Hey everyone! So I hope you like this chapter, it took me a bit to figure out exactly how the beginning should go and I'm still not 100% sure about it but I knew I wouldn't get anywhere just having it sit there. Also, we are like 2/3 of the way done with this movie. That's crazy! I have ideas for what I basically want to happen, but if any of you have any ideas feel free to comment, a few people have and I liked some of their ideas or it inspired other ideas. Can't say I'll use them all though. Thank you all for the support you have been giving this story so far. I hope you enjoy this chapter!

"Fili, Kili, I need to speak with the both of you." Thorin said before they could reach the table. They looked back at him then glanced at each other as they nodded in unison. Bilbo patted their arms and continued on to the table as they quickly walked towards him. Thorin knew the room wasn't large enough for a truly private conversation, especially when his nephews were involved, but he still led them to the far corner of the room. He didn't miss the way Bilbo's eyes followed them. There was no doubt the hobbit would be paying close attention. Thorin would have found it endearing, someone else looking out for his nephews in a way he had a hard time of doing, if it hadn't been directed at him. Stopping, Thorin turned to fully take in his nephews who were standing shoulder to shoulder just a foot away from him.

Sometimes it was hard for him to see them as anything other the little dwarflings, running off into the woods and getting into trouble. An equal number of times he forgot just how young and inexperienced with the world they were, they had not seen the horrors he had at their age. A more experienced dwarf would have gone straight for help, not tried to play hero. But his rage had been fueled by fear as if they were still dwarflings, incapable of defending themselves. They were both shaping up to be great warriors.

"I will not apologize for what I said. What you did with the trolls was foolish and could have ended with both of you and Bilbo dead." He paused noticing the way their shoulders slumped and Kili tried not to meet his eyes.

"However," at that both of them froze, Kili looking up. "I apologize for the manner in which they were said, you did not deserve to have that anger directed at you," Thorin said slowly, not used to apologizing for his actions. The way his nephews straightened up and stared him confidently in the eyes once more made it worth it though. He gave them a small smile which they returned tenfold.

"I have also been observing your skills in the battles we have seen so far." Thorin noticed how they seemed to stiffen. "There are a few things I want to go over with Dwalin and you two, but know I am proud of what I have seen so far." Thorin's smile widened when he saw how they absolutely beamed at the praise.

"Thank you, Uncle!" They said in unison as they fell into step on either side of him, Fili to his right and Kili to his left.

"You know Uncle, we've been observing how you fight."

"Oh have you?"

"Mhm, Uncle Bilbo has too."

"Uncle Bilbo?"

"Of course what else would we call him. He's going to be that one day anyways." Kili said making Thorin blink. He couldn't ask another question as they were being greeted back to the table by the company and more importantly Bilbo. Whatever Kili had meant, Thorin got the feeling he didn't want Bilbo hearing the answer, not yet at least. He said down and took the plate Balin offered him with a nod of thanks. With the tension between the three Durin's now gone, the company tried their hardest to momentarily forget what they had seen on the screen. Mainly by talking about less evil scenes.

"Ya know Bilbo, ye can start yer lessons with me anytime," Nori said, leaning around Kili to talk to Bilbo.

"Stop trying to corrupt Bilbo with your thieving ways," Dori scolded from further down the table.

"He's gonna have te get used te it sooner or later. He's gonna steal from a dragon and yer almost done making him a new coat."

"Even so, I won't let you corrupt him. And of course I'm making him a new coat, look at the one he has, it's too thin and it doesn't even button up anymore. It's going to be cold when we get to the mountain and I will not let Bilbo freeze when I can very easily make him a coat." Dori hotly explained when the company turned to look at him about the coat. Bilbo noticed Thorin sitting up straighter and, was he glaring a bit at Dori when he mentioned the coat? But with his explanation, Thorin relaxed back as did several others.

"Now wait here, my coat is just fine, you don't need to go through all the trouble of making me a new one."

"Nonsense, I'm almost finished anyways. Unfortunately, I can't work on it now because our supplies were taken away and it was in my bag." Dori seemed very upset by that fact. Bilbo was touched that the dwarf would do that for him. Though the sympathetic look Ori was giving him and the rest of the company's reaction made Bilbo wonder with there was some unknown dwarvish custom tied to the gift.

"I can make you a bow when we get to Erebor Uncle Bilbo," Kili said and it was as if his words opened a floodgate because Bilbo was then bombarded from what seemed to be every member of the company with offerings of gifts and many other things that made Bilbo's head spin. What were they doing?

"Shazara!" Thorin yelled standing up. He alone had been quiet through the entire thing.

"You can talk about that later, for now, we should think about what we have learned so far." Bilbo really wanted to know what was going on in Thorin's head to make him bring down the mood like that.

