Songs of the Heart

Ho! Ho! Ho! To the bottle I go

To heal my heart and drown my woe.

Rain may fall and wind may blow,

And many miles be still to go

But under a tall tree I will lie,

And let the clouds go sailing by.

Claws and nails raked at her bare skin. She felt the cool bite of blades breaking her skin leaving trails of blood in their wake causing her to whimper. Then the laughing started, it was cold and mocking, without emotion. She opened her eyes and regretted it instantly, Thorin stood over her, she saw the others around her either clawing at her remaining clothing or cutting her skin with their blades. Thorin brushed his sword between her legs, she cried out and tried to move away but the others quickly restrained her. He began to speak, but not in the common tongue or his native dwarven tongue but her native dark tongue, the black speech of Mordor.

"Little whore, I will have you, then all of my men will have you, then we will split you from navel to nose and feast on your flesh and use your blood as wine." Then he lunged at her.

Alina gasped awake, she took in a few deep breaths to try and calm her racing heart. The night before she had been blessed with a dreamless sleep and when she was on Thorin's shoulder but it seemed her nightmares were back with a vengeance. This was far darker and terrifying than anything she had dreamt in many years. She tried to reassure herself that it was only a dream, Thorin and his company would never hurt her. She moved from her bed roll to the small fire that still blazed, she found a pan and poured in a measure of milk then added honey, camomile and a few other herbs and flowers that aided sleep and gave one a peaceful mind. She looked towards her bed roll and dismissed going back to it, one night terror was enough tonight. Once the milk had heated, she poured it into a flask and moved towards where Balin had taken up his watch.

"Can't sleep lassie?" he asked

"No, neither do I want to." She replied folding her legs to sit near him.

"What woke yah, it wasn't me was it, or can you sense Orcs, I must wake Thorin." He stood to wake the king; Alina grabbed his arm and pulled him back down.

"It was neither you nor Orcs. It was a night terror, I get them often enough, most of them are memories, this one however wasn't one." Alina told him quietly.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not really." She smiled taking a sip of the milk, she felt herself slowly relax. "Go to bed, Balin, I'll take watch, one of us should get some sleep and it isn't going to be me."

"Why thank you lassie, Thorin's on the next watch."

She simply nodded she had no intention of waking Thorin or anyone else for that matter. She quietly began humming tunes that she had learned from all corners of Middle Earth as she watched over the others while they slept.

"Balin why didn't you wake me?" Thorin thundered

"The lass said she would." He replied looking towards Alina who was packing away her things while joking and laughing with Kíli and Fíli.

"Alina." Thorin called

"U Oh, you're in trouble." Kíli grinned

Alina smirked "He's going to shout at me for getting a full night's sleep, I don't understand Dwarves." the brothers laughed at her comment on their uncle.

"Thorin, you shouted." Alina smiled

"Why didn't you wake me after Balin's watch ended?" Thorin practically growled

"I didn't need the sleep, everyone else does, especially you, you are leading us Thorn."

"The dark circles under your eyes tell me otherwise."

Alina's hand went to the bruises under her eyes. She took a calming breath and made them disappear. "That better?" She asked

Thorin turned away grumbling something about her being more stubborn that a dwarf and that she was as hard headed as an elf. She smiled softly, she turned and skipped to saddle Waeloren, Dori grumbled something about her being too happy for a morning. This caused her to laugh as she began humming to herself.

They had been travelling most of the morning before Ori asked "Alina will you sing again like you did the other night."

She smiled "Only if Thorin sings The Rains of Castamere." Her smile grew to a grin as it would be very unlikely for him to sing it as she knew his disliking of it.

Her smile faltered as he began to sing and she just sat and listened.

"And who are you, the proud lord said, that I must bow so low?

Only a cat of a different coat, that's all the truth I know.

In a coat of gold or a coat of red, a lion still has claws,

And mine are long and sharp, my Lord, as long and sharp as yours.

And so he spoke, and so he spoke, that lord of Castamere,

But now the rains weep o'er his hall, with no one there to hear.

Yes, now the rains weep o'er his hall, with not a soul to hear.

And who are you, the proud lord said, that I must bow so low?

Only a cat of a different coat, that's all the truth I know.

In a coat of gold or a coat of red, a lion still has claws,

And mine are long and sharp, my lord, as long and sharp as yours.

And so he spoke, and so he spoke, that lord of Castamere,

But now the rains weep o'er his hall, with no one there to hear.

Yes now the rains weep o'er his hall, and not a soul to hear."

He turned to look at her; she was smiling softly at the memory of her teaching him the song in a time where she was truly happy.

