Chapter Thirty-One

A Strange Newcomer

As we walked back to the camp, my eyes again went on Bilbo. I somehow knew, Bilbo would find it hard to leave the ring behind and a funny feeling went through me, that he would hold onto that ring for a very long time to come.

"Ah, there you are," grinned Poseidon, heading towards Loki, Thorin and I "I have longed to get to know you for a while now Elaina."

"You have?" I asked him.

"Yes, my brothers and I have watched you grow," my eyes went wide, causing Poseidon to laugh "to keep an eye on you."

"Because of The Messengers." I surmised.

"Well, yes that was part of the reason, the other reason is that you are family."

I saw that Loki was walking of, though Thorin stayed by my side as I got to know my uncle.

"So," I began, returning my attention back to Poseidon "you live on that strange cloud as well then, do you?"

Again Poseidon laughed. He had a very infectious laugh which brought a smile on my own face.

"Oh no Elaina, I live in the sea."

"Come again?" I asked, clearly baffled, also hearing a low chuckle coming from Thorin's direction.

"While your father rules Mount Olympus, I rule the sea."

"Mount Olympus. Is that what that floating cloud city is called?" I asked him, arching an eyebrow up, curious to know more about my real parentage now.

"Yes, your father lives high up in the clouds, looking down on everything. He is not alone up there. As well as many guards, there are a lot more of your family that you have yet to meet. Which I assure you, you will meet when you are completely ready to see them. As for me..." He trailed of as I was now taking in that there were more family members that I never knew about.

All I could do was listen, as he explained that he lived deep in the sea water in his own domain. He then explained, he could heal through water, which did intrigue me.

"Which is how I helped yourself and Thorin, when you were both badly hurt." carried on Poseidon.

Thorin placed his arm around my middle, as I watch my uncle retrieve something from his gold armour and hands over a gold flask for me to take.

"This will come in handy for you Elaina," I take the flask from out of his hand and glance at the flask, before looking into the blue eyes of my uncle "one drop of this water, will heal those that need it most, but do not let no enemy see this, there could be repercussions."

I nod my head, watching him intently.

"I understand. I shall look after this."

"When you need more water, just go to any lake or sea and my magic will replenish your flask for you."

"Thank you."

"You are most welcome, Elaina." smiled Poseidon walking of towards Gandalf "We will meet again Elaina." Poseidon added.

For a second, I just watch the gold flask, noticing little symbols on there. There were engraved little marks of a circle with a dot in the middle, a square, three squiggly lines and a strange looking bird of some sort.. I had no idea what the significance of these markings were, but had a feeling I would soon found out.

"Are you alright, my angel?" asked Thorin, who was clearly concerned at the way I was watching the gold flask.

"I'm fine," I reassured him "I was just looking at the strange markings on this flask."

I gently hand the flask over to Thorin, who looked down inspecting the little symbols.

"Do you know what they mean?"

"No, no idea." I admitted to him, as he gave the flask back to me.

My eyes briefly went on Bilbo who was talking to Ori and Balin and again I thought about the ring he currently had on him. The ring and that tower I had seen, were connected and yet I had no idea how to ask Bilbo to just lose that ring.

Thorin brought me back to the present by holding me a little tighter. My eyes instinctively went on his amazing blue eyes and I could tell he was looking at me with concern.

"It's about Master Baggins and his ring, isn't it?" He asked me, softly.

All I could do was nod. I didn't want anyone other than Loki and Thorin that is, to know my theories regarding that tall tower and the ring that was currently in Bilbo's jacket pocket.

I felt Thorin place his hand over mine, who then gently tugged me away from the others, once more. We walked in silence until we were sure no one could hear us talk.

"You really think that ring is evil?" asked Thorin.

"Yes, there is something about that ring, that sets me on edge," I replied sitting on a fallen tree "and I just have this feeling Bilbo will find it hard to let go of that cursed ring."

Thorin sat besides me, wrapping his arm around my waist, pulling me to him. My own hand rests on his blue tunic, feeling his toned muscles of his torso. He gently kissed my head but said nothing. To change the subject, I finally asked,

"How did you and Gandalf meet?"

I felt Thorin take a deep breath, before he started running his fingers through my hair.

"We had our first meeting in Bree. That was how I met Gandalf and Loki," began Thorin "I was searching for the whereabouts of my father."

My head shot up and I could see the pain in Thorin's eyes, as he looked back at me.

