Oh, Mahal and Yavanna, I cringed so much re-reading the original chapter three! What was I thinking?! Here's a new one, along with an apology. I'm sorry it was so crap. Here's a peace offering!

"Uncle, hurry up!"

"Patience, Kili." Thorin said, smirking over at his impatient nephew.

"What do you know about patience?" Kili asked, smiling back.

Thorin gave a lock of deep brown hair a gentle pull. "Mind your manners, muhud."

Soon enough, they were on the road, leaving a gravel path for a more natural one of soft dirt and lush grasses. The sun rose fast and riding along with his two nephews reminded Thorin painfully of the last time he'd seen them. Broken, bleeding, one already dead. Never again, he swore to himself. Never would that happen again.

"Bree first?" Fili asked.

"That's right, my lad. Bree first."

It was late, late afternoon by the time they eventually got to Bree. Thorin remembered his promise to Dis and smiled at the thought of his sister in this bustling, busy place. She wouldn't stand for any of this jostling or pushing. Mahal above, she would likely install a deep terror into them her first day in Bree.

His sharp blue eyes picked out the worn sign with the horse and he looked back to make sure he had his sister-sons' undivided attention before going on.

Making his way to the stables, Fili and Kili trailing close behind, he made out a figure in a pale green gown, long chestnut hair kept back in a simple braid. He remembered her as the daughter of the innkeeper and called out to her.

"Miss Butterbur?"

The young girl turned, light hazel eyes curious. "Yes?"

"Are there any rooms free?"

"Aye, there are," she answered. "Secure your ponies, I'll tell Da he's got people wantin' a room."

"A room?" Fili repeated after the girl was out of earshot. "Curse it all. Will I never be free of his nighttime mutterings?"

Kili blinked. "Hey! I don't mutter!"

"You do, little brother, you talk in your sleep."

"I do not!"

"Some things," Thorin thought to himself, "really do not change."

"Uncle? Uncle!"

Thorin cracked open an eye. In the wavering candlelight, he could make out the worried deep-brown eyes of Kili and the concerned sky-blue eyes of Fili. "What's wrong, boys?"

"You were calling for us in your sleep." Kili said, sitting on Thorin's bed. "Why?"

"Must have been dreaming that you two were playing tricks on people." Thorin mumbled.

"No, it was more a.. sad call," Fili told him, choosing to kneel on the floor in order to look at his uncle. "Like Mama used to do after Adad died."

Thorin flinched, taking hold of Kili's hand and cupping Fili's chin. "Don't you worry yourselves," he said, looking from one to the other. "Nothing bad will happen to you."

"We know, but what happened in your dream?"

"I can't remember."

Fili examined him for a short time before nodding. He grabbed Thorin's wrist, accepting his uncle's aid in getting up from the floor and leaned down to embrace him, an action that was swiftly returned. "We're safe here," he said confidentally. "Nothing dangerous ever happens in Bree." With this knowledge, he headed back to his bed, though he kept his candle on.

Kili also moved to stand by Thorin, though he chose to sit down and hug him. Thorin recalled Kili getting shot in the leg. He tightened his grip of his youngest nephew. They'd not seen each other again. Kili had fought, but he'd not seen him. The last he'd heard was that he and his brother had died. He wished Fili was back with them so he could be with him for longer, but shook himself out of the memories.

Fili was right. Nothing dangerous ever happened in Bree. Releasing Kili and murmuring a 'goodnight' to his nephews, he turned on his side. They were safe. They were alive. They were here and this time the whole quest would go a lot differently.

IMPORTANT NEWS! THE TRAILER IS SAID TO BE OUT 20TH JULY! MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

I couldn't believe how terrible the original chapter three was! My gods, it's a wonder it even got followers! Hopefully, I can fix this thing :)

Am I right in my rather conceited assumption that this chapter is short but sweet? It'll be longer next time, I promise!

Hope it was enjoyed!

Love from Shania. xx