" He could not of got that far ahead of us?" The younger dwarf prince could feel himself growing more frustrated as he desperately scanned every area on their route. But still to no avail could he spot the familiar shape or silhouette of a dwarf wondering.

Tracking their comrade was being made increasingly more difficult as the light of the setting sun began to dip below the structure of towns buildings. Making navigating the vast unfamiliar alley and walkways more of a challenged. The streets seemed as if they were all but abandoned. With the only signs of life coming from a few locals they had passed along the way.

" Well you have to remember Bofur is quite fast on his feet. Or maybe he just went the other way?." Fili replied as he tried to keep up with his brothers sporadic pace. While also surveying each alleyways they passed.

" But I swear when I watched him leave his shadow in the window went left towards town."

" He could of taken any number of alleyways you know Kili, maybe we should just head back. It is getting dark and he may have already returned."

Kili was about to turn down another unlit pathway but his brothers statement made him stop in his tracks. He placed his palm on the side of the wall and turned his head to look at the other Dwarf over his shoulder. " No. If you want that's fine but I am staying out until I find him."

Fili shook his head and l gave a small smile. " And loose you in Lake town also, I do not think so. We will give it another hour but if we have not found him by then we go back...Deal?"

The younger sibling was about to answer when he heard a loud blood curdling scream. They looked at each other and without haste ran towards to source of the noise. They barged down an alleyway as they could hear voices getting louder on approach. Kili was about to round the corner but was immediately pulled back and pushed into the wall by his brother.

" Hang on we cannot be hasty we do not know who is around there." Kili was about to respond when they heard an all to familiar voice speak out.

" 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."

Both brother's eyes doubled in size , watching each other as the colour drained from their faces spontaneously. Gulping down the their increasing bubbles of fear they slowly peeked around the corner. From there they both witnessed Bofur unresponsive body being held up by his throat and passed to one of his cronies. Narrowing their eyes as their friend was roughly taken by his ankle and gripped upside down.

In that moment Kili could not hold back the pure rage that coursed through him. He was about to take out his bow but was quickly stopped by Fili.

" Don't be an idiot they outnumber us."

" But they have Bofur." Kili's pleading gaze boar into his older brother.

"I know that it just we can't..."

But was straight away cut of by Bolg speaking up again.

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

That last revelation hit both Dwarves hard as the gravity of the situation turned up a notch and became even dire. Bofur was now not just in the hands of their enemy. But was going to be used as leverage to capture the rest of the Company. Growling the younger prince began to fidget in frustration and pace at how helpless he felt.

" They are going to kill him. We can not just sit here and watch as they make of with our friend."

Fili thought for a few seconds before looking around the corner again. He watched as the orc member followed his order and reached for some rope that he was carrying in. The older prince took a sharp intake of air as the orc placed their comrade down onto the ground and proceeded to tie up his arms and legs. Then with a stern gaze he stepped back to the safety of the alleyway and looked back at his brother.

" Ok I have a plan I will distract them while you get Bofur out of here."

"Are you crazy I can't allow you to take on Bolg and his orc pack alone."

Fili's switched to a more assertive tone " We don't have a choice besides who said I was going to take them on face to face."

Despite his voice dripping with more authority Kili still l did not look convinced.

" Get him back to the house so you can also bring back reinforcements." With another quick glance towards the Orc pack and having his plan of action settle into his mind. Fili took his turn to leave but did not make it a few steps as a hand reached out and pulled hard at his arm sleeve. The Dwarf prince gave a quick glance down at his before his eyes made contact with his younger brothers. He could see the twinkle of fear and apprehension within them as the situation they were in dawned on him.

"Please stay safe and don't do anything stupid." Kili could not hold back the shaking tone in his voice. To which Fili gave his sibling a half smile and pat on the shoulder.

" Do not fear, I will not allow myself to be caught. Just get Bofur to safety." He waited for his brother to respond to his request with a sheepish nod. Before pulling his arm away from the grip.

" Just wait here and stay hidden until you hear the signal."

" And how will I know what the signal is?"

" Oh you will know when you see it." With a wink Fili let out a devious smile before turning and bolting back down the alleyway. Leaving Kili alone to digest what his older brother just said. Although he did not know what his sibling was planning he trusted him to no end. But it was all down to the fact if he trusted himself not to do anything stupid in the meantime.

Sprinting out the dimly lit passageway Fili took a hard right towards the location he and his brother first heard Bofur's screams. If his memory serves him right he remembered passing a crate full of crab shells. Though useless when taking on a hoard of Orcs he just needed something to use as a distraction. A direct one on one assault was out of the question as he was ridiculously outnumbered and would easily be subdued. Being stealthy and quick on his feet was the only option he had right now.

