The sound of hammers and axes brought me from the depths of my slumber. The clanking and clinging of metal pitched against my ear drums in a constant rhythm, irritating my auditory senses repeatedly.

My head was killing me. It was as though I spent an entire night drinking with those damn Dwarves. Not something I missed. At all.

The soft glow of the morning sun made it difficult to open my eyes at first, but I managed with only a grunt of discomfort. Slowly I sat up and looked about. I was laying on the soft grass near Gregor and Rhea's home, a rough blanket now bundled at my waist. There were other woodsmen around, trying to salvage what they could of their now ruined village. The fire which started at one house spread quickly to others, burning them to a chard husk. There was still some fire burning just a few homes down, but they couldn't do much until it finished.

So, the night was over. The spiders were gone…but there was no telling if more would continue to trespass onto the land of the woodsmen.

"You're awake. For a moment there, I thought we'd have to bury you this time."

The tall woodsman looked down at me with his arms crossed and a toothy grin plastered on his face. I let out a chuckle and shook my head. Thank the Valar he was okay.

"I see you survived. How fairs the rest of the village?" Gregor's smile lessened considerably at my mention of the village.

He looked just to the side and let his arms fall before bringing a hand up to rub his head.

"Well…half of us are dead or missing…the rest are trying to mend what we can, but…the village is ruined. Few houses are untouched by the fire and those that are not burnt have been broken into by spiders."

Solemnly, I stood to my feet. He noticed my shaky legs and immediately went to my side, hoisting me up with one strong arm beneath mine.

"Easy lass. Don't push yourself…"

I smiled and side glanced his way. "I'm the last person you should be worried about."

"My family is just fine. It's everyone else who would want you to take care." He said with a warm smile, surprising me from his usual demeanour. "If you hadn't warned us…If you hadn't fought with us…"

"We'd all be dead." Another voice said in front of me. My head turned to see that a few dozen villagers had noticed my presence and came over.

They all looked tired and beaten, but many were alive and smiling, thanking the gods that most of some of their families were alive.

"We saw you kill those spider, Miss. Without you, we could have never taken them down."

Now I was blushing, my eyes wandering from one person to the next. Men were smiling kindly, some holding onto their wives who were crying tears of both happiness and sorrow. Women held their children closely, kissing them each with blessings. The people who survived were overwhelmingly grateful.

My next hour was completely overrun with villagers thanking me for all that I did. I'll be completely honest in saying that I had no idea what to do in this situation. They were so thankful to be alive and tried to give me whatever they could to pay homage. I refused anything and everything, explaining that in order to get the village back on its feet, we'd need all the supplies we have.

Gregor lazily sat beside me as though to protect me from anyone who was a little too earnest in their gratitude, as I was still tired from last night. It really did take a toll on me, but I was happy just to see smiling faces.

It was midday before things settled down and I was able to walk about to assess the damage. Gregor stayed with me the whole time…as though I was some Lady who needed to be watched. I said nothing at first, just let him hover like a damn vulture, but after some time of him getting a little too close and in my way, I had to let out my frustration.

"Jesus Gregor, what on Earth are you doing?!" I finally snapped at him, trying to look as opposing as possible…which was a bit difficult for someone much smaller than him.

Taken aback, Gregor blinked in confusion before shifting his weight from one foot to the other. He cleared his throat and put his hands behind his back carefully, making sure to stand straight. Was he trying to…be polite?

"I apologize, My Lady, if my behavior is not to your liking."

The fuck?

"What-Did you just call me 'My Lady'?"

"I can call you something else if you'd like."

"Yea, just Emi. What the fuck is wrong with you? I'm not some high born princess that needs to be pampered. Why are you acting like this?"

The tone in my annoyed voice had him looking at me with a raised eyebrow. I could tell he wanted to say something, but refrained from it…instead he said something else to remind me just why he was behaving like some royal guard.

