Part 1: Chapter 21: The Dwarves They Heard the Tramp of Doom

"Tell me," Dwalin stepped alongside him. "What changed your mind?

"Pardon?" Thorin asked, taken out of his thoughts of Sona. She joined the Company!

The Warrior glanced back at the Thief, clearly frustrated after she had refused to give up her pack to him a second time that morning. They continued the trail East, with Dwalin speaking out of earshot of the others. "Back in Imladris you said you wouldn't ask her."

"I said I didn't." Of course he hadn't.

"And now you did." Dwalin spoke like he questioned a Dwarfling. Seems he and Fíli expected this manner of questioning would have some effect… They mistook.

"I did."

Dwalin gave his best 'are you kidding me' glare and waited for Thorin's explanation. It did not come, so he pressed again. "What's different?"

"She came…"

"You didn't expect that, eh?" Dwalin had bet on the Thief.

Thorin shot a glare toward his Friend for silence. "It is not what you think. She needs us."

"In what capacity?" Dwalin's eyes were wide like Bombur's favorite plates.

"To keep to our Quest but follow her should she leave it."

Dwalin's jaw went slack as he understood, if only partly.

"And where's she headed?" Dwalin stared hard, his mind following a path he clearly didn't like. "She's with us now," he stretched the last word ominously, then pressed passed… "Unless––" And then he glared at Thorin, prickled by his thought trail. "Wait–– Balin's often said he thinks Whatsafist's lost and looking to find her way back––"

Thorin nodded, no need to deny it.

"You mean to follow her home, Thorin?" He asked, leveling his question with a disapproving glare. "I've no idea how this will go, but we've no business there, wherever it is she hails from, should she choose to return to it. Seems more like we should hope she chooses to stay."

Thorin stared at him dumbfounded, completely shocked his Friend had thought this far out. But he had it wrong. "Not home," Thorin clarified, now more certain Dwalin had a fair idea just how far away she 'hailed' from.

"She believes she must do something first, something dangerous," Thorin explained. "She believes she must do it alone, for the good of all."

"Bollocks." A scowl settled deep in Dwalin's face. "Can't be."

"So I asked."

Dwalin nodded. "So when are you going to tell me what, Thorin? What sort of Wild Wargs trail her? Must be something stupendous––"

"I'm not telling."

Now Dwalin's glare grew fierce.

"I promised her my silence."

"Oh that's just lovely." Dwalin huffed out air and clamped his arms shut over himself.

"It's the right course."

"Since when? And that is no answer. It's better we are more informed," Dwalin nodded his head hard for emphasis.

Thorin sighed, and decided to say what he could. "Nothing trials her. It is something she knows… something to come. Foreknowledge."

Dwalin waited, inviting Thorin to say more.

"I cannot tell you except for generalities, for the promise I made."

"To keep it secret."

"Aye."

"Well, say on, what you can, then," the Warrior groused, rolling his eyes and sighing impatiently.

"There is a danger far greater than a Dragon that threatens all the free people of Middle-earth..." Thorin filled him in much the way he had with Fíli.

They walked a half hour in silence, until out of the blue Dwalin asked, "If you're ever up to talk, I'd like to hear your thoughts on One, beyond what's known from books." Though he spoke almost carelessly, Dwalin looked afraid.

Unlike how he took the vague but weighty news of Sona's warning fears. Kâmin zashar.

Thorin blinked, shocked at the fact of the question posed, not to mention the change of focus or the unusual choice of topic coming from his Warrior Friend. "What do you know of it, aside from what you told our Thief?"

"Your Thief." Dwalin corrected, not even looking at him. "I've an inkling I've got it too; as does Nori."

Dwalin described it as though it were some disease. Thorin felt his chest tighten. Maybe it was. "Got what, exactly." He'd have him spell it out…

"Juzrazur––"

"You've talked to Nori about it," Thorin said. It was not a question; they were close and he did not wonder why.

"Aye, in our last trip through Dunland, he said he wasn't sure if he noticed something's changed. And then this happened to you after we met in the Shire." Dwalin smirked. His hands gestured toward Thorin as though he were some no good castaway. "We've been watching, comparing. And something's missing, well, and Nori said almost the same. It's come out of nowhere. Or maybe we just never noticed. We start to think we'll get wham-smacked from behind, just like it happened to you."