"How much do we really know?" Ori said.

"Not nearly enough," Balin responded with a shake of his head.

"If that voice would just tell us-"

"But they will not, so we must figure out what to do."

"We cannot go back, we lost the path in Mirkwood."

"Then our path must be forwards and we must find the path again."

"Gandalf said if we lost it we would never find it again." Bilbo cut in.

"Perhaps but that was when our minds were cloudy with the sickness of the forest, perhaps now we could find it." Thorin knew the hope was a long shot but they had to try. He refused to acknowledge that they may be trapped within the trees, especially with the necromancer. No, they would make it to Erebor and he would see his company safely out of the evil's reach.

"Perhaps. We should wait to see what happens and let the Voice answer us at dinner." Bilbo said and the conversation died out. They finished their meals quickly and left the table.

When they approached the couches and chairs they saw that they had once again been rearranged. Balin and Dwalin's couch had been shrunk to only fit two, which made sense since Fili and Kili were still set on sitting with Bilbo. Thorin's seat had also disappeared, which he was secretly very happy about. However, the most surprising development was that the couch the Ri family had been sitting on had also disappeared. Bilbo's seat was now easily the biggest couch in the room. Nori chuckled and punched Dori on the arm before he flopped down at one end of the couch. Shaking his head, Bilbo went to sit in the middle. Fili and Kili just grinned and sat on his left, Thorin taking the edge seat next to them and Ori sitting to his right with a shy smile.

Bilbo was entirely convinced there really was some sort of dwarvish custom he was missing out on but seeing how happy Ori was getting to sit next to him made him realize he really didn't care all that much. Eventually he would find out, stubborn as they were his dwarves were not the best at keeping secrets amongst the company. Bilbo felt content.

The screen started up again to show the company making their way through the path to Rivendell.

[Bilbo:] "Gandalf, where are we?"

[Gandalf:] "You can feel it?"

"Feel what?"

Screen-Bilbo breathed deeply and looked around in awe. Magic, that was what he felt and Bilbo could still remember the soothing tingling sensation.

"You really felt that? I didn't." Kili said with a frown. Bilbo didn't answer him, too busy staring in wonder as the screen panned to show Rivendell. It truly was such a beautiful place, unlike any he had ever seen. Screen-Bilbo was equally enraptured, breathing out the name with a smile. His mother had told him so many stories of Rivendell but tales always fell utterly short of describing the wonder of the elven city. Screen-Thorin was not as pleased as screen-Bilbo, angrily stomping towards Gandalf as he looked at the city in disgust. Bilbo sighed at Thorin's stubbornness, the dwarf in question not looking at him.

Gandalf looked equally irritated by screen-Thorin's stubbornness, chastising him for his words.

"He's right," Bilbo said and Thorin snorted.

"But so was I, the elves did try to stop us," Thorin argued. Gandalf began to lead the way down talking to them about what they would have to do to be successful. All things considered, Bilbo thought they hadn't done too badly in Rivendell, even if the grumbles from the dwarves made him believe they thought differently.

"Lot of good that did us."

"We would have been a lot worse off if you had been the one doing all the talking," Bilbo said. Thorin grinned a little in response, glad Bilbo was back to talking to him like this. He watched as the company crossed the bridge and screen-Bilbo looked around in wonder. While he was peeved that Bilbo loved Rivendell so much, he remembered screen-Bilbo's grand description of Erebor. It would be nice to see what his first reaction on screen was, but Thorin really couldn't wait to show Bilbo in person the halls of his ancestors. He would make sure Bilbo had the grandest of tours and saw everything he wanted, he had earned nothing less.

On-screen, an elf approached, Lindr if Bilbo remembered correctly. LIndr and Gandalf greeted each other while the dwarves continued to look around warily. Bilbo couldn't help but shake his head at Thorin's words of caution. Lindir continued on with his greeting but Gandalf cut straight to the point. At Lindir's words Gandalf looked confused, then the horns began to blow and he smiled. Elves were riding over the bridge back to Rivendell. Screen-Thorin calling out orders at their approach. Screen-Bilbo was pulled into the circle making his current-self huff with exasperation.

"What is it, Bilbo?" Ori asked.

"Your reactions are unnecessary."

"They coulda been a threat," Dwalin said.

"Lord Elrond wouldn't hurt his guests. My mother told me many stories of him."

"How come?"

"They were good friends."

"I thought Hobbits didn't leave the Shire," Kili asked jumping into the conversation.

"Tooks can be different, many of them go on their own journeys. My mother was friends with Gandalf and they traveled together quite often. She made it to Rivendell a few times in her youth." Bilbo said, watching Ori write down his every word.

