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Rachetg – I imagine I'd be terrified of Beorn!

Nice Egan – No I don't think it will be the last time!

Guest – You'll soon find out about his relationship to Fira.

Old Friendships

Fira forced her eyes open as sun streamed in through the windows of Beorns house. Hay tickled the back of her neck and she shook out her sleeves. As she moved she felt Kili's arm tightened around her waist, his lips moved gently down her neck. Smiling Fira raised her head to see the others were all crowding around the main door with a few peering out of the windows. Glancing over at Kili she gently nudged him. He shook his head before opening his eyes.

"Five more minutes sweetheart?"

"Come on," Fira whispered, "I think it's time you and Beorn were properly introduced."

Nodding Kili sat up whilst Fira rubbed the sleep from her eyes. Biting her lip she gently lifted her tunic up. The area around her stab wound was now a pale lilac colour and she knew it'd be completely gone in a few days. Kili's fingers gently traced the scar before he took her hand and kissed it.

"I imagine the others will be pleased to see you up and about."

Nodding Fira ran her fingers through her hair before getting to her feet. Her side throbbed but it was nothing to how it had been a few days ago. Nodding at Kili she let him wrap an arm around her waist and lead her towards the others. None of them had noticed her yet – they were far too busy muttering amongst themselves. As they got nearer Fira cleared her throat.

"Morning?"

They all froze before turning round. Gandalf smiled down at her whilst Fira gasped as thirteen people ran at her. Mithiel got their first and the elf's hug was so tight Fira had to stop herself from crying out. Fili was next; kissing Fira on the forehead he then hugged his brother close. The rest of the company all blurred into one for Fira who simply nodded at their comments.

"We thought we would lose you!"

"I've never seen Kili look so scared!"

"When I find Sol I'm going to slice him piece by piece!"

Fira smiled warmly at Dwalin before glancing over his shoulder at Thorin. The king gave her a warm smile before staring back at the door. Fira cleared her throat – knowing Kili would be asking questions about Beorn before too long. Easing past the others she stood by Gandalf.

"It's good to see you on your feet again Fira."

"What exactly are we doing?"

Gandalf bit his lip, "I am trying to time our greetings to out host."

Fira narrowed her eyes before she heard a sudden 'thunk' outside. Standing on her tiptoes she could just see the huge figure of Beorn lifting a huge axe. With a look at the others she realised all of them looked incredibly nervous.

"Maybe I should go out and see him?" Fira whispered. Gandalf glanced down at her with a confused look.

"Any reason?" He paused before nodding, "You and he know each other?"

Fira nodded, "It's a long story, I'll explain later….but maybe it'll soothe him."

Gandalf nodded before pushing the door open.

"Maybe so, but I think I will handle this. You aren't in a fit state right now."

Fira bit back on her reply as Gandalf turned to the others.

"Come out in pairs…and wait for my signal," he then turned and left. Fira crossed her fingers, well aware that the others were busy sprucing themselves up. As a hand fell on her shoulder she smiled thinly at Thorin.

"I want you and Mithiel to remain inside," he whispered, "I do not trust any of this situation."

Fira didn't bother trying to correct him. She didn't bother explaining that both she and Mithiel could protect themselves. Instead she just listened as Gandalf did his best to talk to Beorn.

"That's the signal!" Bofur cried, "Okay Dwalin, Balin."

Fira watched as both dwarves went out. She knew Beorn wasn't going to like this. He might have been in the house that night but she had a feeling he hadn't seen all of the company. Dori and Nori then followed along with Gloin and Oin. As Fili and Kili walked past Kili squeezed her hand.

"Stay here," he mouthed. Fira didn't reply as the dwarves slowly filed out. Once her and Mithiel were left she smiled at the elf who simply glanced fearfully at the door. Pressing a hand to her side Fira could feel her legs wobbling. Moving towards the bench she took deep breaths to try and control the pain.

"Where is Fira?"

At Beorns cry Fira shook her head. Mithiel took her hand.

"He knows you?"

"I'll explain later," Fira took the elf's hand and leant against her.

"Looks like we're going outside after all."

Mithiel nodded as the pair walked towards the door. Blinking as the sun hit her eyes Fira could see all of the company staring at her. Beorn still had the axe in his hand but she could see the anger fading from his eyes. Smiling at Kili she put an arm around Mithiel's waist to keep herself upright. She could feel the eyes of everyone resting on her whilst she kept looking at Beorn who knelt down as she reached him.

"You look much better little fawn."

"Little fawn?" Fili repeated, "Fira what's going on here?"

Ignoring Fili, Fira smiled at Beorn.

"I know you hate dwarves, but these are different. Trust me."

Beorn glanced at the company, "And you are with them of your free will?"

"I thought that was obvious!" Kili snapped. Beorn gave a low growl.

"Forgive me for making sure she is being looked after."

Fira could see the anger on the dwarves face. However, it was Thorin who stepped forward.