Thorin stared for a moment, fully aware Juzrazur'ē had not been there before the fogs. Perhaps this was more common that he first believed. "I can't say it won't."

Dwalin gritted his teeth. "We're both rather hoping it won't." Then he stared hard back at Thorin. "You're none too happy for it," he huffed, looking away, not asking for answer. "Nori'd rather have a lot of lasses one after another than just one, and otherwise he'd rather keep things the way they are… ranging with me when we're not on a Quest. I've a similar mind, except for all the lasses." Dwalin shrugged.

Thorin knew it well. They were good friends, Dwarves at arms not inclined to want to live isolated. "You always said you felt nothing––"

"Don't hit so low, Oh King in Exile; so did you, before." No sarcasm shaded his eyes, in spite of the words. "For a good long while I've felt more than before."

Then Thorin frowned in thought, wondering if there was something specific. "What exactly do you speak of, Dwalin?"

"You can be so coy; don't expect less of others." Dwalin glared straight back at him, and though they were moving, they were now nearly nose to nose. "I'm not telling," he repeated, using the same inflection Thorin had a while before. "At least nothing more about me."

"You don't know who." Thorin knew it was true.

Dwalin's eyes were fire. He threw his hands up. "It's all so… jumbled and rushed, I've a gnawing sense of restlessness."

Thorin looked at him, nodded, remembering… so ominously familiar, his Friend felt Juzrazur, had no idea toward where, and didn't want to talk about it. And yet he had so many questions.

One fear Thorin could eliminate immediately. "Just because it's sudden does not mean there's Binumrâl.

"Of course not," Dwalin rolled his eyes at the thought. "But why so sudden? Maybe they're falling out of somewhere like where Whatsafist came from… Kaleforn'ya."

Thorin looked at him, now frowning. "And where do you think that is?"

"Not from here…" He waved his arms, indicating everywhere. His body moved with tense agitation, and then suddenly went still except for the pace they kept. "Maybe they're lost…" A worry-filled expression expanding his face. "Never mind that." Dwalin brushed it off.

Then he pointed a finger into Thorin's chest. "I'm meaning to talk to you, about what you're doing. Crush through the thorny hedge and find a way… Some of us would like to see it work."

What in Durin's name? Thorin frowned. He had never seen it not work, not until it happened to himself. And there was no way around the laws, surely Dwalin knew that.

Thorin looked to the ground ahead of him and kept walking, his mind like a roller drum turning the pieces.

Dwalin thumped him on the shoulder to get his attention back. "Chose for her."

"What?"

"You can't leave her anyway."

"No."

"May as well." Dwalin's face was close enough to hit. "And stop glowering on about it, it's a gift."

"When have I––"

Dwalin pointed to his face just as Thorin smacked the finger away. "Just now, right there." And then he laughed, a frustrated, exasperated and wearied expression full of smug attitude. "You're mulish, like Dáin's favorite Boar."

"No, Dwalin." Thorin went to the heart of it. "The Thief does not return the sentiment." He hoped this may change–– dare he even think it? "I would not bind myself to her if she did not wish it…"

"You already have…She's of the Company now."

"Aye." But…

"And so here we are."

"Aye."

"You think it's any different?" Dwalin stepped in time with him for another many silent paces, waiting for an answer that never came. "Warn us when there's things ahead we need to know."

Aye.

"Âkmînruk zu, Dwalin."

Some time later Balin and Glóin took Dwalin's place, one on either side of him.

Balin had been with Sona most of the day, but now he came with Glóin; seemed both of them wanted a word, yet neither said anything while they walked a league, until finally Glóin looked aside and caught Thorin's eye. "I'm concerned you've boxed yourself in, Thorin." He spoke matter-of-factly, as if over some prospect for profit. Yet Thorin knew his Treasurer spoke of Sona as a member of the Company. "You can't very well get yourself out of things easily now."

"Nothing's changed." It was the truth. Thorin stared at the path ahead.

His companions nodded silently. Then Glóin bounced up, eyes twinkling. "But now you're willing to talk about it?"

"No."

They both looked to the ground, deflated.

