Bonjour! Well 6 months is a long time but hopefully these two chapters were worth it! I'm in France so updates will be looking sparse. No Internet on my labtop since winter which can explain my lack of updates along with my junior year of college coming to a close. Busy Busy Busy! Sorry about that! Hopefully now I'll be able to update more frequently as summer begins! It hasn't started yet so we'll see about these next few updates. Bring on the hate mail since I'm still writing this story. But to reviewers who have been so nice and commented about this story I'm sending all my thanks and appreciation your way! Your reviews triumph any negatives. Constructive criticism on the other hand is always welcomed so long as it's genuine.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything its all Tolkien.

Chapter 5

The night was long, I found myself drifting into a sleep like state but still acutely aware of the fact that we would be moving again once the wind died down. Several hours passed and as light came in through the clouds, the wind had lessened and the company was nearly frozen against the cliff face.

I looked out to see that the snow had subsided. My eyes lingered on the distance of dark and moody clouds that continued to look menacing. Perhaps we would be able to pass over the mountain after all. It was a happy thought that would not last.

As we finally began to trudge our way toward the pass the wind again picked up again and soon there was a full-fledged blizzard raging against us.

" There is a fell voice in the air." Said Legolas over the howling wind.

" Its Saruman! He's trying to bring down the mountain! Gandalf we must turn back!" Shouted Aragorn.

" NO!" yelled Gandalf as he held out his hands to attempt to counter Saruman's magic.

I was behind the hobbits who walked side by side. As I urged them forward suddenly there was a deafening crack. I looked up to see lighting strike the mountainside above us.

" Look out!' I shouted, snow blowing into my throat.

Pippin was far too close to the edge and I could see he was slipping over the side. Without thinking I grabbed him and shoved him away from the ledge. The snow fell heavy and my footing became unsteady. I panicked as I felt the snow crumble under my feet.

I threw my pack against the wall of snow in an attempt to launch my weight but the pack slipped from my cold hands.

" GRACE!" I heard Legolas cry out, struggling to get out from under the snow. His hands digging hard trying desperately to get out from beneath its weight.

I could hardly breathe as I felt the air get sucked out of my lungs from panic. The air was so stiff and cold against my skin as its icy grasp took hold of my body. My heart was in my throat as I felt the air rush passed me.

I was surrounded by the wind and the howl of it made my ears go numb but as soon as I felt my arms go cold and stiff I quickly realized I was no longer falling but flying. I felt relief wash over me despite the forcefully wind and bellowing snow that whirled around me.

I flapped my wings and flew back up the mountain. The wind whistling like a kettle in my ears. I could hardly see through the snow but I could hear Boromir's hoarse voice.

" We must get off the mountain Gandalf.! This will be the death of the hobbits and we've lost Grace already!"

I swooped down on them and landed on Gandalf's shoulder. I dug my claws into his cloak as the wind battered my wings while he looked at me. I saw relief wash over Legolas.

" Lady Grace is alive! " yelled Gandalf gently soothing my feathers with his hand. " But we can not make for the gap of Rohan-"

Gimli interrupted with his own shouting " If we cannot go over the mountain let us go under it! Let us take the path through the Mines of Moria!"

The wind roared against my feathers and I felt my eyes burning from the snow. A mine certainly sounded nicer then the snow. I felt Gandalf's apprehension. The mines would be dangerous but anything was better then the relentless force of the Saurman. The mountain would kill us if it could.

" Let the Ring Bearer decide, Frodo?" asked Gandalf.

I looked to Frodo who was watching me with curiosity.

" We will go through the Mines." He answered his voice hoarse.

" So be it."

We silently trekked back down our path until we reached the outskirts of the mountain. The snow no longer blocked our path as forcefully and the wind had all but stopped now. It was now a mild breeze from the west.

" Grace, fly ahead to scout our path." Whispered Gandalf.

I flew off, relishing the feeling of flying with a far gentler wind. I watched as the snow disappeared completely and short bushes and shrubs began to grow. The path we had taken to the mountain seemed safe enough but I did not know which path Gandalf would take to reach the Mines. However there was still not an animal insight except myself, I would have thought they would have come back since our departure.

