew of my condition, I reacted on Hobbit instincts alone; positioning my feet and curtsying politely, I did a dainty dip that had Beorn smiling even wider, "A proper family, you mean?" His eyes glanced over at the taller Gandalf, his voice a rumble that seemed to travel upward. His eyes came back to me, "That bow was quick; a sign of a proper Hobbit, I was told."
Finally satisfied with our introductions, he stood back to his full height, nearly causing me to have a bout of vertigo watching him.
"So now I consider myself almost blessed with fortune since you have brought a female Hobbit Skin Listener to my home. Tell me, you speak your name as if I should know you."
Gandalf smiled pleasantly at the large man, "Ah, forgive such an assumption. I am a wizard, and though you have not heard of me, I have heard a great many things about you."
Beorn raised an eyebrow at that and crossed his arms, waiting and curious as eager listeners always are.
"My good cousin Radagast has told me tales, so certainly you know him since he lives near the southern borders of Mirkwood?"
Beorn smiled widely at the mention of Radagast's name and beamed at Gandalf as if the wizard were suddenly very exciting, "Yes, not a bad fellow as wizards go! I used to see him now and again and invite him by every so often." Finally satisfied by Gandalf's explanation of who the both of us were and whether or not we were at least trustworthy enough not to attack him or his animals, Beorn continued on, "Well, now that I know who you are -or rather, who you say you are – what do you want from me?"
"To tell you the truth, we have lost our luggage and nearly lost our way. We are in need of help, or at the very least some advice. I dare say we have had a rather eventful encounter with goblins in the mountains and orcs."
Beorn listened with interest to the long winded Gandalf, his fingers tapping on his forearms every so often; upon the mention of orcs and goblins, his eyebrows shot up in surprise and once again looked between the two of us.
"Goblins and orcs? Strange for them to hang about each other."
"Well, we did not encounter them at the same time," Gandalf seemed like he was ready to tell Beorn of the tale but he paused a moment and sighed in a dramatic fashion, "In fact, it is a rather long tale..."
I watched from the sidelines as he looked up at Beorn in a manner that spoke of his want to bequeath the tale to the much taller man; I was just so completely and utterly baffled that such an easy trick was actually going to get us inside Beorn's home. "Well, you had better come inside and tell me it, though I have work to do so don't let it take all day."
As we followed Beorn back around to the main section of his home, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of guilt over the fact that Gandalf would spin the tale of what happened to us so that it lasted as long as possible. In that time, dwarves would come in and introduce themselves and by the end of it, surely Beorn wouldn't know how he exactly acquired so many guests. It was such a dirty trick and I felt almost silly as a proper hobbit to be involved in it.
The main section of the house that Beorn led us back to was as equally large as the rest of his compound and just as beautifully crafted; two large doors decorated with a similar bear motif as the gate stood tall and broad, and easily Beorn pushed the heavy oak doors aside as if they were nothing. Sunlight poured into the main room and inside, everything was made from oak, all treated with various varnishes so each piece looked unique and spectacular.
Bears were definitely Beorn's favorite thing to carve obviously, for on every chair back was the image of a prowling bear whose head was at least double the size of mine. Regular side tables were left simple but stood to the height of my head easily, its long legs nearly the length of my own body. Beorn stopped to put something away into a high hanging cupboard before heading along to the back section of the room, directing us through a hallway that opened out into what looked to be a dining room.
I nearly groaned loudly in frustration.
Inside the room was the one thing that I didn't want to see on such a day and just the thought of approaching the dug out fire place with flames burning strong made me almost shake my head. It cast the room in a warm orange glow until Beorn went over and pulled open a doorway that a moment later, some animals strolled through. I followed after Gandalf, noting that Beorn motioned for us to sit at one of the long tables that were present in the room. Just as the rest of his furniture, it was carved out of oak but instead of bears, the ends of the table were adorned with the heads of boars and how the legs connected to the main table seemed to be otters or weasels.
