Faedra leaned against a post as the dwarves argued about what they were to do about Beorn.
"I say we should leg it," Nori said, "And slip out the back way."
"I'm not running from anyone," Dwalin growled, "Beast or no."
The dwarves started to argue and Faedra rolled her eyes. She heard some shuffling of footsteps and noticed Bilbo walking forwards, finally awake.
"Glad to see you are finally awake, Master Baggins," Faedra said with a smirk.
He just nodded his head and walked towards Gandalf after he called him over.
"Now remember," He warned, "Wait for the signal."
As soon as they walked out Bofur questioned what the signal was. All the dwarves started murmuring nervously to one another while others were trying to make themselves look presentable. Tara stood next to Kili, whispering in his ear. Thorin seemed to deep in thought to even notice them giggling in the corner.
"That's the signal," Bofur whisper yelled.
Dwalin and Balin were the first to exit and Faedra had a feeling that wasn't the signal.
"I don't think that was…" Faedra said but was cut off by Bofur telling two more to go.
Afterwards Nori and Ori then exit after Oin and Gloin.
"Go," Bofur made a hand signal and Kili and Fili exit next.
Before long the rest of the group, including Tara, exit out the door and Faedra face palmed her forehead. Thorin started to approach the door and Faedra followed close behind. As soon as she came into view of Beorn, he had an understanding emotion on his face. He set down the axe and walked into the house.
The dwarves looked around confused until Faedra turned and followed him in. Thorin followed Faedra making the dwarves follow suite. She approached the table and helped him set out food. The dwarves set themselves down happily and Beorn began pouring out milk in the cups Faedra set out.
"So you are the one they call Oakenshield," Beorn said, "Tell me, why is Azog the Defiler hunting you?"
"You know of Azog?" Thorin asked, stunned, "How?"
"My people were the first to live in the mountains," Beorn started, "Before the Orcs came down from the north. The Defiler killed most of my family, but some he enslaved."
Faedra looked away, a pain of sadness in her eyes.
"Not for work, you understand, but for sport," He continued, "Caging skin-changers and torturing them seemed to amuse him."
"There are others like you?" Bilbo asked, curiously.
"Once, there were many," Beorn said, sadness in his voice.
"And now?" asked Bilbo again.
Faedra wished he didn't ask.
"Now, there is only one," He said and glance at Faedra who found the wall on her right hand side interesting.
The dwarves, Bilbo, and Gandalf looked on in silence.
"You need to reach the mountain before the last days of autumn?" Beorn asked, changing the subject.
"Before Durin's Day falls," Gandalf answered, "Yes."
"You are running out of time," He warned.
"Which is why we must go through Mirkwood," Gandalf stated simply.
"A darkness lies upon that forest. Fell things creep beneath those trees," Beorn said warningly, "There is an alliance between the Orcs of Moria and the Necromancer in Dol Guldur. I would not venture there except in great need."
"We will take the Elven Road," Gandalf tried to reassure him, "That path is still safe."
"Safe?" Beorn's voice rose, "The Wood-Elves of Mirkwood are not like their kin. They're less wise and more dangerous. But it matters not."
"What do you mean?" Thorin asked curiously.
"These lands are crawling with Orcs," Beorn pointed out, "Their numbers are growing, and you are on foot. You will never reach the forest alive."
He then stands up and turns towards Thorin.
"I don't like dwarves," said Beorn, a bit of hatred in his voice, "They're greedy and blind, blind to the lives of those they deem lesser than their own."
He picks up a mouse that had been scampering on the table and holds it, all the while approaching Thorin.
"But Orcs I hate more," He said with even more distaste, "What do you need?"
"We will need food, water, and a ride," Faedra explained.
"You may borrow my ponies," He offered, "But you must let them loose when you reach the forest."
Faedra nodded and the dwarves exit the house to get ready. Faedra started to pack food into bags, ignoring the stare she was getting from Beorn.
"Why do you venture with dwarves?" He questioned curiously.
"I'm doing it for a friend," Faedra responded, not meeting his eyes.
"So that was the dwarf?"
Faedra didn't respond and Beorn took it as the answer yes.
"I should finish packing," Faedra broke the silence.
Beorn nodded and headed out the door, but before he did so he turned back towards her.
"You must be careful in the forest, Faedra," He warned, "You never know what might happen if you were to be trapped there."
With that he headed out, leaving Faedra to her thoughts. When she exit the house, the ponies were almost ready to be riden. Gandalf and Beorn were a ways from the group, talking amongst themselves. Faedra looked at the tiny pony and sighed. She wished she had Daeroch with her. They rode through the grassy plains, while Beorn stood watch in his bear form.
"Set the ponies loose," Faedra ordered, while Gandalf walked a little into the forest.
It wasn't until Faedra was about to start working on Gandalf's horse that he bolted back towards them.
"Not my horse," He cried, "I need it."
Faedra gave him a confused look, but backed away. She waited to talk to Gandalf while he spoke with Bilbo. He then turned and she stood between him and the pony, arms crossed.
"Where are you going?" She asked, an eyebrow arched.
"The High Fells," He answered.
Her eyes widened, "Gandalf you can't. You'll get yourself killed."
"I would not go unless I was asked," Gandalf explained and Faedra immediately understood.
Galadriel had spoken in his mind to go. Faedra knew Galadriel would have a good reason to send Gandalf away at such a time.
"I'll be waiting for you at the overlook, before the slopes of Erebor," Gandalf spoke loudly so the rest could hear, "Keep the map and key safe. Do not enter that mountain without me."
He then looked at the forest worryingly.
"This is not the Greenwood of old," He warned, "The very air of the forest is heavy with illusion. It will seek to enter your mind and lead you astray. You must stay on the path; do not leave it. If you do, you will never find it again."
He turned to Faedra and spoke in a lower tone, "No matter what may come, stay on the path."
Faedra nodded and he galloped away on his pony.
"Come on," Thorin ordered, "We must reach the mountain before the sun sets on Durin's day."
Faedra glanced back at Gandalf, who was growing smaller by the second. As soon as she stepped foot in the forest, she heard a voice.
"Faedra...Faedra."
She looked behind her, but saw nothing. She shook her head, not bothering to worry about it. She hadn't realized though, that the voice would mean her doom.