Summary: The three begin their trek and Fili notices his brother is missing.

Disclaimer: I own nothing. This is fiction

A New Journey

The week in the Mirkwood healing halls had worked wonders for Kili. His wound was all but healed, although the healers had told him it would leave a scar. When Kili asked Legolas why the healers looked so upset at that, the Elven prince laughed.

"Elves do not scar. The healers feel they have failed, since they have left you with one."

Another thing that had improved was the relationship between the two princes. Bilbo was thrilled about this. He had had visions of travelling to Mordor, breaking up fights between and elf and dwarf every step of the way. But as it turned out, Kili and Legolas had a lot in common. They bonded over their love of archery, their joking natures and the fact that they loved people who they are convinced will never love them back. Even now, the two worked together to get Bilbo packed for their journey. With his hanky packed on top of the bag, Kili clapped his hands and turned to his friend.

"I think that's everything."

"Not quite. What about food, water?"

"My father is taking care of that. There will be provisions and water waiting for us when we leave. And don't worry. There will be meat and enough food for a Hobbit diet."

Bilbo and Kili grinned at each other, happy that Thranduil was thinking of them.

"My father does have one final gift for you Bilbo."

Legolas handed Bilbo a gold chain.

"For the ring. If it is on a chain, we know it will be safe and it won't be easy to lose it."

"Unless you lose your head."

Kili stepped back from the glares.

"Joke. Anyway, you have the ring and you're packed. Sting?"

"At the door."

"The mithril shirt?"

"I am wearing it."

"Then we are prepared to leave at first light tomorrow. We will give you time to rest Bilbo. There will not be much time for it on our journey. Kili, there is a book in the library I wish to show you."

"A book?"

"Aye, one of my forefathers wrote it on dwarfs. You might find it amusing."

Kili hugged Bilbo and followed Legolas out of the room. Bilbo smiled as their voices echoed down the corridor. He looked around his room. Sting was at the door, his pack placed beside it. The ring had been placed on the chain around his neck. He was ready for another adventure it seemed. Bilbo sat on the bed and took a deep breath. He was scared, of course he was. But Middle Earth was counting on him. Him! A hobbit from the Shire was going to save Middle Earth. He decided to look over the maps again. He couldn't be over prepared for this. Bilbo hoped he'd survive this journey. He and a certain dwarven king had to have a serious talk.

Fili sat by Thorin's bed side, watching as Oin tended to his wounds.

"Can we move him into the mountain soon?"

"Aye laddie, within the next two days. The salve the elves gave us has really helped."

Fili chuckled, knowing that if Thorhin knew his life had been saved by elves. Oin straightened, groaning as his back cracked.

"Ah, not as limber as I used to be. Fili, where's your brother? I haven't seen his arm since straight after the battle."

Fili frowned. He hadn't seen Kili in a few days actually.

"I'm not sure Oin. I'd better go look for him."

He left the tent, determined to find his brother. The camp was all but cleared up. The elves had returned to Mirkwood, only a few healers staying to help those seriously wounded. Bard and his men had moved back to Dale, bringing the less injured and bodies with them. Fili asked around, but no one had seen his brother. Growing concerned, he headed to the rest of the Company. He found Bofur first.

"Bofur, have you seen Kili anywhere?"

"No lad. And I haven't seen Bilbo for a while either. The others and I are searching for him."

One of Dain's dwarves passing by happened to overhear.

"Oh, I saw the hobbit and the prince head to Mirkwood with the elven prince. About a week ago."

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"I'm sorry my Prince. I thought they were on official business for the king."

The dwarf rushed off, before Fili could hit him. Bofur grabbed his friend, holding him back.

"Lad, calm down! We need to find out why they went to Mirkwood. Let's go talk to one of the elves. This needs to be sorted before Thorin wakes up."

The three companions stood on the bridge leaving Mirkwood, Thranduil standing in front of them.

"Legolas, when you have travelled half way to Mordor, let me know. I will send a troupe of elves to Mordor."

"Why would you do that?"

Thranduil smiled kindly at Bilbo, aware that Bilbo had no idea what he was walking into.

"Mordor is a dangerous place Master Hobbit. There are orcs, wargs and the Nazgul. It will be easy for the three of you to sneak in, but I would prefer if you had some back up."

Bilbo nodded, oddly comforted by Thranduil's reasoning.

"Be careful. You must trust each other with your lives. There is no time for squabbling or silly fights."

He looked at the two princes as he said that.

"Your lives depend on each other. This is not an easy journey and there is no one else. Bilbo must get to Mordor and destroy the ring. Bilbo, Middle Earth is depending on you. May the Valar travel with you and keep you safe."

They bowed to the king and walked away from Mirkwood.

"Legolas, which way is Mordor?"

"It is South East my friend."

Bilbo took deep breath and headed South EAST. Once more unto the breach, and this time, his fate would be even more uncertain.

A/N Done. R&R please. Next chapter, Bilbo starts to feel the pull of the ring and Gandalf questions Thranduil