When he finally arrived back Fili hastily scanned through the wooden containers in question. Letting out a small cheer when his assumption was correct. He quickly undid the lid and scooped out a handful of shells and placed them into his pockets. He then went back in to take a few more handfuls until the linings of his jacket was full.

Satisfied he had more than enough the blonde dwarf then ran back in the direct which he came. He bypassed the alley he hoped his brother was still situated down and went to work climbing the building that he knew the Orcs were directly stationed in front off. All he could hope now was they were still there and his brother did not do anything brash while he was gone. Fili did his best to try and push down the increasing feeling of anxiety as he scaled the wall aa he reached the top of the roof. Pulling himself up he then quietly made his way towards the other end of the structure.

He held his breath as he slowly peered over the edge to find to his relief Bolg and his minions were still there. But there was no ttime to relax as his eyes quickly fell onto Bofur. A deep pit of fear settled in his stomach as he now had a better view of his fellow company member. From his vantage point he could make out the other dwarfs unresponsive features as bright red blood trickled down and stained his pale face.

" Oh Bofur what have you gotten yourself into?" Fili could not help but murmur to himself.

Not wasting another single second he reached down into his filled out pockets and grabbed a handful of the shells. He closed his eyes for a few seconds while taking a few steady deep breaths before bracing himself. The prince looked down again to see the Orcs were about to embark which was the queue to ready himself.

All he could hope for now was that this ultimately stupid plan worked. That Bofur and Kili got out of this safely and he personally got out of this alive.

Minutes felt like hours as Kili sat tight and waited for his brother so called signal. He could feel his muscles grow extensively more tight as his nervousness threatened to consume him. He tried to control his shaking hands and just focus on the here and now. Listening to the voices and commotion of the Orcs with intensity. Whilst also preparing himself to jump into action when the opportunity arose.

Though the Dwarf prince could not help looking around the corner just to make sure the Orcs were not preparing to leave. The dreaded thought that they may make their departure before his brother returned. Made his gut knot in pure fear. If this was the scenario there was no way he could just stay put and helplessly watch as Bofur is taken. To be more than likely brutally tortured and killed. Fili's instructions or not he will fight to get his friend back even if he has to bait the Orcs away himself.

Kili was suddenly ripped from his train of thought when he heard the distinctive language of Black speech being spoken. He again peered around the corner and felt his stomach drop as it was obvious the Orcs were indeed ready to move out.

Time was up and this was it.

The youngest prince pushed his back fully against the wall for support. Staring forward as he took in long steady breaths to help calm his shattering nerves and prepare himself for what he was about to do. He slowly took an arrow from his quiver and loaded it into his bow. Time turned into a crawl with the only sound and sensation coming from his ever increasing heart beat. Nothing in this moment mattered apart from getting his comrade back. Taking one last deep intake of air Kili gripped his weapon even tighter and readied himself to fire the deadly projectile at his enemies.

Suddenly angered grows echoed out and found their way into Kili's ears. Looking to see what was going on the Dwarfs mouth dropped in somewhat disbelief. ' Please tell me this isn't the plan?'

From his hiding place was the sight of 7ft pale orcs being pelted with what looked like small round objects. The scene was one of surrealism but yet in a weird way was somewhat amusing. Despite this it seemed to be taking the desired effect as there was an almighty roar from Bolg than shouts of instructions. The Orc pack immediately began scaling the wall of the build from which the source of the projectiles where coming from. A mixture of relief and dread wrestled with Kili's emotions as he could now get to Bofur. Who had luckily been left unattended on the ground. But still the worry of his brother was now being pursued instead, injected fear into his core. He had to act fast.

Not waiting another second the prince rounded the corner and bolted straight to Bofur's side. He could not help but wince at the sight of his friend now he was closer and could take stock of his condition. Blood oozed freely down the side of his face and painted his hat and the floor red.

Remembering the situation he witnessed earlier Kili ran his fingers down the other dwarfs neck and gently pulled back the tunic. His eyes went wide in pure shock at the sight which greeted him. A thick bruise had already began to form, turning his whole throat an ugly shades of dark blues and purples. With no patch of Bofur's normal skin tone left. Pure terror was replaced with anger after Kili quickly checked for a pulse on his friends neck. Which to his relief there was one along with a steady rise and fall of his chest.

The Dwarf did not know if there were more hidden injuries but what he did know was that they couldn't stay there much longer. His unresponsive comrade needed immediate medical attention and his brother needed back up. He began to undo the knots on the ropes that bound his friends hands and feet together. Then with slight hesitation he went to work rousing his hat wearing friend.