"I was told that my father was near the Wilds near Dunland, but alas, I never saw him there."

"Thorin, I am so sorry." I replied, placing my hand on his cheek.

"You wasn't to know, my angel," Thorin placed his own hand over mine "Gandalf and Loki both came upon the table I was currently occupying, while I was eating in a tavern and I knew he had spoken to my father before he went missing and I wanted answers."

"Did you get your answers?"

"Sort of. He explained that he wanted my father to march upon Erebor and to rally seven armies of the dwarves. To destroy that blasted dragon and take back the Loney Mountain. Gandalf then more or less said the same thing to me."

"And the rest as they say, is history," I whispered, placing my forehead on his "never lose hope, you may yet see your father."

"I hope so, but it has been so long since I last saw him. I am beginning to think something has happened to him."

A thought struck me then, regarding the key that Gandalf had given to Thorin back in BagEnd.

"Didn't Gandalf see your father though," I gently asked him, touching the key that was around my neck "Gandalf had the key that your father had. So to my reckoning, that means your father could still be alive somewhere out here."

"Gandalf did say he saw my father, but I have no idea how long ago that was."

"Believe in hope," I breathed as I brushed my lips against his "believe."

With Thorin tightening his hold of my waist, he deepened the kiss. For the time being, it was just the two of us, lost in each other.

o0o

~~Hetti's POV~~

I was now sitting next to Bilbo and Bofur, eating an apple. I was wondering where Elaina and Thorin had wandered of to this time. I had a feeling someone was watching me and I glance around the camp, until I found Loki watching me with a somber expression on his face.

He was standing near a tree and he refused to stop watching me. It should have been off putting but in a strange way, his staring was relaxing me. A smile slowly comes from no where as he walked up to me.

"Could I have a private word with you Hetti?" He asked and held out his hand for me to take.

I nod my head and placed my hand in his, noticing he had a cold hand. Loki pulled me up and I walked with him, away from the others. For a while, the only sound was coming from our footwear as he led me further away from camp.

Finally he stopped and turned. Again his blue/green eyes penetrated mine and for the first time, I had no idea what he was up to.

"So," He began, stepping closer to me "you and Kili have grown closer."

"This is your business because...?" I trailed off, now narrowing my eyes at him.

"Everything that is connected to you is my business!" He snapped and I tried to pull my hand out of his grasp, but he held my hand a little tighter "Tell me something Hetti, do you enjoy hurting people that care about you, when your kissing a reckless dwarf that could have killed you?"

I watch him aghast, knowing full well, Kili actually saved me when I had that accident in the water. I open my mouth to counter what he said, when he suddenly pressed his lips over mine.

For a short while, I didn't respond as I was still reeling from his distrust around Kili, however Loki was persistent, as he wrapped his long arms around my middle, holding me tight against him.

Slowly, I found myself caving in to his kiss and began to kiss him back. I heard a moan come from him as the kiss deepened. This kiss was different to the one before. This kiss was gentle and nice and I found myself wrapping my own arms around his neck as he slowly pulled away from me and started nibbering on my neck.

"You are mine, Hetti," I heard him mumble "I do not share."

I could feel his lips kiss my neck and somehow knew they would be a mark on my neck, to which I inwardly cringe about. It was when he said 'I was his' that I finally managed to pull away from him, though his arms were still around my waist.

"I don't belong to anyone Loki."

"You are mine." Loki repeated, trying to kiss me again.

With all the strength I could muster, I manage to break his hold of me. I was livid and it clearly showed on my face.

"I am not yours or anybodys, for that matter. I am my own person and how dare you treat Kili like dirt. He was the one that saved me."

"That's not how I see it," smirked Loki "He threw all those bowls and spoons in the water, which caused your accident in the first place. That dwarf has been reckless for a long time and I have no idea why you would get-,"

"Just leave me and Kili alone. Just because you can not stand him, it doesn't give you the right to try and claim me like I was a piece of meat. Just stay well away from me!"

With that, I turn around and walk back toward the camp.

"Your going in the wrong direction." shouted Loki, sounding amused.

"Good!" I shot back, before turning around to a grinning Loki, holding out his hand again "You can wipe that stupid grin of your face, it is not that amusing!"

"I beg to differ," laughed Loki, causing me to narrow my green eyes once more "Come on, I take you back to Bilbo and Elaina."

'And the others!' I thought to myself, knowing he heard that, though he acted like he hadn't.

