Well would you look at that... a semi-quick update! (Hope you're happy Oblivian03, 'cause I did this for you) ;D

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"No."

"But it could work!"

"It would be suicide. I will not allow you to forfeit your life for a hopeless cause."

"It is not hopeless and you know it."

The she-Elf sighed, crossing her arms and turning her back to the stubborn Dwarf. "You do not understand these matters."

"I think I do. I think I understand perfectly. You are afraid!"

"Yes we are afraid!" she yelled, turning abruptly to face the startled Dwarf again. "Why do you think we have not tried it before? The others and I had already discussed it long before you were probably even born! If we returned to our bodies now what future would we have? Most would die immediately of guilt, others of a broken heart. Those of us who survived would not be welcomed anywhere because of the monstrosities we have committed. We would be forced to wander this world for eternity, too ashamed to sail yet not grieved enough to die. Does that sound like a fate you would willingly want to face?" With tears freely falling down smooth skin the she-Elf turned her back once more and fled the room.

After Kíli's breakdown while observing the Company, the two somber beings had retreated back to the storage closet. Now, the young Dwarf could only stare in disbelief at the retreating back of the distressed she-Elf. How could he make her understand? They could not stay like this—he could not stay like this! A hand on Kíli's shoulder caused the archer to turn about, coming face to face with a brown-haired Elf, in fact he was the only brown-haired Elf Kíli had seen. The Elf's hazel eyes shown with indecipherable emotions and he opened his mouth to speak, only to close it immediately. Squeezing the Dwarf's shoulder instead the brown-haired Elf made a hasty departure in the direction of the she-Elf. Thoroughly confused, Kíli situated himself on top of the barrel he had previously occupied. The young Dwarf had a plan to form… alone.

Kíli found himself traversing the corridors yet again. Something the she-Elf had said kept going through the archer's head: "We touched your friend's mind's to render them unconscious…" Could that mean that Kíli could somehow have a chance to communicate with the Company? With his brother? It was a long shot, but the young Dwarf was ready to try anything.

I wish Fíli were here… he would know what to do.

Kíli quickly shook his head. He would not wish this predicament upon any member of the Company, let alone his brother. No, Kíli was alone in this matter and he had to free the Company and return to his body… all… alone. The Dwarf expected no help from the Elves. Why did he even think they would help him in the first place? Elves have not been known to aid Dwarves without a good reason anyway.

Was that not what Uncle always taught? That Dwarves could never find help with Elves?

Kíli paused outside of the Company's cell, his musings temporarily forgotten. It was quiet now with only a few snores reaching his ears. He hesitated, not really wanting to face his friends and kin again, and alone. It was so… depressing.

You have to do this.

Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly the young Dwarf steeled himself to rejoin the Company, but a voice stopped him from entering the cell.

"I am sorry for shouting at you, I was out of line."

Kíli turned to the voice with a smile. "There is nothing to be sorry for, for it was I who should not have pressured you without realizing the consequences of what I suggested."

The she-Elf smiled appreciatively. "I have discussed your idea with the others…"

"Discussed with the others? I thought that they could not communicate any longer?" Kíli cut in.

Patiently, the she-Elf explained, "It is true that those who have been here the longest cannot speak anymore, but we have developed a rudimentary form of communication through gestures and facial expressions." She smiled fondly before adding, "Granted we cannot hold long 'conversations' but we can get our thoughts across." The young Dwarf nodded in understanding before she continued her previous thoughts. "The others have agreed to aid you and your friends in escaping. However, you are on your own in stealing the antidote that will return you to your body. No one is willing to risk the torment that would follow if they aided you."

Kíli nodded solemnly once again. "I can understand and accept that." Brown eyes sought the ground, slightly disappointed. At least the Company has a chance at freedom.

A soft hand on a stubbly chin tilted the young Dwarf's face until chocolate eyes met emerald. "You are not completely alone in your quest to return to the world, for myself and one other—the Elf with dark hair—will help. But I must warn you young one, if we succeed in returning to our bodies, we will seek death, for it would be more kind to us than living."

The archer's only response was a grateful smile as hope flared in his chest and emotions constricted his throat.

Kíli stepped over outstretched legs and slumbering bodies, still unwilling to step on anybody despite the fact that they would never detect the archer's presence.

"Why have you returned here?" asked the she-Elf, standing on Bifur's foot.

"Something you said gave me an idea." was Kíli's reply as he crouched in front of his brother, ignoring the motionless body cradled in Fíli's lap.

Confused, the she-Elf pressed on. "What did I say?"

Standing, Kíli faced the fair being. "You said you 'touched their minds'. Does that mean that I can touch my brother's mind and tell him about… this?" the young Dwarf concluded gesturing vaguely to his body and himself.

"It is possible, but you must remember, you may not be able to do the same things we can, because you are Dwarf and we are Elves. The poison could have affected our abilities differently based on our race. You are the first Dwarf to experiences this after all, so this is new to all of us."

Kíli sighed. "What do I do?"

Walking over to where Kíli waited, they both knelt down in front of Fíli. "Place your hand on his head and clear your mind. Just focus on your brother's energy."

The young Dwarf began to reach out before halting his movements. "How will I know if it is working?"

"You will know."

With determination, Kíli placed his hand on Fíli's head. The archer took a deep breath and closed his eyes, clearing his mind completely. A few moments passed before the Dwarf opened one eye to peer at the she-Elf. "Nothing is happening."

She removed his hand before patting his knee. "I have an idea." Leading the young Dwarf to the other side of the cell they both knelt in front of the tightly curled-up form of Bofur.

"Why Bofur?"

"Because Bofur has a head injury, you might be able to reach his mind in his weakened state."

Giving the she-Elf a doubtful look Kíli placed his hand on Bofur's head, and relaxed. Focusing on the Dwarf beneath his hand a warm sensation spread across the young Dwarf's body, starting with the hand on Bofur's head and quickly down to his feet. Kíli almost felt electrified. A smile graced his face as he touched Bofur's mind.

"Whoa."

Author's Note: There you have it! Hope you liked it. Please let me know. Please review. :)