The rest of the day I stayed outside. I helped Beorn finish splitting the wood. I felt like I needed to do something else in thanks for all that Beorn was doing for the Company. But the log that needed to be split was massive, as tall as my shoulder and as wide as my arms held out. We needed to chop it into smaller pieces to cut into pieces small enough for the fire place. Beorn had a spare ax that he handed to me with great amusement. It was as tall as me, the handle as thick as my leg and the blade as big as a shield. He chuckled, shaking his great head, "Little Vixen, I don't think you will be much help with the wood today."

Squaring my jaw I eyed the log, set the ax aside and pulled out my twin blades. Beorn raised a bushy eyebrow, curious. Taking a deep breath I focused entirely on the blades and my target. Lowering my blades to the side of the log I gently tapped it. Then in a blur of motion I slashed down with both blades in a deadly stroke with all my strength. There was a deafening crack and two sections of the log separated from the rest. Beorn's jaw dropped and I could feel the eyes of the others behind me. I ignored them and did the same with the rest of the log. Once it was in rounds I hummed a tune as I sheathed my blades and retrieved my ax, "Come Beorn, help me split these logs yeah?"

I saw Fili, and Kili with Thorin over by the door, their jaws on the ground. I looked away, hiding a blush as Beorn laughed and took up his own ax as I grabbed the other. Between the two of us we split the log into small enough pieces and the other Dwarves cheerfully helped us stack it against the wall of the house. I smiled my thanks at them as I gave the ax to Beorn with a wince, my muscles sore from the work. Beorn shooed me to the bath, which I happily accepted. I had to weave through the Dwarves and avoided looking at Thorin as I hurried inside.

Sighing to myself I filled the tub and was actually grateful for the cold water as it numbed my aching side and sore muscles. Washing myself clean, I dried on a towel brought by a sheep and changed back into my one of Beorn's shirts with a sigh. I washed my clothes again and slipped out to put them on bushes to dry. I hid my laugh when I saw Dwalin scowling as Dori, the strongest of our group, lift the ax I had used with a slight effort. Dwalin tried again and growled when he could only swing it sluggishly and slowly. Some of the other Dwarves wanted to try and I slipped around the house, intent on spending more time with Laddybuck before we had to leave. I found him with Beorn, who grinned at me, "Thank you for your help Ariana."

I grinned back, flushing with pleasure, "Your welcome. I'm happy to help." Laddybuck came over to me for pets and Beorn knelt next to me and said softly, "Ariana, there is something I must give you."

I looked at him, curious. He reached into his tunic and pulled out a small green pouch. He handed it to me and I took it curiously. He said softly, "Your mother gave me this to give to you if we ever met." I stared at him, mind racing and trying to figure out how my mother would know I would meet Beorn. Beorn set a giant hand on my shoulder and said, "She said that if you were anything like her you would most likely go adventuring and find this place." This made sense, considering all the trouble I got into with my adventurous nature when I was little.

Beorn chuckled, "Although I doubt she had any of this in mind. Traveling with a group of Dwarves." I couldn't help but smile at that and I carefully opened the pouch and turned it over in my hand. Out came a silver chain with a pendant on it. When I looked closer it turned out to be a chunk of pretty red, orange, and brown piece of petrified wood carved into an oval. I remembered my mother talking about stones, how petrified wood meant to be connected with the earth. My heart warmed and I smiled at Beorn, "Thank you Beorn."

He smiled softly, patting my head, "She wanted you to follow your heart." I cocked an eyebrow at him and his grin got bigger, "Ah yes, you will figure out what to do with the little Dwarf King." My face turned into a tomato and I scowled, inside laughing at Beorn calling Thorin little. Beorn stood and threw his head back, laughing a booming laugh that made me giggle. Shaking my head I carefully slipped the necklace around my neck, it was long enough that it went down between my breasts and into my breast band.

Gandalf found me there, shaking my head at Beorn and unable to get rid of the smile on my face. He eyed us and said calmly, "I do believe we will be leaving tomorrow."

Beorn gave a nod, heading for the house, "Best gather the supplies you and your little band will need." Laddybuck pressed his nose against my shoulder and I gave a nod to Gandalf before he followed Beorn. I rubbed Laddybuck's cheek, sighing and explaining why he'd need to come back with Beorn's ponies when they returned after dropping us off at Mirkwood.

