And we're on to Chapter Two!

I'm going to be trying a new thing out and not putting a minimum word count per chapter for this story. Some chapters will be this length and others will be double. It'll all just depend on what is going on in that particular chapter.

Since it's been a few days and everyone following the original story has had a chance to see its update about this being the replacement, I'm going to be deleting the old story so I won't confuse myself.

A quick update on my other stories for those that follow those or have asked about them: Walking Dead will be updated on Monday. Had a crazy time with that one and it'll be posted within the chapter for those wondering why there wasn't an update last Monday. Sons of Anarchy will be continued after this current season ends; I'm unsure if I want the story to encompass only season 5 or also this current season, so I'm holding out to see how 6 ends.

Thank you to those that have added this story to their favourites, followed the story, followed all my updates, and posted reviews or sent me messages; good to see some old faces back!

: Always had this story on my mind haha, just never had a chance to get around to it. Thanks work, I know you provide money, but give me a break! And just as you asked, I have updated soon (:

maep1992: Thank ye thank ye! I really wanted to keep going with the original, but looking back there were a few things I was unpleased with and then with the Extended Edition I was given a few ideas for where the story could go and thought I just couldn't pass it all up. And just in case you were referring to the Walking Dead story (don't you just love that something you speak can be perceived differently when typed?) that update will be Monday (: Story is taking a totally different direction than I had planned, but that will all be explained in the update (:

Kim: Me too! Fantasy is my forte and so it's actually very relaxing to write this genre; it comes as second nature for me. It's just a matter of reigning in my brain long enough to get the story down!

Guest "Sooo": Oh dear, how quaint of you (and you posted this twice! How darling). Where shall I begin? The beginning I suppose. Double the reviews? Well, that would suggest that my readers are of intelligence low enough to not realize the original story is no longer being updated. What was updated on that old story was a note to those following it that it would no longer be updated and that they should hop over to this one. I of course, wanting to give the readers a chance to notice that message, chose to keep the story up for a few days and then delete once I was ready with the second chapter. Just watching out for my readers since I do appreciate them. Now, my favourite part, because you tried, you really did try (you deserve one of those "you tried" gold stars; fetch yourself one, my treat) but you failed on a ghastly level with your Native American and "original idea" bit. Firstly, the idea for this story is based off of the Arthuriad, with a common belief within the literature that Arthur will return when he is needed most and bring about the golden age. In many texts Arthur is said to have "passed" or that he "sleeps," and so I have taken this idea and, as we see with the many, many variations in the Arthuriad, come up with my own interpretation. And that right there, leads me to "original idea." It's endearing that you believe there is such a thing as an original idea. I'll break this to you gently: there isn't. Every idea has been thought up already. We see it in everything around us. In books, film, cultures, etc. All that we have are our interpretations of these ideas because they allow us to give various perspectives. So good on you, my little flame thrower, this was quite enjoyable. Carry on my wayward flame thrower, carry on.

It was all very strange, Bilbo thought, as he watched the two newcomers. How they merged quickly within the group, at the behest of Gandalf. He was quite certain that had the wizard not been with them, Vidari and Aramil would have been left behind. It did not go unnoticed by the hobbit how Thorin had yet to join the others in finding some rest. He, along with Dwalin and Gloin, who was on watch, remained awake and near the dying embers of the fire. They watched as Vidari had returned to the shambles of the house across the small field. The woman must have known that she was being watched for she did not turn towards their gaze. Bilbo could hear them whispering together, though he only caught a few words here and there. The one solid statement he was able to make out came from Gloin. He must have been speaking to Thorin, saying that he'd keep his eyes on Vidari. It must have been what Thorin wanted to hear; the whispers stopped shortly thereafter.