"Last night…You proclaimed Aule and Yavanna bore you. I know who they are. The Valar are important to all of Middle Earth. Men of this age do not understand the meaning, but I do. If the Gods sent you to me, then it must be fate…and I owe you my loyalty after the attack…You saved my family." Gregor looked at me with pleading eyes, roaming my face for any sign of acceptance. Then with one motion, he was on his knees before me, bowing his head in respect. "I pledge my services to you. Please…accept me with honour."

It was my turn to be taken aback. The moment he was on his knee I was stepping back like a troll was proposing. This was…not the strangest thing to happen, but certainly was not anticipated. What the hell was I supposed to say?

"Gregor, for the love of Valar, please get to your feet!" Whispering harshly as I glanced around frantically, embarrassed by him practically throwing himself at me. I hoped no one was watching…

"You're making a scene!"

He shook his head and looked up, his eyes were firm and unyielding. Oh, damn it…He was being serious.

With a gentle grasp on my hand, he pulled it towards him and placed his other atop. Yep, this was really happening.

"I beg of you. Let me do this…it's the least I could do."

My insides clenched with anxiety. Was he really so determined to do this? Why?

"Why are you so hell bent on this?"

He looked away, his thoughts his own for a moment before answering. "I am not like these people. They don't see many atrocities besides what the woods can bring them…but I know what is out there. Those spiders are a bad omen of things to come. I want to be able to do something and if that means I have to pledge my allegiance to an immortal one then so be it."

"I don't-I can't stay here, Gregor."

"I know."

"You can't come with me. You have a family…a village to protect. This doesn't make sense!"

Gregor looked down to my hand he'd been holding. He gave it a small squeeze and closed his eyes.

"Rhea will be fine with them. They are gathering what little we have and moving on. There is another village just south of here. I sent a rider early this morning to reach them for help…I suspect they'll be here come morning. The Woodsmen will band together in order to protect each other. My help will not make a difference with them…but with you," He looked back up, eyes bright and alive with resolve, "I can help rip this darkness from the world."

We held our gaze for some time. I saw all the love he had for his family and the will to protect them within his steady orbs. He was bound and determined to do something. He wanted to fight.

"You…want to fight with me? But, you don't even know what I'm doing, where I'm going, or who I must find. How can you be so sure that I'm not the one you should be fighting against?"

The sound of his boot pushing against the ground and his leather waistcoat groaning as he stood. My neck arched to look up at the tall man standing directly in front of me.

"You're no spawn of evil, lass. I saw how you fought last night…I heard your words. You wanted nothing more than to help us. You, Emi, daughter of the Valar, are what I've been searching my whole life for."

"And what's that?"

"A catalyst. Someone to push against the darkest corners of this good Earth, rooting out all foul creatures from whichever places they hide."

I didn't respond right away. My mind was reeling with everything that was going on. It seriously felt like I was in the Twilight Zone. Entirely unbelievable that anyone in their right mind would follow me for any reason at all. I mean, yes, there was a time when I was a great leader. I did march Dwarves and Men alike to defeat the forces of evil. Once against Morgorth and another against Sauron, but this was different…right?

"Are you…falling in love with me or something? If you are, just tell me right now so I can reject you before this gets out of hand…"

He tensed almost immediately. His grip on my hand stilled and his face stunned into something between shock and surprise. For a few silent moment, he was just looking at me like that…but it did take long for his lips to slowly curl into a smirk and a chuckle leave his throat.

His laugh was contagious. Slowly, my mouth upturned into a smile and soon I was laughing right along with him. It couldn't hurt to have a companion on this lonely journey, could it?

"Don't ever change, lass." He said with another chuckle. He brought his hand up, his fingers encircling the top of my head, and proceeded to mess up my already tangled hair.

Yea, I suppose it wouldn't be too bad having him around.

_

The next morning was a full on bustle of carts and horses coming in from the other village. The injured and children were packed up and put into carts while those who were well had to walk or ride a horse. It was all relatively easy and uneventful. They buried the dead, said their last goodbyes to the place they had once called home and began to move out.