" Bofur...Bofur come on buddy you need to wake up." Kili gently shook and patted the other dwarf's uninjured cheek. His stress levels began to increase when at first his efforts seemed to not have any effect. But soon a small pained grown eased the young prince's anxiety and watched as the other individuals brows scrunched up in discomfort.

Pain was the first thing that struck Bofur as his senses began returning to him. Followed by the distressing feeling off suffocating as breathing even a small amount of air seemed difficult. Yet as darkness retreated and reality seemed to reemerged behind his closed eyelids. The heaviness he felt around his neck that was squeezing the very light force out of him seemed to of lessened.

Using nearly all of his depleting strength Bofur hesitantly began to opened his eyes. Dreading to what he may see when his vision adjusted to the world around him. Yet there was no doubt awake or unconscious his captors will still hurt him so even if he chose to play comatose there was honestly nothing to gain.

His eyelashes fluttered and yet even despite the fading light of dusk. The rays of the setting sun still sent an electric shock sensation that felt as if needle were piercing his eyes and striking the middle of his brain. Shapes slowly shifted into somewhat recognisable objects. It took a few more moments but soon a person who he did not expect to see also morphed into focus.

" Kili?" Bofur voice came out as a horsed murmur.

" Hey buddy yes it's me. So glad you are back with us." The princes had a look of pure relief on his face. That the other dwarf could not help but mirror.

" So am I. Never thought I would be so glad to see one of the spawn of Satan twins, what happened?"

Kili smiling expression quickly turned into a serious frown as it then dawned on him they were both still in danger. Taking a moment he looked around their surroundings before answering.

" Me and Fili followed and saw you being strangled and about to be taken by the Orcs. Fili is acting as a distraction but we can't stay here. We need to get you back and regroup with the others. Do you think you can walk?"

" I think so." With help from the youngster the hat wearing Dwarf slowly shifted his weight to get himself sitting up. He immediately stopped with a hiss when a white hot wave of pain shot through his shoulder and radiated down his arm. A look of panic also made Kili instantly stop in his tracks and glance down at Bofur.

" What's wrong?"

Still wincing the other Dwarf was taking in large puff of air through his gritted teeth. " My shoulder. Think the bastards broke it."

Concerned and now in even more of a panicked state Kili quickly dropped his arms away from underneath Bofur's. And instead went on to gripping him around his mid section. They had already spent to long here and needed to get out of the area. Arching his back he was about to put all his weight into the hoist when two mysterious shadows began to appear in front of them.

" Well isn't this a fine treat." Stopped dead in their track both Dwarves turned towards the source of the sinister voice. As soon as they laid eyes upon the new individuals. Every fibre of their beings felt as if they were about to burst from sheer terror.

" We leave our catch for not even two minutes and it multiplied." One of a pair of Orcs chuckled as he lightly punched the end of his war hammer into his palm.

The slightly smaller Orc snorted in delight as he to observed the two dwarves " Indeed master Bolg will be impressed now we have obtained two Dwarf rats. One more to add to the meat pile."

Though deep down terrified. Kili in an act of boldness rose up and placed himself in front of Bofur to act as a barrier. " You have obtained nothing Orc filth."

The larger Orc arched his brow in amusement. " This one has spunk too. Oh I am going to enjoy beating that defiance out of you." He took a threatening step forward and gave a quick glance down at Bofur. Before again meeting the other dwarf's gaze.

" Maybe we can convince Bolg to let us keep you alive longer. And than make you watch as we tear your friend apart limb by limb. His end fate has already been decided."

Kili desperately wanted to reach round and retrieve his weapon. But given the situation they were both in he knew that by the time he did. The Orcs would be right on top of them. He could not risk his friends safety at any cost especially when he is injured and clearly has no way to defend himself. All he could hope was if he followed his brothers suit and distracted them away. Maybe Bofur could make a run for it.

" You are wrong there scum. I will put an arrow between both your eyes before you even get a chance to lay hands on us."

" Shall we put that to the test? Because right now it is you and a lame Dwarf verses the two of us. Do you really believe the chances are on your side." The larger individual encroached even more with a few more step. With his accomplice following close behind.

" I will fight until there is nothing left in me. I will not let you lay one disgusting finger on my friend, you hear me." The younger Dwarf spat back.

" Oh you sad little Dwarf, do not make promises you cannot keep. You and that other miserable creature belong to us and our Master now.

" And I promise to piss on your dirty rotting corpses after I remove both your heads."