Bilbo had laid his bedroll down towards the edge of the group, but still flanked on both sides by a dwarf. Bofur to his left and Fili and Kili to his right. He angled himself just right that he could look down past his feet and see the farm house. During Thorin's quiet words with Dwalin and Gloin, Aramil had retreated after Vidari. The latter sat hidden in the shadows of the broken building. Aramil looked to be speaking with her, but in such a manner that it was evident Vidari did not reply back to anything. Bilbo could see the heavy sigh that built up in Aramil's shoulders before being released. The man began making his way back to the others, picking up a pack he had put together with aid from Gandalf. Bilbo couldn't see him, unless of course he rolled over, but that would bring attention. He could though, hear as Aramil laid himself down.

So he was going to leave the woman on her own. It was likely what she had asked, if she'd said anything at all to Aramil. That or her silence had been his answer. Bilbo's worried bit of instinct would not allow him to remain lying there. As softly as he could manage, he pushed himself up by the elbow and looked around to the others. There was Gloin, sitting against a tree. If he turned to the right, he'd be looking towards the forest. To the left, he had a clear view of the farm house. There were boulders, small and large, scattered throughout the field; against one Thorin rested, his gaze set upon Vidari. He could not see her in the shadows, but he knew just where she sat. The knot in Bilbo's belly began to twist and pull. But then he spotted Gandalf. The wizard rested his back against a large tree. He was situating himself for the evening and saw Bilbo looking to him, that small worry etched over his brow. Gandalf smiled underneath his beard. In his position, he had clear sight of the farm house. But his shoulders were not tense and high. His eyes were not alert. No worry clung to him.

Bilbo found a bit of solace in Gandalf then. The hobbit would not hesitate if asked whether or not he felt anxious around Vidari and Aramil. The man, he Bilbo could manage. He did feel dodgy, what with not saying much about who they were exactly, but he'd take dodgy over what he felt about Vidari any day. He'd have felt much better if the woman had her memory. At least then everything would be out in the open for all to know. No secrets to be kept. Instead everyone was infected by the same enigma that Vidari felt. He began to wonder how the others were able to lie with their backs to Vidari or with knowing that Aramil slept alongside them. It was because of Gandalf though. Where Thorin was harsh and alert, the wizard was gentle and at ease. The hobbit took comfort in that. If Gandalf didn't raise his guard around Vidari and Aramil, then it must be safe for him to sleep with both eyes closed.

After some time, for a bedroll could not take away the discomfort of a hard ground, Bilbo found sleep, even managing to ignore the snores of the dwarves around him.

Sleep came much later for the leader of their company. Thorin remained watching the farm house. As the night carried on, he'd lowered himself fully onto the ground, but as he'd drift back from sleep, his eyes would scan over the area, searching for Vidari. She remained in the shadows for some time, but the moment she moved, Thorin was aware.

She came out from under the ruined roof, her eyes direct. She was cautious of every step she took, unfamiliar with the ground she walked upon. Her head was tilted upward, brow always furrowed. For a moment Thorin wondered what it was that she was doing. He then realized she was attempting to remember. She looked to the ground with foreign eyes. With slow steps, she walked through the field, turning every which way, trying to find her bearings. There were a few times where she stopped completely, standing almost in a trance. She'd shake her head, having lost the trail of whatever memory she was chasing down. Vidari looked to the sky; she did not recall seeing the stars up above before. She returned to the shadows of the farm house and Thorin returned to his sleep.

Rest was not peaceful though and he found himself waking throughout the night and always his sight would move across the field, seeking Vidari's whereabouts. Once she emerged from the forest, Aramil guiding her by the arm back to the others. He spoke quietly to her and she joined him on the ground. But she did not sleep. Thorin then found her standing near Nori, who had taken over watch for the remainder of the evening. Now and then a noise would come from a random area around them; Nori would turn and look. So would Vidari, but her movements would be delayed, mimicking Nori's. She stepped away, a queer feeling coming over her. She could not determine if it was confusion or remnants of her memory.

Standing over the dwarves, Vidari's head filled with more wonder. She looked over Bilbo and Gandalf and then over Aramil. He was the only one she felt any familiarity towards. But that still did not answer her many questions.

