Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The eagles flew them all through the night, soaring over the mountains until they reached a towering rock formation that stood overlooking the river Anduin. The sky had lightened but the sun had not yet peaked over the horizon when their saviors set them down gently.

“Thorin!” Jenn called as she bolted past Gandalf to kneel at the dwarf’s unconscious form, taking in the extent of his injuries but his armor hid any damage she tried to assess. The rest of the company stood helplessly once each was let down by the eagle that carried them. Holding onto hope that they had not lost their leader.

Jenn looked up as Gandalf knelt next to her and leaned over the fallen dwarf muttering words she didn’t understand.

Thorin’s eyes blinked open, dazed and in pain. “The halfling?” He asked as his eyes met Jenn’s first.

“It’s all right. Bilbo is here. He’s quite safe.” Gandalf assured before she could answer. Dwalin and Kili stepped in to help Thorin stand.

Bilbo stood off to the side watching worriedly when he jumped at Thorin’s voice, “You! What were you doing? You nearly got yourself killed!” Thorin growled at the hobbit who visibly cringed.

“Thorin-” Jenn tried to interject.

He ignored her, “Did I not say that you would be a burden?” His pained eyes were focused solely on Bilbo, “That you would not survive in the wild and that you had no place amongst us?”

Jenn looked nervously between the two straining to not place herself between them. The hobbit looked at the dwarf with worry and hurt, thinking Thorin would throw him off the rock and into the river below.

“I’ve never been so wrong in all my life.” Thorin said as he grabbed Bilbo and pulled him into an embrace. “I am sorry I doubted you.”

Bilbo said nothing for a few moments, stunned. Finally he stuttered “NNo, I would have doubted me too. I’m not a hero or a warrior...not even a burglar.” He replied looking sheepishly at the people he felt he might now call friends. Thorin nodded back, showing respect and genuine thankfulness in his features. Jenn had been right. Bilbo had surprised him and saved his life and for that he would be forever grateful.

Jenn smiled in relief and looked around her two friends to the view in front of her, the sunrise gleaming across the landscape. Her eyes scanned the horizon and froze when she saw a familiar sight in the distance. “Thorin, look.”

The dwarf glanced over Bilbo’s shoulder and moved slowly past the hobbit to the tip of the rock.
“Erebor.”

***

The sight of the Lonely Mountain renewed their spirits as they agreed to keep moving. Thanks to the eagles they were now well ahead on their path and for the time being they hoped they were safe from the orcs. The company climbed down the well-worn stone stairs of the Carrock, as Gandalf had called it; Dwalin, Fili, Kili and Jenn taking turns making sure Thorin made it to the bottom without causing him further injury. When they reached the ground, Jenn pulled Gandalf aside.

“Gandalf, Thorin needs rest. We all do.” She winced as her ribs flared up again. “Oin needs to take a look at Thorin to make sure his wounds are not more serious. He’s holding up for now because he’s proud but if they are worse than I think they are we could be putting this quest in danger.”

Gandalf nodded in agreement as he thought over the Ranger’s words. When the wizard didn’t answer right away, she added, “I have a vague idea of where we are but I don’t know of a place we could go.”

“We are still some miles north of the path we should have been following.” Gandalf answered, “But there is someone I know of who lives not terribly far from here. He does not come to the Carrock often, certainly not in the daytime and it is no good waiting for him. In fact, it would be very dangerous.” The wizard said the last part to himself.

Jenn waited, not following what the wizard was saying.

“Gandalf! Where to now?” Bofur asked.

“There is a house, it’s not far from here where we might take refuge.” Gandalf addressed the company.

“Whose house?” Thorin asked, leaning on Dwalin, “Are they friend or foe?”

“Neither.” The wizard replied, “But we have no choice in the matter and must continue on.”

The company groaned, not particularly satisfied with Gandalf’s answer but they continued on. Trudging over small hills and dales, crunching through the woods; all of them hot, tired, bruised and hungry. Soon they came to a vast clearing where a large house sat nestled between the trees. Once they crossed the open field, they reached a stone wall that surrounded the front of the property.

“Now,” Gandalf turned to the company, “Our host is a man named Beorn, he’s a skin-changer.”

