We were in mixed spirits when we set off again in the morning. Having everyone safe was a large boost to morale, but our happiness was tempered strongly by the fact that we now had next to no food. I was the only one left with a pack, and I had precious little in the way of provisions, certainly not enough to feed our company for any length of time.
"We need to find some way to resupply," I said pensively. The others nodded in agreement, breaking into discussion on how to accomplish such a feat out in the wilds. The conversation quickly dissolved into a heated argument, the dwarves tempers frayed by a lack of proper breakfast. I shook my head with annoyance at the pointless shouting, exchanging a look of exasperation with Gandalf as we both looked on. I jumped slightly when a startlingly loud voice emanated from near my waist.
"Enough!" Bilbo yelled angrily. The arguement ceased, all heads turning to stare at their burglar in varying states of surprise. The scene was almost comical but for the threat of imminent shouting breaking out again. "We are all hungry," he said sternly. "I daresay I may be suffering far worse than the lot of you. After all, we hobbits normally enjoy seven meals a day, and for a long time now I've been reduced to a measely three. To have nothing at all is akin to torture for my kind, so I'll thank you to keep your tempers in check." Hands on hips, he glared at them all as their jaws dropped in shock at the number of meals mentioned.
"Seven meals?" Bombur mouthed wonderingly. I couldn't suppress a slight giggle at the yearning in his eyes at the thought of all that food.
"Perhaps you should retire there brother," Bofur joked as he gave his rotund kin a nudge. The others laughed to think of Bombur living in a hobbit house and eating all day. He just smiled, clearly contemplating the idea.
"Never mind that now," Thorin sighed. He reluctantly turned to Gandalf. "I don't suppose you know of anywhere nearby that we could safely get food? Perhaps another obscure elf village or town of men?"
The wizard hummed thoughtfully. "There may be a place. It is about a days journey from here if I'm not mistaken. With a little luck and no small amount of persuasion we may find the master of the house in an agreeable mood."
"And if he is not in an agreeable mood?" Balin wondered out loud. "What then?"
Gandalf looked slightly uncomfortable with the question, merely shrugging in response. When he received a suspicious look from Thorin he elaborated slightly. "We will deal with the situation accordingly." None of us felt especially reassured by that answer, but it appeared he did not wish to be more forthcoming at the moment, so we pressed onwards. Gandalf led us east and slightly north through the trees, keeping a steady pace so as to reach our destination early the following day.
We had been traveling for some time when Thorin called for a short rest. I dug around in my pack for some of the magical biscuits I kept in there in case of emergency. Finding some, I drew them out, examining one with a critical eye. It was proof of my sister's abilities that they had somehow stayed preserved all these years. They weren't even stale, I noted with satisfaction. I gave one each to my companions, watching as they looked them over before taking a tentative bite. A few wrinkled noses at the sweetness, but there were no complaints. Food was food, and we needed energy to keep walking
We had just risen to continue our trek when a disturbance drew our attention to the east. Birds were rising from the trees, calling out to announce the approach of someone. Whatever it was moved fast, and before long we could hear twigs snapping as they got closer. Quickly we got into a defensive formation, knowing we would be unable to outrun whatever was coming our way.
The sight that greeted us next left me speechless. A sled drawn by several very large rabbits was towing an extremely strange character. The tall man looked slightly like Gandalf in that he was wearing a robe, but that was where the resemblance ended. This man was dressed in brown, from his strange hat all the way down to his odd looking shoes. His hair was disheveled, and he sported all manner of bits and bobs from the forest on his person. Twigs were tucked in the brim of his hat, leaves and burrs stuck to his robes, and bird droppings covered part of his hair. Add to that the fact that he was raving about fire and murder as he came, and I began to think him more than a little unhinged.
"Radagast!" Gandalf greeted the newcomer in surprised delight. "What on earth are you doing here?" The fellow wizard jerked, as if shocked to see someone else there before recovering. He gave us all a fleeting glace, turning at once back to Gandalf, a look of restrained panic on his face.
"I came to see you," he proclaimed. He drew his friend off to the side for a talk, which I could not help but overhear with my sharpened senses. He had lowered his voice conspiratorially, whispering now as he tried to convey whatever it was he had come to tell his friend. "The forest is sick Gandalf. It rots, the evil tainting the air overcoming it. The animals are dying and the plants ooze black sludge."