I flew back over the fellowship and took to flying beside Gandalf. I looked at him.

" The path we had taken to Carahras is still free of orcs and spies. Though once again it is strangely empty of life. But which road do you plan to take to Moria ? "

"Some 15 miles there lies a hidden door south west of Caradhras which will be our road once we reach a place to rest and make ready ourselves. It lies resting at the very roots of the mountain."

As we finally reached a ridge free of snow and somewhat sheltered from the wind I took the chance to disappear. I flew into the bare arms of a tree and felt the feathers loosen from my back and arms. I would need to remember how to be able to shift with clothes eventually I thought to myself, as I stood naked in the forest.

I heard footsteps behind me and turned around to see a pack of clothes thrown at me. I caught it swiftly.

" Try not to tumble off cliffs frequently or else you may find an older grayer ranger when you return. "Said Aragorn in a concerned voice. He turned away quickly and began to walk toward camp. I called out to him.

" I will try though I can't promise anything." I said laughing lightly.

I heard him chuckle.

" Perhaps for Legolas then." He answered.

I blushed in the shade of the trees and felt my heart pang. Aragorn was more insightful then I gave him credit for. I dressed and I quickly walked back into camp as the darkness of the encroaching night began to surround the fire. No one spoke. But the hobbits ran to my side and embraced me. Boromir looked suspicious of me but I paid him no mind as I sat down beside Legolas who gripped my shoulder with a nod.

" I think an explanation is order." Said Boromir breaking the silence.

" Lady Grace is a skin changer, a rarity amongst all. She holds strong council with the Great Bear Beorn and Radagast the Brown. Both are members of the Greenwood, protecting the forests from darkness that continues to seek a hold there." Said Gandalf smiling at me.

I felt shy suddenly and I could hear that wind was beginning to make its way against us again. Mother Nature was truly troubled with her constantly changing moods.

I shifted against my seat as the fellowship watched me closely.

"So you mean you can change into any animal?" Asked Pippin wide eyed and slightly frightened yet intrigued.

I held my hands against the fire, letting the heat seep in.

" As far as I know yes."

" Why did you not tell us before? At the very start of our journey?" asked Boromir.

Before I could answer Gandalf cut me off.

" Because she has far more reason then you Boromir to keep secrets. It is not wise to show all your weapons to the enemy is it not?" said Gandalf sternly.

" Indeed though there is no enemy among us."

There was a stale silence as we all listened to the strange sounds of the wind and the pale ring Frodo carried. It grew between us and I felt uneasy.

" Only I ask because it would have saved us all the fright of thinking the worst on the mountain." Added Boromir.

I was mildly touched by his statement but at the same time I still did not trust him. Was this the same man who had fought me in Rivendell?

" I'm sorry." I said without thinking.

Boromir studied me hard trying to judge whether or not I was genuine.

" Think nothing of it. Everyone is entitled to their secrets." He added.

Silence followed and as the fire whipped against the wind I couldn't help but feel uneasy yet again. The echo from the ridge yelled for miles. If spies were in the darkness they could see us like a beacon. I fidgeted in my seat causing Legolas to look over to me often. Not that I was complaining. His stare felt comforting, another pair of eyes watching out for me. He could clearly see I was uncomfortable. I nearly jumped out of my seat when Sam spoke.

" Why does the wind howl so! It chills my bones." Said Sam trying to tuck his hands as tightly as he could to his body.

Again I heard the wind, like a yelping pup in the dark. Suddenly Aragorn was on his feet and I was too. There was a smell, sweat and blood.

" How the wind howls! It is the howling with warg voices!" shouted Aragorn.

Everyone was on their feet in seconds. I felt my pack fall off my shoulders as I ran on four legs into the darkness. I heard Aragorn call out my name but ignored him completely. I heard the warg calls in the dark louder now. They were out for blood, thirsty and reckless they would not stop until they were either killed or if the fellowship was dead. They were driven by so much energy the fellowship would not stand a chance so exhausted from the mountain. I needed to slow them down.