"Fira is a member of my company – without her we wouldn't have even made it this far. I can assure you we have treated her with every respect and kindness."

"In that case," Beorn got to his feet, "You are more than welcome in my house."

As he walked off Fira watched the others follow him. Only Kili remained until the end. Holding out his hand she took it and kissed him.

"How exactly do you know him?"

Pressing her hand against his chest Fira smiled.

"I'll tell you when we're inside. I promise."

Kili pulled her close and kissed the tip of her nose.

"I'm sure we can spare five minutes."

When they were inside the others were all seated at the table and Fira knew her flushed cheeks couldn't be hidden. Ignoring the cheeky grins she and Kili sat down next to Fili whilst Beorn filled their huge mugs with milk. Fira could feel the questions burning on everyone mouths. Fili was the first to clear his throat.

"Fira…how did you and Beorn meet"

Fira met the giants eyes and she smiled at him.

"You tell it. You make it sound much better."

Nodding Beorn filled his own mug before sitting at the head of the table. He glanced around them before clearing his throat.

"It was…" he shook his head, "I don't even remember how long ago it was."

Fira chuckled before leaning against Kili as Beorn began his story.

Normally Beorn never paid attention to his surroundings. He had gotten so used to the constant noise of birds that he was able to block it out. So at first he didn't register the roar coming from above him. Nor did he hear the excited cries coming from the forest. Only when the roar came again did he drop his axe and glance to the sky. At first he saw nothing; only a flock of birds. But as he narrowed his eyes he could see a much bigger shape flying overhead. The dragons wings beat the air furiously, sending the surrounding clouds flying. Beorn then turned his gaze towards the forest. Although he couldn't see the men he could hear them. Shaking his head he fixed his gaze back on the dragon. It was smaller than he had expected although it was still big. He couldn't quite tell what colour it was although he would have guessed at a dark blue. Spikes on it's back and head poked out from it's huge bulk.

All Beorn could do was gape.

He had never seen a dragon so close. He had heard the stories about them of course. But never before had he seen one. The dragon stopped flying and instead hovered in the air – it's head focused on the forest. Another roar came from it's throat but this one wasn't full of power. Beorn could feel the creatures fear. Unable to do anything he watched as an arrow shot out from the mix of trees. Followed by another and another. All three had ropes on the end. Twisting in the air the dragon turned in an effort to get away. For a few second Beorn was certain it would. The wings were going faster than he would have thought possible. But the next minute one arrow hit it's wing whilst another somehow got looped around it's tail. Crying out the dragon thrashed and fought as it was slowly pulled down. Two more arrow hit it in the hind legs and Beorn watched on helplessly as it was pulled into the trees. He shook his head; unable to stop himself from admitting the strength of the men. To be able to capture a dragon was no mean feat. And yet he had felt the creatures fear. He couldn't let it be captured and killed. It had done no harm.

Picking up the axe he ran into the trees.

It didn't take him long. He could hear the startled cries turn into gasps of horror and shock. Reaching a clearing he saw a huge group of about ten men. All tall and heavily built. None of them had seen him yet. Instead off of them were staring at the creature on the ground. Beorn stared too and his eyes widened.

Where there had been a dragon was now a young girl.

Several arrows lay scattered around her but one was still lodged in her calf. She curled into a ball to hide her nakedness as the men leered at her.

"What do we do with it?" A blonde one asked. The man next to him shrugged.

"What else do you do with a naked woman in the forest?"

He reached for the girl when the tallest stopped him.

"Are you an idiot? You'll get yourself killed?"

"What?"

The tall one looked at the others, "You saw her turn from dragon to human. She's a witch."

The others looked at the girl fearfully and the blonde nodded.

"He's right. Best burn her before she turns on us."

He grabbed the girls arm and she gave a cry of pain. Shaking his head Beorn lunged at the group with a roar. As they saw him those that could ran away. The blonde still held onto the girl but a single swipe from Beorn sent him flying into the nearest tree. Not bothering to acknowledge those still running Beorn glanced down at the girl. She curled into a ball and he could see blood trailing from her leg.

"This will hurt."

He tried to ignore her scream as he ripped the arrow from her leg. He tossed it away in disgust only to see she had fainted. Biting his lip he looked around. He couldn't leave her here. If he did then the men would come back and kill her. Assuming they didn't rape her first. Gently scooping her into his arms, Beorn cradled her against his chest as he made his way back to his house. His own mind was trying to make sense of it all.

He had seen a dragon in the sky. But now he held a dwarf girl in his arms. They couldn't be the same creature.

Pouring himself a mug of wine Beorn sat back in his chair by the fire. He had cleaned and stitched the girls wound before putting her to bed. Once she woke he would ask her what she was. She was no witch he was certain of that. But she clearly possessed magic.

"Hello?"

At the voice Beorn turned around. The girl stood at the foot of his stairs with a thick blanket around her. He nodded and she limped towards him.

"Where am I?"

She sounded lost and frightened. Beorn put on what he hoped was a smile.