But Thorin accepted something he hadn't wanted to say before, and somehow he didn't mind sharing it: "I need to be where she is."

"So have you chosen?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"I should not bind myself to her without her knowledge."

They took that in silence, but not for very long, just a few steps on the dusty road they traveled.

"So you bind yourself to her anyway," Balin said pointedly, eyes fixed on Thorin's, his eyebrows high on his forehead, aimed in his usual jovial challenging way, "by having her join the Company."

"Only so far as in that contract you drew up, Balin, and no farther, and she read it. There was no other choice." Or if there was, he couldn't think of it…

Balin looked at him with doubtful eyes, but spared him any questions.

"Keep a mind on what yer doin' Thorin," Glóin warned. The worry had not left his Treasurer's eyes.

Would there come a time they all let him think in peace?

Perhaps if he resigned himself…

The three of them hiked onward a couple more leagues without another word, as if his friends knew his need for company was greater than his irritated silence would suggest. In this his heart felt eased and some distance later he told them so. "Âkmînruk zu, Glóin, Balin."

Eventually he walked once again alone, up ahead of the rest. The Thief was not far behind, and, if he felt like it––and he did––he could hear her now and then when she spoke up during Balin's preliminary lesson on Dwarven Laws in Contracts.

Thorin knew, as much as Balin explained things, even more did he use this chance to get to know the Thief, his curiosity guiding him toward answers in observing her during his lesson. And Thorin knew his Advisor beamed over how well she paid attention, and that she even seemed to like it, something that shocked Thorin almost to laughter. But he kept that in with his face held forward. He felt comfortably watched by those behind, and certain someone would catch his mirth should he turn.

"Hmmm? I'm sorry, Balin, what was that?" Sona asked, something had distracted her. Thorin knew it would not take much to distract her from Balin's passion, no matter the interest she'd shared in it for a good long while now.

"I was just saying that most Dwarf common law roots can be traced back to our days in Moria," Balin quite graciously repeated.

"Khazad-dûm," Sona interrupted.

Thorin about forgot how to breathe, hearing her lips on the Khuzdûl, correcting Balin, of all people.

"Aye, Sona, so it is." Balin's answer came delayed, and he knew his Advisor was thinking after his initial shock. Thorin was sure to hear questions later; Balin would ask, how can you teach our language, our secrets, when you will not choose her?

I did not teach her that–– I will not be blamed!

Still there'd see a glint in his Advisor's eye over the laxness of Thorin's use of Khuzdûl–– Even with her a member of the Company. And she was!

"I have oft thought," Balin carried on, "that perhaps after we retake the Lonely Mountain, we could turn our attention to one of our first homes, and restore it."

Aye, he had spoken of this in their times on the road, whenever they would travel, from town to town, settlement to settlement, until the Blue Mountains, and even then he would repeat it now and then. Thorin knew the ache in the old Warrior's heart, though he shared it for only one place, the Lonely Mountain.

"Óin and I have talked of it, and Ori, too, with an interest in the old libraries."

"No," she huffed low, her objection unyielding.

Thorin couldn't help turning to look at her.

She stared at Balin, stiff as cool hammered iron.

"Pardon?" Balin asked.

Thorin wanted to know, too.

What did she know?

"I…" She stopped, unwilling to say. But then she tried again. "I just don't think…"

Was it the Ring? Or had some other memory awakened to her?

"It's just not a good idea, okay?

Why, Thief?

"You have no way of knowing what's there now."

You could tell us…

"For all you know it's still overrun by goblins."

Indeed we believe it is…

"Or worse," she muttered.

Why was she speaking softer? Thorin strained, wanting to catch every word. Whatever it was, it was big. Bigger than a Fire Drake? Smaller than a Ring? At this point Thorin knew she wanted to say more, but she held quiet.

Thorin's jaw ached, wishing she would speak.

Balin, confused and curious, looked up at Thorin. 'What's this about? Has she told you?'

'No.'

Balin looked back at the Thief, but now she was looking at Thorin, her face full of horror.

'What is it?' he signed, but of course she did not understand.

Still she shook her head 'no,' her lips drawn tight in a grimace, her eyes filled with grief as though she'd just seen a close friend die only moments before.

