Boom baby! I'm back! Welcome back to all you wonderful people who have been awaiting the latest instalment of both the movie and this chapter. Once again I'm running along side the film rather than the book, so I can include those of you who have never read the book (though you should, its brilliance.). I will be trying to fit chapters in at the same time as juggling my job and 3 masters assignments that are due in in January, so please, if I'm running a bit late with an update, have patience. I promise I haven't forgotten you all. Once again all reviews and PM's are accepted and greatly encouraged … its nice to know there are actually people out there and I'm not just babbling to myself. So … without further stalling … please enjoy! :)

The pink light of sunset was leaking its way through the blue sky at the giant eagles dropped their precious cargo at the foot of a wooded copse. The thick trunks would serve as cover until the company could find their way and continue on to Mirkwood – the next leg of their journey.

A new mindset had enveloped the companions as they waved a farewell to their feathered friends, knowing they were closer to their goal, closer to home.

Calla had a mix of feelings when it came to this notion, what did the end mean for her? She would be happy to see the dwarves restored to their former glory, lavished and layered in gold, she might feel a pinch of pride even, for helping them succeed in their task. But was that to be it? All her adventuring done? Would she and Bilbo return to their cosy holes under the hill and only relive the journey through stories told to their children and grandchildren as they were tucked into their beds at night? Would they return to indulge in the luxury the lonely mountain had to offer in their old age? And what of her friends? Thorin would be a mighty king, sworn to care for and watch over his subjects and Fili would be trained to sit beside him, born to share his uncle's birth-rite.

And what of Kili? Would he still look at her with adoration as he stood beside that throne, his bow swapped for a crown? Would he want her to stay? Would Thorin even let them be together? Maybe he would find love in the arms of one of his own race in order to keep the line of Durin strong and pure.

"What's the matter?" Kili's hushed whisper in her ear jerked the petite red head from her musings, her bottom lip stung from the unconscious chewing it had suffered in her thoughtful state. The dwarf prince had wrapped his arms around her from behind and rested his chin on her shoulder, their cheeks so close she could feel his stubble graze across the soft flesh of her cheeks.

"Hmm?" She asked, keeping her eyes fixed on the ground as she wiggled her toes, the bare digits rustling a few fallen leaves. She wouldn't plague Kili with her maudlin thoughts, he deserved to be happy and full of excitement at their progression.

"You looked like you were thinking. You were biting your lip and you had that little crease between your brows that you get when deep in thought." His thumb started to circle a soothing rhythm on the exposed skin of her hand, a surprisingly gentle action consider the size of dwarves' hands.

"It's nothing ... really Kili, I was just thinking of what lies ahead of us." it wasn't a lie, but she still felt a twinge of guilt tugging at the pit of her stomach. Kili seemed satisfied with her answer, kissing her cheek briefly before releasing her and going over to his brother who was examining some tracks that had been left in the sludge just off track, they discussed the print in hushed tones.

Calla saw an opportunity to spend some time with Ori, who was sitting cross legged in the middle of the path, his note book open in his lap as he scribbled away fiercely on the parchment pages. She had just reached the company's youngest member when she heard her name being called, or rather whispered.

Bilbo, for it was he who had called her, was kneeling not too far away; peeking over the top of a large jutting rock that had a perfect view of the open plain before them. His eyes were fixed on a large black shape in the distance as he beckoned his cousin over to his side.

"What ..." Calla began but was immediately hushed as Bilbo placed a finger to his lips and jerked his head in the direction of the creature that was silhouetted against the purpling sky. "Is that a bear? It's enormous!" She gasped, her voice kept low in her throat as she watched the animal paw at the rocky out crop it was standing on.

"I think so, but how has it slipped past the orcs and wargs?"

The large black creature reared onto its hind legs, its roar ruffling the leaves around them.

"I say we go double back!" Bofur chimed into the conversation between Thorin and Gandalf. Both the would-be king and wizard stared him down disapprovingly, eyebrows knitted together.

"And get run down by Orcs?"

The cheery dwarf's demeanour quieted for a moment his brow furrowing and his eyes narrowing in thought.

"There is … a house" Gandalf drawled, as if the information was reluctant to slip from his tongue.

"Who's house?" Thorin's tone was incredulous as he stared the old man down, blue eyes as cold as steel. Gandalf grumbled in response, his cheeks puffing out in a laboured sigh. "Friend or Foe?" The high prince asked, his voice full of suspicion and his tone low.

"Neither" The wizened magic man breathed, ears pricked and trying to pick up the familiar sounds. As another fierce roar cut through the air all the colour drained from his face,

"What was that?" asked Nori, firmly gripping his axe by the hilt.

"It was a b..." Bilbo started, stuttering nervously as he watched the tree line over his shoulder,

"A bear?" Asked Gandalf tentitively. "We must make haste!"

Apologies that it's so short all, butI wanted everyone to know that I'm back and will be so in force, however I still have about 7000 words I need to write in a fortnight … so your patience is appreciated! Cookies and cupcakes all round. Have a happy new year!