"You are safe little fawn. Those men will not hurt you again."

She nodded and he held up his mug.

"You would like something to drink? Some food maybe?"

She nodded again and he got to his feet to try and find something for her to have. She wouldn't need that much given how small she was and when he turned he saw her kneeling on his chair. Smiling he placed the plate on the chairs arm before pulling another one by the fire. As he sat down the girl tightened her grip on the blanket. Beorn smiled.

"I will not hurt you. I promise. I will find you something more suitable to wear tonight."

The girl took a small bite from the slice of bread.

"Thank you for saving me and for mending my leg."

Beorn smiled, "I would not stand by and let them hurt you."

She nodded and he cleared his throat.

"What are you? I saw you as a dragon but now all I see is a she dwarf."

The girl held her hands together.

"I'm a Dragonborn."

Beorn had heard of those. Clearly this girl was part dwarf as well. Nothing else explained her small statue. He smiled.

"What were you doing so far out here?"

"Exploring," she smiled, "I've never been this far south. I wanted to see what it was like."

Beorn nodded, "You may stay here as long as you need for your leg to heal."

She gave a small nod and he held out a huge hand.

"I'm Beorn."

She took it. Or rather she held onto his fingers, "I'm Fira."

Fira glanced around at the company. The second Beorn mentioned her arrow wound Kili had wasted no time in rolling up her trouser leg to check on it. After gently kissing her scar he then hugged her close. A hug that tightened when Beorn had mentioned the men's wish to rape and kill her.

"And that's it?" Dwalin asked. Fira shook her head.

"Not quite. I kept visiting. First it was to thank him properly and then...i don't know. We just became friends."

Beorn smiled, "I saved her life and she saved mine."

The others frowned but Fira flashed them all warning glances. She wasn't going to tell them any of that. If Beorn wished them to know then he himself would tell the story. Getting to his feet Beorn looked around at the company.

"You are Fira's friends. You are welcome to stay here for as long as you wish."

As the dwarves nodded and smiled Fira leant against Kili. Already she could feel the tiredness creeping back. However Thorin shook his head.

"We are more than grateful but we have to be moving soon."

"Uncle, "Kili shook his head, "You can't ask Fira to travel."

"We must reach the mountain Kili."

Fira watched as Kili clenched his free fist.

"She almost died yesterday Thorin! She was dying in my arms! I'm not going to subject her to more pain. I'll stay behind if I have to."

Before Thorin could reply to this Bilbo got to his feet.

"How far away is Durin's day?"

"We have about…a month," Balin answered. Bilbo licked his lips.

"Surely we spare a few days? At least until she can walk by herself?"

Fira could see the others nodding and even Thorin seemed half convinced.

"Very well. Would that be agreeable?" He flashed Kili a glance and Kili simply nodded.

"It would."

Everyone watched as Gandalf smiled at Beorn.

"It seems we must trespass on your hospitality for a little longer."

The giant simply nodded, "Anything to see Fira is looked after."

As everyone began getting down from the table Fira allowed Kili to lift her up in his arms. However they had barely made it a few steps when Beorn called them back.

"Might I speak to the brunette alone?"

Fira was aware of both Thorin and Fili flashing worried glances. However Kili nodded and passed Fira over to Fili who gently sat her down with the others. Drawing her knees to her chest Fira watched as Kili followed Beorn outside.

Kili couldn't help his nerves as he followed Beorn. It wasn't even because Beorn was almost four times his size. As the giant stopped Kili licked his lips.

"What did you want to talk about?"

He already knew the topic of conversation. But it didn't hurt to make sure. Beorn turned to face him.

"Fira…there are some things I need to know. And things I want you to promise."

Kili nodded and Beorn took this as a sign to continue.

"Do you love her? I mean do you truly love her?"

Kili nodded, "From the moment I met her."

"And you will protect her? Look after her? Treat her the way she deserves?"

"All of that and more," Kili decided not to mention the times Fira had gotten hurt. Thankfully Beorn didn't press him for anything.

"I am glad. She deserves to find love."

"I agree."

Beorn smiled at this comment approvingly before the frown came back.

"There are two things I want you to promise me. One, you will not keep her on a leash. You will let her keep her free spirit as long as she lives. You won't make her feel chained or caged."

Kili shook his head.

"Secondly you will not hurt her. I do not mean physical harm. I can see you are not a brute. But I mean you won't do anything that will make her feel like you don't love her."

Kili placed his hand on his heart.

"I swear on my sword, my bow and my life that I won't break those two promises."

Beorn nodded, "Good. Because if I find you have I will rip your arms from your body."

As the giant walked back into the house Kili couldn't stop himself from gulping. Shaking the horrible images from his mind he turned and followed Beorn into the house.

So bit fillerish but we'll be coming up to Mirkwood soon and that will supply us all with plenty of action I can assure you. Nice to see Beorn giving Kili some…advice (?!) as well as nice moments between everyone. Thanks for waiting so long but normal service will be resumed from now on. Let me know what you think xxx