Sighing, I followed Loki back to camp, refusing to hold his hand. The sooner I was back with the others, the sooner I could distance myself from Loki Laufeyson.

o0o

~~Elaina's POV~~

Thorin and I had walked back in the camp for a while and I found that Gandalf was acting a lot stranger than usual. He appeared to be talking to himself about mundane things, though I could have sworn I heard him mention the tower Barad-dur, that I had drawn earlier on.

My eyes momentary went on Hetti as I saw her walk away from Loki as she sat next to Fili by the fire. I could see that she was angry and again, my eyes went on Loki, who was watching Hetti herself.

"Great, more trouble in paradise.' I thought bitterly to myself.

"What do you mean?" asked Thorin, who was in the process of rebraiding my hair.

"Hetti and Loki just walked back and judging by Hetti's face, she is not in a pleasant mood."

"Let them get on with it. It is not our concern."

I turned my head slightly.

"Hetti is like a sister to me, she may want advice."

"Hmm," remarked Thorin turning my head back to its original position "I think my nephew will look after her, my angel. Now please hold still."

I wondered what he meant, until I saw Kili sit besides Hetti, who graced him with a warm smile. I don't think I woud like my own love triangle. It looked complicated. My eyes went back on Gandalf who was now leaning on his staff, deep in thought. I had this feeling he was thinking about that tower I had drawn.

"There, all done." whispered Thorin, kissing the back of my head.

I turn my head and faced Thorin, seeing him smile lovingly at me, cupping my cheek.

"Men lananubukhs menu." whispered Thorin softly.

"I love you too." I replied softly, leaning towards him, capturing his lips with my own.

"Ahem!"

Thorin and I look up and saw Gandalf watching the pair of us with a amused look on his face.

"Much as I like seeing a love story develop, I have to speak to you all." With that Gandalf walked of again.

"I have got to learn how he can sneak up on people." I muse, while Thorin laughed, before kissing me deeply.

o0o

"Is everyone here? I have to say something before we continue with our journey." explained Gandalf.

I was currently sitting between Bilbo and Thorin, feeling Thorin's arm gently stroke my back up and down. Everyone else was sitting around the campfire, waiting for Gandalf to begin.

"I am very relieved that you are all safe, after what has recently transpired," Gandalf looks at everyone, before looking at me and I found his gaze a little unnerving, so I had to look away "and with good judgement and a little luck, I have finally done it."

Again he looks at everyone before continuing.

"In truth, we are a little further east than I ever meant to come with you, but this isn't really my adventure now, is it?" grinned Gandalf "I think I may look in on it again, if I get the chance to, as I have another pressing matter to attend to."

By the way he was speaking, it sounded like Gandalf was leaving us and glancing at the others, I could tell they knew that too. When I turned and looked at Bilbo, I could see he was visibly distressed and I placed my hand on his arm to reassure him.

"Hey, it will be alright Bilbo," I say to him seeing him look at me "you still have me and Hetti, we are not going anywhere."

Bilbo graced me with a warm smile, though never said anything. When I said that, Thorin kissed my hair and whispered,

"I wouldn't have allowed you to leave my angel, you are my future."

I turned my head and faced him, seeing a smile on his face, to which I copied.

"You are my future too." I whispered back to him, noticing his smile broaden.

I return my attention back on Bilbo, who was watching Gandalf intently and I could tell that he had thought Gandalf would always be there for us. In a way, Gandalf has always been there, but perhaps we had to do things on our own, without the aid of a wizard.

I had always suspected that Gandalf has always been like this. Stays with you for a while then, walks off into the unknown. Though I really liked Gandalf, I knew that even he had many secrets that he refused to share. His mumblings about that horrid tower was still in my mind and I had a sneaky feeling he was going of to look for more answers regarding this very tower.

"Oh, do not despair, I am not leaving right this second," laughed Gandalf, finally noticing Bilbo's somber expression "I shall stay with you for a few more days. I can be of help to our next destination and I think I need a little help myself."

Bilbo walked away from me and sat near Balin who was now trying to cheer him up. I snuggled next to Thorin, who now wrapped his other arm around my waist, holding me protectively.

"As you can clearly see," continued Gandalf "we have no more food and not many baggages. No ponies to ride and you don't know where you are."

"This place reminds me of Pride Rock from a film I saw in the foster home called 'The Lion King.' Though I bet this isn't Pride Rock, is it?" asked Hetti, who was sitting besides Kili who was watching her like we wasn't even there.