I hurriedly went to take a seat when Beorn grumbled out for us to seat ourselves, practically stumbling to the nearest seat available in my haste. Despite Gandalf being somewhat tall enough to get onto the bench seat, I still required some help with that and even when I finally settled, my legs dangled much to the delight of Beorn's ever watchful eyes.
From my spot on the bench, I saw the borders of another garden of flowers and I squinted in confusion because even though I knew a great many type of flowers, I didn't know what the ones in that garden were. At the moment, bees were tending to them, buzzing back and forth while horses hovered nearby.
"You were saying?"
Beorn prompted, giving me a quick once over before he went to his nearby cupboard and pulled out a plate and a jar. He set a few cookies on a rather massive plate and pushed it over to me, setting the jar back in his cupboard and reaching down for a jug and a cup. The next thing I knew, Gandalf and I had milk being poured into cups and handed to us; nervous as I didn't quite know what to do in the face of Beorn's hospitality, I was reluctant to take him up on his offer but upon his pointed stare, I thanked him and dug into the cookies.
Having not eaten for at least two days, the first bite of the cookies felt wonderful in my mouth and I groaned at the rich taste of them, gulping down milk and delighting in the way it felt against my parched throat. As I ate, I watched the two men talk, "I was coming over the mountains with a friend or two- "
Beorn tore his eyes away from my eating face, "Or two? I can only see one, and a little one at that."
Gandalf grinned sheepishly, a perfect mask for what his ploy was. "Well, to tell you the truth, I did not like to bother you with a lot of us. If you're willing, I can give them a call?"
"Go on, call away!"
Seeing the rate that I was going through the cookies, Beorn stood again from his seat and went back to his cupboard where he took the jar again and this time simply loaded the plate with as many cookies as it could reasonably take. As he did so, Gandalf gave a quick whistle and just as Beorn was offering the plate back to me and pouring me another cup of milk, Thorin and Ori came round the house through the newly opened doorway.
It took a moment for Thorin to take in the entirety of the situation but I wondered what it must have looked like to him? I suppose he imagined that Gandalf would literally have me lifted up to Beorn in a sacrificial offering sort of way. I'm certain by the look that was on his face that he was not expecting to see me with my hands full of cookies from a plate offered by our host.
Equally so, given the fact that when we left the company was moments away from dying from heat exhaustion, it must have been particularly vexing to see both Gandalf and I kind of living the good life. I was impressed that he composed himself so quickly, bowing and followed in quick succession by Ori. As for Ori, I knew why they chose him to go with Thorin, being so polite and definitely looking the least threatening of all our bunch. The company chose rightly in sending along Ori with Thorin for if one needed manners, then who better to turn to than he?
"One or three, you meant! I was hoping for more hobbits but these are dwarves."
Beorn smiled widely at the appearance of Thorin and Ori, setting down the jar and jug of milk so that I could have some more if I wished. His paw of a hand went into my hair, ruffling it playfully before he went back to his original seat and sat down in it. The entire time, Thorin watched him closely, a frown on his face that he forced into begrudging smile when Gandalf glared at him.
"Thorin Oakenshield, at your service," Thorin clipped out, his voice a touch of fingers along my arms. Oh, I nearly grinned at how annoyed he was at having to be so polite and courteous. "Ori, at your service!" Ori bounced along as he came straight up to the table where I sat and offered his hand so that I could help him up. Once he sat next to me, I passed him the plate of cookies and smiled at him as he dined.
Thorin stood his ground near the doorway, his blue eyes fiercely locked with the wild ones of Beorn. The tall man merely leaned against one of the arms of his chair and chuckled, "I'm in no need of the services of dwarves, though I know that you have need of mine." His eyes trailed over Thorin's appearance, roughened from travel and battle, bruises on his face still evident and his clothing still littered with the splatters of blood that couldn't be washed out.