"The Tooks are the ones with the Thain right?" Fili asked pausing to make sure he got the word correct. Bilbo nodded.

"Yes, they are," Bilbo said turning back to the screen to see the elves circling around the company. While he knew Lord Elrond wouldn't hurt them, the display was rather unnecessary. Lord Elrond and Gandalf greeted each other in Elvish, and Elrond told him of the orc trouble they had been having. The use of Elvish made the dwarves grumble but white words appeared at the bottom of the screen, telling them what they were saying. Bilbo had seen the screen do it a few times before, but it had always been with Orcs and when tensions were high so he had rarely paid attention.

"It is...nice that the screen tells us what they are saying," Balin said.

"They did it with the orcs too."

"But who wants to know what orcs are saying?"

"Who wants te know what elves are sayin?"

Lord Elrond switched back to Westron as he questioned why the orcs had come so near, a knowing look on his face. Gandalf coughed nervously and Lord Elrond turned his attention to screen-Thorin.

"How does everyone always recognize you?"

"I'm a memorable person."

"Sure, if they have actually met you."

"I am also heir to Erebor, I'm an important person."

"I think it is ridiculous," Bilbo said and Thorin huffed to conceal his smile. Screen-Thorin was being a pain as usual, not even trying to hide his disdain for the elves while Lord Elrond was trying to be courteous.

"This is why you were supposed to leave the talking to Gandalf. You're lucky he didn't cast us out," Bilbo said. Thorin merely shrugged not looking at Bilbo. Lord Elrond raised a brow seeming amused. Without looking away from screen-Thorin he said something in Elvish, the company immediately thinking it was an insult. Screen-Gloin held his ax ready as he confronted Lord Elrond, Gandalf stepping in before they could make even more of a mess out of the situation.

[Gandalf:] "No, master Gloin, he's offering you food."

Of course, if food was involved they would cooperate, even with elves.

"Shoulda mentioned it'd all be rabbit food," Dwalin grumbled as on-screen they agreed to the offer.
The screen switched to the beautiful dining area making Bilbo sigh. Screen-Dori was holding a piece of lettuce out, trying to get screen-Ori to eat it, but he refused.

"Green food is good for you," Bilbo said to Ori, Dori nodding in agreement next to him. Ori groaned and covered his face with his book while Nori nearly fell off the couch laughing. Screen-Dwalin was also complaining and there were mutters all around the table.

"I am constantly concerned about all of your diets," Bilbo told the company. There were several protests to his words. Dori nodded sending looks at Ori and the still laughing Nori. Bifur said something in Khuzdul and pointed at his cousins and Bilbo got the impression he was on Bilbo's side as well. The three of them could probably get Bombur on their side as well with the right ingredients. Bilbo nodded to himself, he would have to work with them to make sure the company didn't die from bad nutrition.

Gandalf and Lord Elrond walked towards the dining area, Gandalf apologizing for his clothes but Lord Elrond brushed his words off with a smile. After they took their seat, screen-Kili was shown staring at an elf with interest. He winked causing Thorin to stare at the current Kili with a raised brow.

"It was all in good fun Uncle," Kili defended. Screen-Dwalin had caught him as well and screen-Kili hastened to defend himself. In his haste he mistook an elf man for an elf maid, something screen-Dwalin took great delight in pointing out.

Just as the company had the first time, they all roared with laughter as Kili turned red.

"Hilarious all of you." He mumbled and Bilbo patted him on the shoulder while Thorin just shook his head at his company's antics.

There was even more laughter when screen Oin put the napkin in his ear trumpet. Bilbo was glad this scene in Rivendell was able to make them all laugh so much. They needed it. The screen paused until they finally got themselves under control then switched to Lord Elrond looking at screen-Thorin's sword. He seemed surprised when he recognized it, sheathing Orcrist and handing it back. Bilbo was glad to see screen-Thorin was at least trying to be courteous. Next, he took Gandalf's blade, recognizing it as well, both of them having been made for goblin wars.

"They work jus as well in this age on those creatures," Dwalin said with a grin earning cheering of agreement.

"Uncle Bilbo I doubt your sword has a name," Fili said when screen-Bilbo was seen looking at his sword. Screen-Balin said the same thing, screen-Bilbo looking slightly offended for his blade when it was called a letter-opener.

"Have you ever thought of naming it?" Ori asked causing Bilbo to blink. In truth, he really hadn't. Then again the only creatures he had killed was an orc and a warg, not exactly great deeds in battle.

"Oh, you definitely should!"

"I haven't exactly done anything worthy of naming it."

"You save my life."

"Well of course I did, but I'm not about to call it King Saver or anything that just sounds off."

"But every sword needs a name."

