Cool so the next chapter is here :D

Bit more time with Bofur and his demon. But soon shit is gonna hit the fan. I hope you like it :D

Bofur could not take the constant bickering any longer. From the moment he had awoken and had entered the main living area of their temporary accommodation. He could hear the arguing even from the corridor he walked down. But the continuous disagreements got even louder the moment his feet first set foot into the main living area.

At first no one paid him any mind as it seemed the heated discussion just continued to increase in volume. It was obvious that the next stretch of their journey was still in jeopardy. As his Company still struggled to come up with a contingency. None of them wanting to back down from their own plans they had each formulated in their heads. Yet also not wanting to listen to each others objections. Deciding he did not want to involve himself the hat wearing Dwarf made his turn to leave. Managing to get one foot back out of the door before a voice came from behind him.

"Hey Bofur how are you feeling today?" Kili strode over to him. There was a little bit of apprehension but yet he still wore a thoughtful smile.

" Still spent if I am being completely truthful." It was no lie. The extra sleep still had not done anything to ease the throbbing pressure in his skull. Though to the hat wearing Dwarfs somewhat amazement he had somehow managed to nearly sleep the whole day away. His brother and cousin had come into check on him and get him to eat. But were soon shunned back out the door again when the effort to get out off bed or stomach anything just seemed to impossible. Bofur couldn't work out if he was just becoming sick with something and the exhaustion was a by product. Or if this was what depression truly felt like.

He turned towards the young dwarf prince " Listen what happened last night I want to express my deepest apology. Truth be told I am just not been myself recently."

" Honestly I don't think any of us have." He motioned to the other still arguing Dwarves in the room. The sorrow of their predicament and lack of solidarity was also getting to the young prince. He let out a long sigh before addressing his hat wearing friend again.

" Still I am glad to see you are up. Why don't you come and grab some food before Bombur eats it all. Master Bard was gracious enough to bring some early."

" Thanks but no thanks I think I am just going to slip away and take some time out." Bofur resorted back with a half smile.

" But you haven't eaten in like the past two day Bofur. You need to eat or you are going to make yourself sick." Kili could not help but raise the concerned tone in his voice.

" Listen kid I don't need a babysitter. All I need is some space and a little air.

" I am just worried about you that's all." Truth be known he was still extremely concerned for his companion the way he was still obviously neglecting himself.

Bofur could not help but feel a pang of guilt strike through him. He could tell that his actions were greatly affecting his young friend. But he got enough smothering from his blood relation to the point of annoyance.

" Honestly don't be I will be fine. All I need is some time to myself to clear my head and with everything that is going on. You do not need the added stress of looking out for my wellbeing." Without another word he strode past the other Dwarf and exited through the main door.

For a few moments Kili stood in silent as he scanned the wooden structure. He could feel his heart clench and slightly shatter as he was finding it harder to suppress his emotional angst. He hated feeling so useless not knowing how best to help his friend in his time off need. Just watching his personality shift into something he had never seen before was also beginning to tear him apart.

" Still in the same mood I take it?"

The youngest prince did not notice or pay mind to his older brother taking his place beside him." Not as such, he seems a bit more chilled and placid. But still he is worrying me."

Fili looked at him with a solemn gaze "How such?"

" The fact is seems to not want to interact, or the fact he is not taking care of himself or his health. Truth be told if he carries on this way he will surely collapse." Kili took a long drawn out breath in frustration. But then his eyebrow narrowed before contemplating for a few moments. " I think we should follow him."

The eldest Dwarf prince huffed and shook his head. It was not a lie that he was also beginning to worry about their comrade. Bilbo's demise had come to a shock for all of them though Bofur was taking it immensely more harsh. But he also did not feel comfortable stalking him when it was clear the Dwarf needed time for himself. "Best to leave him be Kili there isn't much you can do. This is an inner battle Bofur must face on his own. And if alone time is what he wants. You must respect his wishes.

" But he hasn't eaten or drank properly in at least 2 days. I can't just sit and watch this going on not when he is our friend. Besides all I am saying is someone should keep an eye on him to make sure he returns safely." Kili's voice came out more as a desperate plea which did not go unnoticed.

It was not a tone Fili had heard in years. The undeniable imploring of his brother asking for his help. Not since they were children had he again heard that pinch escape Kili's lips. Yet he also knew what he was saying and technically it was the right thing to do, given Bodur's fragile state of mind. Even if he still rejected his brother's request the Dwarf's stubbornness would just result in him going without him. Which was not an option in anyway. As siblings they always stick together and that was not about to change now.