With a nod he gave her his silent word. He would find out what she feared about Moria, and he would do what he could to prevent it from happening.

He could almost feel her gratitude, for reasons he did not understand.

You trust me, Thief. I feel it.

Âkmînruk zu. I'll strive to see it is well earned.

He walked past Bombur when they stopped to set camp, thanking him again for the attention to the Thief's breakfast that morning. Bombur took that in with pride and joy and then asked if he could have Kíli's assistance prepping the meal for this evening.

Thorin turned to go find his Sister's Son.

And then he would seek out the Thief––

"I'm glad you asked her on," Bombur hailed low, not taking his eyes off the water beginning to boil as Thorin made his way off.

"Yamal," Thorin smiled though no one could see it. "Âkmînruk zu, Bombur."

He had not expected to find them together, but a beautiful sight it was; somehow his Sister's Son had not managed to annoy the Thief too badly. He stayed back in the woods to see how it would continue. They both smiled and chatted as she strummed her guitar, until she asked if she could play him a song.

It was as if she offered him the moon! Kíli nearly jumped to his feet, but remained seated. "Would you really?"

Durin's Day come early…!

"Of course! Anything you'd like."

Oh, that's dangerous…

"Though… it would probably be best if you just picked a genre since it's very unlikely we know any of the same songs."

Thorin laughed. Good save.

His Sister's Son looked over his shoulder to check his periphery, but he did not turn back the other way, so he missed a view of Thorin, just off his blind side. Thorin frowned; he'd have to talk with him about that––Fíli may not always have your back…

"Could you…" Kíli hesitated shyly.

Ohhhh…. He's embarrassed… Thorin's eyes go a bit wide.

"Could you maybe play something about…" Kíli couldn't finish his sentence and his face flushed fiercely.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't quite hear that last bit, Kíli."

Oh, how she teases! Kíli didn't say that last bit, as well she knows.

Kíli had to mumble twice before the Thief heard him nearly spit the word "love".

Oh my poor Sister's Son. Thorin's cheeks hurt from smiling.

"Oh!" A smile turned her lips up, so that Thorin felt the pain all the harder. "Well that's easy. I know a lot of songs about love. I guess it just depends on what kind of love you mean. Brotherly? Friendship?"

Surely she knows already, but gains pleasure in discomforting him so pleasantly. Our Thief––my Thief–– has a mischievous streak her very own… Thorin remained smiling.

"Romantic?"

At that his Sister's Son blushed crimson. He offered one nod at the word, now so embarrassed he could not even look at her.

"Why, my little Prince––

She called him that?

"Who knew such a fierce warrior was also a hopeless romantic?"

Oh Thief. Now he'll sulk all night. The lad was nearly on his feet. "I'm leaving now. Please pretend this never happened."

She held in her laughter as she grasped his arm and tugged him back down.

Thorin went still at this unusual display, for he'd noticed the Thief was none too fond of touching others, and more than that, Kíli had complied without complaint.

These two had grown close indeed and it warmed his heart.

"I think it's wonderful," she smiled so wide, looking at the lad's scowl as if it were a cache of precious diamonds. She strummed her guitar. "And I believe I have just the song for you. Though, be warned, this sounds better on a piano."

Piano?

Kíli's face crinkled in confusion, but he shrugged to let her know he'd listen.

And then she began to sing…

"What would I do without your smart mouth?"

Oh, Thief, but yours is smart…

"Drawing me in, and you kicking me out…"

He watched the upturn of her lips. It's you, Asti, who kicks so hard.

"You've got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down."

Mahal…

Thorin looked away, to his Sister's Son settling contentedly in the grass as she sang…

"What's going on in that beautiful mind?"

Beautiful? Mind? Thorin shrugged. But she was––I wish you would ask.

"I'm on your magical mystery ride."

I'm rather on yours. Does this mean you're lost?

Where is home, Thief?

"And I'm so dizzy…"

Ohhhh––

"…don't know what hit me…"

Asti. How do you sing what I feel…?

"…but I'll be alright…"

Wish I could be so sure…

"My head's under water, but I'm breathing fine…"

So overtaken. Thorin barely breathed, shocked by how she described his present state. So alive…

"You're crazy…"

No–– not you. Never.

