Chapter 12: Unexpected Guest
"Did you hear that?" Luna asked.
"Probably the animals inside acting up." Nova said milking the family cow.
"That sounded like Papa's roar." Luna said.
"Probably just a warning roar." Nova said handing the bucket of milk over to Luna. "Bring the milk inside. I'll be there in a moment." Nova said leading the cow back to the field. Luna sighed and made her way back to the house carrying the two buckets of milk.
"What is that?" Ori asked as the Dwarves regained themselves.
"That is our host." Gandalf answered. They all turn to look at Gandalf in confusion. "His name is Beorn; he's a skin-changer. Sometimes he's a huge brown bear, sometimes he's a great strong man. The bear is unpredictable, but the man can be reasoned with." Gandalf said.
"What of the wolf? Was it one we seen a few months ago?" Bilbo asked.
"Yes. She appears to also be a skin-changer." Gandalf said. "However, he is not over fond of Dwarves."
"He's leaving." Ori said peeking out the door crack.
Dori pulls his younger brother away from the door. "Come away from there! It's not natural, none of it. It's obvious; he's under some dark spell." Dori said looking at Gandalf. Just then the door shook again, causing the Dwarves jumped back. Crescent claw at it like a dog trying to get out. Beorn roared calling her off, the two went back to the woods.
"Don't be a fool. He's under no enchantment but his own. And neither is his kin." Gandalf told the small minded Dwarf.
"Gandalf!?" Balin called. Turning the company stared up at a young woman. She stood a height of six foot six inches, she stood over Gandalf. Her hair was long, silky and straight, pure white like freshly fallen snow. A face so fair, smooth glowing pale skin. Eyes shined baby blue, lips soft pink, and cheek the same shade. She wore a tattered style dress; it was various shades of pinks. A very suiting fit do to her size.
"It has been sometime." Gandalf said walking up to her. She embraced the wizard in a hug. "Gandalf I'm so relieved your safe." She said nearly crushing the wizard. He chuckled at the gesture. "Did Papa invite you here?" she asked releasing him.
"More or less invited." Gandalf said as he gestured to the Dwarfs.
"You all made it."she Dwarves looked at each other, trying to remember seeing this lass before. "Don't any of you remember me?" Luna asked sweetly. The Dwarves shook their heads no. She walked over and knelled down to Ori. "You remember me? Don't you?" she asked. Ori blushed at the beauty before him. Looking into her eyes Ori pulled his book out, flipping through the pages he found the picture of the white wolf he sketched months ago. Holding it up for her she nodded. "I knew you'd remember Me." she said scooping him up into a hug. He nervously chuckled and blushed. She kissed his cheek turning the tiny Dwarf red.
"Wait! So you're the wolf I shot? Really!?" Kili asked. Luna placed Ori down and turned to the prince. Kili blushed embarrassed of his stupid question.
"It was understandable. You all were defending yourselves." Luna assured him. She stood going to Gandalf, "My sisters will be surprised to see you all again." Nova walked in stunned to see Gandalf and the Dwarves. "Nova! Gandalf came to visit with friends." Luna said. Nova smiled at Gandalf but was confused why the Dwarves were there.
This girl stood the same high as Luna. Her hair long, wavy, and loosed curls, it was a honey blonde. A face just as fair as her younger sister, skin the color of peaches in spring. Eyes milk chocolate brown, lips tinted slightly red and rose cheeks. She wore a tattered dress as well; it was a various shades of blues. Neither of the girls seem to wear shoes of any kind. "Gandalf. I would have never guessed you to be here." Nova said.
"Do you mind if we spend the night?" Gandalf asked.
"Of course you may." Luna answered. Gandalf smiled and the Dwarves appreciated the woman's charity.
"Wait! Wait! Papa would never allow this." Nova interrupted.
"Nova look at them. Their hungry, dirty, and tired." Luna said scooping up Bofur, Bifur, Ori and Nori. Her arms holding their upper bodies as their legs dangled.
"Luna they are not stray pets. You can't just care for them so simply." Nova said.
"No complaints here." Bofur commented. Nova gave him a stern look. "Sorry. Just trying the lighten the mood." He apologized.
"My men and I ask to stay a night or two? Please?" Thorin asked.
Nova looked at them, all so tired. If she made them leave Papa or Crescent would surly kill them. If they stayed Papa would be furious at her and Luna. Looking at Luna who still held the Dwarves she began pouting. Nova sighed, "Very well. I will talk to Papa in the morning." Luna hugged the Dwarfs in her arms; they blushed at the feeling. "You may sleep in the hay piles tonight. Tomorrow will see about sparing our beds." Nova said. Thorin thanked her, Nova made Luna put the Dwarves down. "This is your idea." Nova said holding Luna's arm giving her a stern look. Letting go she had Luna show them to the sleeping area.
"Nova this is a very noble thing to do." Gandalf told her.
"I hope Papa spares them." she said watching Luna helping them settle in.
"I hope as well." Gandalf said.
Further away Azog and his Orcs watch the house.
"Attack them now. Kill the Dwarf filth while they sleep." Narzug said.
"No. The Beast stands guard." Azog said. "We will kill them on the road." He tells the Orcs watching as Crescent cough his scent.
"Papa their leaving." Crescent barked.
"Yes come." Beorn huffed. Running back to the house Beorn changes to his strong male form. Crescent shifted into a young woman. She gathered up hers clothing and changed. Quickly the two head for the house. Inside Nova stayed awake sitting at the dinner table. Luna passed out in the hay with the Dwarves. Sleeping sitting up Luna had Bifur asleep on her lap, Nori and Bomber heads rested on each of her thighs, and Fili, Kili, Ori, and Bofur laid their heads on her breast wrapped in her arms. Her breathing was soft and soothing; it made them feel like babies sleeping on their mothers bosoms. Bilbo heard the door unlock, he watched as a huge man walked in along with his third child.
"Papa, your okay." Nova said getting up from the table.
"You know I dislike travelers." Beorn growled. Nova looked down in shame at the anger in his voice.
"I know. I was going to kick them out but Luna-" Nova was saying until Crescent growled at her.
"Should I toss them out?" Crescent asked her father.
"Let them sleep. But keep a eye on them." Beorn growled retreating to his bed.
Crescent growled going up to Nova, "You're lucky he spared them and you." She then went to her bed. Nova wiped the tears from her eyes; she sat back at the table falling asleep. Bilbo felt guilty for what they had done to the poor girl, soon he nodded off.