Title: No Safe Paths

Summary: Sequel to Not So Easily Broken. Fíli and Kíli are escorting Bilbo back on the long road to the Shire. They had hoped that perhaps their journey would be easy compared to what they had just endured but they are about to learn that there are no safe paths once you step over the edge of the Wild. AU. No Slash!

A/N: The title comes from a quote from The Hobbit: "There are no safe paths in this part of the world. Remember you are over the Edge of the Wild now, and in for all sorts of fun wherever you go." I very much recommend reading Not So Easily Broken before you read this. I have only written 5 chapters so far so my updates won't be nearly as quick as they were for Not So Easily Broken, however I have the whole story mapped out. I will probably update at least once a week so prepare for suspense...except this first chapter really doesn't have a cliffhanger, like most of my stories end up having. Thank you to my wonderful beta, Nathália!

Disclaimer: I do not own The Hobbit or any of the recognizable characters. I am simply borrowing them for entertainment purposes :)

Chapter 1

They had been on the road for a few days now.

Erebor was just a picture on the horizon behind them as they began their long journey back to Bag End. Bilbo was quite happy to be returning home however he felt saddened, since he had left a great part of himself back at the newly established dwarf kingdom. He had seen so much. Once he returned he wasn't quite sure what he was going to do. Life would seem so boring compared to this journey he had taken part in.

Perhaps he would visit Erebor once more.

As he rode his pony up front, he chanced a glance behind him to spot his companions. His eyes first landed upon the younger of the two. Kíli was smiling as he hummed a song to himself. His dark mane was as unkempt as usual and his chocolate eyes were warm as he watched the Hobbit. It seemed that not much could ruin the prince's good mood. After all, after a lot of hardship, everything was back to normal. Well, sort of.

Behind Kíli was Fíli, whose face was much more focused and stern compared to that of his younger brother. His blue eyes scanned the trees around them, the reigns of his pony were gripped tightly in his hands as they slowly pressed forward.

Bilbo felt sorry for the lad. He had been through such trials, and it had been evident in the past few days that he was still haunted by what had happened to him at the hands of Ravina.

Although they all knew that Ravina was dead and her control over Fíli was completely gone, Bilbo could tell that the prince was still haunted by what had happened. It seemed that he was determined to make up for his actions.

In a short amount of time, he had insured that Bilbo and Kíli had gotten enough rest and provisions. When it came to scouting, Fíli was the one to scout the area to make sure it was safe enough and if there was ever any doubt they would continue on until he was sure they would be safe for the night. At nighttime, with what little sleep Fíli did manage, he would mutter and toss on his bedroll, his hands clenched around the hunting knife.

Kíli was doing his best to try and lighten the mood but there was only so much he was capable of.

The sun was already setting on their third day of traveling. Before it grew any darker, Fíli found an open grove that seemed ideal for camp for the night. After alerting Kíli and Bilbo of his intentions, he led them over to the spot. Soon as they arrived, they tethered the ponies to a tree.

Once the ponies were secured, Kíli pulled his bow.

"And just where do you think you're going?" Fíli asked, immediately spotting his brother's movement.

"Going to hunt unless you plan to go through our rations well before we reach the other side of Mirkwood."

"No, I need you to stay here and keep an eye on the ponies and Bilbo."

"I'm sure our burglar doesn't need protection. He's proven himself more than capable of-"

Fíli did not listen to the rest of Kíli's statement, leaving quickly into the shadows of the forest.

Kíli watched in disbelief the disappearing figure of his brother as Bilbo approached. "Where is he going?"

"He's going to get dinner. I was going to do that but apparently he is under the impression I need to keep an eye on you and the ponies."

"I'm sure he is just trying to keep you safe."

"It's not me he should be worried about. He needs to forgive himself."

Bilbo placed a hand on Kíli's shoulder. "All wounds heal with time. It's only been a few days. I'm sure we'll be seeing the old Fíli in no time."

"I hope you're right, Bilbo."

After a few hours, Fíli returned with a few conies. He didn't say a word as he bypassed Kíli and began to skin them. Kíli wanted to go and ask his brother if everything was alright but one look from Bilbo told him to remember what he had said. Wounds healed with time.

But Kíli was impatient. He wanted his brother, not this shadow he had become.

They ate in silence and once they had finished their meal Fíli stood and said, "I'll take first watch. You get some rest, we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."

Without another word, Fíli stood from his spot on the ground and went to take his post as lookout. Kíli and Bilbo sighed before they turned in for the night.

Kíli woke with confusion as to why he hadn't been roused for watch.

As he slowly sat up from his bedroll, he saw that Bilbo still lay fast asleep and Fíli was still sitting on the rock.

There was no telling how much time had gone by and Kíli could tell by the way Fíli was hunched over that he hadn't slept at all, probably sitting there for some time now. He gathered his sword and bow before heading over to his brother.

When he flopped down next to Fíli, he peered over and saw the dark circles under his eyes as they gazed into the darkness. It seemed, however, that he had noticed the arrival. "What are you doing up?"

"Came to relieve you. Have you gotten any sleep?"

"Not tired. Woke Bilbo for a little bit but I couldn't fall asleep."

"Nightmares?"

"…You should really go back to sleep, Kíli."

"I've slept for long enough, tonight. I'll take over. Like you said, we have a long day ahead of us and you need your sleep as much as we do."

"It's alright…"

"Stop being stubborn like Uncle and go to sleep before I knock you over the head."

With a defeated sigh, Fíli slowly stood from his spot on the rock. "If you get tired…"

"I'll wake Bilbo. Go. To. Sleep."

Fíli gave him half a smirk before retiring to his bedroll.

Kíli watched his sluggish movements, concern written across his face. He knew his brother was stubborn but if he didn't start taking care of himself soon, this journey would prove to be a lot harder than the last.

TBC...

So yep, a set up story. As you can see, Fíli still is a bit guilt ridden. But for all you Kíli fans asking for some Kíli-angst...there is plenty of that to come, I can guarantee that. Although I have the whole story mapped out, what would you guys like to see? Maybe I will add it in? You know me well enough by now to know I always listen to my readers. So please, read and review and tell me what you think and what you want to see!