".. and I'm out of my mind…"

Out of reach. And yet you make me wish––

How well you cloud my way.

"'Cause all of me Loves all of you…"

One. You sing of Ones–– Could you know how it feels?

"Love your curves and all your edges, all your perfect imperfections…"

Stop. Thorin forced his eyes away. Kíli's had fallen shut, a dreamy smile tempered the crease in his brow–– the song hit a chord for him, easing his heart's call. Dís had always said Juzrazur had a strong grip on the lad, from the day he was born. Thorin wondered who held the other end, smiling at the peace that filled Kíli's being.

"Give your all to me, I'll give my all to you…"

I cannot, unless–– He didn't want to think it–– I must wait.

"You're my end and my beginning…"

Beyond measure, most expansive… Will you share it, or have I been miscast?

Ze'binishki.

"Even when I lose I'm winning…"

How? A sweet spot for those who lose their way? I lose it often… Should I even hope?

The Thief's eyes were on her audience, Kíli, her aura saturated with a contentment wafting off her in near imperceptible waves–– I can almost feel your joy.

"'Cause I give you all of me…"

I only dare dream…

"And you give me all of you, oh, oh…"

One. Oh to choose you… Asti…

"How many times do I have to tell you, even when you're crying you're beautiful too…"

He sees her again, a mess of tears on the flagstones before Imladris––Oh but you are, 'bogeys' and all…

"The world is beating you down…"

No, we will beat it upright. You have the Company–– You have me.

She looked utterly happy, staring down at his Sister's Son, clearly seeing the peace she brought him through her voice…

"You're my downfall, you're my muse…"

How can one not find peace there?

"I'm around through every mood…"

I could listen, if you wished it, for hours on end had we time…

"My worst distraction…"

My best cause…

My rhythm and blues."

Blues?

"I can't stop singing, it's ringing, in my head for you."

He felt stretched toward her, watching, wishing. And something changed, a sadness flashed over her features and she shook her head slightly, asking herself a question, her brows slightly frowned in thought.

"Cause I give you all of me…" There she brightened once more, as if she remembered a name she'd forgotten, and the person who owned it was pleasing. "And you give me all of you…" A satisfied smile took over her features–– a Cat who had found her Mouse––

He felt the sharpness of a sudden intake of air. Singing brought her such joy.

––Never stop, Thief––

Sona––

––Gold Song.

But then then it was ended, and after a moment Thorin stirred just as Kíli roused himself with a sigh, to Sona's clear delight.

Still he could not stretch the moment, calling from where he stood, nearly breathless. "Kíli."

Kíli and Sona both froze and at once turned to see him. Her mouth was ajar, her eyes wide, and yet–– was that–– excitement? Covered by a question after?

"Bombur's looking for you."

Kíli smiled, bowed to the Thief, huffed "thank you, my lady" and then rushed off back to camp.

This made Sona laugh aloud, and Thorin could only stare, taking the air in deeply to settle his stance.

Think, Thorin, rather than bumble about here wordless: what can you say on the matter? "That was kindhearted." She has the kindest heart… "He's a gentle spirit…" He imagined she detected that. "Not everyone sees through his mischief…" … landing him in trouble numerous times… and without friends on too many occasions.

Her spirit was equally gentle, if also sharp as the finest-honed blade.

She's staring at his lips…? Or do I imagine that?

Thorin came to where she sat, pondering how to broach what needed to be asked.

As he neared it seemed she took flight, removing her guitar in a flash, standing and breathing just a little too fast. Her hands moved absently over the neck of her instrument as color darkened her face.

He had wanted to come closer, and now thought, perhaps too late, he should have better kept more distance.

"It's kind of my thing." She lifted her shoulder and took a breath, perhaps to calm herself. "I guess I'm a little like Bombur in that way. He always knows what to cook for someone…"

"And you always know what to play," he rejoined, fairly sure it would put her at ease.

She smiled, nodding.

He wondered, humming beneath his breath. What song would she choose for him? "I'd be curious," he said before he could stop himself. No. No no no. no. He could not ask. He should remember what he came for, and forget personal dreams. "I need to hear what you know of Moria; as much as you are willing to share.

/T\oSo/T\oDo/T\