Look into my eyes and you'll see

I'm the only one

You've captured my love

Stolen my heart

Changed my life

Every time you make a move

You destroy my mind

And the way you touch

I lose control and shiver deep inside

You take my breath away

- Lyrics by Queen -

O - O - O - O - O

The voices of laughing, screaming children reverberated throughout his bedroom, rousing Bofur from the most restful sleep he had had in some time. Next the unmistakable aroma of sausages, eggs and other morning delights reached his nose, immediately prompting his stomach to rumble. Mornings such as this were so commonplace in the dwelling he shared with his Brother Bombur, Bombur's wife Astrid, fourteen nieces and nephews and lastly his Cousin Bifur.

Ten years had come and gone since the battle of the Five Armies and the reclaiming of Erebor -the Lonely Mountain. Dain Ironfoot had ruled fairly and brought Erebor back to a time of prosperity for all that lived and worked in its depths. Bofur had returned to his mining occupation – one that he had never minded before joining the Company, but lately his passion had begun to wane. It didn't take him long to realize his time in the mines had come to an end. So he quit. No more dark, dank depths for him.

He soon discovered that Bifur also wasn't as happy as he once was. He had returned to creating toys again for the children of Erebor, but like Bofur felt something was lacking in his life. His toy creations were always popular, but he wanted something more. Over supper several nights prior, the cousins decided what they really wanted was to start a business, a toy and repair shop. Bifur would make them with Bofur's help, but also they would repair them.

Dale, the city of men over the last ten years had also sprung back to life. In some ways, it was still just a shadow of its former glory, but as the years passed and people returned to the old city it began to grow, repair, replace and build anew. Bofur and Bifur decided that was where they wanted to open their shop. They wanted to become a part of its growth. So they agreed that they would take the trip across the lake and find a place to begin their new venture.

Today was that day.

Staring up at the ceiling of his room, he debated if he was truly ready to rise for the day. Neither dwarf had set a time to leave so he continued to lie quietly in his bed. Finally convinced that he had stalled enough, he roused his body into an upright position only to eyeball the fireplace across the room. The night before he had built a roaring fire before falling asleep, but over the course of the night it had burned itself out. Giving a brief sigh, he tossed back the covers and hurried over to rekindle it. It wasn't long before a nice warm blaze sprung back to life. Picking up his pipe and tobacco pouch, he planted himself in the chair next to it, procrastinating further.

As he puffed away, watching the smoke swirl upwards, he took one hand and absentmindedly raked his fingers slowly through his braidless hair. He winced at any tangles or knots discovered. His thoughts began to wander...thinking back to the conversation had over supper. While their journey would not be a long one, he tried to remember everything that had been discussed, money they wanted to spend, size of the shop they needed, and where they wanted it to be located. After finishing his pipe, Bofur rose, crossing the room to grab a pitcher off a small table. Pouring the water from within into a ceramic basin, he leaned over splashing it on his face. It was time to make changes. He had no idea how much the coming days would do precisely that.

O - O - O - O

"Well it smells mighty fine in here!" Bofur stated as he wandered into the family dining room. Bifur was already there busily eating or at lease making an attempt as two of Bombur's younger boys – Baldr and Tyr jerked on his shirt sleeve trying hard to gain his attention. Having heard Bofur, Astrid breezed into the room carrying a loaded plate for him to eat.

"Good morning brother. Hope you're hungry?" she smiled. Astrid was always like a small ray of sunshine. His brother had truly struck gold when the two of them found each other. Besides being an incredible mother to his growing family, she was also like him, a wonderful cook.

Placing the plate in front of him, she turned to the rambunctious siblings clapping her hands together to get their attention.

"Baldr! Tyr! Leave Cousin Bifur alone. He must eat. He and Uncle Bofur are taking a journey today and need their strength. Give them some peace."

Bifur silently thanked Astrid as she returned to the kitchen, two small boys in tow.

Bofur took a couple of bites before saying, "Are you still up for our journey today cousin?"

Bifur nodded, "Will be…good…for…both us."

Bofur nodded back. He also thought it would be good for Bifur. During the battle, he had finally rid himself of the ax that had been embedded in his forehead for so many years. It may not have been the Orc that originally gave Bifur the grievous wound, but it had been the next best thing. Plus he had saved Bofur's life in the process, launching himself at the Orc who had knocked him to the ground. Their heads met and the ax became embedded in the Orc. After a brief struggle the ax was gone leaving both Bifur and Bofur in utter surprise.

With the loss of the ax, the older dwarf found he had regained his ability to speak Westron again, but after so long his mastery was halting at best. He tended to speak slowly, as if searching for the right words. Even ten years on, he struggled to speak in complete sentences. When alone with his kin, he sometimes reverted to Khuzdul. He had confessed to Bofur he felt frustrated that something so simple still eluded him. Just one more good reason, Bofur thought for the cousins to set up their shop in Dale. Being in a city where so many spoke the common tongue could perhaps give Bifur the added spark he needed to find his way.

Two hours later the cousins stepped out the front gate of Erebor, traveling packs in hand. It was now early autumn and both wore cloaks to fight the crisp fall air. Bombur had followed his brother and cousin to the entrance to offer his wishes for a safe journey. "Travel safe. May the path before you be worry free." he stated before leaning in to give both dwarves shoulder crushing hugs.

Smiling, Bofur replied, "We'll send word if all turns out the way we hope. Tho' ya may not be coming with us, brother, ya are still a part of this venture. Take care of Astrid and the wee ones while we are gone."

"Always!" came the expected replied.

Tossing his bag over his shoulder, Bofur turned to his cousin and grinned, "We're off!"

O - O - O - O

As predicted, the journey down to the waterfront went smoothly. The ferry that had been established after the reclaiming of Dale made the crossing very easy. The ride on the lake was peaceful, giving both dwarves a chance to stare off into the distance at the approaching towers of the city. So much had changed over the last ten year, yet so much had remained the same. Bifur pointed out new towers, and how some of the architecture had been repaired or replaced with new buildings.

"Nice!" he said turning to his cousin.

"Oh aye" Bofur replied, "looks like we might find both old and new building prospects to work with. Not sure how you feel cousin, but I would prefer something older. Something we can make our own."

In response, Bifur shrugged his shoulders. The exhilaration of beginning something new was unlike anything he has felt in a long time. Yet, even beyond that, something else had been pulling at his insides for over two years now. His toy making had fueled part of his need, but he struggled to understand why he felt as he did. What he was searching for was out there, but he soon realized he wouldn't find it in Erebor.

When the cousins had discussed their plans over supper, he got the sense, even though it was unspoken, that Bofur too was searching for something. He knew his cousin had grown weary of working in the mines, but it wasn't until their talk that they both realized their search was leading them in the same direction. It was a need to leave the Lonely Mountain and begin anew.

As the ferry drew nearer to the shores of Dale, Bofur clapped his cousin on the shoulder, "By Durin, this will be the start of many great days for us. Of that, I'm certain."

Nodding in response, Bifur agreed. "Hopeful."

Bofur grinned broadly thinking, 'Very hopeful indeed'