I heard their paws thumping against the dirt. I opened my mouth and caught the front leg of one and let the loose meat fly high into the air as we rolled down the hill.

He was snarling at me as blood flowed from his leg.

I felt the rushed footsteps of the fellowship underneath my feet. As he lunged at me again I thrust my paws against is throat and with a loud crack and yelp it was dead. Their minds were muttering so quickly, like thoughts gargling salt water. I couldn't decipher a thing, except the feeling of thirst, the unconquerable desire for blood.

I ran back toward the fellowship. The wargs had come from all directions, quietly stalking in the darkness around the ridge. But where were their masters? Wargs do not usually hunt alone.

One by one I fought with them, ripping and tearing throats. I heard arrows flying and swords shaking against the wargs that dared to come closer. Frodo threw fuel on the fire and as it blazed I could see there were only 3 wargs left to deal with. Gandalf thrust his staff and they were blown onto their backs. I ran at the one that Aragorn had been struggling with killing it with a swipe of my paw.

Boromir held back making sure the hobbits stayed safe while Legolas stood back pitching arrows. The smaller wargs were soon dead but one warg was larger then the rest. He edged back into the darkness, a wound at his mouth where Gandalf had cut his gums open. He snarled and licked at the bleeding jaw.

His thoughts were less messy, still tense but more organized.

He looked at me and I sensed his threat. He was older then the other wargs, perhaps somewhat of a leader but not a loyal leader. He was not willing to die with their foolishness. He was out numbered and bolted quickly from the scene. I began to make my way after him but I heard Gandalf call out.

" Let him go. He will not bother us again. We must travel quickly at day break and make for Moria."

I lumbered into camp, my heavy muscles sweating.

"Grace I think it best you keep watch tonight in the form you are in now. Should orc scouts be close you would make quick work of them." I nodded heading back out of the circle of the fellowship. I sat down beside the tree near our camp and let my eyes look at the vast view below the ridge. I could see many roads taken by animals. I felt very sensitive to the nature here and now. Why had the animals gone? The wargs would not have driven them off so easily. I felt more rested as a bear, my energy was high and I was aware of everything.

I listened to the dark as I could hear footsteps from behind me.

" I was just as surprised as you were." said Legolas.

I gazed back at him and huffed lightly. I could see my breath in the air, wisps of white curling in the dark.

I looked back at him again and he put his hand on my shoulder. He understood.

" Saurman gave unnatural stealth to those creatures. It is not your fault you were caught unaware. You took many upon yourself."

I shrugged his hand off of my shoulder and shifted uncomfortably.

" I can hear you better and more honestly now as an animal then as an elf. You can not hide your true thoughts."

Legolas put his hand on shoulder again and I bared my teeth. I wanted him to know to back off. I didn't need his help or anyone's. I was looking out for the group and it was my job to make sure we didn't get ambushed again. He was distracting me and I felt restless under his gaze. He couldn't know everything that I was thinking in this form.

I looked stiffly out into the dark as we sat in a still silence. I let my claws dig deep into the hard dirt. The sun was nearly breaking over the horizon before either of us spoke.

" Can you not feel the protection you coat the fellowship in?" whispered Legolas.

I looked to him quickly.

" You'll exhaust yourself projecting so much of your energy onto us. Let your eyes take the burden. They are watchful enough."

I shook my head and realized how tired I actually felt. My muscles had been tense all night. I dreaded the thought of shifting back. I would truly be exhausted now.

" I don't think it wise for you to shift back till you've rested at least one night as you are now."

I laid my heavy head on my paws and looked forward.

" Besides the hobbits could even ride upon your back" Said Legolas joyfully.

I whipped my head back to him.

" I only jest." Laughed Legolas .

He stretched his arm out to touch my broad shoulders.

" You should rest even if only till the sun wakes Gandalf. It will do you good. We sat watch together for a reason and you've earned a good rest."

I huffed but realized he was right. I tried to relax my heavy limbs but found they were wound tight. I sat up frustrated.

Legolas touched my shoulders again.

