Chapter 24 - The Skinchanger

welve months had passed since their perilous flight from the Shire, and now Thorin Oakenshield and his Company found themselves fleeing from the relentless pursuit of Azog and his Orc party down the steep slopes of the Carrock. The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows as they pressed on."Bilbo!" Thorin shouted, glancing back anxiously. "How many are following us?""Too many!" Bilbo panted, his face pale with fear. "But it's not just Orcs. There's a bear as well!""A bear?" Taranis echoed, disbelief flashing across his features. "Why would a bear be chasing us?""Not just any bear," Gandalf interjected, his voice steady amid the chaos. "It's a skin-changer. We must reach his home before it catches us."The group quickened their pace, stumbling through the underbrush until they burst into the clearing where Beorn's house loomed. Before they could even catch their breath, a massive bear charged at them with a fierce growl, its dark fur bristling."Run!" Gandalf commanded. "Inside, quickly!"They rushed through the door, slamming it shut just as the bear collided against it. Taranis pressed his back against the wall, feeling the vibrations of the creature outside."Who is this Beorn?" Taranis asked, wiping sweat from his brow."He is a friend, if he chooses to be," Gandalf replied, eyeing the door warily. "He has little patience for guests."As the night wore on, the company settled inside, nervous glances exchanged as they listened to the sounds of the bear prowling outside. Suddenly, Gandalf spoke up, his tone grave. "I must leave. There are greater dangers at play.""Where are you going?" Taranis asked, the urgency in his voice palpable."To seek counsel," Gandalf replied. "But be cautious. Trust in Beorn's hospitality, and he may help you.""Help us?" Thorin asked, skepticism evident in his tone."He will loan us his horses," Gandalf assured him. "We must reach Mirkwood and hinder the Orcs pursuing us."The next morning, the company awoke to find the bear had vanished, replaced by a tall man with wild hair and a weathered face. Beorn stood before them, eyeing the group with curiosity. "You are not the usual sort of visitors," he said gruffly."Beorn," Gandalf began, stepping forward. "We seek your aid. Azog and his minions are hunting us, and we need horses to escape.""Why should I help you?" Beorn challenged, crossing his arms."Because we have a common enemy," Taranis interjected, finding his courage. "You don't want Azog roaming free in your lands any more than we do."Beorn narrowed his eyes, considering the words. Finally, he nodded. "Very well. You may take my horses. But heed this: do not linger in Mirkwood. The forest is not as it seems.""Thank you, Beorn," Bilbo said gratefully. "We won't forget your kindness."As they prepared to leave, Taranis felt a surge of energy within him, the familiar notification flashing before his eyes:**Level Up! You have reached Level 20.**He felt a rush of power pulsing through him as he checked his stats:**Taranis Storm's Character Stats** - **Level:** 20 - **Health:** 150 (boosted from 120) - **Mana:** 3 - **Strength:** 50 (doubled to 100 with Anguirel) - **Endurance:** 50 (doubled to 100 with Anguirel) - **Luck:** 0 - **Agility:** 40 - **Intelligence:** 30 - **Wisdom:** 25 A new choice appeared before him, offering him two new abilities to choose from:1. **Thunder Step** - Allows Taranis to teleport short distances, leaving a flash of lightning behind.(once a month until mana 5)2. **Storm Wall** - Creates a protective wall of wind and electricity around him, deflecting projectiles and enemies.(once a month until mana 5)As he weighed his options, Taranis felt a strong sense of responsibility for his friends. The thought of his companions being harmed if he couldn't protect them weighed heavily on his heart."I choose **Storm Wall**," he declared decisively, feeling the gravity of his decision. He didn't need to explain his choice to anyone. This was his burden to bear."Good choice," Gandalf said, nodding approvingly. "We will need every defense we can muster."As the dawn began to break, Taranis felt a renewed sense of purpose. "Let's ride hard and fast," Taranis said, determination in his voice. "We have a long way to go, and it's not just the Orcs we must worry about.""Onward!" Thorin declared, rallying the group as they mounted Beorn's horses and set off toward the treacherous depths of Mirkwood.---