“A what?” Bilbo squeaked, not liking the idea of a changing man.

“Sometimes he’s a huge black bear; sometimes he’s a great strong man. The bear is unpredictable, but the man can be reasoned with and is kind enough if humored. However, he is not overly fond of dwarves. So, we must be careful not to anger him and all shall be well.” The company looked at each other nervously. “Now, I am going to call each of you in pairs. Bombur is largest and will do for two, and better come alone and last. I will take Bilbo with me first.” The wizard gestured for the hobbit, “Jenn, I want you to come after us and bring Thorin. Your occupation may make things easier for us and then we can get Thorin inside. Now wait here until I call.”

Jenn looked to Thorin who nodded in acknowledgement, hobbling over to stand next to her as best he could. “Are you alright?” She asked.

“I’ll manage.” He replied gruffly, wincing harshly.

Gandalf and Bilbo walked around the gate of the wall to see a very tall broad man, an axe shining in the sunlight as he split wood for his woodpile.

“Good day to you!” Gandalf shouted to gain the man’s attention.

Beorn stopped hearing the voice, his axe blade hit the ground with a thunk. “Who are you? And what do you want?”

Gandalf looked up at the bearded man, “I am Gandalf the Grey.”

“Never heard of him.” growled Beorn, “Who is this little fellow?” he said stooping down to frown at Bilbo with his bushy eyebrows.

Gandalf stepped back to reveal a nervous Bilbo who did his best to bow respectfully. “This is Mr. Baggins, a hobbit of the Shire. Of good family and unimpeachable reputation. I am a Wizard, if you have not heard of me, you may have perhaps heard of my good friend Radagast the Brown who lives near the southern borders of Mirkwood.”

“A halfling and a wizard. How did you come here?” Beorn asked.

“Well, the fact is we’ve had a rather hard time of it from goblins in the mountains.” Gandalf tried to explain.

“What did you go near goblins for? Stupid thing to do.” The tall man looked amused.

“You're quite right. We were hoping we could stay for a time in your lodgings. I have a few friends that I’ve brought with me and some of them are in need of care. I did not wish to bother you with the lot of us, until I found out if you were occupied. I will give a call, if I may.” Gandalf replied.

“It sounds as if you have quite a story to tell. I like long stories. Very well, you may stay. Go on and call away.” Beorn leaned against the handle of his axe.

Gandalf gave a long shrill whistle signaling the start of the company’s introductions. Jenn let Thorin lean on her as much as possible without placing all of his weight on her shorter frame. When the pair came into view the shape shifter’s eyes narrowed. “You said nothing about dwarves, Wizard.”

“Ah, well that is part of our tale which I will explain later. But may I introduce Thorin Oakenshield, son of Thrain, son of Thror and Jenn, daughter of Aradan of the Dúnedain.” Thorin nodded gruffly trying to ignore the irritation his wounds were causing him. Jenn also nodded as Beorn’s gaze lingered on the six-pointed star clasp that rested on her tunic. “It has been a long time since I have seen a Ranger in these parts. Much less a female, for such warriors are rare. I should like to hear your tales once I hear the wizard’s. You are most welcome in my home, daughter of the Dúnedain. As are you Thorin Oakenshield.”

Gandalf continued to make introductions for the rest of the company as quickly as possible, each pair filing in as they were called. Though mildly disgruntled about having thirteen dwarves in his home, Beorn believed that if Thorin Oakenshield held as much honor as he appeared to then rest of the dwarf’s company did as well. Even if they didn’t he trusted the Ranger and if a Ranger traveled with a bunch of dwarves there certainly must be a worthy reason. He was also intrigued by Bilbo who tended to wiggle his nose like a bunny, much to his amusement.

Beorn led his guests into his spacious home, allowing them to choose wherever they wished to lay their things. Their host provided several blankets and things to make themselves comfortable. The company looked around the massive home, it was certainly cozy and more than large enough for entertaining. They felt rather small in the Beorn’s home, for everything was at least twice their size.