As quick as it was, I was very tired of hearing the villagers retell the story over and over again to the new arrivals. Once more I was hailed a hero and once again grateful men and women came to be to show their respects.

I disliked unwanted attention, but I sucked it up like a champ and let it happen. Gregor only watched on in some sick amusement as necklaces of flowers and vines were placed on me. They even made a damn crown.

The only solace I had was the very thought that I would be leaving. We were packed and ready to head off when I was bombarded with inquiries and gifts.

Leaving the party of villagers behind couldn't come any sooner.

Before we departed, I gave Gregor time with his wife and two children, who were just as sad to see me go, but I knew they needed to say farewell. That was why I moved to the edge of the forest and looked within it, trying to map out a clear path in my head before we jumped in.

Instead of following the Woodsmen to the road that ran on the west side of Mirkwood, we'd cut straight north and head directly into the belly of the beast. We both knew where we needed to go.

The day Gregor pledged to me, I explained to him where I'm heading...the Woodland Realm of the Elves. My previous thoughts of going to Rhosgobel were out the window now. I had to get to Thorin Oakenshield before he did something stupid…like get himself killed along with the other two heirs of Durin. I'd need them if the world was going to be up against Sauron in the coming years.

If…

There was no IF. It IS going to happen…and I'd need all the help I could get. I wasn't sure what difference I was going to make right now, but when I arrive in Erebor, something was going to give.

"You ready?"

Startled out of my thoughts, I looked to see Gregor standing beside me with a pack loosely placed on his shoulder.

"Yea. You say everything you needed to say?" I motioned to his wife who was watching him as the carts began to pull away.

"Yep. Nothing to worry your pretty little head about." He smirked and turned back to the forest. "It's gonna be one hell of a trek through these woods. They're not like they once were…"

"I'll keep you safe." I said with a smirk and walked forward, stepping over branches and rocks. "Don't worry your pretty little head about it."

"You'll be the death of me, I just know it." He shot back with amusement as he matched my pace.

"Probably, but then again, it would be entirely your fault for pledging your undying love and following me to the ends of the world." I teased, jumping over a turned up tree root.

"I'll take it back." He warned.

"Pfft. Liar."

_

"Huh…So, let me just get this all sorted out one more time. We're heading to The Elven King…to help your friends before they get captured, but if we arrive too late we have to travel to Laketown…and then if we don't find them there, we have to go to Erebor…to slay a dragon?"

"Pretty much."

"And you know exactly what's going to happen…because you know the damn future of Middle Earth?"

"Sounds about right."

"This is all very complicated, isn't it?"

"You have noooo idea."

Two days passed as we travelled through Mirkwood. The place was filled with all sorts of illusion and magic, but we'd steered in the direction we needed to go. Surprisingly, I didn't feel an ounce of weird mind altering effects…and stranger, neither did Gregor. Kind of weird for a mere man to not come under its influence.

Hm.

I trusted him completely, hence why I told him my secret and let him in on the adventure to Erebor. The entire story. I'd need someone to understand just what we were getting ourselves into and it made no sense to hide anything from him. So I didn't.

"I just-This is such a farfetched story…"

"I know. I can hardly believe it myself."

Gregor finally shook his head and scoffed in disbelief. He was taking this well. A little too well. Of course, he has been around Middle Earth. Must have come across all sorts of strange things.

I continued walking in our silence, keeping my eyes forward in an attempt to keep my bearings. He was likely in deep in thought. The story was a lot to take in and the woodsman would need time to process it.

My eyebrows furrowed as my senses only picked up the sound of my footsteps…and not the lumbering giant that was Gregor. I stopped and turned to look back. He was setting his pack down and unbuckling his belt.

"What are you doing? There's still a bit of light left before camp can be made."

He gave me a wicked smirk and continued his work. In no time he was taking off his tunic and throwing it in to his bag along with his waistcoat. What the hell? Why was he taking off hi-

He dropped his pants in record time. I covered my eyes and scrambled backwards in a frenzy of embarrassment and shock.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!"