It all happened in a matter of seconds. With an humongous roar both Orcs charged at the pair. As expected Kili did not have the chance to retrieve his bow and set an arrow as a hammer came barrelling down towards him.

The prince dived out of the way just in time and sidestepped as again the weapon was swung in his direction. Avoiding being pummeled by the hammer was hard enough but soon and weapon was being flung his was in the shape of a large dagger. With both sets of Orc now on the attack Kili used all his years if training just dodging the onslaught yet he new he could not keep this up forever. He hoped eventually his opponent will tire before he does. Then could use the opportunity to retrieve his weapon and end this. Although right now his main goal was to draw them away. Which Kili was finding nearly impossible to do due his exit constantly being blocked by one of the Orcs. All he could do was wait for was a window.

The sight and situation was killing him. The injured dwarf could feel his blood pressure rising as he looked on at the fight happening directly in front of him. He could not just sit there and watch on as Kili took on these monster by himself.

Despite the pain and several attempts Bofur made it into his feet a desperately scanned his immediate area. Spotting anything that may be useful and found what looked like shells. He quickly picked them up and began throwing them at one of their enemy. It didn't take long as the larger Orc with the war hammer came charging towards him. Bofur had a split second to move as his quick feet evaded the attack. As the adrenaline finally took hold and coursed through his veins. All he could do right now is try and keep this Orc busy until Kili had deposed of his opponent. Which to his relief soon came.

With the smaller Orc hot on his heels Kili could tell it was finally beginning to tire. Sailing out of the way of another dagger strike he jumped on top of a wooden crate stack and used the opportunity to take out one of his arrows from his quiver. When he reached the top the Orc began punching the wooden boxes and topple the structure. To which the Dwarf prince launched himself into a high somersault and land a few feet away. Taking the new opportunity he then grabbed his bow and loaded the arrow.

His enemy only managed to change a little after half way before he released the deadly projectile at the advancing threat. It dug deep into the Orcs chest and puncturing his heart. It made a few disturbing gurgles as it's black blood flowed freely out of the entrance wound. With a few more final wails the Orc finally came crashing down dead at Kili's feet. To which the Dwarf stared down for a few moments but then it dawned on him that there were two Orcs he was fighting.

He straight away looks around and to his horror saw Bofur dodging his attackers weapon. It was all but clear that he was becoming slower and slower as the extreme strain was taking it's toll on his body. Kili then screamed out and bolted forward as he then witnessed his friend laying dazed on the ground. A hard hit from the Orcs leg managed to make contact with Bofur's side and send him viciously to the ground.

Focusing directly at his target Kili took out an arrow and quickly loaded into his bow while watching as the larger figure draw up his hammer above Bofur. He took a stance and levelled up the shot as best he could before releasing and letting it fly. The tip met it's mark and embedded itself into the Orcs back. The figure let out a scream of pain but did not go down. Instead with a growl he turned to his attacker and lunged forward at speed. The prince did not have a chance to reload another arrow as the orc's hammer swung at his head. The Dwarf just managed to duck out of the way but was met with a hard backhand that sent his flying into the wooden crates he scaled earlier. All Kili could see was stars as the large silhouette of the orc approach. He was about to move when a large foot planted itself on to his abdomen, forcing the air out of his lungs. Feeling the pressure intensify the prince let out a loud grunt as his ribs began to buckle under the assault. Staring up on defiance he could see metal of the hammer catch some of the suns raise as the light bounced of it's edges. The Orc lifted it over it's own head ready to bring it down with force and deliver the finishing blow.

Suddenly Kili was released from the hold as something leapt onto his attackers back. An eardrum piercing roar rang out as the Orc then dropped his weapon and tried in vain to dislodge the smaller figure. He kept reaching behind his back to try making a grab for him but to no avail . Time then seemed to speed up as he saw a knife was then forcefully plunged into the Orcs neck. Haunted bellowing echoed out as blood escaped the beasts mouth and spluttered all those around it. As to be expected the larger enemy also fell to the floor but this time unfortunately, with Kili's savour taking the fall force of the impact.

Without a second thought the prince ran to his conrades aid and with all the strength he could muster rolled the Orcs body off his friend. Underneath Bofur laid prone and unresponsive.

" Bofur Bofur wake up. Please don't do this to me now." The young prince pleaded. With everything that just happened this idiot could not be taken out just like that. But to his relief the hat wearing Dwarf let out a groan followed by strained coughs in discomfort.

" Don't worry kid I'm still with yah."

Kili let out a loud puff of air in relief as he again went to work helping his friend gently sit up. This time remembering to avoid touching his injured shoulder. " You had me worried there for a second bud."

