Why the Dwarves were so stunned with Beorn's appearance stumped Percia. Sure the guy was huge and a bit on the wild side, but not all that strange. Granted her experiences tended to shade her point of view, as Kili so helpfully pointed out. Okay, so she had a half-brother who was a Cyclopes, and she had met some interesting characters over the years, but after the trolls and goblins, Beorn was a three at most on her surprise scale.
At least the man had allowed them to stay with him for a few days. Given Gandalf's 'plan' having them arrive in small groups hadn't seemed quite so sound she was please the skin-changer let them in. From the disgruntled looks Bilbo kept throwing the wizard Percia had a feeling he'd employed such tactics before.
At least the Dwarves managed to keep their grumbling about the lack of meat to themselves. According to Gandalf, Beorn did not approve of hunting on his land. Not too surprising with the amount of animals in the area that clearly considered the large man a friend. Their ability to carry platters of food impressed her.
She hadn't indulged in as much food as everyone else, but she enjoyed the fair especially the honey. In fact slices of bread slathered in honey kept appearing on her plate until she finally caught Kili and accused him of trying to make her fat. The look on his face was priceless, though she did pay for it later.
Their host kept entertained by Gandalf's retelling of their adventure and his teasing of Bilbo, or Little Bunny, as he had aptly named the Hobbit. Poor thing was never going to live that new nickname down. Fili and Kili especially enjoyed petting him and cooing at his 'bunny cuteness'. Percia figured they had another day at most before the Hobbit snapped and retaliates.
On their fifth day there Percia found herself sitting in the gardens early in the morning, having slipped away from Kili's grasp. Her eyes scanned the flora, watching as the giant bees meandered from bud to bud. Thankfully they did not have bees of such sizes back home.
"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't see you there…"
Glancing over her shoulder she found Bilbo looking flustered. "No worries Master Bunny," she grinned at his pout. "I am simply enjoying nature. You are welcome to join me, unless you would prefer to be alone?"
"No, no, I don't mind the company," he assured her as he plopped into the lush grass next to her. "I wanted to enjoy this a bit longer before we had to leave. Reminds me a bit of the Shire."
Remembering his stories of his home she smiled. "I would love to see it. From your descriptions it is a wonderful place."
"Maybe I can show you," he trailed off in thought. "But… aren't you going home once you have completed your quest?"
"Most likely," she agreed. "Though nothing is set in stone. The Fates hinted I would have to make a decision, but you never know with them. They could mean I need to choose what weapon to use to fight the dragon."
"Yes, you mentioned their obscure riddles," he noted pulling out his pipe to enjoy a smoke. "Don't you want to go home, though?"
Percia frowned in thought. "I... don't know. To be honest I never really had a home. I had places I thought might become home, but it never lasted. Right now I'm just focusing on getting Kora back for Triton."
"Your brother," he clarified. "But did you not say you barely know each other and he has been somewhat… cruel to you in the past?" This earned a nod. "So why risk your life for such a venture?"
"He's my brother," she stated with a shrug. "I get on some level it seems really foolish to go on such a journey for him after everything, but it's the right thing to do. If he does not get Kora back he'll die, and with him the oceans will die. Without the oceans, the world as a whole will die. It's a very convoluted domino effect, which basically means if I succeed I will once more be saving my world." She plucked a few pieces of grass absently. "In a way part of me hopes this will get him to truly accept me as his sister. I know he said he does and he even named me a princess of the sea, but I've been acknowledged before only to be tossed aside." A small self-deprecating laugh escaped her. "Every hero has a fatal flaw. For my cousin Thalia it's ambition. My other cousin Nico's flaw is holding grudges. My flaw is personal loyalty." When Bilbo gave her a strange look she chuckled. "Yeah, you'd think that wouldn't be a flaw, but I'd risk my life for anyone I felt deserving, even an enemy. Or an older half-brother who before now thought I had less worth than dirt. Annabeth used to call it my 'saving people thing'."
"Then such a flaw makes you a wonderful and special person," he told her firmly. "Too many people hide away from the world and ignore those in need. I'm ashamed to say I was one of them. If anything I hope this journey will help me to remember that helping others in need is never a bad thing, even if it goes wrong."
"My mentor Chiron said, 'the only person whose opinion of your character that matters is your own. If you cannot look yourself in the mirror and be proud of who you are, then you are doing something wrong'," she quoted sagely. "Only you can live with your choices, good and bad."
"If you did stay," Bilbo murmured softly gently leading them in another direction. "Would you continue your relationship with Kili?"
Tilting her head she pondered her response. "I would probably like to, however it may not be possible. Though Kili is of the opinion the others disapprove of our relations due to our young age, I feel it may have to do with our differences in race."
Beside her Bilbo sighed heavily, his shoulders drooping sadly. "Yes, I thought as much as well. What little I have read on Dwarves indicate they are very secretive, and do not marry outside their race."
One fine eyebrow rose in curiosity. "I know why that disappoints me, but why are you so down trodden? Has a Dwarf caught your fancy? Perhaps a certain surly dark haired leader?"
His reddening cheeks and sputtering told her all she needed to know. Percia giggled at the look her shot her in retaliation.
"Oh hush you," he chided.
"Do not worry Master Baggins, your secret is safe with me," she promised happily.
"Children," he grumbled petulantly around his pipe, the two slipping into silence enjoying the morning.