" Rest friend, I'll will be your eyes for a short while. I will keep them safe I promise."

I shifted my weight so that I was closer to Legolas now. I let my back rest against him as I laid my head down.

" Perhaps a short tune will put your mind at ease?

O mor henion I dhu:

Ely siriar, el sila.

Ai! Aniron Undomiel.

Tiro! El Eriq e mor.

I lir en el luitha uren.

Ai! Aniron.."

The words barely made it to my ears before I was fast asleep my aching limbs waned and the tense muscles relaxed. My dreams were sparse, glimpses of early moments spent in another place. One in particular stood out.

Crickets chirping in the dark in the black sweat of August. Because it was the time of the year where nights were lukewarm, bath water left without a body onto which it could cast its tide. I let the feeling wash over me like a fresh skin, letting the old one peel away in the chaos. There was a boy there too. Left at the bridge between thought and memory. But I didn't want him to be there and he was. I called out but there was no answer. I had no voice and I felt he had taken it and so I yelled. I screamed. I was in hysterics thrashing at the blanket of silence. He simply stood there in the dark.

" gra-" he was whispering but I couldn't even make out the word.

"Grab something- Grab on" he said louder.

"Grab On!" He shouted and suddenly I realized I was underwater and I could hardly see him. He was getting dimmer and dimmer.

"Hold on to me!" He said and I reach out as arm could go and so I lunged out at him feeling helpless in that moment suspended in a timeless air.

I fell into his arms and the sound echoed against my ears like a thunder in spring. I wanted to open my eyes but I became so tied and fell deeper into him as if I was nearly inside of him. Housed in between his ribs, his hips like a well-worn bed.

I did not know how long I had slept but when I opened my eyes I realized I was naked in the dirt but wrapped tightly in a blanket.

Legolas was right next to me, his hand dangerously close to mine as if he had just been holding it.

I looked out over the ridge, the sun was at full rise in the middle of the sky. I let the sun seep into my fresh skin, it felt loose around me. Legolas did not stir and I didn't hear anyone of the fellowship moving about. The wafting smoke of old toby drifted in my nose. Gandalf was awake at least. I shifted to sit upright.

" How long have I been asleep?" I asked quietly.

"Long Enough, it is nearly mid-day. Gandalf thought it best we slept well before entering Moria."

He looked back at me.

" I thought you could need the rest."

I scooted nearer to him and wrapped the blanket closer to my shoulders.

"You've been awake all night don't you think you should rest some?" I asked putting my hand on his shoulder.

I could have sworn I felt him tense under my touch.

" I have-" He began and put his hand over mine. I felt a blush hot and heavy slather over my cheeks as he put his hand to my cheek.

" You took the rest you needed do not worry about me." Said Legolas with a smile.

I nodded silently and he held my face in his hands. He looked at me concerned now. His eyes creasing, squinting at me lightly.

" Your dreams were heavy. Do you wish to tell me some of them, perhaps to ease them into memory?"

I shifted away from him uncomfortably, letting his hands fall away and he frowned. I sat in silence.

" When something troubles you so deeply you should not hide it away under dirt and skin. Do not let it dig a hole inside of you for fear may heal the wound and let the hurt get trapped there forever."

I hugged the blanket tighter and looked out across the ridge. I didn't want to say another word. Something about the dream had put me in a place where I was no longer in control. I was lost in the dream and Legolas could not help me with that.

" No." I said quietly in a whisper only he could hear.

" I'm fine." I said louder and turned to him and smiled the widest I could muster.

He winced at my false joy but smiled back as best he could.

" As you wish."

I got up and stretched my legs and let myself wander away from Legolas into the woods were I dressed quickly. I climbed up a tree branch and let my limbs hang off the branch like a tired cat.

"I think a cat would suit you well." Said a voice.

I looked down to see Gandalf , pipe in hand smiling.

" You think so? " I asked in jest. Gandalf knew how to ease my heart.

" Oh yes, perhaps a tabby white and brown with green eyes would be perfect. Think you could manage it?"

I smiled and hopped down from the tree.