"No, this is not Pride Rock, Hetti," laughed Gandalf "though I can tell you that. You are still some miles north of the path which we should be following. Because of the mountain pass, we are a little behind and being around here, few people live in these parts, unless they have come here since I was last down this way, which of course was some years ago."

Gandalf started wandering around the camp, muttering again and I found myself smirking at that.

"There is somebody that I can think of, who lives quite close to where we are."

I continue watching Gandalf, wondering who could live around here.

"This very person, made the steps on the great rock, The Carrock, I believe he calls it. He does not come here often, at least not in the daylight and it is very dangerous if we waited for him to appear to us. No, we must go and find him and if all goes well at this meeting, I think I shall be off for a while."

I saw Gloin go up to Gandalf as did Nori, Ori and Dori, begging Gandalf not to leave us. I then heard them mention that they would give Gandalf 'Dragon-gold and silver jewels,' but all Gandalf did, was shake his head.

"Hmm, that does seem tempting," replied Gandalf "I do think I have earned some of your dragon-gold when you have got it...We shall leave tomorrow morning."

Gandalf walked away from everyone then.

Thorin unwrapped his arms around me and helped me up, leading me away from the rest of the company again. We walked in the forest. I knew there was something on Thorin's mind, though I refused to pry.

"Do you know who Gandalf was talking about?" asked Thorin, facing me and wrapping his arms around my waist once more.

"For once, I have no idea who Gandalf is speaking about. The reason that may be, is because I can still see that tower in my mind."

Thorin placed his forehead on mine with worry etched on his face.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," I reassure him "to be honest though, I am not surprised that Gandalf is leaving as I think his leaving is connected to the tower I showed him."

"You are certain?"

"Yes. Though I know Gandalf will never reveal his own secrets."

"That is very true, my angel." agreed Thorin.

We watch one another, his blue eyes went slightly darker, before Thorin crashed his lips on mine.

o0o

We began our journey again and we crossed the ford. I saw Bilbo being picked up by Dwalin until we reached long green grass. There were many trees as well.

"Why is it called The Carrock?" asked Bilbo as Dwalin gently put him down on the grass.

"He called it The Carrock, because Carrock is his word for it. He calls many things Carrocks and this one is the Carrock because it is near his home, plus he knows it well." replied Gandalf.

"You are not making any sense," grumbled Gloin "who knows it?"

"Well, the person I speak of is a very great person. Though you all have to be very polite when I introduce you. I think it would be wise that we go slowly, two by two, I think, yes. You have got to be very careful not to anger or annoy him or heaven knows what will happen should that arise!" warned Gandalf.

Just who was this person Gandalf speaks of? This person sounded very dangerous.

"He can be very nasty when he gets angry." carried on Gandalf.

"Sounds just like The Hulk!" muttered Loki, who was walking with me.

I turn and gave him a questioning look, but he just smiled at me, saying nothing more.

"He is very kind, if humoured, but never anger him." warned Gandalf.

"Are you sure The Hulk is not your friend Gandalf," smirked Loki, causing Gandalf to turn and raise his eyebrows at him "as your description sounds just like him!"

"Who is this Hulk person?" I asked Loki.

"A very annoying green man that wears torn shorts, with anger issues." sneered Loki.

"A green man!" I found myself smirking at that, which caused a grin on Loki's face "Are you winding me up or-,"

"No, he exists, though I do hope he isn't here." explained Loki.

"He is not here Loki," said Gandalf, turning around once more "I have no idea who this Hulk person is, though by the sounds of it, he sounds like he might be very ill. A green man is one I have never encountered and perhaps that is for the best."

We stop walking and Gandalf was now having a private conversation with Bilbo and Gloin.

"Is that the person you are taking us to now?" asked Bilbo, now looking ahead of him.

"Couldn't you find someone more easy-tempered? Hadn't you better explain it all a bit clearer?" huffed Gloin.

I heard Gandalf sigh and I could see him sag slightly before he replied,

"Yes it certainly is! No I could not and I was explaining very carefully!"

Despite myself, I laugh earning a glare from Gandalf.

"If you must know more, his name is Beorn."

"Oh, is that his name," I surmise "nice name."

"Hmm, I suppose it is, yes," replied Gandalf nodding his head, before adding "he is also a skin changer."

I furrow my eyebrows, not understanding.

"I'm sorry," I ask him "a what changer?"

"What! a furrier, a man that calls rabbits conies, when he doesn't turn their skins into squirrels?" asked Bilbo, looking at Gandalf with disdain.

"I have no idea what you have just said!" I exclaimed seeing Loki, Fili and Kili trying to hide they're laughter in.

"Good gracious heavens, no, no, No, No!" scorned Gandalf, turning completely around and facing Bilbo, with a look of shock on his face "Do not be a fool Mr Baggins if you can help it and in the name of all wonder, never mention the word furrier again as long as you are within a hundred miles of his house and that goes for, rug, cape, tippet, muff or any other word that could cause offense. He is a Skin changer."

Everyone was watching Gandalf. He was now a little red in the face and before he turned around, he gave another long look at Bilbo, as if to tell him to listen to his advice now or suffer the consequence.

"Is he a werewolf?" asked Bilbo innocently.

Gandolf turned around and looked at me, rolling his eyes before returning his gaze back on Bilbo.

"Beorn changes his skin, sometimes he is a huge black bear, sometimes he is a great strong black haired man with huge arms with a great beard. I have nothing more to tell you, except treat him with respect. He is a bear descended from the great and ancient bears of the mountains that lived there before the giants came.

Some say however, that he is a man descended from the first men who lived before Smaug or other dragons that came into this part of the world. I can not say for sure though, but I have a feeling that could be true. Beorn is not the sort of person to ask questions though."

"So what your saying is, that this man-bear has been enchanted, yes?" asked Bilbo.

"He is not enchanted Bilbo. He lives in an oak wood and has a great wooden house. He keeps cattle and horses which are truly marvellous to look at. They work for him and talk to him. Beorn does not eat them, neither does he hunt or eat wild animals."

"Are you saying," began Loki "we are to be joined with a vegetarian bear?"

Against my better judgement, I roared with laughter, knowing it was very rare to have a vegetarian bear. Bears normally ate meat. Because I started laughing, this caused others to join in as well and I could have sworn I saw Gandalf's lip twitch just a little, before he realised what was about to happen and managed to stop himself.

"Yes, that is correct Loki. He also keeps hives with great fierce bees and lives mostly on cream and honey. As a bear, he ranges far and wide. Though I am hoping he is at his house as I speak."

I watch the others and see that they are thinking hard about what Gandalf has just said. We still had a long way to walk before we reached Beorn. We started walking again and after a while, we climbed up a slope and then down as we continued walking towards our new host. Though sometimes, we did have to stop, to regain our strengh.

o0o

It was late in the afternoon before we noticed that great patches of yellow and pink flowers had begun to spring up. All the same flowers were growing together as if they had just been planted. They were quite beautiful to look at and I momentairy stopped and looked at them, smelling them, before catching up to Thorin, who was silently watching me.

It was hear that I heard the buzzing and I somehow knew at once, we were not far now. Many bees and hornets (which I wasn't fond of ) were in the air, doing there own thing.

"We are getting near," remarked Gandalf "we are on the edge of his bee-pastures."

We carry on walking, as Thorin now took a hold of my hand as we came to many oak trees and beyond these trees, there was a hedge though you could not see anything from the other side.

"You had better wait here," informed Gandalf to us all "and when I call or whistle go, but only in pairs, mind. Five minutes between each pair of you, will do. Bombur is the largest and will do for two, he had better come alone and last. Come along, Elaina and Thorin! There is a gate around here somewhere. Let us begin."

Thorin held my hand tighter as we followed Gandalf along the hedge towards Beorn's home.

We soon came to a wooden gate that was high and broad. We could see gardens an a cluster of low wooden buildings. Some of these buildings were thatched and made of unshaped logs, barns, stables and a long low wooden house.

Inside on the south side of a great hedge, were rows and rows of hives with bell shaped tops made of straw. As we walked, the noise of the bees were noisy and I glanced up, noticing millions of them hovering in the air.

Thorin and I, followed Gandalf who pushed open the creaking gate and went down a wide track towards the house. Beautiful horses came up to us and I could tell that these horses, were very intelligent as several of them went towards the house.

"They have gone to tell him of the arrival of strangers." remarked Gandalf.

Soon we reached a courtyard, three walls of which were formed by the wooden house and its two long wings. There was a massive oak tree in the middle and that is when I saw him.

Standing near the oak tree was a huge man with a thick black beard and hair, and great bare arms and legs with knotted muscles. He was clothed in a tunic of wool down to his knees. and was leaning on a large axe. The horses from before, were standing by him, with their noses at his shoulder.

