I love all your kind words! Just so you all know I have started outlining another fanfiction that is a Hobbit pirate AU. I blame Assassins Creed Black Flag.

Chapter 23

Almost a week passes since Kíli had woken up.

He had been fit to leave for a few days but refused to. He would not leave without his brother. However, with each passing day, it became harder to make up an excuse to stay.

Eventually he and Bilbo decided it was time to move on.

As he finished packing his bag with all the provisions Elrond had given them, he continuously hoped that Fíli would appear and apologize for disappearing for so long. He wished he would walk through the door of his room and say everything was fine now and they could continue on.

When Kíli heard footsteps in the doorway he spun around with hope but his smile fell when he saw it was only Bilbo. "You ready then?" Bilbo asked, completely missing the sudden change in Kíli's facial expression.

Solemnly Kíli nodded before shouldering his pack and weapons. As they began to walk towards the entrance to the wild Kíli kept his eyes peeled. Perhaps Fíli was still hiding amongst the Elves and would surprise them at the last minute. As they approached the archway they saw Elrond waiting for them. "Is everything alright?" Bilbo asked.

"Yes, Mister Baggins, everything is fine. I just wanted to wish you safe travels."

Bilbo nodded a bow before leading the way. As Kíli passed the lord, he asked, "Where is Fíli?"

"He has made his choice."

Kíli looked dejectedly to the ground. It seemed Fíli had abandoned them like he said he would before they arrived in Rivendell. He couldn't believe it. He refused to believe that his brother would just leave without saying goodbye. He looked hopefully back at Rivendell, hoping against hope he would see Fíli bounding towards them. "You weren't planning on leaving without me, were you?"

But Fíli was nowhere to be found. With a saddened gaze he followed after Bilbo, following the Hobbit up the path.

Unbeknownst to them a shadow was lurking behind them, pearly blue eyes watching them from afar.

They traveled in silence, not sure what to say to one another. They were both thinking the same thing. They were both worrying about their missing travel companion. But what could be said to take their minds off it?

Their first night on the road both of them found it difficult to rest. Bilbo was pacing back and forth, his eyes watching the forest around them for any signs of anything. Kíli kept his gaze cast into the fire, watching the dancing flames lick the air about them. In the embers he could see younger versions of himself and Fíli running circles around their mother. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he recalled the memory.

He hated being separated from his brother. They rarely were away from one another. He remembered the first time he was away from Fíli for an extended period of time. When he recalled the reunion he couldn't help but chuckle. The little laugh caught Bilbo's attention. "What's so funny?"

"Oh, it's nothing, Mr. Boggins. I just...I remembered something about the first time Fíli and I were separated."

Bilbo looked at him quizzically. Sensing the Hobbit's confusion, Kíli continued. "Dwalin was going on a hunting trip and wanted to take Fíli with him so he could practice his tracking skills. They were gone a week at most and the entire time they were away I would sit by the window watching the path they had taken. Thorin said I was the most ill-behaved Dwarfling at the time. I refused to go anywhere, thinking I would miss Fíli's return and when I wasn't watching the door I was amusing myself by giving my mother and Thorin grey hairs. When Fíli finally did get home he refused to let me out his sight for almost a month. I couldn't go anywhere without him following me. At one point in time I actually snuck out when Fíli had fallen asleep just so I could get away from him for a little bit but he woke up moments later and proclaimed I was missing and how I must have been stolen in the night. Thorin had all of Ered Luin looking for me."

Bilbo and Kíli shared a laugh, both of them imagining a young Fíli frantically running around a small town looking for his younger brother. "We've never been separated for long periods of time since...well, I guess that's not really the case anymore, is it?"

The happy moment had faded as Kíli prodded the fire with his stick. With a sad smile Bilbo placed a hand on Kíli's shoulder. "Get some rest, Kíli. I'll take first watch."

Kíli nodded before laying down in his bedroll. He tossed and turned, trying to find a way to get comfortable which was difficult seeing as how Fíli wasn't there but eventually he fell asleep. Bilbo heaved a sigh as he watched the forest around them.