He shuffled about to put his clothing into his bag and soon enough his bare feet padded against the earth as he made his way over to my flushed form.

"Here." He handed me his pack, which I took in a frantic display. He merely laughed at me.

"And to answer your question, since you were so willing to tell me your deepest secrets…" Stepping back, he moved into a better position for me to see him fully…and I didn't exactly want to, "I thought I'd share mine."

What?

I raised a brow and avoided looking down at all costs, but it didn't matter. In a moment of shock and awe, he was transforming before my eyes. He normally towered over me, but now, he dwarfed me completely. His body twiating and enlarging into something furry and huge.

Now it was my turn to be completely flabbergasted. No words came out as I looked upon his new body.

Gregor was a shape-shifter. A skin-changer.

I knew of Beorn. The giant man had the ability to change into that of, well, a bear. The last thing I expected was to run into another one. Beornings are just as present in these woods as Woodsmen, but very few had the power to skin-change. Beorn was the last of his kind...but then...there was Gregor.

However, he didn't turn into a bear.

Before me was what I'd initially thought was a warg, but upon looking at the head, It was obviously just an oversized wolf. Was he a werewolf? The wolves of old were bred many times for evil intent. Werewolves are one of the many creatures created in the darkness. They could not turn into men, but they could stand on two feet if they wanted to and were massive in size.

My reaction at the thought was to take a step back. Was that was he was? A werewolf with the ability to turn into a human? One look into his soft eyes told me no...this was not at all what I was thinking.

His fur flashed red hues in the sunlight peeking through the trees and he cautiously took a few steps toward me. I refused to take another step back and instead, dropped his pack and reached my hand out.
Gregor took it in stride and slowly reached his snout out to let me touch him. My fingers brushed the fur around his nose and made its way up to the top of his head. He was so fluffy. I smiled and gave into it. I curled my lithe fingers into the thickness of his fur and instantly fell in love with the beast. Not the man. Sooooo not the man.

"You're a skin-changer...How could you hide something like this?"

I was smiling down at his cute wolf face while he only cocked it to the side at my words. Ah, so he couldn't talk.

"I suppose you can't answer. You know, this is so coincidental. My friends should have came across a skin-changer named Beorn on their journey."

At the utterance of Beorn, the wolf beneath my hand snorted and shook his neck, his head moving back and forth with it.

"Oh, you don't like him. Well, I won't say a word about it then...and he sounds unpleasant if that makes you feel any better."

He must have agreed because a scoff came out of the wolf and he turned from me to look further into the forest. As amusing as it was watching Grego stare off into the distance, practically begging to be let loose, I knew time was running out. A quick sideways glance comfirmed the sun was dropping further in the horizon, which was barely visible with all these damn trees around.

Shifting my eyes back to the giant wolf, I had to laugh. He looked like a sad puppy. A puppy that could snap a legg off with that large maw of his. Wow, he was a really big skin changer; not the same size as Beorn, but definitely larger than a warg. Good.

"So, what was the plan here? Run through the woods freely, letting the wind blow through your fur? I think you'll find my legs are far too short to keep up with an animal."

Wolf-Gregor threw me a sideways glance, indicating he was not as amused by my comment as I.

"Yea, yea. I know. Don't get your panties tied in a knot." I said, slinging his bad over my shoulder. So now I was going to carry his stuff as well? What a lazy clot.

As least, that's what I thought until the large wold in front of me bent down, lowering himself to the ground. He shot out a huff at me. I raised my eyebrows in confusion. What was he doing? Slowly, my cogs in my brain started to creek and I caught on.

"Are you offering me a ride?"

There was this dead look in his eyes as he stared at me, annoyed that I was being so dense.

"Are you sure?"

The nod I received in return was all I need to step forward. The next few moments was an awkward dance of trying to swing my legs over this giant wolf and sit upon his back without falling off. Horses I could do...wolves and their weird boney bodies, I could barely manage.