It took a bit but I finally convinced him, gave him another hug before I went in to help with the supplies. Feeling the bit of stone on my chest like a warm touch of light.

0o0

At dinner I had polity declined the seat next to Thorin and sat instead next to Ori, who joined me in an animate conversation about our books, his journal and my sketches. Ori agreed to carry my book in his back, the safest place for it. I didn't catch the looks Fili and Kili shared before they glanced at their uncle, who hid his look of confusion quickly before turning to talk with Balin.

I waited until half of the Company had started going to bed before making my way over to the wall. I slept next to a wall that night, surrounded by animals who seemed to think I needed the company. I was buried under a blanket in a pile of hay with a sheep dog by my head, a ram lying at my back and a sheep next to me. I listened to the others talking over by the table, hearing them wonder why Beorn leaves during the night. Slowly I fell asleep with my hand buried in the sheep's wool, hoping Thorin didn't notice that I was avoiding him.

0o0

Thorin stood near the fire place, frowning at the flames. Ariana was acting different and he didn't understand why. He thought everything had been going well. Taking a deep breath, he sighed and headed for his spot near his nephews to sleep. Ariana was across the room surrounded by Beorn's animals. The Company would be leaving tomorrow and continuing their journey for Erebor, which was always at the front of Thorin's mind. But now thoughts of Ariana was taking up more of his concentration. This should worry him, but he couldn't seem to bring himself to feel too bothered by it. What did bother him was that now she was distancing herself from him. He couldn't figure out what he had done wrong or why her attitude had suddenly changed.

0o0

The next morning I woke up before the Company and sneaked outside. Gathering my clothes as the sun just began to peek over the trees, I glanced around quickly before changing right there, hiding slightly behind the bushes. I didn't want to risk waking the Dwarves, although I began to hear noises inside that told me they were beginning to wake up anyway. Dressed I slipped on my boots, daggers and swords, making sure everything was secure. I raised my arms and stretched to the sky, hearing my spine pop and sighed in relief. I looked over at the fence but didn't see it as I thought over yesterday, wondering how the day would go. I was so deep in thought I didn't hear the footsteps behind me or someone softly calling my name. A hand on my shoulder startled me and I yelped as my elbow automatically flew back and connected with something solid.

I spun and found that I had slammed my elbow into Thorin's chest. He grimaced, face contorting with pain, most likely from his ribs. Horrified I squeaked and waved my hands, not sure weather to touch him or not, "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry Thorin! I didn't mean to." Flustered I wasn't sure what to do. Thorin slowly took a breath and said, "My apologies, I did not mean to startle you."

He straightened and frowned slightly at me, "Are you well Ariana?"

I blinked, cocked an eyebrow and said sarcastically, "I just jabbed you in the ribs, which I know must hurt like hell fires, and your asking me if I'm alright? Are you sick?"

He glared and I stared, unsure what to do. Luckily I was saved by Beorn calling that there was food. I cocked my head at Thorin, who hadn't moved. Smiling softly I motioned for him to follow, "I'm fine. Come on Thorin, we need to go eat."

He studied me for another moment before sighing. We walked in as the Company began to eat. I sat next to Bombur, who shared a plate of honey cakes. After a quick breakfast we started loading up the ponies. Laddybuck wanted to come but we both knew that he couldn't keep up. I hugged him tight and said, "I love you Laddybuck. Take care."

He nuzzled my cheek, "Lightfoot will take care of you. Good luck Ariana."

Patting his cheek I gave him a quick kiss on the nose. Turning away I grinned at Beorn, "Thanks for everything Beorn." He knelt and I couldn't help myself as I moved forward, stood on my tip toes and hugged him around the neck, "And thanks for the delivery."

He chuckled and hugged me back gently, "Take care Ariana."

I let go, "Will do." I turned and one of the ponies, Lightfoot stood waiting. I swung on, settling in front of the packs on his back. We had a bunch of supplies that would last, but I just hoped it would be enough. Thorin gave the signal to move out, looking over me to make sure I was alright before turning back to lead. Gandalf winked as he came back to join me at the end. I rolled my eyes I waved bye to Beorn, knowing deep down that he'd most likely follow to make sure his precious horses were safe. Hiding a smile I looked ahead, hoping for the best, and ready for the journey to continue.