Oin directed Jenn to take Thorin to a spot near the fireplace while he inquired to Beorn about some pillows they could use to prop Thorin up against. Dwalin helped Jenn ease Thorin to the floor, temporarily leaning him against a large chair that sat at the edge of the stone mantle. Oin returned a few minutes later with pillows and supplies that he had acquired from their host. As Dwalin got Thorin settled, Jenn asked Oin before he could shoo them away if he would let her know when he had checked Thorin’s wounds.

***

While preparing what they would eat for dinner, Beorn provided his guests with bread and fruit to which the company indulged gratefully. Jenn sat with Bilbo near one of the haystacks munching away and trying to clean up a bit from their escapades across the Wild.

“Do you think Thorin will be all right?” Bilbo asked quietly as Jenn gently cleaned a small cut on his forehead.

“I’m sure he’ll be fine. I gather Oin has a fair amount of experience in such things.”

He nodded in agreement. “I don’t know why I went up against that warg.” Bilbo chuckled nervously, “I’ve never done anything like that in my life. And yet here I am having fought goblins and wargs, stalled trolls from turning us into stew, I almost fell off a mountain, played a game of riddles with a creature I never wish to see again and on top of it all winning over Thorin Oakenshield. How on earth did I get myself into this?”

“It wouldn’t be an adventure without a few surprises and obstacles along the way.” Jenn smiled.

“No. No it wouldn’t I suppose.” Bilbo let a smile creep onto his face, “I’m glad I’m here.”

“I’m glad you are too, Bilbo. We could use more hobbits going on adventures.” She let out a little laugh.

After making sure Bilbo’s cut was clean and bandaged; Jenn glanced outside the nearby window. There was a few hours of daylight left. After a few more minutes of conversation Jenn excused herself and weaved her way through the other dwarves to get to Beorn.

The man saw her approach as he was tending to tasks in the kitchen. “What can I do for you, daughter of the Dúnedain?”

“I was wondering if you had any Athelas?” Jenn asked, looking up at her host.

“I am not familiar with what you speak of.” Beorn tilted his head curiously.

“It’s also called Kingsfoil. It’s a weed that has healing properties. I thought perhaps you might have some in your garden?”

“Of that I am not sure but you are welcome to look.” Beorn gave her a warm smile.

“Thank you.” Jenn gave him a little bow before going outside.

Luck was on her side, as it took her very little time to find what she was looking for. Hidden under a stack of rocks near one of Beorn’s woodpiles was a green weed with small white flowers blooming off of it.

Chapter Text

After the heartiest meal they’d had in some time, Gandalf began to enthrall Beorn with the tale of their journey thus far. The company full and content listened to the tale, elaborating and often exaggerating where appropriate. Jenn quietly snuck away from the table, picking up a bowl that she had prepared once she had returned from Beorn’s garden. Making her way across the house to the fireplace where Oin was tending to Thorin.

“I hope I’m not interrupting.” she said after clearing her throat to announce her presence.

“Not at all lassie.” Oin replied, “In fact, would you mind finishing up for me? I’m starving."

Jenn didn’t answer right away, distracted by the creeping blush that flushed her cheeks as he realized she was staring at a very tunicless Thorin. She shook her head slightly to bring her focus back to Oin, “Certainly. That is if it’s all right with your patient.” Sky eyes looked to steel for permission.

“Go on Oin.” Thorin nodded his thanks to the older dwarf.

Oin did as he was told, gathering the things that they didn’t need anymore and informing Jenn of what he’d already done. Once they were alone she moved to sit next to the dwarf prince. Thorin noticed her wince as she sat next to him, placing the bowl she had brought with her to the side.

“Are you alright?” He asked.

“I’m fine. I bruised a few ribs in the goblin caves and like all of us are, I'm still more than a little sore. What about you?” She insisted.

“I’ve had worse.”

She could imagine. Jenn threw her gaze to the floor when she caught herself staring. Looking for some previous injury on his muscled chest that would suggest what her mind could conjure. Inadvertently she had found what she was looking for, a deep scar that ran across his collarbone.

Jenn pulled her attention to the new wounds that marred his skin. He had several bruises but that was to be expected. Thorin watched her eyebrows furrow in concern as she carefully looked over Oin’s handiwork. He had four puncture wounds, two in his chest and two in his back and some smaller ones from the warg’s teeth. They seemed to have clotted rather well that she could tell but they would probably bother him for a while.