With his pack and mine securely over my shoulders and tied into place, I unsteadily held onto his fur as he began to rise from the ground. My precarious placement on his back caused me to sway from side to side. Finally I had to hold onto his fur, fisting it to stable myself.

"I'm not hurting you, am I?

The wolf looked over his shoulder awkwardly before straightening out and taking his first steps with a person on his back. Had Gregor done this before? He seemed just as unsure about it as I was.

The next few minutes was Greogor appehensively keeping a a slow pace, just the get used to me on his back before he began a trot. This was going to take some practice between the two of us, but in no time, he was pushing the pace.

My previous comment about letting the wid run through his fur...was becoming all too real as his speed picked up and I leaned into his body, letting him lead us to our destination.

The darkness of the night was upon us within the hour, but Gregor persaveered and continued on, not breaking a sweat as he sprinted through the large trees. I was grateful for his efforts. Perhaps he felt my need to cover as much ground as possible. On foot, there was certainly a lack of speed when it came to getting someplace fast. A smile crept onto my face. On wolf paws, however, we'd cut the time in half.

Gregor pushed as far as he could. His limbs carried through thick brush and blackened trees. As time went on, it was obvious just how sick the forest really was. Bark seeped with a disgusting black puss while animal skeletons littered the forest floor, sinking into the moss. Death was all around us...and yet there was no fear. There was no time for it.

Determination kept us going, but only for so long. I could hear the strain in his muscles as he kept pace. It was only a matter of time before the long ride brought exhaustion and I couldn't allow him to push further.

With a soft pull of his hair, I leaned down to the side, my head getting as close to his ears as I could muster.

"Gregor, we should stop! It's far too dark out to see anything."

The stubborn wolf huffed while his tongue hung out, letting droplets of slober slip from it...and effectively shooting back into my face.

I grimaced and wiped the wetness from my cheek.

"I wasn't suggesting. Stop. NOW." The tone in my voice must have pulled him from whatever was keeping him going. He slowed, patting his way over to a large tree, hoping the overgrown stump would at least hide us within its hallowed husk.

Carefully, and with my muscles aching, I slipped from his back and landed on the ground with quivering legs. It was like standing on jell-o.

He let me hold onto him as I steadied myself against the earth.

"Thank you." I spoke, looking at the ground, my eyes straining to get a good feel of what was around us. It was incredibly dark, almost purely black.

"It's no trouble. Are you able to walk, lass?" The deep voice from Gregor caught me off guard and I suddenly realized that he had transformed while I was trying to use him to steady my body.

My hand was firmly grasping some part of his skin for dear life. I was obviously far too tired to notice, but when I did, I jumped back, removing my hand as I did so. The quick motion was ill advised. I stumbled back, tripping over an overgrown root and before I could let out a yelp, I was on my back.

"I guess that answers my question."

As a shape-shifter, I prayed he was able to see the middle finger I shot up at him. He only chuckled and I heard the crunching of leaves as he moved forward. A hand gently grasped my arm and I was hoisted from the ground to stand beside him. He kept a firm arm around my shoulder, leading me to a spot next to the tree where I could sit.

"Stay here."

I pursed my lips in protest.

"You giving me orders now? I thought I was the one in charge..." I rolled my eyes and shifted my legs in front of me, one over the other.

"Don't be sore about it. I'm just trying to help you, lass. You're about as blind as a bat in these woods." Gregor bit back as he grabbed his bag. I could hear his rifling through it while I sat in silence.

I completely forgot he was naked out here. Thank the Valar I couldn't see. A few shuffles later and he was slumping down beside me with warm clothes and his back on his lap. I startled at his sudden appearance. I was far too tired to be aware of my surroundings. The forest was incredibly silent...and put me on edge.

"How far do you think we are from the Wood elves?" I asked while trying to look around into the darkness. A fire would fix my eyesight...but would also bring unwanted attention to our position.

"Still a few days out, I believe." Well that was it then. We still had a ways to go...

"Here..." A warm, rough hand grabbed onto mine, hoisting it into the air. He brought my palm up and placed what I could only assume was a piece of bread...and a slice of cheese.

"Eat something and we'll get some rest." He sounded rather somber tonight.

I brought the food to my lips, confirming my suspicion as to what it was as I munched away at the tastey morsels.

I ate in silence as Gregor guzzled down a skin of water. The gulps he took were louder than the forest around us. There was nothing out there. Not a sound or peep. No crickets or bugs of the night.

It made me uncomfortable.

"Do you regret coming with me?"

My question had him pulling the skin from his mouth. My ears picked up a hand brushing against his beard, likely to wipe excess water from his lips.

"No, lass, I do not. It was my decision." He said without hesitation. "Stop lamenting on the idea that somebody might actually want to be near you."

Oh. He could pick that up too, huh?

My head turned in his direction, but I couldn't see a thing in front of me.

"I'm not-I don't think..." A sigh escaped my lips and I ran a hand through my hair. "It's not like that...I just worry that I might cause you more trouble..."

"If fate should bring my end with you on this journey, I will not fight what the Valar has written."

"Don't say stupid things like that! They don't just sit around writing how people's lives end, ya know. Fate isn't always set in stone..."

He was silent for a few moments, bringing my level of discomfort to a maximum. This forest brought out the worst in people...and I could feel the heavy veil of evil in the air.

"You're right, lass. I'm just tired from running so far." I could hear him let out a sigh of his own before he shifted against the tree, bringing his arm around my shoulders. "Lean on me and get some rest."

"You're not going to try to kiss me again are you? 'Cause I thought I made myself pretty clear-"

"Enough with the smart mouth. If you don't shut it and get some sleep, I may reconsider."

"Your wife would be incredibly disappointed if she found out." I teased as I leaned into his side, my head barely making it to his shoulder.

"She'd understand wanting to keep you from talking any longer than needed. Now, sleep."

"Yes, Mother." I smiled and let my eyes shut. It wasn't much different to the darkness around us, but after the long ride through the forest, my eyes were worn out.

It took longer than I'd anticipated to fall asleep, but soon I drifted off with the sound of Gregor's breathing beside me.

_

Morning came all too quickly.

And the black abyss of twilight only staved off enough to let daylight break through the canopy. It was dreary and foreboding. Silent and unnerving.

We broke our fast as soon as enough light let us see further into the forest. Gregor seemed to be rested well, even after keeping guard for as long as he could, letting me sleep was his main concern it seemed.

I awoke to him stuffing a shirt into his bag, while pulling out a few pieces of bread for breakfast, accompanied with some stale apple chips. It wasn't much, but it was enough to give me some energy.

I wrapped up my breakfast while casting my eyes at our surroundings.

"This place is making my head spin." Gregor spoke with unease. I couldn't agree more. Even as we stood there, It seemed as though the ground beneath me was moving...even though I knew it could not be.

"Don't let it get to you." I tried to be reassuring, but it easier said than done.

"We should move on...and quickly. I don't want to be in these trees longer than necessary."

"I couldn't agree more." I turned to face him...and immediately regret it.

"Hey! Woah! I little warning next time!" My hand covered my face as I turned back to face the trees.

"Ah, lass, nothing you haven't seen before." He gave a chuckle before I heard the groaning of his body shift into place. His chuckle ended in a soft scuff.

"Please don't remind me..." Once I was sure it was safe, I trotted to our packs and threw them together, ready for another day of our journey.

We wasted no time in heading away from our temporary camp. The trees grew thicker and thicker, covering more of the sunlight from our path.

Though we moved through the forest with ease and without issue, it did not go unnoticed when we passed a few strings of webbing in the trees. The sight brought bile into my throat. Remembering my last encounter with spiders was enough to sicken me. The vile creatures only knew how to take life, eating anything they could get their hands on. The people Gregor lost in his little village was what made us both tense.

I'd call them my nemesis...but that title was left for another. Sauron. This was all his doing after all.

The woods grew larger and the evil denser the further we traveled north.

Let's just hope we didn't run into any trouble along the way.