" Your care for others speaks no bounds brother. Alright I will come with you."

It was like he was walking in a unconscious daydream as Bofur obliviously walked around the docks with no clear idea were he was going. Though he did not care.

Just these quiet moments alone with his own thoughts and company was what he truly needed to help clear his head. Feeling the dawn crisp air hitting his face and enter his lungs gave the Dwarf a small sense of satisfaction. Though Lake Towns air was by no means clean and fresh. It felt like heaven compared to being cooped up inside continuously. Constantly being hit by the sent of musky wet wood of the complexes they had all been residing in for the past couple of days. Just something about the outside breeze wherever it may be felt like absolute bliss. And helped to bring back a sense of karma and clarity to his mind.

Bofur could easily just keep walking. Walk until he was far away from this place and somewhere he could maybe restore his peace. But in his heart he knew he could not just abandon his Company. Especially not his brother, cousin, friends and most importantly his king. Not when they had come so far and been through so much together. They were so close to their destinies that it would be a travesty just to give into his emotions and walk away. He was also indebted to Bilbo to complete their mission in his honour and make him proud.

The hat wearing Dwarf slowed his pace to a stop and looked over his shoulder. It was settled he may of not been able to save their Hobbit but he was not going to abandon his Company so selfishly.

He took a deep heavy breath and began to make his way back. But after taking a few steps Bofur was unprepared for the almighty force that collided with his spine and sent him barreling across the ground. Though in a daze the hat wearing Dwarf was able to catch himself before falling of the walkway and completely into the lake. He clung onto the slippery surface with all his might and began to pull his feet out of the the unforgiving bitter water. Suddenly a large pale hand came down and groped him by the back of the neck. Before he could respond the Dwarf was then roughly lifted up and flung to the other side of the walkway, impacting a stacked pile of fishing crates as he landed.

It took a moment for the world around the dwarf to stop spinning as the feeling of vertigo overtook his senses. He could not help but let a moan of discomfort escape his mouth as he tried to untangle himself from under the wreckage. Though with every small movement it caused his now bruised muscles to twinge in protest at the sudden assault.

" Well well what do we have here? Looks like we have found one of the little dwarf rodents wondering around all by himself."

The new sinister voice broke through the sounds of Bofur's pained hisses and shifting wood fragments. In that moment he for the first time opened his eyes and took in the imposing figure above him. It took a few seconds for his vision to adjust. But before long the blurred shape soon morphed to reveal the individuals true identity. In that moment the hat wearing Dwarf could feel the colour drain from his face and his blood literally turn to ice in his very veins. Of all the moments that he knew he would encounter their pursuers again. But the horror and realisation hit him like a Trolls fist to the gut, he was alone and utterly defenceless. Sucking up and suppressing any sign of weakness and intimidation he responded.

" What can't a guy take an early evening walk alone without being harassed?" Bofur had finally steadied himself into a sitting position and glared up at the large orc defiantly.

Not changing his loathsome expression. Bolg's menacing gaze seemed to pierce into the dwarf's very soul " Not at all in fact it makes my life a lot more easy now I have one of Oakenshield's members at my mercy. So tell me were are the rest of your companions hiding?"

" Oh yeah like I am going to tell the ugly brigade anything. Go to hell."

Without warning the pale orc shot out his hand and grappled the front the dwarf's tunic in an iron grip. There was a collection of growls and chuckles from the other member of the orc pack as he was then lift into the air and was now dangling a few feet of the ground. Bofur instinctively fought and kicked out against the violent action as his face was brought up to eye level with the monster who gripped him.

"If you do not I will make your end a slow and unnaturally painful. Truthfully I have always wondered what a Dwarfs heart or intestines look like on the outside. Should we find out?"

" Yes break every sinking bone in his body and then pulverise him until his organs turn to mush." One of the other orc's interjected as he stepped closer. Every word dripping with malice.

Just then another one of Bolg's underlings also came forward, licking his lips as he eyed up the smaller being. " No we have not eaten for days. We should just ripe of his arms and legs and feast on them in front of him. He doesn't need those to talk."

By this point Bofur could not help but gulp down the growing lump that was beginning to clog his throat. He was beyond certain that these were not empty threats and at any moment this pack would indeed follow through and rip him apart. But for now he had to reassure himself that if they wanted him dead they first wanted information. Which was not something he was going to supple them with no matter how much pain he knew he was about to endure.

