Here's another chapter to make up for not updating for 3 days. I get that no-one is probably as addicted to this story as my friend but I have been wrong. Enjoy this new installment and tell me about it!

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    “You’re sure you’re up for it?” Sabrielle questioned having pulled Kili aside for the hundredth time that morning. The young dwarf nodded enthusiastically and with a slight exaggeration. “You almost drowned in your soup yesterday is all,” she explained choosing to ignore his clowning, “If you’re still tired we can hold off a day.”

    “Sabrielle,” he soothed a cheeky grin sliding across his face, “I’m fine. I don’t need to rest. I had enough sleep and now I want to go home to Balin and the others. You don’t have to come if you feel you’re too old to travel so far.” The elf playfully slapped his arm.

    “I’m coming whether you like it or not, Master Dwarf,” she declared turning up her nose and crossing her arms, “Nothing you can do or say is going to stop me.”

    “Well,” Fili called from atop his mount, “If you’re quite done talking about coming, I’m going. Are you with me?” The other two hastily clamoured their horses.

As Sabrielle was unable to ride Êlthalion, as the two promised months were not up, the elf sat astride a pretty chestnut horse, Maple. Fili’s choice of pony had been a dapple grey mare, Lilac due to her love of eating the flowers, and Kili had the pleasure of riding Birch, a particularly stubborn female with the most beautiful palomino coat. The trio trooped along at a steady canter, resting when they wished and warming their toes by a little fire in the evenings. On the afternoon of their fourth day, the little company reached the town of Esgaroth. They made their way through the streets to the other side a little smile of pleasure lighting up Sabrielle’s features as she saw the townsfolk had repaired a lot of the damage and were doing a marvellous job at it. Most of the rubble had been cleared away and new structures had popped up all over the little town. They passed through quickly trying not to draw any attention to themselves. It was soon after that they reached the city of Dale and continued onto the Mountain.

    “Erebor,” breathed the brothers in unity. The solitary peak lay before them but it could hardly be called ‘lonely’. Dwarves, men and a handful of elves wandered around, over and through the stone. It was almost like an ants nest swarming with the little insects. Not that anyone would dare describe any of the residence as ants for fear that heads would roll.

    “Fili!” his brother grinned elbowing him, “Look! Look it’s Balin! Oh! And there’s Dwalin right next to him. My, don’t they look a grim couple? I think they need some cheering up.” Fili, however, was not sharing in the other’s joy. As they drew nearer the gate the trio dismounted and continued on foot in almost silence. They were nearing the main gate when Sabrielle turned to say something to Kili. Before she could get a word out someone knocked into her sending her crashing into the raven haired dwarf.

    “Oh!” came a dismayed voice, “I’ll be begging your pardon, Miss. Should da bin watchin’ where I was goin’. I ‘ope I ‘aven’t done any damage. And I’m sorry to you sir, fa . . . knockin’. . . her . . . in . . . ta . . . you . . .” The apologetic dwarf had gone as white as a sheet. His eyes had swollen up to the size of saucers and his mouth hung agape making his carefully braided beard look an extra foot longer.

    “Oh,” Kili smiled pleasantly as he returned Sabrielle to her feet, “Hi Bofur. It was no problem, really. Is everything alright?” The dwarf continued to stare a moment longer before visibly shaking himself out of his stupor.

    “Kili?” his voice was barely a whisper, “I’m seein’ things aren’t I? I mus’ be goin’ mad. I’m dreamin’. I’m sur’ly dreamin’.”

    “No,” Kili replied still grinning, “And Fili’s here too.” He gestured to his brother and Bofur’s eyes followed his hand diligently. “But he’s being sour,” continued the young dwarf, “Fili. Be polite and say hi to Bofur. He thinks he’s going mad and he’ll continue to do so until you smile like the normal Fili.”

    “Sorry, Bofur,” greeted the other brother flashing a small, forced smile, “I wasn’t concentrating. Hi, I didn’t mean to be rude.” It was then that Bofur decided to faint. He was never really one to act like a damsel but I guess the shock of seeing two people you thought were dead hanging outside what was practically your house could be a tad overwhelming. Just a tad mind you. Fili and Sabrielle together carried Bofur while Kili led the horses the rest of the short distance to the main gate of Erebor. Dwalin’s patrol of the outer walls had taken him down near the entry so as they passed through Kili decided it would be fun to call up to him.

    “Hey Dwalin!” he shouted merrily, “Mind giving us a hand!” It only took a moment before the older dwarf was down with them.

    “What seems to have happened here?” he demanded more than asked. He looked up from Bofur straight into Kili’s face.

    “Durin’s beard!” he gasped taking a step back, “Kili you ratbag! Where have you been?  And Fili! I didn’t recognise you! Wait until the rest of them see you! We thought you dead! You’re going to be talking your tongues off trying to explain what you lads have been up to.” Bofur stirred slightly. “Ah,” Dwalin continued, “We’d best get that one to Oin. Then I’ll gather the troops and we’ll tan your backsides together. Oh Mahal boys! They’ll be wanting your blood for not coming sooner!” Sabrielle, thoroughly amused at the dwarvish antics, barely stifled a laugh and the older dwarf reddened with embarrassment. “Oh,” he muttered, “I’m sorry if I offended.” The elf shook her head.

    “No Master Dwarf,” she smiled gracefully, “Lead on to this Oin and maybe I’ll help you tan their backsides.”   

    “This one I could like,” Dwalin whispered to Fili with a wink as he helped pick up Bofur. “I think I’ve seen her before.” Fili’s brow furrowed and he shook his head. ‘Mine’ he mouth to the older dwarf.

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Ooh! Fili's got dibbs on Sabrielle! Did you like that chapter? Please don't forget to leave comments so I know what you want and expect from this story! If anyone knows how to make my characters speak sound more like the ones in the movie feel free to tell me! I would really like that. Meow! And enjoy your day! Until we meet again!

~SpanishFox