The hat wearing Dwarf chucked. " Occupational hazard laddie. I couldn't just sit back and watch you loose that pretty head of yours. Your uncle, brother and especially your mother would have my guts for garter."

The younger Dwarf could not help but match his friends new found cheerfulness. Though an unexpected reaction with everything that just went down. It was a typical old Bofur reaction and something that Kili desperately missed.

" Your an idiot but I would have you any other way."

" My prince are you hitting on me? Because I usually request an invitation to dinner first." Bofur gave the other Dwarf a flirtatious eyebrow raise and pout. This earned another chuckle and a soft clap on his good shoulder.

" It's good to have you back Bofur."

All of a sudden without warning a large hand shot out and grappled the hat wearing Dwarf by leg and hoisted him into the air. Bofur wailed out in a mixture of surprise and pain as he was again held upside down. At the same time Kili who for a second froze quickly regained his senses and made a despite grab for his friend. He was about to attack the still living Orc but instantly stopped when the larger individual shuffled a few steps backwards and took out one of his daggers.

" Surrender now Dwarf or I will gut your friend like a fish." Malice and anger dripped from the monsters fanged mouth. Which instantly caused the younger dwarf stiffen in sheer panic. He then watched on as the larger being made good in his threat and held the weapon up to his friends stomach.

He could not afford to go on the offensive now. Not when his friend life was hanging in the balance. Taking a deep shaking breath in incense. Kili held up his hands in an act of surrender. Which earned a loud protest from Bofur who in turn received a harsh shake from his captor.

" Very good little one I am glad you are finally doing as you are told." The Orc at that moment then looked to the Dwarf he was holding with a sinister glint in his eyes. "Though I must say an eye for an eye."

With another unmerciful jostle to aggravate and induce more discomfort to the much smaller being. He then peered back at the other riled individual with satisfaction.

" Given this situation I cannot let this miserable rats actions go unpunished. So as a debt to be paid I will be removing a kidney instead."

Kili let out a shriek in protest and was about to lung forward when suddenly out of no where an arrow shot out and make a direct hit. The tip penetrated the Orcs eye socket which in turn brought the larger beast down instantly. The prince just had a split second of time to sprint forward and catch his friend in his outstretched arms. Before he also made contact with the hard ground below him. With gentle care he lowered his comrade to the wooden floor before speaking out.

" Are you OK?"

By this point Bofur felt like a battered rag doll with no clear indication of which way was up. For a few moments he used the opportunity to blink away the dizziness away from his muddled up brain.

" Yeah I'm fine but if my eyes are not deceiving me. That arrow strike did not come from you."

As if on queue Legolas jumped down from a neighbouring rooftop and came to land in direct proximity of the stunned duo. Placing his own bow behind his back he took a couple of steps forward and without a word gave the Dwarves a fixated stare.

" Never thought I would be so glad to see an elf." Kili was the first to break the eerie silence.

" Wish I could share in your optimism. But you will be glad to know I am not here to take you back to face my father."

It was then Bofur's turn to speak out. " Then why are you here?"

The Elf's facial expression did not wither or change as he answered the new question that was presented to him. " Best way to hunt is to track down their prey first. I am here in pursuit of the Orc pack that is chasing you. Though I must say I did expect to find more than two Dwarfs and definitely a greater number of Orcs."

" Why are you chasing down Orcs when the matter is of no importance to your kind."

By now Legolas could feel his usual calm and content posture begin to falter with the constant barrage of questions. He did not have the time or patience to be dealing with these rude, tedious creatures. Especially when he had his own mission to accomplish.

" I do not have any interest in your personal health or wellbeing. But you can thank Tauriel on that matter."

Kili's interest spiked even more. " Tauriel?...Where is she?"

" We split up to track separately. Though going by this uneventful scene and lack of Orcs I am sure she will need the back up. Any idea where the rest of them are?"

Right then the Dwarf prince remember there was a third member who's safety was in jeopardy. " Chasing my brother last time I checked though I do not know which way they went."

The Elf rolled his eyes in annoyance. " Unhelpful but ok. I should be able to track them down even with your lack of information or assistance."

Without wasting another second Legolas turned to make his departure. But not before addressing the two dwarves one last time. " I suggest to get your friend out of here. He is not looking to good from what I can see."

Kili and Bofur then watched on as the taller individual sprinted away into the increasing darkness. They were left in complete silence for a few moments as the unexpected arrival soon disappeared out of sight.

Making a slow glance towards his friend the hat wearing Dwarf cleared his throat. " Do you know what. I am getting the slight impression he does not like you all that much."

"No shit."