"Ugh! here they are!" I heard him say to his horses.

"Charming." I whispered to Thorin, who pulled me closer to him, now placing his arm around my waist.

"They don't look dangerous. You can be off!"

Beorn then starts laughing, puts his axe down and came towards us.

"Who are you and what do you want?" Beorn asks gruffly.

He was as tall as Gandalf but much mean looking. I found myself shuddering at his presence. Thorin held me a little tighter.

'I will not let him hurt you.' thought Thorin, causing me to glance at him, before I smile at him.

"I am Gandalf."

"Never heard of him," growled Beorn "And who are these with you?" he adds staring at Thorin and I.

"This is Thorin Oakenshield and his fiancee Elaina Baggins."

Thorin and I bowed down to Beorn. Though I was a little shocked that Gandalf knew about our engagement.

"I am a wizard," continued Gandalf as Thorin and I straighten ourselves up again. "I have heard of you, if you have not heard of me, but perhaps you have heard of my good cousin Radagast who lives near the Southern borders of Mirkwood?"

Beorn studied Gandalf before saying,

"Yes, not a bad fellow as wizards go, I believe. I used to see him now and again...Well, now I know who you are, or who you say you are. What do you want?"

I caught Beorn watching me and his eyes went wide before he returned his attention back on Gandalf. I did not like the way he had looked at me, as I knew nothing about him. Though judging by the way he had looked at me, I had a feeling he knew something about me and I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

"To tell you the truth, we have lost our luggage and nearly lost our way, and are rather in need of help, or at least of advice. I may say we have had rather a bad time with goblins in the mountain."

I watch Beorn's dark eyes go wide again.

"Goblins," he cried out "O ho, so you have been having trouble with them have you? What did you go near them for?"

"We did not mean to," stated Gandalf "They surprised us at night in a pass which we had to cross, we were coming out of the lands over west into these countries. It is a long tale."

"Then you had better come inside and tell me some of it, if it won't take all day." said Beorn who lead us through a dark door that opened out of the courtyard into the house.

We followed him inside the house and realised we were in a wide hall with a fire place in the middle. Though it was summer, there was a rising to the blackened rafters in search of the way out through an opening in the roof.

We walked through a dim hallway, lit only by the fire and the hole above it. We all walked through another door and I saw wooden posts made of single tree trunks. It faced south and was still warm to the touch, filled with the light from the sun which was slanting on it. The rays of the sun, made the garden appear to be golden, which was filled with pretty flowers that came right up to the steps.

Thorin and I sat down next to Gandalf who started telling Beorn our journey thus far.

"I was coming over the mountains with a friend or three." said Gandalf.

"Or three? I can only see two here." said Beorn looking at Thorin and I.

"Well to tell you the truth, I did not like to bother you with a lot of us, until I found out if you were busy. I will give them a call, if I may?" asked Gandalf politely.

Beorn nods his head.

"Go on, call away."

Gandalf gave a long shrill whistle and presently Loki and Bilbo came round the house by the garden path and stood bowing before them.

"One or four you meant, I see!" said Beorn "His so small."

"This is Loki Laufeyson and this is Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit." explained Gandalf.

"Never seen a hobbit before." said Beorn staring at Bilbo.

Beorn then gestued for Loki and Bilbo to sit down, which they do, Loki sat next to me while Bilbo sat on Gandalf's right, quietly obsevering the room.

"I expect you need my service. I am not over fond of dwarves."

I felt Thorin stiffen and I found his hand and try to relax him again, which worked as I felt him entwine his fingers through mine.

"If it is true you are Thorin (son of Thrain, son of Thror, I believe) and that your companions is respectable, and that you are enemies of goblins like Azog and are not up to any mischief in my lands. What are you up to by the way?" asked Beorn.

"We are on our way to visit the land of their fathers, away east beyond Mirkwood," replied Gandalf, before Thorin could "and it is entirely an accident that we are in your lands at all. We were crossing by the high pass that should have brought us to the road that lies to the south of your country, when we were attacked by the evil goblins, as I was about to tell you."

Beorn nods his head again.

"Go on tell me then!" he said inpatiently.

"You see, there was was a terrible storm, the Stone Giants were out hurling rocks and at the head of the pass, we took refuge in a cave, the hobbit and I and several of our companions-,"

"Do you call two several?" queried Beorn watching Gandalf closely.