“You’re very lucky. I think your armor did its job as these could have been a lot worse.”

“You can tell all that from a look?” Thorin asked curiously.

Jenn shrugged, “I’ve seen my fair share. You get an eye for it after a while. I uh…I brought something that should hopefully make you heal a little faster and most certainly keep these from being infected.”

“What is it?”

“It’s a salve made from Athelas. Kingsfoil is its common name. It's considered by most, a weed, but it actually has extensive healing properties. It can leach out and heal most poisons, among other attributes but I find it a great sealant for wounds.” Jenn explained.

Thorin blinked in surprise, “I didn’t know you were a healer.”

“Hardly.” The Ranger laughed briefly, “I know a few basics. I have to while I’m wandering around the world by myself.”

She picked up the bowl of Athelas asking Thorin for permission to apply it. When he gave it she said “This might be rather cool but it shouldn’t sting.” She hesitated a moment before gently dabbing some of the salve over one of his wounds. She felt Thorin jump slightly, hissing from the chill. “Sorry.”

Thorin was grateful for her gentle touch, Oin tended to poke and prod too much for his liking. “It’s alright. You did warn me.”

She laughed lightly, making her nerves dissipate a bit. “So I did.” A smile tugged at her lips.

After a few minutes of quiet Jenn asked her patient to carefully move so she could get at the wounds on his back. She was thankful that Thorin couldn’t see her face when he did so. The flush that had eased upon features returned, deeper this time for his back was as glorious as his chest. Broad and sculpted like chiseled stone. She thought he looked rather handsome in the firelight.

Jenn moved some of his soft, dark mane out of the way, her fingers brushing against the lower part of his shoulder. Thorin stiffened slightly at her touch but the blonde didn’t notice.

“I’m glad you’re alright.” She said quietly as she worked.

“I was a fool.” Thorin stared into the roaring fire. “I put all of you in danger and practically threw away this quest, all for a chance at revenge.”

“It was foolish but not unfounded. If Azog has been alive all this time, why now? Why would he wait so long to come after you?”

“I do not know.” Thorin replied, his head turning from the fire to look at her. Their gazes met as if trying to find the answer in one another.

Jenn tried to keep her breathing even as she shifted her focus back to her work. Curse his gorgeous eyes. “I’ll have Oin check on these tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Jenn.”

“You’re very welcome.” She smiled at him. Thorin gave her a small one back. “It’s been years since I’ve seen a genuine smile from Thorin Oakenshield! I’m sure that’s won a few hearts.”

Now it was Thorin’s turn to laugh, a hearty one that ended in a couple of “Ows.”

“Don’t hurt yourself.” Jenn teased seriously. She hadn’t heard him truly laugh like that in a long time, strong, booming, and full of mirth.

Thorin leaned against the pillows propping him up trying to catch his breath. “You flatter me, my lady but I think you will find yourself surprised.”

“Oh?”

Thorin took a moment to think. “Dwarves don’t tend to fawn over a multitude of women. We are a rather proud race. Dwarrowdams are so few that we are rather protective of them, especially when it comes to courting. Because of that, most choose not to marry.”

Jenn listened enraptured as she tore bandages for him. “That’s incredible.”

“Most choose to marry later in life anyway.” Thorin continued, “Waiting as long as possible for their One.”

“A dwarven version of a soulmate?” Jenn looked up at him for a moment.

“Aye.” Thorin replied as he maneuvered to try and help her bandage him.

“Is it one of those, ‘When you know, you’ll know?’ sort of things?” Jenn asked as she smoothed the bandages onto his skin.

“I suppose. It’s something I have yet to experience.”

“Well, she will be a lucky lady indeed, whenever you find her.” Jenn smiled at him softly before dipping her hands in the nearby basin Oin had left.

Thorin heard her hiss, yanking her hands out of the cool water and muttering a curse in elvish. The Ranger looked at one of her hands, shaking them at the sting. “Damn. Split again.”

“Let me see.” Thorin held out his hand.

“It’s fine. Nothing I can’t—” Jenn’s words failed her as Thorin insistently took her hand in his. Heat shot up her arm, her heart skipping a little as he examined her. Her knuckles were indeed split and probably sore from their escapades over the past couple of days.