"I am not overly fond of dwarves but if it is true that you are Thorin, son of Thrain, son of Thror, and that your companion is as respectable and polite as he appears to be," His voice was light though it still rumbled in my chest, amusement written clearly in his eyes as he looked over at where Ori and I nibbled on his cookies. He looked back at Thorin, "And, of course, if you are enemies of goblins and orcs and are not up to any mischief in my lands." He paused as if he suddenly remembered something, his face coming round to direct any further questioning to Gandalf, "Just what are you up to, by the way? Traveling with dwarves and hobbits is rather queer..."
"They are on their way to visit the land of their fathers, away east beyond Mirkwood," Gandalf explained simply, "However, as it were, we were crossing the High Pass and ran into a bit of trouble. While we meant to go quite a bit more south than we did, we were attacked by goblins and orcs – As I was, of course, saying earlier."
Beorn motioned for Gandalf to continue, completely ignoring Thorin as he came to my side and jumped up onto the bench himself and pulled himself up. I offered him some of my milk, which he accepted, though his eyes were still narrowed on Beorn fiercely.
I felt so sorry for Beorn as I realized that we were really going to do this, really going to try and just con our way into Beorn's graces. Gandalf told him the story that we had to relay to the wizard ourselves; he explained all about how we were stuck in the middle of a thunder battle and how we were forced to take shelter in a cave that turned out to be the "front porch" of the goblin town. Gandalf also mentioned how there was several companions besides the ones already introduced to the wild man. Obviously because Beorn could count and see who was already present, he picked up on the fact that Gandalf was either a bit screwy in the head or hiding away his other supposed companions.
So when Gandalf finally admitted to having more dwarves hidden away, Beorn responded with a grin and the command to call them for he was in the mood for a party.
Once again, I nearly shuddered at the realization that this was all going according to plan. Beorn's choice of words made me shake my head because while he welcomed the so called party, I knew it from my own experience only as an unexpected party. Unbeknownst to Beorn, he would have a rather unexpected amount of dwarves in his home... It was a good thing he was looking forward to it.
When Dori and Nori came along to the door, Beorn happily laughed over the fact that they seemed to pop out of nowhere and he ushered them inside where they introduced themselves eagerly. Once again declining any service, they scurried off to Ori's side and Gandalf went on with his tale, explaining about the troop of goods that we lost, though once again Beorn picked up on the term used to describe our size.
So once again, Gandalf explained the difference between our present number and what was most likely waiting outside the doorway and no sooner as he started to explain it, Dwalin and Balin appeared. Beorn's attention was torn between the wizard explaining the story and the two new guests, shuffling in his seat and looking perplexed by the appearance of more dwarves.
"Troop was right..." He trailed off as he took in the appearance of both dwarves, who just as they bowed, Beorn stopped them with a raised hand. "Just come in. I don't want your service either, just your names then sit down and stop wagging about!"
There was a quality to his voice that I wasn't able to accurately interpret given the nature of the sensation that such a voice produced. I was sure with more time I would be able to figure out what emotion connected with where the rumble felt in my chest but for now, I had to go entirely off his facial features. He seemed unsure of what was happening even as Dwalin and Balin introduced and seated themselves accordingly. By the time his eyes went to Gandalf again, he was smiling.
"Go on again."
He was once again eager to hear more and Gandalf picked up where he left off, just as eager to continue. He spoke of how they came face to face with the Great Goblin and how even with a dozen or so dwarves at hand, they had a tough fight on their hands against such a foe. Beorn's eyes trailed along the group after he spoke, counting mentally the number of heads in his present company. The wild gleam in his eyes didn't diminish as he leaned back into his seat, already looking at the door and waiting for more arrivals.
A second later, his eyes saw Fili and Kili arriving together and before they could introduce themselves, he held up his hand and ordered them to sit down and be quiet, not needing or wanting them to be introduced. He was catching onto the ploy, his eyes darting between Gandalf and the open doorway, already suspecting the appearance of more dwarves.
So on Gandalf went with his tale, my eyes following the exchange as I nibbled on a cookie and nearly had to fight off Kili when he saw my cup of milk and went for it. At this point in the story, Gandalf told Beorn of how I fought my way back up from some hidden cavern deep below the mountain, earning a chuckle and a few claps from our host with a grin that made me look away because of the flush on my cheeks. Thorin tried his best but he couldn't help the glare he directed at Beorn.