Gandalf sighed. "This is nothing I didn't know. Surely you did not come all this way to tell me that?"
"No, no. There is some new evil there. Webs fill the trees, webs made by giant spiders. Some spawn of ungoliant." His eyes had narrowed in foreshadowing, and he looked satisfied to see that he finally had Gandalf's interest.
"Spiders you say?" The wizard looked troubled, drawing out his pipe to help him think.
Radagast continued to talk, clearly needing to get all his information out in the open. "They came from Dol Guldur."
Gandalf frowned. "Surely not, the old fortress is abandoned."
"No, it's not. I followed them there." Radagast appeared to be on the brink of panic now, his eyes widening in fear at some remembered horror. It took a puff from Gandalf's pipe to get him back in focus so he could finish his tale. "There is a necromancer there. Raising the dead and casting the land in shadow." This pronouncement was followed by him pulling a wrapped bundle out of the folds in his robe. I watched from a distance as Gandalf tentatively unwrapped it to reveal a blade flickering with darkness. I could feel the evil from where I stood, and I shuddered at the thought of having to encounter the owner of such a blade. It radiated foul power unlike anything I had ever felt before.
"We must investigate this further," Gandalf said solemnly. "I will meet up with you there as soon as I am able. Perhaps a weeks time if I can manage it. Do not enter that place again until I am there." The other wizard nodded, leaving rather abruptly the way he had come without so much as a goodbye. Once he had gone I approached Gandalf myself.
"Anything we have to worry about?" I asked calmly, hoping he would not refuse to answer.
"How much did you hear?"
I decided to be honest, knowing there was really nothing he could do about it now. "All of it. Though I didn't understand many of the things said, but the evil coming from that blade is obvious."
He nodded in agreement. "I will have to leave you soon," he murmured. "I do not wish to say anything to the others yet, but it will be up to you to watch over them."
"Very well, I will keep my silence. You need not worry for their safety. I have been looking after my friends for the past seventy years, I am well used to the task by now." He looked about to say something, but shook his head with a smile and went to gather the others so we could move on.
By the days end we were all very tired, and it was with relief that we sat down to rest sore limbs in the shelter of the trees. A small fire was our only distraction, as we had all agreed to go without supper so as to save the rest of my emergency rations. According to Gandalf we would arrive at the as yet unknown place of safety mid morning. I found myself in the company of Bifur this night, the normally reserved dwarf becoming unusually talkative. We signed back and forth for a while about nothing in particular, but I could sense he wanted to say something important.
'What is it my friend? Something troubles you.'
He hesitated before saying the most astonishing thing. 'I am sorry for the loss of your weapon.' He had a look of compassion in his eyes, and I realized he knew what I was going through. Since I had been rendered momentarily speechless, he continued. 'It is like a part of you.'
"Aye, that's true enough," Dwalin broke in. "I couldn't imagine losing my axes, I've had them since I learned to wield a blade."
I looked up to see everyone watching our conversation, understanding evident on their faces as they all nodded in agreement.
"I thank you," I replied softly. "It is indeed a sore loss for me, not only because I had it for so long, but because it was one of the only things I had left of my home." I did not cry, not for the loss of a weapon, but I almost wanted to. My statement had apparently deeply moved some of the others, as they all bore sympathetic expressions. Young Ori looked close to tears, making me smile ruefully at the compassionate dwarf. "Don't be sad. Perhaps it was time for me to let go. After all, this is my home now, as it has been for many years. I can make a new weapon given enough time."
Conversation turned to lighter topics then, and I relaxed as I listened to the gentle voices of my companions floating throughout the clearing. In all the excitement since the battle I had honestly not given much thought to the loss of my staff beyond the initial outrage at being disarmed. I was determined not to dwell too deeply on it, instead resolving to try and find a decent piece of wood as we walked the next day. I gazed up between the branches of the forest to the stars glimmering overhead, thinking of my sister and wondering how she fared. I realized that although I missed her, it no longer hurt to think about her. My life was so firmly entrenched here. I had a new family, and new friends, people I would do anything for.