" Ah you can even land on all fours. Perfect I should think for an old wizard such as myself." He winked at me.

"Perhaps." I answered with a small smile. He put a comforting hand on my shoulder.

" Would you prefer we retired from our quest and instead lived out our days tended to by the woods? " he asked.

His eyes were gentle, it seemed such a tempting thought.

" Only if the ring did not exist and if we were not already knee deep in the clutches of evil then perhaps that life would be a good one." I said with a slight bitterness.

He looked at me with a sad smile.

" Rivendell is far from us now. We are in the wild and there will come a time where you will need to make difficult choices. This is only the start. You must greet this quest head on for it will kill you surely if you give the chance. Do not let its heaviness slow your mind." He warned.

I thought I would feel lighter more enlightened by his words but instead I felt even heavier, and less confident.

" It is a harsh truth you must be constantly aware of Grace for where we venture death will follow at our heels at every step."

There was a stiff silence and I stared at the woods mindlessly.

" If you meant to lift my spirits Gandalf your attempts are rather meek at best." I said laughing lightly trying to ease myself.

Gandalf laughed.

" Ah well I am sorry. I suppose I was a tad grim. But would it lift your spirits then to know that as we speak Merry and Pippin are planting ants in the Boromirs bedroll?"

I choked on my own laughter and put a hand over my mouth.

Gandalf chuckled with me.

" Indeed. They have been plotting for quite a while."

We both smiled in agreement and as we made our way back to camp I could see indeed Merry and Pippin planting bright red ants under the safely tucked and blanketed Boromir. He would be awake soon so I made my way by the ashy fire to get a good seat to watch his morning unfold.

Gandalf relit his pipe and sat back against a tree. Aragorn was already awake along with Frodo. We all watched Pippin and Merry soundlessly.

I looked over to Legolas who still was perched on the ledge. He looked back at me and I turned away focusing all my attention to Boromir. Merry and Pippin quietly weaseled their way beside me.

Pippin handed me a hunk of bread, which I took with a great smile. He chomped down on his own breakfast with triumph as we all sat in an amused silence.

" What in the name of Elves, Dwarfs and Men-" Yelled Boromir with a shout. In seconds he was up and shedding his layers of clothes with horse speed. He flung his sword into the woods and his boots were nearly flung off the ridge itself.

Laughter erupted from the company, myself included. In between my laughter I could hear a slight buzzing. As it got louder I looked around but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Until I saw a large bee begin approaching me. It hovered in front my face as I stared at in earnest.

" Can I help you?" I asked out loud rather foolishly but everyone was distracted by Boromirs shouts.

"I have been sent by Beorn to make you aware of the nameless things that dwell in Moria."

"Nameless things?" I asked.

The bee hovered uneasily and so I brought my hand up to him and he landed softly.

" Yes. They gnaw at the veins of mountain, burrowing."

" But why must I know them?"

" You must."

" But why?"

" You will be new to them and they have not seen a new thing in a great many age for they are as old as the mountain itself."

I sat in silence.

" They have known each creature that has been born to Middle earth for they were made by broken songs, tunes half sung. They are the whistles of birds killed mid melody."

" What will they do?" I asked quietly.

" Beorn does not know only that they will wonder and to be naïve of them would be unwise for no one knows of their intentions."

" Thank you and give Beorn my thanks. Though you look quite tired you should rest with us for it is a long flight back to the greenwood." I said with a smile.

The bee looked pleased as he took perch in my hair, which had become unruly and fizzy.

" A Great many thanks my lady." He said then fell silent.

Yes quite the long flight indeed I thought to myself. But a question lingered in my mind. How had Beorn known that we were taking the path through Moria? Had he heard the mountain defeat us? There had not been an animal for miles, unless perhaps I had missed one? I trusted Beorn but it was unnerving to know how easily he had found me. I would keep my thoughts to myself perhaps the answeres would be uncovered in time.

I looked over to see Boromir who had ceased his yelling and shouting and instead had begun searching for elements of his gear that had been strewn about. Aragorn was helping him though Pippin and Merry seemed quite content sitting. Even Frodo seemed to wear a smile. Sam had just woken and Legolas- where was he? I looked around camp and didn't see a trace of the elf. Perhaps he's out scouting, I reasoned.