Bolg gave a bemused sneer before again engaging with his captive. " As you can see the boys here are hungry and screaming out for Dwarf blood. If you do not tell me what I need to know. I can easily oblige them."

" And give up your only bargaining chip, I still don't think so. I'm sorry but I must of given you more credit on brain power than what you deserved. So my answer is still the same. Fuck off and go crawl back into the Fellbeast's arse you were shit out off." Using all his might and willpower Bofur then spit a large mouthful of saliva at the Orcs face.

The action caused the larger figure to howl and reel back in disgust. He wiped the substance from his face and then threw the Dwarf harshly to the floor. In that moment Bofur could feel the side of his face and forehead bounce of the hard surface with an almighty crack. With pain immediately erupting through his nose and into his right eye socket. He did not have time to clear the stars bouncing around in his vision as a huge foot was then forcefully planted on his upper back. Pushing him even harder into the walkway and suppressing his diaphragm.

" You miserable little rat. Do you really want to test my patients or legitimately?" Bolg's tone dripped with hate as he applied more pressure.

The hat wearing Dwarf could feel the bones of his ribs begin to crunch and buckle under the added weight. Squeezing even more tightly against his protesting lungs as they struggled to take in air. " That depends? Do I get bonus prize for calling out your bullshit?" he wheezed out.

There was a few seconds of eerie silence before the foot shifted slightly to the left. Then without warning the heel was then slammed down onto of Bofur's shoulder. A loud crack echoed out followed by the quick blaring scream as the smaller being crying out anguish. Around him he could hear the disturbing cackling of his captors who were enjoying his scene of torture.

" No just a more drawn out excruciating death."

Bolg retracted his foot but then immediately kicked the defenceless dwarf onto his back. Earning another distressed gasp as he landed. The orc then proceeded to lean over his captive and take in his pained filled features with satisfaction. He studied the creature immensely until his focus peaked at the steady flow of fresh red liquid on his right temple and cheek.

He took in the beautiful sight that filled his never ending thirst for blood. Then reached down with his hand and slid his finger through it with overpowering intoxication. Bringing his fingering back up he took the time to inspect the dripping substance before licking it off.

" I must say you have a perfect balance, not to sweet or to much copper. At least we definitely now know than when we are done with you. The meat that you will be providing us with will be delicious."

That last statement made Bofur's eyes go wide. Just hearing that threat leave Bolg's mouth sent chills to radiate down his spine. As the gravity of his dire situation grew in intensity. There was no doubt in his mind what the outcome of his fate will inevitably be. But he was not going to betray his Company as a means to maybe lesson his suffering.

" Go fuck yourselves."

Something inside the pale orc finally snapped as it's lightening fast reflexes again came fourth and snatched up the smaller being by the throat.

The hat wearing Dwarf clawed at his tormentors wrist as he felt it's nails dig deeper into his skin. His feet then left the ground and the pressure on his windpipe intensified as the large hand fully encased is neck. Bofur's strangled chokes sounded out as he tried with all his might to capture the air his lungs were being deprived off. Each desperate kick or scratch only resulted in the grip to become stronger while soon enough his thrashing grew weaker. Black spots began to appear in his vision while the asphyxiation caused the light-headedness to set in. Despite the pain in his chest and the sound of his heart pulsating in his ears. Bofur could feel his limbs grow heavy as his blood retracted from his extremities and pump to his vital organs. As his oxygen starved brain tried to keep him alive. But he was running out of time if not already.

Bolg and his minions all smirked in satisfaction as they watched the once struggling dwarf's close his petrified eyes and go slack. He had finally succumb to the strangulation and loss consciousness. But the leading Orc was not done with their captive just yet. Lessening his grip he watched to make sure the Dwarf was still breathing before turning to the pack member nearest to him.

" Tie him up. We will be keeping Oakenshield's little companion for now as it will only be a matter off time before the rest come looking for him." He held out the unresponsive Dwarf to his minion. Without question he obliged and took a hold of the smaller creatures ankle. And soon enough the smaller figure was dangling upside and completely unaware of the Orc packs next plan of action.

" Though even if they don't I am sure the pain of their friends anguished filled screams will draw them out.

Why do I hurt the people I love! XD

Please don't hate me but decided to leave on a cliffhanger as it is all about to go down in Lake Town.

Anyway again I hope you liked it :D