Feeling eyes upon her, Vidari moved away from the group, back to the farm house. Once hidden in its shadows, she turned to the company, seeing the one named Thorin searching for her in the darkness. She leaned against one of the walls, her eyes remaining open. She was not tired.

When morning came Vidari watched as the others began to wake. She became unsettled when she saw one of the dwarves walking towards her. He'd been the first to rise and soon as his eyes had spotted her in the early morning light, he headed her way. Eyes always looking back with a worry in them. He reminded her of his name. Kili.

He gave her a childlike smile that gave ease to Vidari, but also left her feeling belittled. Was his approach a product of care or pity? He did not speak right away, after reminding her of his name, but instead looked her over, a wonder in his eyes, clouded by worry.

Kili eyed the ruined home. "Did you sleep here the whole night?" He frowned at the state of the place.

Vidari shook her head, looking to the ground. "I was not tired."

His eyes grew large. "You mean you didn't sleep? At all?" Again, Vidari shook her head. She was not tired. A slight realization came over Kili's face and he nodded.

"Why was I going to Bree?" she suddenly asked, the name feeling strange on her tongue. "Do I know anyone there?"

Kili froze, mouth gaping slightly as he did not know what to say. He licked his lips. "I'm not sure." The worry outweighed the wonder when Vidari then asked why she was going to the mountain with the company. It was still early morning, dawn was just breaking, and Kili found an exit in it. "You really should lie down, at the very least. We're going to be walking all day. You'll get tired."

Vidari frowned. "I don't…the trolls crushed my pack." Though she had no memory of it.

Kili again faltered. "You can use my bedroll then. It'll just be for a little bit. Sure the others will wake soon." He took a step back, waiting for her rise and follow after him. When she did, he smiled and led the way back to the others.

Aramil was still asleep on the ground, not having a bedroll of his own either. It was something he'd gone long without. Kili pointed Vidari over to where his brother slept and the empty bedroll beside him. He whispered to her to just lay herself down and close her eyes; she'd have enough time of standing on her feet for the day, best to get off them for a bit. Fili woke at the small noise that was made and Vidari lowered herself down. He looked over her to Kili with a glare. He turned towards where he knew their uncle slept, thankful that he wasn't awake yet. "She just needs some rest," Kili whispered.

The younger brother walked away then, picking his route through the sleeping company until he reached where Nori still sat awake. He'd nodded off a few times, but no one needed to know about that. They all slept at some point during their watch, just none ever admitted to it. He puffed out rings of smoke from his pipe as Kili came to sit down beside him, watching as the light began to creep across the sky.

His voice held a sleek tone to it. "Best not let Thorin see her there." There was mischief in his warning.

Kili scoffed. "She just needs some rest." Nori slyly accused the young prince of being soft on the woman. Kili's face scrunched up. He looked quickly over his shoulder to where Vidari lied beside his brother. He could see the two were facing one another; Vidari was motioning with her hands to her hair. She was asking about the braids many of the dwarves wore. Fili was doing his best to give short answers and urge Vidari to close her eyes and rest. "I'm not soft on her," Kili told Nori as he turned back around. "Just…feel sad for her."

Nori did not reply, but allowed his shoulders to droop as he hung his head slightly. He gave a small nod and said nothing else.

How much you want to bet Thorin wakes up before Kili and Fili can get Vidari up and away? Yeah, I'm betting all I have. Next chapter I'm thinking will be double the length of this one. We'll see Vidari interact with a few members of the company; if you have requests for which members you'd like to see, let me know! Will be interesting to see if any of you have similar ideas to mine (:

A question I have you lot, which I'm also asking myself as I jot down various thoughts on it, is: in which ways do you think Vidari could come to regain her memories? Hearing a certain phrase, holding a weapon, being attacked, hell even having the elves do some elfy magic on her?

Also, for those that are familiar with the old version of this story, it would be awesome if some of you could message me—even those that aren't familiar and just like to help authors on here with fleshing out ideas—be sure to drop me a message! I have some other questions to bounce off your genius minds.

So my amazing readers, I shall return in a week with another new chapter. If I finish sooner I will post sooner (: