Book 2: Hanging On [Thorin Oakenshield]

Chapter 4

They were given food for the road, along with weapons Beorn scavenged over the years. Poppy finally set to work once more sharpening every blade with materials given to her by the Skin-changer. Meanwhile, the others packed up and readied the ponies they were to borrow. She had company as Beorn watched her work. Intrigued by her craft and skill the Skin-changer slipped in a few of his own weapons and tools, though would never admit it aloud. The Half-breed didn't mind or comment on the fact before handing them back over for him to try out. He was thoroughly impressed. As the blacksmith gathered up the supplies to clean and put them away a large hand stopped her.

"Take them," Beorn said.

"I couldn't–"

"I insist. You have more use for them now than I do. I know where to get more and you are traveling far." She still felt unsure by accepting such a generous offer. "A gift for showing kindness to my animals and home." The young woman finally smiled in thanks, knowing she could not change his mind. "Wash that paste off before you leave. It has served its purpose. You need not bandage it further."

Finding a washbasin and clean cloth, she found it rather easy to remove the medicine and exposed the skin. Poppy nearly gasped at the sight. For the surface that had been so damaged it had only taken a few hours for the mixture to work. The skin pulled back together in areas, some deeper sections having regrown at a rapid rate. The edges were a dull pink from the reaction, but it looked much better than before. The pigmentation finally turned brown and scarred properly.

Being the last to leave the home, the young woman picked up her new supplies before hastily making her way to the forest just outside the tall walls. Many of the Dwarves already mounted as others secured the last of their cargo. Poppy made her way over to a pony not being fussed over and strapped on the gear before adjusting the stirrup.

"Do you have everything you need?" a voice asked. The Half-breed glanced up, noticing Thorin stepped up beside her.

"Yes," she answered. "And we must thank Beorn for allowing me to take his set of blacksmith tools. I will be able to repair weapons on the road again."

None of that mattered to the prince as he stared at her face. Or more accurately, the scar. It was the first time he saw the damage since Óin always tended to her privately. It wasn't his place to be present, but in a way felt responsible. For the blacksmith put her life on the line to protect his. The prince knew it had been worse looking at first based on all the blood that stained the rock and her clothing. Now seeing the scar and permanent damage unsettled him.

"You're face..."he murmured.

The Dwarf hadn't meant to say it out loud nor realized he reached forward to cup the wound until feeling the warmth of the Half-breed's skin against the fingertips. Cursing himself silently for stating something so obvious and recalling an event she probably wished to forget, there was also the struggle trying to force himself to let go.

"It's fine," she said.

Thorin gave her a disbelieving look. She attempted to move from his grasp with little success as he held her gaze.

"Really, it is," Poppy reassured. "The pain left a long time ago."

Her head turned in Beorn's direction where he spoke with Gandalf. The action caused their contact to break, the prince taking the time to lower the arm.

"Beorn made the paste for me when I told him it was caused by an Orc. He really is a good person who's been put through a lot. If it wasn't for his help it wouldn't have healed this quickly."

A howl echoed in the air causing them to tense and quickly search their surroundings. The pack still sounded far off, but they were closing in.

"Go," they heard Beorn say. "Your enemy is not far behind."

There was no more time for them to speak. Poppy swung up onto the pony and Thorin briskly moved towards his own. As the company set off, the Half-breed glanced over a shoulder at the Skin-changer, who watched the trees with narrowed brows.

"Thank you," she called over, gaining his attention.

He nodded in answer as her heels dug into the pony's sides. It pushed the animal into a canter to keep up with the others.

They rode through the hills and plains without rest, none speaking to each other in their haste. It reached midday when coming to the edge of the forest. Even from a distance it appeared eerie to look at, unsettling. The bark on the trees were almost black, leaves so thick it didn't allow much sunlight to pass through. They slowed before fully entering, wary.

"Here lies our path through Mirkwood," Gandalf said.

"No sign of the Orcs," Dwalin noted. "Luck is on our side."

The Dwarves hummed in agreement as they began to dismount.

"Let the ponies loose so they can return to their master," the Wizard ordered.

"This forest feels sick," Bilbo stated, pacing before it. An uneasy feeling settled in the pit of his stomach the longer they remained. "As if a disease lies upon it. Is there no other way around?"

"Not unless we go two-hundred miles north. Or twice that distance south."

Poppy watched as Gandalf wandered onto the stone walkway to observe it as the company began removing their things from the animals. Preparing themselves for the long journey through Mirkwood. They had no idea what they would find inside. And all needed to be on alert for the Elves that lurked about the realm.

"Not my horse! I need it!" Gandalf's shout drew their attention, as Dori nearly released the strap under the horse's belly.

"You're not leaving us, are you?" Bilbo questioned.

"Believe me, I wouldn't if I had a choice," the Wizard spoke.

Clearly whatever he saw during his time alone unnerved him. Mounting quickly he turned the horse in order to face Thorin, who looked unsure of his sudden departure.

"I'll be waiting for you at the overlook of Erebor. Keep the map and key safe. Do not enter that mountain without me." The Dwarf nodded in agreement. "This is not the Greenwood of old. There is a stream in the woods that carries a dark enchantment. Do not touch the water. Cross only the stone bridge. The very air of the forest is heavy with illusion. It'll seek to enter your mind and lead you astray."

"Lead us astray?" Bilbo questioned. His gaze met Poppy, who in turn stared back with furrowed brows. "What does that mean?"

"You must stay on the path. Do not leave it. If you do, you'll never find it again. No matter what may come, stay on the path!"

Without further delay, the Wizard galloped away. He quickly disappeared beyond the hills and left the company alone.

"Come on," Thorin spoke up. "We must reach the mountain before Durin's Day. It's our only chance to find the door."

The Dwarves murmured in agreement as they followed behind their leader into the dark forest. The cousins shared an uneasy look before taking up the rear.