Finally Bofur, Nori and Bifur arrived at Rivendell. As much as they hated eating green food they were very glad to be staying in proper beds. They just hoped the lads and Bilbo were there as well. As they entered the city they were instantly spotted by Lindir. The Elf looked very confused as to what they were doing there. "Ah, excuse me, could you…"

But before Bofur could continue Lindir was walking quickly up the stairs behind him. The three dwarves stood dumbfounded, wondering what exactly had just happened. Very quickly Lindir returned with Elrond who looked as confused by their presence as Lindir. "What brings you to Rivendell?" he questioned.

"We're trying to catch up with Fíli, Kíli and Bilbo. We were hoping they came this way so we could bring the lads back to Erebor."

"They were, indeed, here but they left the day before yesterday."

The three dwarves groaned inwardly. "We need to catch up with them, quickly," Nori explained.

"You will be given whatever you require."

Before the dwarves could give their thanks Elladan and Elrohir rode up. "My Lord Elrond, we come back with urgent news," Elladan began.

"Bolg and his pack were spotted crossing the Bruinen heading West," Elrohir finished.

Bofur and Nori looked at each other in worry as Bifur continued to look at the twin Elves with his normal blank stare. "Then you best hurry before Bolg catches them. Elladan, Elrohir, give them the fastest ponies we can spare."

The Elves nodded before rushing towards the stable. "Meet us at the path to the Great East Road in no more than five minutes time."

As Elrond rushed away, Bofur, Nori and Bifur fell to the ground so they could have just one moment's rest before they rushed out of what was supposed to be a peaceful rest.

Their fifth night on the road was when it happened. Bilbo had been on watch, keeping his eyes open for any passing threat. There was a noise to his left that drew his attention. Slowly he got to his feet, his hand drifting to Sting's hilt. As he stepped forward Kíli slowly sat up, having been roused by Bilbo's soft footsteps. "What is it?" Kíli asked, drowsiness laced in his voice.

Before Bilbo could say anything he saw a faint glimmer from his scabbard. Both his and Kíli's eyes went to the blade, recognized the familiar blue glow. They knew what that light meant. Just as Kíli was about to grab his sword their camp was overrun with Orcs.

They never stood a chance.

Both Bilbo and Kíli were pinned to the ground, the heavy weight of Orcs crushing them to keep them from moving. Kíli dared to look up, his face twisting into a snarl when he recognized the Orc towering above them. "Bolg," he growled.

The Orc just sneered as he sent an order to his Orcs in the Black Speech. Bilbo and Kíli were forced to their feet and dragged through the tree line to an unknown location.

Fíli had set up his camp far enough away from Kíli and Bilbo so that he would not alert them but close enough that he could hear everything that was going on. When he had heard the first noise he instantly pulled out his sword before cautiously stalking towards their camp. He quickened his pace, however, when he heard the sounds of an ambush.

His feet were quick as they carried him towards the camp but when he arrived, his heart fell. The camp was completely ransacked and Kíli and Bilbo were nowhere to be seen. Slowly he knelt to the ground, his hands feeling the dirt. He could barely make out a faint trail leading away from the camp. He kept his sword in his left hand as he followed the trail.

He just hoped he wasn't too late.

TBC...

To be honest I hate how this last part of the chapter turned out. I think it's a bit choppy. But I couldn't think of a better way of writing it. Alas, that's writing.

Kíli's eyes darted between the weapon Bolg held and Bilbo. He could feel the fear emitting from their poor burglar. What was he to say? What would Fíli say if he were here? After taking a deep breath, Kíli pleaded, "I can't tell you where he is because I do not know. If you still don't believe me, then turn your anger towards me, not him. He's done nothing wrong."

Bolg looked at Kíli with interest. "You are willing to sacrifice your life for this Halfling?"

Bilbo's eyes danced to the young heir, his face contorted in confusion. Kíli locked gazes with him for a moment, telling him with his eyes that everything would be fine. "Yes."

Bolg's lips drew back, his black teeth snarling in a sinister grin. "So be it."

As Bolg began to stalk towards Kíli Bilbo tried desperately to free himself. "No, Kíli!"

As Kíli saw the Orc draw near, he closed his eyes and prayed to Mahal that his end would come swiftly.

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