"Aye, thas true, helps ye bond with yer weapon more," Dwalin said, patting his shoulder where his axes should have been.

"Perhaps I'll see something to name it after while we watch," Bilbo said just to placate them. He doubted he, a hobbit, could ever do anything that would be called a great deed.

Lord Elrond handed Glamdring back, asking where they could have found them with a frown. Gandalf began to explain, being cut off by Lord Elrond asking about their route, looking like he already had an idea of the answer. Realizing his mistake Gandalf spluttered and tried to come up with something, screen-Thorin excused himself from the table to avoid being questioned as well.

"At least you remember some manners," Balin sighed. Lord Elrond already knew Gandalf didn't have a good answer, giving him a way out.

[Elrond:] "13 dwarves and a Halfling; strange traveling companions, Gandalf."

Gandalf took the new conversation with a smile, starting to defend the company from the derision in Lord Elrond's voice. He claimed they were noble people, just as the screen panned to show Nori hiding a candelabra in his jacket.

"Nori! How could you? At dinner no less," Dori reprimanded as he reached for the thief. Nori deftly evaded him, jumping from their couch to sit next to Bofur. He claimed they were cultured and the screen showed them Bombur, stuffing his face full of food. There was some laughter at that, but none of them really saw what was wrong besides Bilbo. He tried to say they loved the arts, but the whole company was complaining about the music and how it sounded like a funeral. Screen-Bofur jumped up with a grin, leaping onto a stone pedestal. He began to stomp his feet and clap his hands as he sung a merry drinking song.

The company both on-screen and in the room began to laugh and sing along. Food started to fly through the air, the elves stopping their own music as they looked on in disgust and horror. Bilbo understood, he had been absolutely horrified the first time as well. Now though, he was laughing slightly at their antics even if he was still appalled. Even screen-Thorin was enjoying the merrimaking, stomping to the beat as he stayed out of the way of flying food. When a piece of food nearly hit Lindr, the company only laughed harder.

Too soon the song was coming to a close and the screen switched to that night. Gandalf and Lord Elrond were standing together, screen-Thorin, Balin, and Bilbo a few feet away. Screen-Thorin was arguing with Gandalf over the map, and whether they should show it to Lord Elrond. The seriousness of the situation quieted their laughter, though they all knew what had eventually happened.

Gandalf wore screen-Thorin down, and even with screen-Balin's protests, he handed Lord Elrond the map. Opening it, Lord Elrond looked at them with a frown.

"Oh, nothing at all. The known heir to the throne is just casually asking about hidden messages in a map of Erebor."

Gandalf tried to lie to Lord Elrond and, though the elf seemed unimpressed with his efforts, he began looking at the map.

"Maybe that wizard has some use after all."

Lord Elrond found moon runes on the map and began to describe the way they worked. Dwarves like Balin and Ori found what he was saying very interesting, the others not as much. Lord Elrond led the group out onto a terrace as he told them that the exact moon they needed to read the runes was out that night.

"That was very convenient."

"And extraordinarily lucky on our part," Balin said as Lord Elrond laid the map on a large crystal. The clouds parted and the moon's light shone down, making the crystal glow and new runes to glow blue on the map.

[Elrond:] "Stand by the gray stone when the thrush knocks, and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the keyhole."

"How long 'ave we been in the forest?" Dwalin asked, though no one knew the answer. Screen-Bilbo asked about Durin's Day, not recognizing the holiday or when it would fall. Gandalf explained to him while screen-Thorin and Balin were thinking, using the new information to reaffirm or replan certain parts of their journey. Screen-Balin insisted they had time, but screen-Thorin didn't look entirely convinced.

"Not if we can't get out of the blasted forest," Dori grumbled. Screen-Balin explained the new plan to screen-Bilbo who was completely confused by everything that was going on.

"Why do dwarf doors have to be invisible?"

"To keep our secrets safe."

"Even from yourselves?"

"It backfires occasionally but it has worked in our favor so far."

"Tell me that again when we search an entire mountain to find a single door we can't even see," Bilbo said. He hadn't liked the thought then and he didn't like it now, especially since he was one of the few to see an actual issue with the idea. On-screen, Lord Elrond was frowning deeply as he listened to their plan. So much for Gandalf's previous attempts at keeping it all a secret.

"I wouldn't deem this whole quest as wise, but I'm still going," Bilbo said Fili and Kili laughing at his words. Gandalf looked surprised and slightly worried at what Lord Elrond had said, the elf warning him that there were others watching over Middle Earth as well. Bilbo didn't like Lord Elrond's tone, it seemed almost foreboding. He knew that Gandalf had had to stay behind in order to let them leave, but he had never told them who they were escaping.