I stood up and walked over to Gandalf. He was looking up at the bright sky.

" We must make our way to Moria today and must leave quickly to reach the gates at nightfall."

" Should I go scout?"

" No, no. Legolas has taken it upon himself to look ahead."

I slumped my shoulders.

" My Dear, there will be plenty more opportunities for you to scout ahead." Said Gandalf with a laugh. " You seem eager?"

" Just uneasy, how long has Legolas been gone?" I asked.

" No longer then he should be. Do you worry for him?"

" Of course. I always worry – about everyone." I answered.

I felt a small blush creeping but I tried to fight it down.

" Go scout ahead then. I'm sure he wouldn't mind the company." Said Gandalf with a smile.

" I know but I was rather short with him this morning."

" All the more reason. Go on smooth it over. It will be hard to once we started on the road."

Gandalf was always right and so I slumped more but lifted myself and walked out toward the ridge. I took a small path down into the woods, it was old no man or animal had trekked this way in ages even though I knew Legolas must have come this way.

" Elves and their light feet." I mumbled as I felt so loud against the brush. " I'm the only elf without one of the most useful assets. Great."

I heard nothing at all and after walking for a good while I reasoned that maybe Legolas hadn't gone this way after all. I came to a small clearing of densely growing yew trees, black as oil. I kicked a smooth stone in frustration and it knocked against the trunk of one. A loud crack resounded and I cringed at the sound. The echo went on.

" They say the yews bring ill news." Said a taunting voice with a sharp laugh.

I whipped around and saw fast movement in the underbrush.

" They say ,they say you will have to pay!" It screeched.

I heard it rush in circles.

" Go on, go on you've been wronged."

I backed away from the yews and against a tree trunk when suddenly from above me an inch from my eyes a green and yellowed face with bright yellow eyes came close. He breathed heavy against my face. His moist breath was hot and rank. It smelled of rotting wood.

" Haven't you?" He asked smoothly and slowly no longer in tune with his rhyme.

He jumped back into the tree with a laugh.

" You've been hardy, you've been course

You've cursed the woods and found a horse." He chanted.

I couldn't follow his movements as he circled the clearing. He was so fast unless there was more then one. I couldn't follow him at all and did I hear hooves?

" I didn't mean to kick the yews!" I shouted.

" I did this and I did that-

You need to listen before you act!" He shouted.

He ran up to me again and shoved me hard against the tree, my breath was knocked out of me.

" Breathe deeply, breathe fast youngling!"

I tried and found I couldn't breath at all.

" Ah ha! Woodwosies Woodwosies I should be picking posies!"

I fell to the ground clutching my chest, surrounded by yellow flowers. When had the flowers come? Where was I? Where were the yews?

The creature sat beside me and looked up at me with a smile putting flowers at my knees.

" Youngling, youngling you took the wrong path

you are deep in the woods where no creatures stir but bat.

But bats are hardly good

And bats are hardly bad.

My youngling you are a great meal

For all the woodwoses at that!" He screeched.

A scream ripped from his throat that made my head feel faint.

He jeered and came close to my face, panting in excitement. I whipped up my hand up and sliced open his throat with my claws. My skin ached at the incomplete transformation. But as I felt breathe reach back into my chest I fell on my back and found that I was surrounded by the black yews.

I heard someone cutting at the trees, shouting in elvish.

"Legolas?" I yelled hoarsely.

" Grace!"
I looked around and saw the dead body of the woodwose. The yews had made a cage for us both.

I kicked his body at their trunks and found that yews moved at his touch. I smeared his blood along the trunks and found my way through. I rushed out of their arms and into the free air.

Legolas rushed to grab me and clutched me by my shoulders tightly. His eyes flickered over my body searching for injuries before encompassing me in a strong hug.

I hugged back, shocked by my fast reaction to kill and how close I had come to being killed myself, I felt my body shake at bit at the realization. How close had I been?