"Would you go back, if you could?" I turned to Bilbo, who had spoken from beside me. I must have looked confused, though I was merely thinking it through, because he hastily elaborated. "The world you came here from. Fili and Kili told me you left a sister behind, and they wondered how you could bear to be apart from her." He paused, looking suddenly nervous when I failed to respond. "I'm sorry," he stuttered. "I didn't mean to upset you."
"No," I broke in rather loudly. He jumped slightly, and I lowered my voice with an apologetic smile. "I mean you didn't. I used to wonder, many years ago, if I would take such an opportunity. Once I might have said yes right away."
"And now?"
I noticed he wasn't the only one listening for my answer. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Thorin casually trying to make it seem as if he were not paying attention, and it made me grin a little. "Now, there is no doubt in my mind. I belong here, maybe I always did. So no, if offered the chance, I wouldn't have it any other way."
After a slightly restless night we were eager to get going again in the morning. I had found myself unable to get a good sleep due to the constant sound of large animals somewhere in the distance. Normally the background noise would have been a comfort, but I had been left unsettled, feeling that whatever animal it was, was somehow unnatural. I was on my feet, feeling refreshed despite the lack of sleep, and waiting with the others for Bilbo to return from scouting. He was even quiter than I was at getting around, and he had offered to check our rear to see if any of our enemies were catching us up.
He shortly came running back into the clearing, looking distinctly ruffled. "We have a slight problem."
"They're catching up?" Thorin groaned despairingly.
"No, it's not that. In fact I didn't see a single warg or orc in sight." Despite the positive report Bilbo still seemed unusually anxious.
"Well, what is it then?" Dwalin rumbled, beginning to show signs of impatience.
"There's something else out there," the hobbit stuttered, glancing over his shoulder as if he expected to see whatever it was come crashing upon us. I extended my hearing outwards, noting the odd silence. It reminded me of a time long ago when wolves had attacked Dwalin and I during a camping trip with a much younger Fili and Kili.
"What form did it take? Like a bear?" Gandalf demanded.
Bilbo started in surprise. "Well, yes, but bigger. Much bigger." I almost sighed in relief. A bear would not be much trouble for me I felt, exchanging a knowing look with Dwalin. From his slightly amused expression he appeared to agree with me.
"You knew about this beast?" Bofur interrupted worriedly.
"I did," the wizard replied, his tone unusually grim. "We need to get to that house and fast, there will be no time for hoping to enter politely. If we are lucky he will hear us out."
"And if not? What other possible outcome are you refusing to divulge?" Thorin growled.
"If not... he will kill us." Gandalf said solemnly. I frowned at the thought that he was willing to risk death to escape a bear, even a large one. There must be something remarkable about the animal to spook even a wizard, and I began to rethink my earlier assessment of the situation.
"Well what choice do we have?" an exasperated Thorin said lowly. Before any more words could be uttered, a shattering roar ripped through the air from entirely too close to be comfortable.
"None," Gandalf snapped. "Run! This way!" he shouted urgently, beginning to lead us quickly through the trees towards a meadow. As soon as we cleared the forest borders we were sprinting, heading straight for a house now visible some distance away. We scrambled through a tiny creek, the water shooting high under our thundering footfalls. Faster and faster we went, but still the sound of the enraged animal drew nearer at an alarming rate. I judged the distance and knew we wouldn't make it. Cursing softly, I fell back behind the others, thankful that in their panic they failed to notice my absence.
Letting the rest get as far away as they could I spun around, falling quickly into my own bear form. I faced my towering adversary with a feral snarl, planting all four feet and making it clear that nothing was getting past me. I finally heard the fearful shouts of my companions as they realized what I had done, but I couldn't risk a glance backwards. Praying they wouldn't do anything foolish like trying to join in the fight, I examined the large beast as it closed the final few yards between us. It was half as large again as I was, my head even with its shoulder, but I didn't let that deter me.
I was surprised when it began to slow slightly, the headlong charge turning to a shambling run. Thinking it was trying to lull me into a false sense of security, I kept up my guard. Bears could be fearfully unpredictable, and this one proved no different. It was in the moment before we clashed that I noted an unusual gleam of intelligence in its eyes, something far too human. I had no time to think on it, dodging its first attack swiftly and moving to swipe back in warning. I could hear shocked gasps from our audience as the bear managed to gain a hit on me. I was knocked on my side, and I kicked out quickly to gain time to get back on my feet. Rearing up, I snarled viciously, matching my opponents blows with determination.