"Well, no. As a matter of fact there were more than two."

"Where are they? Killed, eaten, gone home?"

Gandalf looked at Beorn before replying,

"Well, no. They don't seem all to have come when I whistled. Shy, I expect. You see, we are very much afraid that we are rather a lot for you to entertain." admitted Gandalf, rather sheepishly.

"Go on, whistle again! I am in for a party, it seems, and one or two more won't make much difference." growled Beorn.

Gandalf whistled again, but Dori and Nori were there almost before he had stopped. I saw Gandalf frown but he didn't say anything.

"Hello," said Beorn "You came pretty quick. Where were you hiding? Come on my jack in the box!"

"Nori at your service." said Nori.

"Dori at you-," but Beorn interrupted him.

"Thank you! When I want your help, I will ask for it. Sit down and lets get on with this tale, or it will be supper time before it is ended."

I heard Loki snort and I try and hide my own amused state. This place was very surreal, that was for sure. I caught Gandalf nodding his head and began his tale again and before to long, everyone was now in Beorn's house.

"Well now there are many of you and since goblins can count, I suppose that is all that there were up the trees. Now perhaps we can finish this story without any more interruptions."

I had thought Gandalf had been very clever on how he slowly managed to get us in Beorn's house while explaining our journey. I had the impression that Beorn was very suspicious of everyone, unless they were an animal, that was. Now Beorn had all of us sitting in his porch!

Gandalf finished our story about Azog and the eagles and of how we were brought to The Carrock. I noticed the sun was slowly going down now. We had been here for a while now.

"A very good tale!" said Beorn "The best I have heard for a long while. If all beggers could tell such a good one, they might find me kinder. You may be making it all up, of course, but you deserve a supper for the story all the same. Let's have something to eat!"

"Yes please!" nearly everyone said "Thank you very much."

o0o

I wasn't that hungry so while everyone followed Beorn in the hall, I stayed where I was. Well I thought I was alone.

"Why aren't you eating with the others?" asked Loki sitting opposite me.

"I'm not hungry." I reply to him.

"Are you alright?"

"Just tired and thinking of that tower," I admitted to Loki, catching his concerned face "I have a feeling Gandalf is going to look for answers to what I had drawn. This is all connected."

Loki got up and walked up to me.

"That and that ring," informed Loki, now sitting next to me "Elaina, you have become a good friend to me and should you need some advice, I'll try my best and offer you any assistance that I can."

I glanced at him clearly touched that Loki had said that. All I could do was smile back at him, with a nod.

"I do want to explain more of my story to you, in exchange," grinned Loki "you did only hear part one of my tale."

"Yes, I'm up for more of your past, Loki, though perhaps not today."

"No," agreed Loki, looking ahead him "not today. Soon!"

Loki watched me again with a smile on his face. He stayed with me, until I did go in the hall with the others.

o0o

~~Thorin's POV~~

I noticed Elaina did not follow us through but I left her alone. I took a deep breath and got up, before walking outside to sit down on a wooden bench. I caught the sun slowly disappear for the night. The sky was a pinky white and was truly breathtaking to look at.

I thought back to a time when I could see the sun come and go as it pleases, when I was in Erebor. How I missed my home and I knew with the right direction, me and my men would reclaim Erebor.

I make a silent vow that I would be a good king. That I would listen to my people. Erebor will be restored to its former glory. With Elaina as my queen, nothing could go wrong. Though Smaug had to be dealt with. I still had no idea on how to slay that dragon, but there had to be away to kill him. I knew that dragon was not immortal. It was just a question of finding his weak spot, wherever that was.

I heard footsteps and knew at once it was Elaina. I had never understood how I always knew when she was close by. Perhaps it was the bond we shared. Though whatever it was, I loved feeling her presence, much as I loved her with all of my heart.

"Are you alright?" She asked me softly, sitting next to me she placed her head against my shoulder, I instantly placed my arm around her as I nod my head to her question.

For a while we sat in complete silence watching the stars slowly come out. I suddenly turn and look back at Elaina, before crashing my lips against hers.

"I love you so much Elaina." I breathed against her lips.

All she did was smile warmly at me before wrapping her arms around my neck kissing me back to which I reciperated, showing me that she felt exactly the same. Yes, one way or another, that dragon woud soon be gone, then Erebor will have a king and a queen to restore balance with, which is just what we all needed.

A/N: Happy New Year to everyone. I hope you all have a good year ^_^