This chapter is to simply move things along.

"It feels so good to be able to move about without having someone watch my every step," said Kili. He had been up and around for the past two weeks, but never without Lord Elrond's approval. It had been three weeks since the company had left, five since he was first injured.

"Yes, well I doubt you would have followed the healer orders otherwise," said Fili. "I know you better than you do yourself. You would have overdone yourself and ended up in the same condition as you were when they found you on the plains."

"I would not! I know how important it is that I heal. I wouldn't jeopardize that."

"You wouldn't on purpose, but you have always pushed yourself to the limits."

"The sooner I can prove I am well enough, the sooner we can leave. If Glorfindel is right, we may be able to catch up to them after they reach the mountain, if not before."

"But if you are not careful, you will harm yourself and set our departure back."

Kili huffed. He knew his brother was right. He just wanted to prove he was well enough, and that he could defend himself. He had learned a lot over the past few weeks. Fili had told him all, even what the Lady had said. Elrond had even taken the time to counsel them.

At first, Lord Elrond had forbid his sons to go. He knew he could not forbid his advisor, for he would do what he felt was right. In the end, he relented, even though his gift of sight was blocked where the quest was concerned. His sons would go anyways. He felt the shadow stirring. He knew he could deny it no longer. So, he prepared his sons and the young dwarrow, who had been left in his charge.

Kili's days had been full of wellness exercise and archery training. He was amongst the best of his kind, never mind that few of his people saw the benefit of the weapon. He took full advantage of the fact that those around him had been practicing the art for at least an age, literally. Today, Glorfindel had promised to work on his swordplay, which is what the brothers are discussing.

"Look, Fili, I know that I have a habit of overdoing it, but I doubt Glorfindel would allow me to hurt myself. He is very astute."

"Indeed I will not," said the elf, as he entered the room. "I want to see where he is at and give him exercises to practice every day. He will need them if we want to leave next week."

"Next week!" exclaimed the brothers together.

"Do you really think it possible? Lord Elrond said it would be eight weeks," said Fili.

"That is what we are going to watch for the next week. Kili has been up and going all day, every day for the past week. I believe he has the endurance for the journey. Now we need to make sure he has the endurance for battle."

Fili thought about it for a moment, and then nodded his approval. Kili let out a whoop and made a hasty exit. Fili sighed.

"Fear not, he will be fine."

"I know, I just don't think I could handle it if he…"

"There are some things in this life that you just cannot prevent, no matter how hard you try. You need to accept this truth."

"It is a bitter truth."

"But truth none the less."

"I have a feeling you have firsthand experience."

To this, Glorfindel said nothing. He took his leave and went to meet Kili on the practice field.

Kili collapsed on his bed two days later. "Fili, do you remember how Thorin used to drag us out of bed before the sun was up, and have us work in the forge all day? And then, he'd have us practice our sword skills until dinner?"

"Yes…"

"I miss those days."

Fili chuckled at his brother. "You are only a little out of shape."

"A little out of shape has nothing to do with it. That elf is out to get me."

"I thought he was very astute and wouldn't do anything to cause you harm?"

"Shut up, Fili."

"Hey, I wanted you to wait a little longer."

Kili grunted and rolled off the bed, heading to the bath he knew awaited him. Fili chuckled at his younger brother before yelling through the door, "Amad always said you should be careful what you ask for. You may not like what you get."

"SHUT UP, FILI!"

"Are you certain that leaving now is a good idea?" asked Elrond.

"Yes. Kili is well enough and is getting too impatient for his own good. I will be honest; I am no less eager. Scouts have informed me that my original path is out of the question. Too many orcs have been sighted. They are waiting for something. We shall take a similar path to which Mithrandir planned. It will take us through Mirkwood, but we should find our way through there quickly."

"Are you not still banned from Thranduil's domain?"

"Yes, but we shall stick to the path. The sickness that lies upon the forest has shown little effect upon our kin. I am certain that Elladan, Elrohir, and I can keep Fili and Kili on the path. Thranduil rarely has his people patrol the path, though he should. His father always made sure to be of assistance to the travel weary and lost."

"But if he was alerted to the presence of the company, it may be heavily watched."

"So what if it is? I do not fear Thranduil. His father, Oropher, declared that path separate from his kingdom, therefore, I shall not consider myself as going against his ban."

"But he will. Thranduil is not his father."

"This is the path we shall take. Elladan and Elrohir are prepared for it. Fili and Kili have been packed and ready for two days. Fili said you counseled him against sending another letter to his mother."

"I did. Though your path is dark, I still see a great many things. She is preparing for her own journey. I will dispatch a patrol to act as escort. As you have stated, there are orcs about."

"She will accept them?"

"Yes. I would go myself, but Galadriel has asked me to wait on her. She believes she will have reason to call on me. I shall head to Erebor myself once I have seen to her deed."

"Have you informed Fili and Kili of this?"

"Just this morning. They are grateful for the offer of an escort. Fili and Kili wrote a short, joint note to be handed to her. Well, I believe you may take your leave. My sons shall be here shortly to give me their goodbyes.'

"Are we going to hunt and scavenge on our way for food?" asked Kili. "You have packed little to no supplies."

"We will have lembas bread," answered Elladan.

"What is lembas bread?" asked Fili.

"It is a food we elves make for long journeys," said Glorfindel. "One bite will fill the belly of a man and keep him on his feet the entire day. We have not the time to hunt and gather, and we cannot afford the loss of speed a pack horse would cause. We are going to ride hard all day, and take few rests. Our aim is to catch your uncle before he reaches the mountain, correct?"

"Yes."

"Then let us be off."

"To Erebor!" cried Kili.