A few moments later I was able to return the favor, sending the animal onto its rump. Instead of attacking further, I backed off slightly, hoping perhaps that it would take the opportunity to flee as most animals would. I was entirely unprepared for what transpired next. With a shuddering moan, the bear disappeared, leaving behind a giant of a man. I reared back, whining in shock at the sight of another shifter after thinking myself alone in my skills for so long. I was far too surprised to shift back, wondering perhaps if this was some kind of trick, and I continued to stare as the man got to his feet.
The dwarves were whispering amongst themselves, wondering aloud at the appearance of the angry bear man. I could hear Dori muttering about it being unnatural before he remembered me standing there and shut his mouth with a conflicted air. Gandalf finally took pity on the company, at last giving an explanation for these most recent events.
"May I introduce Beorn," he said loudly, a trace of amusement in his voice as he bowed to the man. "He is a skin changer, and the man I was bringing you to meet."
"What brings you to these parts?" Beorn asked absentmindedly, skipping the usual niceties in a manner that might have been considered rude. He had focused his attention on me, looking fascinated in a way that I could not understand. "Will you not change back?" he inquired, as he circled me once in curiosity. I nodded, rising to my feet gracefully as I cast off the magic.
"You're a shifter," I said wonderingly, staring at him rather impolitely. "I thought I was the only one."
"So did I," he returned, causing us both to grin like children. Most of the group watched in amusement as we got each others measure, though I failed to see Thorin glaring at Beorn behind my back in disapproval. I was currently oblivious to all else, caught up as I was in the shock of finding another like me in this place. He didn't have quite the same feel, proving he was not actually a druid, but it was as close as one would get here.
"Come," he said suddenly, looking at me still while he addressed the group. "We will talk more at my home, there are evil things roaming these lands." He began to lead us towards his house, and I took a moment to appreciate the beautiful scenery. A riot of color in the form of countless wild flowers covered the ground, completely surrounding the hedge lined compound that made up Beorn's domain. Once inside the privacy of the hedges we encountered numerous trees bearing young fruit and a large grassy area occupied by multiple proud horses. They trotted up at their masters approach, eying our group with caution. Holding up a hand to them, I entered in silent conversation with the friendly animals, eager to see what they had to say about their caretaker.
"They simply adore you," I smiled, turning to Beorn again.
He looked surprised. "You can actually speak to them? I know their feelings in a general sense, but never have I had an actual conversation with my friends."
"Oh yes," I nodded enthusiastically. "I talk to all animals, unless they suffer from something that prevents them from communication." We continued talking together as we went inside the house, the others following with resigned shakes of the head, unable to get a word in edgewise. Beorn quickly put together a hasty meal, filling the table with various dishes of food, and it was greeted with resounding appreciation. The dwarves tucked in with a will, Gandalf and Bilbo following suit. I grabbed a few choice morsels off the table, dodging elbows and ignoring offers to make room for me, before heading back to where our host stood near the door.
"Care to join me outside?" he asked. "I need to tend to the horses."
"Sounds wonderful!" I happily followed as he led the way outside and over to where some special food was kept for his animals. Making a silent call, I got two of my own horses to join the group, happy to give them the time to make some new friends. My companions stood out from the group rather distinctly. Beorn's horses were all very large, with black and white splotched coats, while mine were a fair bit daintier, and colored a delicate cream and soft grey.
Turning from the food bins, Beorn caught sight of the new comers, His eyes lit up in pleasure at the sight of the beautiful animals, and he extended a hand in greeting to them. "Now where did you two beauties come from?" he spoke softly. "For sure I've not seen the like of you before."
"They're mine," I grinned. "I thought they could do with a change of scenery."
"I did not see them with you when you arrived," he said in confusion. "Where were they?"
"Oh, my friends can come and go as they please. All companions of guardians such as myself have the power to enter another plane of existence. It makes things easier for us not having to worry over their safety, what with all the dangerous situations we get into." I stroked the neck of the closest horse, reveling in the peaceful atmosphere. As we fed the herd of calm animals I briefly described how I came to be here, and something of my powers. Beorn listened with rapt interest, occasionally making small noises of delight at the mention of several of my exploits.