Now from there, Gandalf paved the way to introduce the newest dwarves to make their appearance, this time telling Beorn their names as he nodded to them in greeting and motioned for them to take a seat wherever they wanted. Oin and Gloin scrambled into the nearest seats they could and once they were settled and not making anymore noise, Gandalf continued to the next part of the tale.
He explained all about the orcs and especially the pale one known as Azog; as we watched and listened, I saw that hint of amusement and interest in Beorn's eyes grow into a flame of immense curiosity upon the mentioned name of Azog. He was genuinely interested now in whatever Gandalf said, leaning up to sit on the edge of his seat and listen with a renewed intensity.
He seemed especially interested in the part where we used pine cones as a means to defend ourselves while in the trees, hearing of how we each threw the pine cones at the wargs and orcs and how all fifteen of us almost fell to our death in the relative safety of one tree. At that point, Beorn jumped to his feet and commented to Gandalf that he was able to count and there were only twelve dwarves currently in front of him. Just as Gandalf was going to explain though, Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur all came through the doorway and surprised all of us for Bombur was told specifically to come last since he was the fattest of all of us.
Now that all of our company now either sat or stood in his dining hall, Beorn looked around at each of us and seemed not to understand how so many dwarves were inside his home. He did not come off as a particularly social man given the company he kept but I knew what he was going through only because I had been in the very same position. I was only waiting for the dwarves to forget their manners and go off to raid whatever pantry Beorn had available.
With all the company introduced and sitting in his hall, Beorn ushered Gandalf to finish his story with no more interruptions and eagerly listened to the rest of the tale that included the bravery of a little hobbit (where I once again blushed and tried to hide when Beorn turned those amusement filled eyes back on me) and the eventual rescuing by the eagles that took us over the mountains. By the time Gandalf finally finished his story, grateful to point out that they were now in Beorn's humble abode telling him the tale, the bright light of the sun had dimmed and the shadows were long with the oncoming sunset.
Beorn noticed this too and as soon as he took in the time of day from the length of the shadows alone, he stood from his great chair and clapped his hands together. "A very good tale!" He said, all smiles and happiness once again, "The best I have heard in quite a while, actually." He easily moved around the dwarves, who were still standing around the table and leaned down to tell me directly over my head, "Horses are terrible story tellers, believe it or not."
Beorn offered me his hand and I glanced at the group momentarily for any offering of help but upon receiving none, I was forced to smile nervously and take up the proffered hand. I was nearly lifted off the seat, squeaking in fright and hearing Beorn laugh loudly at the sound that I made. "You beggars have told me a grand tale so I think you deserve a supper for it, even if it is all made up. Since it's also getting late, you can stay and not worry for needing to sleep anywhere out in the forest. There's plenty of beds in the adjoining house. I'll show you all to your accommodations."
Despite being so happy to give us accommodations for the night due to the excitement caused from Gandalf's story, as Beorn ushered the company through an adjoining hallway which would lead us to the guest section of the giant house that he made, I was still forced to stick to his side and anytime I tried to wander off, he once again grabbed me to keep me close.
As he directed us to the main section of the guest room, every time I attempted to wander off, Beorn would reach around and check to make sure that I was still close as a mother would do with her child. I was forced to stick to his side, a frown on my face because I felt as if I were being babied. When I glared back at the company for any type of assistance, I caught on more than one occasion that while Thorin had one of the foulest looking expressions on his face, he was unable to really say anything. Fili and Kili almost couldn't help but laugh at the fact that I had to put up with such behavior.
The rest of the dwarves seemed to look on at me in mixed messages of sympathy and want to help out but if any of us did anything to ruin Beorn's rather giving mood, then we would all regret it.
Most of all, I just wondered what was for dinner because if I had to deal with being treated like a child, then by Yavanna, the food better be delicious and the ale flowing freely.