“Thorin, really—“

“Why not let someone take care of you for a change?” Thorin said as their eyes met.

Jenn could already feel her cheeks beginning to warm again as Thorin absentmindedly brushed his thumb across her fingers. She couldn’t bring herself to argue as Thorin held her hand in his, his other reaching for one of the clean cloths on the floor.

“You do that a lot.” He commented as he began to dab at the small cuts. “More than you used to.”

“Do what?” Jenn asked quietly.

“You’re blushing again.”

There goes her futile attempt to keep her face in check. “Well that’s embarrassing.” she said, turning even redder.

“Why?” the dwarf looked up from his work, curious that such a natural reaction would be such to her.

“I don’t know.” Jenn tilted her head to the side, “I’m modest, I guess. I’ve always been rather shy of compliments. It’s not like I can hide it. I turn as red as a tomato. I probably am right now.” She laughed thoroughly mortified.

“It’s endearing.”

Jenn looked shyly down at her lap trying to ignore how gentle and tender Thorin was with her hand. His that hers rested on was bigger but it was warm and calloused much like her own. It reminded her of that night in Ered Luin. He had held her hands so carefully then, with such care. Now it was more relaxed as their friendship had grown.

“So-“ Thorin began, “is there anyone waiting for you when you return to Evendim?”

“Me? No.” Jenn shook her head. “No, not at all. Well, my family is but not anyone else. I fear my life is too complicated. I barely get to see my own parents for any long period of time. Not that I would mind if there was someone. I just---I’m rather independent and my life requires me to be.”

“In what way?” the dwarf asked as he finished wrapping her hand, reaching for the other before she could protest.

“I’m a wanderer.” she shrugged, “I travel the world so much it makes it difficult to be attached. Among other things.” Jenn covered for herself. Thorin didn’t need to know about her people’s plights. Besides, the last several years they’d lived in relative peace. She couldn’t help but recall those feelings of uneasiness that she couldn’t explain. Something was coming she just didn’t know what or when.

“There.” Thorin smoothed the bandage over her hand with a gentle pressure across her skin pulling her out of her thoughts.

“Thank you.” Jenn looked at him gratefully, not immediately removing her hand from his. “You should get some sleep.” She said as she quickly looked away from him again. When she rose, her hand brushed against his as it left his gentle grasp.

“Do you need anything?” She asked.

“No. I’m well enough.”

Jenn nodded, “Goodnight, Thorin.”

“Goodnight.”

She gave him a small smile before going back towards the other side of the house, her boots making soft thunks against the wood as she departed.

Thorin leaned against his stack of pillows staring into the fire for several minutes. After Jenn left, he looked at his bandages impressed with her work. The way she had done so still allowed him movement and for that he was grateful. It had almost made him laugh when he had seen her face when she realized he was without a shirt. She had kept her calm despite the ever-constant blush that spread across her face. It was a very attractive feature and yet she found it embarrassing, for whatever reason that fascinated him. He could tell she had been nervous because she tended to steady herself each time she would apply the salve to his wounds. Was it because she hadn’t wanted to hurt him and lose concentration? Or was it that she had been so close to him? A proximity they had not encountered but for a few times.

He had observed her as she worked, her eyebrows slightly narrowed in concentration, her eyes flickering occasionally back and forth from the wounds to his chest. When she had gently moved his hair out of her way and her fingers had brushed lightly over his back, he had stiffened to keep a shiver from running down his spine. He had heard her inhale slightly as if to compose herself as she worked.

Thorin had enjoyed the feeling of her hand in his after his insistence of taking care of her split knuckles. She hadn’t fussed despite her trying to refuse his help nor did she flinch when he had pressed the wet cloth to the irritated skin. When they had talked about her family the dwarf could tell she missed them greatly by the twinge of sadness in her voice. Perhaps it had been too bold of him to ask if she had someone but she hadn’t seemed offended by the question. He’d hoped she would have told him more about her lifestyle as a Ranger but she gave a veiled answer, not revealing much but at least giving him something to work from. Perhaps he would ask her more the next time she came to check on him.