We hugged in silence as small whimpers came my throat. I tried to keep them in but one at a time they escaped and I felt Legolas hold me tighter. He stroked my back with his warm hands.

He whispered quiet things to me in Elvish and I kept my head tucked into the crook of his neck. He smelled like the forest floor, raw and warm in the sun.

" How did you find me?" I asked quietly. I felt like a child in his arms, like I should be scolded for being foolish.

" The bee, he woke and came to me. He showed me where you had gone. The woodwose made a false trail. I didn't realize you had followed it until I heard its scream." Whispered Legolas.

I looked up at him, my eyes felt hot but no tears came. They only swelled at the thought. His hands cradled my face.

" Grace, the woodwose made all the trails we saw from the ridge They all lead to the yews."

I nodded in silence and I held onto Legolas tighter, I couldn't find the strength to let go.

" Where is the bee?" I asked quietly.

" He left to tell Beorn about the woodwose. They should not be this far north. It is a strange thing to find one in such a thin forest such as this. They dwell in deep forests away from people but it seems this one had gone mad. The rhymes were not of its kind. "

I simply nodded and held on to him.

"We need to be getting back we've lingered far too long here as it is. There could be more though I doubt it. Gandalf will have heard its scream. It was loud enough to wake the dead. Grace-" Asked Legolas looking down at me as I huddled into him.

I looked up at him and transformed into raven. I sat on his shoulder and he smiled. I needed a minute to gather my bearings. I needed to be grounded and being an animal would do that. The partial shift had left me uneasy and slightly sick like my mind had been ripped in two. It must have been a survival trait, something that woke when I couldn't think only react.

We made our way back to camp and I could see Gandalf with a stern face walking briskly toward us.

" We must be moving. We've stirred enough here. Grace?" Said Gandalf.

I looked to Gandalf. " I'm fine." I answered wordlessly.

" It was close" I added.

" A wild woodwose." Said Legolas.

Gandalf looked grave in the sun.

" hmm a rarity indeed. Only one you say?"

" It seemed that way but its speed was unnatural. Perhaps it had consumed its kin?"

" I have seen such a thing happen. When food is scarce though it would begin to eat the trees before such a thing would happen."

" It was old Gandalf, like it had been driven mad with age and rot. It reeked of it, the dying wood. It was yellowed like grass in drought." Said Legolas.

Aragorn came to join us.

" What of that scream?" Asked Aragorn.

"A woodwose." Answered Legolas.

" This forest is too thin for them what would they want of this place?" asked Aragorn looking to Gandalf for answers.

" I know naught. Which is way we must leave for the gate of Moria now. Pack your things all of you. We have stayed to long in this place and we must move now onto our road."

Sam covered our tracks with brush. Aragorn dumped dirt onto the fire kicking out the logs while everyone bustled their things together. Gimli looked rather happy as he clambered his pack together. Merry and Pippin were exchanging small whispers and Frodo looked out across the ridge.

I released my grip from Legolas and flew instead to Frodo's shoulder. He exhaled a breath when I landed and even held a small smile for me. He gently stroked my feathers.

" Animals are a wonderful means of releasing tension." Said Frodo as he continued to stroke my feathers.

" Even though you are not really an animal the effect is the same."

I hopped closer to his neck and nuzzled my feathers against him.

I heard him laugh and I gazed up at him in awe. Laughter despite our hard times was a miracle. I was happy to have given him some sense of joy for the ring lingered between us otherwise. The ring hung between all of us like a knife to slaughter.

I continued to flicker my wings out and it caused Frodo to laugh more to the point where he shooed me off his shoulder. I was laughing too and so I flew instead to Aragorn's shoulder. His hands were waxy, heavy but gentle as he lifted to caress my head.

He too wore a small smile.

" Will you be stayin a Raven till Moria lassie? I can not guarantee that you won't be considered an addition to the grand feast we will be having! After all Ravens make a good meal I hear!"

I tilted my head in response.

" Though I doubt we'll be still hungry for Dwarves give the mightiest feasts of all!"

I smiled in response. A good meal and a warm fire sounded quite pleasant.