Thorin leaned against the doorway with a huff of annoyance. "Look at them," he snorted to Balin, not turning to see the amused glint in his friends eyes. "It's like they're in love." He continued to glower at the pair chatting animatedly in the distance.
"Nonsense," Balin said soothingly, trying to calm his friends frayed nerves. "It's like when you encounter another dwarf that can match you in sparring, it holds your interest." Seeing that the king was still fuming, Balin decided to ask something risky. "Is there something else the matter lad? You don't seem to have been yourself around her since..." He trailed off then, not wanting to mention the disastrous moment when they thought they had lost their friend.
Thorin grimaced, realizing he must have been more transparent in his feelings than he knew. He wondered if Alanta had noticed and was ignoring it, or if she simply had not caught on. He hoped for the latter if he was being entirely honest with himself. "I don't know what to do," he admitted to the wise dwarf with a scowl.
"I'm not sure I'm the one to advise you on that subject, never having experienced it myself," Balin replied thoughtfully. "You might try asking Gandalf," he added helpfully, before his brows raised in surprise at the angry glitter that filled Thorin's eyes at the mention of the wizard's name.
"Gandalf," he cursed. "This is his fault," he muttered, stalking off to vent his frustration and leaving his companion gazing after him in resigned amusement. He found the target of his anger standing in the orchard and wasted no time in letting loose an angry demand for an explanation. "You brought us here on purpose," he accused the calm wizard.
Gandalf puffed on his pipe, arching one brow in question. "I have no idea what you mean," he replied, sounding not at all repentant.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about. My feelings and actions are no concern of yours, and I'll thank you to stay out of it in future. Now she's off gallivanting around with that beast and has not a single thing to say to anyone else." Thorin nearly found himself stamping his feet in petulance, and wondered at the violent surge of emotion that seemed to have taken him by storm. He was unsettled to feel so out of control, and he felt he would have to do something soon, one way or another.
"My dear Thorin, I sincerely doubt she thinks of him as anything other than an interesting new acquaintance. And I guarantee she has not the slightest idea if he feels differently."
"What makes you so certain," Thorin asked suspiciously.
"I have it on good authority that she has expressed interest towards another well before we got here, though she seems loathe to do anything about it. Actually, she would probably have my head for even mentioning that out loud." Here Gandalf smirked a little as a strained look of hope crossed Thorin's face.
"You mean... someone from the company?"
"You might ask Balin what he knows," the wizard suggested slyly, further stirring the pot. It was his silent wish to get things out in the open as soon as possible, though as he had promised not to say anything outright, he would have to subtly point the dwarf in the right direction.
"But Balin is the one who said to speak to you..." Thorin trailed off, before growling in annoyance. "He's been hiding something," he mused, and he went to confront his friend.
"Talked to Gandalf did you laddie?" Balin asked at the approach of a still angry Thorin.
"What do you know about Alanta declaring feelings for someone in this company?" he demanded, wasting no time.
"When we were on that cliff top, and you had gone out alone to fight Azog..." Balin's face fell slightly, remembering the horror of that night. Thorin had gone still, understanding beginning to creep in. "The way she looked at you, I would have thought her heart broken. It was the same way Dis looked when you had to tell her Vili was dead." He said nothing more, leaving Thorin to connect the dots.
I was enjoying my time with Beorn immensely, taking a great liking to the gruff man and his animal companions. With a sudden inspiration I led him away from the horses slightly. "I want you to meet someone." Answering his questioning gaze, I grinned. "Don't want to spook the horses. Mine are used to friends coming and going, but doubtless yours might not appreciate this particular companion of mine. It's quite safe though," I hastened to reassure him as he grew worried for the safety of his friends. Giving another silent call, the air to my right exploded to reveal a great white cat. "This is Luna, one of my closest and first companions. She is a nightsaber from my homelands."
"Magnificent," Beorn murmured, stroking her head and grinning at the rumbling purr she gave in answer. "Truly you and your friends are extraordinary," he declared, grasping one of my hands. I smiled before politely extracting it from his hold, unsure how to respond to his obvious flirting.
