Loyalty, Honor, and a Willing Heart

Chapter 17 - Bear Hug

Next day the Company departed from the eagles, with promises of friendship and reward. Gandalf was to lead them once more, as he knew of someone in the neighborhood who could help.

“Beorn is very ill-tempered, and doesn’t like strangers at all, but he is good natured, and will be willing to help orcs’ enemies.”

“Does he live far from here?” It was Iris who voiced the concern. “Some of us should not overdo.” Her sky blue eyes just moved slightly to Thorin’s and Ellen’s direction. She more felt than saw the leader of the Company’s anger at her and made up an excuse. “My legs are short and I ran them out in the goblins’ den, I deem.”

Gandalf looked down at the hobbit-lass, understanding what was unsaid.

“We must walk most of the day, but the path is easy and there might be fruit to eat at the forests’ borders; no one will have to exert himself to reach the place we are going to.”

And it really was a smooth trail, compared to what they’d already traveled before. They had few water skins, but had water courses all along the way; the little leftover meat they had was eaten in the morning meal, but keeping hydrated made it easier to bear hunger; and knowing there would be a somewhat friendly house at the end of the day gave them hope.

Balin and Dwalin took each one of Ellen’s swords to carry, as she was feeling weak and dizzy; she didn’t want them to, but their determination was stronger than her current ability to resist. She let her brothers help her with the swords, as long as they would not keep her from being supported by Kili. Most of the time they just walked hand in hand, and she felt herself reassured; but now and then she would stumble out of dizziness and his strong hands were always ready to steady her back to her feet.

Gandalf was not completely right about the fruits; there were some on the trees, but mostly green, and all that was to be picked were some berries in the bushes, usually not enough for a mouthful, but always shared among all of them.

Somewhat past the middle of the afternoon the reached a ground with more open spaces, and flowers all over. Big bees buzzed around, really big ones, and a mile or so later there was a green pasture, with ponies grazing at will. A small river could be seen from a distance, and trees, and amidst the trees a wooden building. Gandalf called for a stop under the shadow of the trees.

“There is Beorn’s house. He is not fond of visiting, so it would not be wise to all of us to trample into his garden at once. I will go in first, with Iris and Ellen; then Thorin, Lily and Bilbo, and then you go in twos, as you wish, but wait five minutes from one pair to another. Remember Beorn is a rough man, so you have to try to be polite, and as he is a skin-changer do not mention any word like fur, pelt and so on. Wait for my signal to enter the house, anyway.”

The wizard led the two women to the house and they talked a little in the while.

“Thank you for picking me up first, Gandalf, I’m going dizzy most of the time.”

“Your body is still recovering from the arrow shot, its poison and your bleeding. Elves recover quickly, but not instantly, and you must have nourishment for it to heal fully. If we find a welcome at Beorn, you will be able to eat properly – and I mean properly for an elf, of course, not the piles of meat Dwalin deems as proper for you – and the day after tomorrow you will be fine, if you take the rest you need and don’t overdo.”

“I will see that she doesn’t overdo, Gandalf.” Stated Iris. “She always takes care of me and Lily, now it is our turn to take care of her.”

“I makes me happy to see the tight bond of this family, Lady Iris. Sometimes it is all one has in his life.”

They reached the wooden gateway escorted by a couple of horses. Some blue eyed grey dogs came to look at them, not aggressive but almost too smart looking. Two of them ran back to the low wooden house.