Courage ✔

Chapter 7

Alyssae spent the rest of the day in company of the dwarves. She persuaded Beorn to let her bake a honey pie. Ori and Bombur helped her, although the first reflected on everything they did, wondering if there were no better ways to do it while the latter only stared at the honey and ate from the batter when he thought no one was looking. Still, she had the time of her life. They didn't know her like Kíli and Fíli did, which made the conversation more trivial, which was nice for once in a while.

She wanted to have a close relationship with everyone, hoping Thorin would indulge in the end. That was the reason she was now drinking a cup of wine with Dwalin, while they looked how Ori warmed the pie. She thought Dwalin had changed his opinion about her since she had gone back to his friend to confront him.

"When do you think we move on?" Dwalin asked.

Alyssae touched her wounds. "It will not heal in a few days, but I feel much better than yesterday. I would like to rest one more day, but I don't want to slow you down much longer."

Dwalin looked through the window, as if he questioned if that was soon enough. She had no idea which matters he considered, but eventually he ran a hand through his beard and nodded. "We have no other choice."

Alyssae was silent and swallowed a sip of wine. She closed her eyes as she tasted the wonderful, sweet flavour. With the back of her hand, she swept away a few drops. If they would have seen her this way at home...

The thought of home made her stand up. "Where is Beorn?"

Dwalin shrugged and Alyssae walked to the door, with the mug in her hand.

"The pie is almost ready!" Ori protested, but she wove his words away with her hand. 

"You don't need my help – just keep Bombur away."

Bombur looked at her with innocent eyes, but his pose contradicted that expression. He was ready to attack the food. 

Alyssae emptied her cup and placed it on the corner of the table before going out to look for the shape-shifter. It took her almost half an hour to find him, but eventually Nori told her he was taking care of a horse that was attacked by a warg.

She entered the stable and her gaze fell upon the neighing animal in the straw.

"When did this happen?" Alyssae asked in shock.

Beorn looked over his shoulder. "She came to me a few hours ago. The wargs are still around. Usually, the orcs never come this close."

Alyssae kneeled down next to the man. "Is she badly injured?"

The pitch-black skin of the animal made it hard to see the injuries. 

"She will survive, but she's in a lot of pain."

Alyssae stretched her hand to touch the animal. Her fingertips glided across the hairs, calming it down.

Beorned looked at her in surprise. "You made her fall asleep."

"Oh. She must have been exhausted."

Beorn looked at her in disbelief, but she shrugged it off. "What I wanted to ask you... Do you have a bird that could deliver a message to my birthplace? I want to let my family know that I'm safe. They must be desperate."

"Of course."

He got up, glanced once more at his horse and left the stable with her. He took her to a room she hadn't been in before where he gave her ink and parchment. "I will get you a pigeon."

Alyssae nodded gratefully and bent over the parchment.

Dear mom and dad,
Melline,

She bit her lip as a tear glided down her cheek. She hurt them deeply by staying away on purpose and the decision not to return yet would be hard to accept.

Everything is okay. I finally found a way to write you. I don't know how long I have been separated from you, I was ambushed by goblins which brought me to the dungeons. Since then, I have no idea how many days have passed.

She hesitated. Was it wise to mention the dwarves? Soon, they would set out sentries to intercept her. She decided to tell nothing.

I escaped, but I can't come back home yet. I have to visit someone I have gotten to know. Thereafter,  I'll return as soon as possible. I hope you don't blame me, but you always taught me to follow my heart and I never doubted your words.

I love you.

Bring my greetings to Thranduin. Tell him I'm sorry  that our wedding has to wait a little longer, but I will set things right when I'm back.

In fact, she wasn't sorry her marriage was delayed, but she didn't want to hurt anyone.