"Thank you," I managed finally, relieved when the sound of loud footsteps interrupted the awkward moment. I turned to see Thorin striding determinedly towards us, looking rather miffed.
"I'll leave you two to speak alone," Beorn said sagely once Thorin was within earshot, before leading an intrigued Luna away for a stroll.
"He was flirting with you," Thorin spat out.
I frowned, wondering at his concern. "Well yes, but I.."
Thorin interrupted my protest. "You should be more careful, you barely know him."
I snorted in laughter. "Perhaps you failed to notice that I was not flirting back. Besides, you should know when it comes to men I know well how to take care of myself."
"You should come inside," he said stiffly, ignoring my last statement.
I raised a brow, surprised at how rude he was being. Sitting down on a crate nearby and bringing us to the same level, I scowled at him. "No. Not until you tell me what is bothering you."
"You dare question my orders?" he snapped, leaving me spluttering in anger that he thought to tell me what to do. "You've spent far too much time with him already," he added with a dark look in the direction of the tall man.
My hands clenched the sides of the crate, causing the wood to creak in my anger. "You think you can just order me around like an errant child? I can't believe you! Of all the insufferable..." I trailed off, at a loss for words. There was a moment of silence as we both stared at each other, before the look in his eyes changed. The dark anger retreated, replaced by a hungry, confused mix of emotion. In a move I could never have anticipated, much less prevented, his lips were on mine. I stiffened slightly before melting into the sensation. My arms wrapped around him, and I felt him pull me impossibly closer, a moan of pure need leaving his throat. I could feel my heart beating out so loudly I feared it would leave my chest.
When he pulled back at last all the darkness and uncertainty had left his eyes, leaving behind the pure blue of joy. I couldn't hold back the shaky laughter that bubbled up at the memory of what we had just done. Sliding trembling hands around to lay against his chest, I realized that I finally felt complete in a way I never knew.
"I don't want to be alone anymore," Thorin said huskily, his eyes bright with emotion. "I never thought to find this, but I cannot hide it any longer. I have been going insane at the thought of you. I need to know that you feel the same."
I kissed him again in answer, putting all my feeling for him into the passionate display of love. We pulled back, breathing hard. "I never knew I could feel this way. Too long has my life been about others, and now finally I have something for me. I never want to let this go," I whispered.
The company looked up as we entered the house holding hands. "At last," Balin sighed in relief. I flushed slightly as many of the others cheered, laughing when Fili and Kili enveloped the two of us in enthusiastic hugs.
"Now you really will be our auntie!" the two exclaimed, causing Thorin to chuckle and ruffle their hair like he did when they were younger.
I narrowed my eyes when I saw a small flurry of pouches being exchanged, the clink of coins filling the silence. "How long?" I sighed, knowing I should have expected someone to bet on something so ridiculous.
"Since you took the boys camping and came back after the wolf attack," Balin replied. A few of the others smirked.
"But that was almost sixty five years ago!" I gasped, eyes wide with shock.
"Aye, and it certainly took you two long enough. We waited a long time to settle these bets after Dis set them up."
Thorin shook his head, not allowing the revelation to spoil his jovial mood. "I should have known my sister would be involved. She always did know how to spot things like that." We settled down to a mini celebration, Gandalf's nod of approval and Beorn's untroubled wink triggering a smile from the newly happy Thorin. I soaked in the joy of our friends and leaned against his side, my head on his shoulder. I vowed that we would not be separated for anything now that we had finally found something important to fight for that was just for us.
Author's note: Oh thank Mahal those two finally got it through their thick skulls that they had feelings. This is just the beginning of a very interesting relationship, I don't see it being a super smooth ride with what's coming. I finally managed to get Radagast in, yay! I imagine he may make another appearance later on, so we'll just have to wait and see. I'm quite happy with how things transpired between Alanta and Beorn, I think they will end up being good friends. We will also definitely see him again, possibly multiple times. Next chapter will be dedicated to the events of Mirkwood, and they are going to be especially unpleasant for poor Alanta. Events here are going to have a lasting impression on the rest of the story, so we have that to look forward to. For anyone wondering if Kili/Tauriel are going to be a thing... I haven't decided yet. Anyways, hope you all enjoyed this chapter and thanks for reading!