Hello everyone! My goodness it's been a while! Like I said, I've not given up on this story. Matter of fact, I've already written the whole thing! It's all a matter of typing and editing everything. You are all so wonderful for sticking around. There is some pretty exciting stuff coming up!

It was the day after we'd all been reunited and since I was hardly able to move, driving was going to have to be done by someone else. Fili had volunteered to be the student for the day and I had him driving around a semi flat patch of land. We'd made wedges to put on the gas and brake pedals so the shorter legs of dwarves and hobbits could reach. Fili was altogether overwhelmed by the whole ordeal at first but once he realized all the power he had at his disposal we were zipping too and fro to my discomfort. I was beginning to feel quite ill when something tumbled from behind a tree directly ahead of us. Fili slammed on the breaks and winced at the sudden stop and rested my head against the dashboard to gain composure.

"That was Bombur! Fili shouted hopping out of the car to help the poor dwarf up. Bombur had already scrambled to his feet as he wheezed.

"Beh…" He huffed a few more times. I leaned out the window to hear what he was trying to say. Fili tried to get the words out of him. "Bear!" He shouted breathlessly. The three of us looked to where he came and noticed the rest of our group heading our way. We both looked at Bombur in confusion.

"How did you?..." Fili began before a dozen dwarves were upon us scrambling in and onto the car frantically. The wizard whipped around to the drivers side.

"I'll do the driving for now." He breathed hopping in. Bifur had jumped into the passenger seat with me hardly realizing I was there. We had no time to adjust as Gandalf put the pedal to the metal and we flew across the forest skidding around trees and rocks. Growls could be heard from somewhere in the forest and I tried not to think about the giant bear pursuing us. Though the pain in my ribs was enough to keep me distracted. Bifur had noticed my discomfort and was trying to hold me steady.

There was little need for us to stop at Beorn's. We had stored a lot of food in Grandpa. We were well on our way to the forest now. I was worried about it though; I didn't think we'd make it in time if we went around the forest, even with Grandpa. I was also worried that we might not be able to find a decent path through the forest that could accommodate a car. Gandalf would be leaving us as well and I just couldn't drive around anymore. I hadn't been surprised when Gandalf had almost expertly driven around but I knew none of the dwarves had been taught how to handle the car well enough to get it through the rough terrain.

After a long drive we noticed the beginning of the Mirkwood forest approaching. Everyone began chatting excitedly. We were one step closer to Erabor. Gandalf brought us all the way to the forest edge before stopping.

"I must tend to my other duties now. I have guided you this far. Thorin and Sharae should be able to guide you the rest of the way." Gandalf ducked out of the vehicle before everyone else. We all knew he had duties to attend to but the thought of his protection leaving the group was unsettling. Gandalf said his goodbyes and we watched him walk off into the distance.

After much discussion with Thorin about possible drivers we decided Dwalin would be the best choice. He was taller than the others and therefore had more advantage for maneuvering through the forest. He also seemed like he'd be able to get in the hang of driving quickly. The rest of the day I dedicated to teaching Dwalin what he'd need to know.

Dwalin had developed a slight twinkle in his eye when we told everyone our decision. He followed me to the car and sat confidently in the drivers seat. He was still pretty short, which we'd just have to deal with. I gave him the overview and he listened intently. I knew he was picking everything up. I told him that Grandpa wouldn't be able to make it through large crevasses and that sharp things would puncture the tires and we wouldn't be able to move. When I finished all of my lecturing he looked at me trying to suppress and excited grin.

"You ready?" I asked. He nodded and shifted himself in place, "Okay, go!" I smiled, knowing he had been anticipating this all day.

Dwalin wasn't a really terrible driver. He just liked going fast… and when he wanted to make a right he wanted to turn right now. He also had this nasty habit of making everything a jump. He must have forgotten about me in all his merriment because I had to tap him on the shoulder and ask him to stop so I could catch my breath. This trip through Mirkwood would probably be the death of me. Dwalin drove us back to the group when I'd finally recovered. Bilbo was nearly jumping out of his seat when we returned.

"How'd it go?" He said worriedly. I smiled.

"He's got the hang of it," I leaned a little closer and whispered, "It might be a wild ride though." Bilbo sighed in defeat. I'm sure he was wondering why our adventure couldn't have taken them on a gentle stroll across smooth, grassy plains.

We made camp and rested. I didn't know what mysteries the forest all held. We were way ahead of schedule from the time the dwarves were originally supposed to arrive here. I wondered if we'd meet he elves at all. It would probably be best if we didn't, honestly. There were so many things that could go wrong if we did. Bard would need to know what was coming and we'd need more supplies so there was no dodging Lake Town at all. In all my thoughts I'd failed to notice Kili taking a seat next to me. I jumped in surprise when he cleared his throat.

"Sorry, sorry, I just wanted to say… uh," he pulled at his bangs nervously, "Thank you, for, you know, getting Fili back in one piece." He grinned. I laughed lightly then regretted it with a wince.

"You know, it was actually him that brought me back in one piece. You two are very brave." I said. Kili's smile widened and he bowed his head. Bilbo hopped out of nowhere and sat if front of me with a crinkle in his brow. "Ms. Sharae. I, I'm worried about this forest." He admitted. I guffawed internally, as you well should be, Bilbo. I didn't know how to ease his mind so I just nodded and we discussed all we could to prepare ourselves.

Thanks again for reading! Comments are so welcome, I'd love you hear your thoughts and ideas.