"Thorin!" Kili hissed in a loud whisper. "Look how many children that woman has!"

"I don't think they're all hers, Kili." Fili told him, though he looked uncertain.

"Look at them! They all have her hair."

"But there's six of them! No woman can have that many children, surely."

Frankly, Thorin was astounded they'd not gotten chased out yet. Between Fili asking a Shire native if the Halfling houses were, in fact, molehills and Kili staring too appreciatively at a Hobbit lass' fairly sized bosom 'til her father had noticed, he was amazed they were still there.

He gazed around, the soft green hills, the gently flowing river, the soft trees rustling in the breeze, the sound of birds speaking to each other and wondered if it would be cruel to drag Bilbo from his home to retake the whole venture once more. He remembered now, more so than ever, the things that had happened. He remembered green eyes widened with fear, the same green eyes swimming in tears. He remembered a once cheerful Shireling brought to a shell of his former self, harrowed by things that his species were not meant to go through.

But he needed his burglar. And no other burglar would do but this one. He urged Minty on, searching for the deep green door that almost matched the eyes of the one who owned the home it guarded. He recalled this place, the gentle curve in the path, the silence. As they reached 'round the curve, he felt his heart jolt and he took a deep breath, exhaling loudly as he came closer to his destination.

He stopped his pony, looking back at his nephews, who stared at him with curious eyes. "Kili, did your mother tell you of when we were all living on the road?"

"Yes, she did. She said that she had to pretend to be ill a couple of times to allow you all to stay in a village. Just because she was the youngest! Why?"

Thorin simply raised an eyebrow.

Leaving Fili behind the gate with the ponies, Thorin slung one of Kili's arms over his shoulder. "Make sure you act weak, confused, and tired. Cry if you can."

"I can't believe you told Mama to do this," Kili grumbled. "I hope you buy me a pint of ale for this, Uncle!"

"Fine, but you'll have to share it with your brother."

"Never mind, then."

Thorin rapped the door, leaning to one side to support Kili's weight as his nephew decided to use him as something to rest against.

That curly, golden-copper head, the familiar emerald-green eyes and the curious voice had been something Thorin had never thought to hear again. Last he'd seen Bilbo, he'd been grimy, covered in blood that didn't seem to be all his, eyes bloodshot and drowning in tears. Recalling their plan, Thorin made his voice desperate as he first spoke to the Hobbit,

"My nephew is sick. Will you help us?"

"Y-yes. Come in."

Fili waited patiently with the ponies. He couldn't help but grin at his brother's misfortune, for he'd once had to play sick and it had been the most boring thing he'd ever done in his life. He cast his blue eyes over the mounded hill and wondered how the house didn't collapse in on itself when it rained or snowed. Hopefully, he could have a look at it.

"Master Fili?"

So, the Hobbit was back. Fili smiled at him. "Call me 'Fili'."

"Fili. Let me show you where to put your ponies."

"Thanks. My brother alright?"

"He'll be fine," the Halfling said, sounding soothing. "Don't worry yourself."

Thorin was glad he'd informed his nephews to hide their knives and swords, for if Bilbo had seen them, he'd likely have thrown a fit and refused them entry into his home. And that would not have done at all.

"You're an evil Dwarf when the mood strikes you."

Thorin grinned. "Nonsense. I could hardly ask him to burgle from a Dragon upon first meeting him, could I? Can you imagine?"

Kili thought about it before nodding. "Fair enough then."

"Are you comfortable?"

Kili looked up at him from where he lay on the sofa. "I am, actually." He shuffled a bit and then looked towards the fireplace. "Look at that carving, Uncle. It's a lion."

Thorin moved to look closer at it. "I don't believe it was made here."

"Where d'you think?"

"Don't knock that over!" Bilbo requested, entering the room. "It was given to my mother by an old friend."

"Don't worry," Kili said, "Uncle might look like he can drop things by just looking, but he's not that bad."

Fili heard this remark as he came up behind Bilbo and laughed at his brother's words. Kili hastily coughed to keep his illusion of illness up and shivered as Bilbo went to place a hand on his forehead.

"You don't have a temperature. How long have you been ill?"

"Since this morning," Kili answered, catching his uncle's eye.

"It might be the 'flu."

Both Thorin's nephews glanced in some bewilderment at him. Thorin nodded at Bilbo. "Kili'll be well again soon, then?"

"Oh, yes. In a week he'll be back to normal." Bilbo went back to the door. "Do you like juice, Kili?"

Kili perked up at the mention of the drink. "I do, yes."

"Oh, don't look so smug!" Fili chided as Bilbo left. "Just because you have an obsession with fruit juice doesn't mean you can look so happy with yourself."

"You're just jealous because all you got when you were ill a decade ago, was medicine from Oin!"

Fili raised his chin. "I didn't have to train that day, remember? I spent the day with Mama reading to me while you shot arrows at a tree. In the drizzle."

"I was about ready to shoot arrows at you when I came back in," Kili recalled, a slight gleam in his eyes.

"You would have done, had Master Dwalin not taken the bow out of your hands." Thorin said.

Kili was quiet for a moment, staring up at the ceiling. "Uncle?"

"Hmm?"

"Why is it circular in here?"

"I don't know. Ask Bilbo, when he-"

"Who's Bilbo?" Fili asked.

Thorin cleared his throat. Mahal. How had he forgotten that his nephews had no knowledge of the Shireling? "The...Wizard mentioned his name. Said he'd be a good help."

Well, it wasn't a lie. Gandalf had said that. Once. A very long time ago, it seemed now.

"He'll help us take back Erebor?"

"If we are careful, yes."

If he was careful. If he was weary of the Gold Sickness that had clung to him, sinking into his very core like slow lightning breaking through the wood of a tree. If he had the wisdom to remember that even he, for all his hope, was not untouchable by Gold Sickness.

"He doesn't know why we're here, does he?" Kili asked.

"No. Not yet. I don't feel taking him by surprise would do any favours for us."

Fili shook his head in agreement. "Should we keep quiet, then?"

Thorin gave him a nod. "Aye. Both of you, be cautious with what you say around him."

The least thing needed now was to scare off their much-needed burglar.

Alright, so that's Chapter Four done!

Hope it was enjoyed :)

Love from Shania. xx