Chapter 16
Talking with Beorn
"I never thought I would see you falling for a dwarf, but I'm glad you can find happiness. Even if you two had a fight." Beorn said. I looked towards the sleeping dwarves as my eyes land on Nori. He was sleeping. "You need to tell him eventually, my friend."
"I know. It's just painful to remember the past." I said.
"It will make you stronger and Nori to love and protect you more. I may not like dwarves but you earned their trust and they are family to you. Help me get this on the table and you can awaken your friends." Beorn said. I helped set the plates on the table. Winter followed me around. I heard noise.
"I think the smell of food woke them up." I said as Beorn nodded as Gandalf joined us with the dwarves. I bent and picked up Winter as Nori brushed by me without saying good morning or greeting me. I looked down and went to sit next to Bifur and Thorin who leaned against the pillar. Winter laid in my lap as I ate, not looking at Nori who sat across the table. Bilbo soon joined us.
"What's with you and Nori?" Fili asked.
"Just a fight." I said in a whisper. Fili raised an eyebrow but didn't question as Beorn poured milk into Fili's cup. He looked at Thorin.
"So you're the one they call Oakenshield. Tell me, why is Azog the Defiler hunting you?" Beorn asked.
"You know Azog? How?" Thorin asked.
"My people were the first to live in the mountains, before the orcs came down from the north. The Defiler killed most of my family, but some he enslaved." Beorn said. I saw that he still had the manacles on his wrists as he talked. "Not work, you understand, but for sport. Caging skin-changers and torturing them seemed to amuse him."
"There are others like you?" Bilbo asked.
"Once there were many." Beorn said.
"And now?" Bilbo asked.
"Now, there is only one." Beorn said. I rubbed Winter behind her ears and she rubbed her head against my hand.
"How do you know, Ella?" Nori asked. I looked at him. He wouldn't look.
"They dragged her out in front of my cage, badly tortured. I don't know what they did to her but Azog took a sword and stabbed her right through the chest. She reminded me of my daughter and when she looked at me like she knew I was not an animal. I let out my rage and broke free. I was able to get her out of there and back to her people who spent days healing and taking care of her and welcomed me. I think it took a week?" Beorn asked.
"A week and a half. My mother told me. They are forever grateful and I owe you." I said. Beorn smiled and I saw Nori look at me. I didn't meet his eyes.
"You need to reach the mountain before the last days of autumn?" Beorn asked as he sat down.
"Before Durin's Day falls, yes." Gandalf said.
"You are running out of time." Beorn said. I saw Thorin stand up and walk off.
"Which is why we must go through Mirkwood." Gandalf said.
"A darkness lies upon that forest. Fell things creep beneath those trees. There is an alliance between the Orcs of Moria and the Necromances in Dol Guldur. I would not venture there except in great need." Beorn said.
"We will take the Elven Road. That path is still safe." Gandalf said.
"Safe? The Wood-Elves of Mirkwood are not like their kin. They're less wise and more dangerous. Ella and her people have earned my trust and gratitude for helping with wounds that Azog inflicted on me. But that matters not." Beorn said.
"What do you mean?" Thorin asked after he turned around to look at Beorn.
"These lands are crawling with Orcs. Their numbers are growing and you are on foot. You will never reach the forest alive." Beorn said. Thorin looked shocked. Beorn stands up and faces Thorin. "I don't like dwarves. They're greedy and blind, blind of the lives of those they deem lesser than their own." He picks up a mouse and holds it while approaching Thorin as he talks. He comes to a stop and looks at Thorin. "But Orcs I hate more. What do you need?" I stood up and walked outside after setting Winter down.
"Winter. Come." I call gently. She followed me outside. I closed my eyes as the sun hit my face. A neigh came and my eyes open. I saw Midnight come galloping over to me. I hugged her head. "Good to see you, girl." I said in elvish.
"She came shortly after you came." Beorn said, coming over.
"Glad she did." I said.
"You can take Winter with you. I can tell she took a liking to you. She's yours now." Beorn said. I grin. Winter jumped in excitement.
"Looks like we got another mouth to feed." Thorin said.
"It won't be a problem?" I ask.
"No." Thorin said with a nod. We loaded the horses. I pulled myself onto Winter and took the reins as the others did the same.
"Send word to me if you need help. I'll come." Beorn said.
"I will." I said. Beorn turned his head.
"Go now, while you have the light. The hunters are not far behind." Beorn said. I saw him disappear. Gandalf led us and Winter kept close to me as we rode off to Mirkwood.
AN: There's the new chapter. A bit more was revealed. I'm surprised no one realized when Azog said beast no one asked me if that was Beorn. Oh well. I hope you enjoyed and I'll update as soon as I can. :)