"Your promise I believe, was to sing Alina." Thorin broke through her memories

"Oh yes." She gentle cleared her throat

"Oh, misty eye of the mountain below

Keep careful watch of my brother's souls

And should the sky be filled with fire and smoke

Keep watching over Durin's sons

If this is to end in fire

Then we should all burn together

Watch the flames climb high into the night

Calling out father oh stand by and we will

Watch the flames burn auburn on

The mountain side high

And if we should die tonight

We should all die together

Raise a glass of wine for the last time

Calling out father oh

Prepare as we will

Watch the flames burn auburn on

The mountain side

Desolation comes upon the sky

Now I see fire

Inside the mountain

I see fire

Burning the trees

And I see fire

Hollowing souls

I see fire

Blood in the breeze

And I hope that you'll remember me

Oh, should my people fall then

Surely I'll do the same

Confined in mountain halls

We got too close to the flame

Calling out father oh

Hold fast and we will

Watch the flames burn auburn on

The mountain side

Desolation comes upon the sky

Now I see fire

Inside the mountains

I see fire

Burning the trees

And I see fire

Hollowing souls

I see fire

Blood in the breeze

And I hope that you'll remember me

And if the night is burning

I will cover my eyes

For if the dark returns then

My brothers will die

And as the sky is falling down

It crashed into this lonely town

And with that shadow upon the ground

I hear my people screaming out

And I see fire

Inside the mountains

I see fire

Burning the trees

I see fire

Hollowing souls

I see fire

Blood in the breeze

I see fire

Oh, you know I saw a city burning out

And I see fire

Feel the heat upon my skin

And I see fire

And I see fire

Burn auburn on the mountain side"

Gandalf saw a tear trail down her cheek as her memories took her to the dragon who had stolen the place she once called home.

"Well that was depressing." Bofur commented

Alina laughed "You never said it had to be cheerful, you sing something, I know sing the song you wound Bilbo up with."

"Blunt the knives and bend the forks!" Kíli sang

"Smash the bottles and burn the corks!" Fíli crooned

Then everyone sang "Chip the glasses and crack the plates!

That's what Bilbo Baggins hates

Cut the cloth and trail the fat!

Leave the bones on the bedroom mat!

Pour the milk on the pantry floor!

Splash the wine on every door!

Dump the crocks in a boiling bowl;

Pound them up with a thumping pole;

And when you've finished, if they are whole,

Send them down the hall to roll!

That's what Bilbo Baggins hates!"

Alina giggled slightly, and then the rest of the company burst out laughing including Thorin. She kicked Waeloren to catch up to Thorin.

"Are you in a better mood now Master Dwarf?" She asked still smiling, she reached over and gently tugged on his braid "They need redoing, Thorn, can't have a king looking scraggly now can we?" she teased gently

"Don't think I have forgotten, Lina, why did you take everyone's watch?"

She sighed "I had a nightmare, okay."

"A nightmare caused you to take watch." He asked incredibly

"I don't have to answer to you." She spat, he grasped her arm before she could turn away

"I'm sorry, it's private I am guessing." He asked she nodded; he reached out to brush her blonde curls behind her pointed elven like ears. "No wonder my nephews thought you were an elf." He chuckled his hand rested on her cheek; she instinctly leaned into his touch and sighed contently, her eyes flickered open at her sigh her eyes wide with fear of rejection but she saw in his eyes the same fear in her own and she dared hope that he felt the same as her.

"When you're finished courting her Thorin, do you mind telling us where we are going?" Bofur called causing them to spring apart. Thorin growled to himself, they heard a yelp; it seemed that Bofur had multiple things thrown at him from Kíli, Fíli, Gandalf and Balin . Alina glanced at Thorin with a small smile on her face she found it mirrored on him as he glanced at her and smiled at her. She began to sing

"I must contain my anger, or I won't control my power

But gods! How long I've waited just to see this very hour!

It's just as well I'm not the one who calls the storm of fire

Or I would turn this battle plain into your funeral pyre!

The priests all say I must not hate but I will not pretend.

I saw the wreck you made of her, my Herald and my friend

The scars you left in flesh and soul will be so slow to fade

Oh, would I had your coward heart beneath my naked blade!

I must control my rage, or lose ability to plan,

I must direct the fight from here, not charging in the van.

As you will likewise do, no doubt, for all that you are cruel

And revel in shed blood and pain, I think you are no fool.

But in the name of all the gods, you're all that I despise,

Who planned to take by treachery my kingdom as your prize

My throne, my child, my people. All, you plotted to despoil

By tricks that only miracles enabled us to foil.

I must control my fury or let slip all that I've sought

But vengeance would not be enough for all the grief you've wrought.

Gods grant this day you fall beneath the steel of me and mine

And drink full deeply of defeat, that cold and bitter wine.

My crown is on my brow, my naked blade within my hand.

My army like an eager hound lies waiting my command.

With how you tortured, killed and lied revealed to them this day

By all the stars that ever shone,

By all the gods, known and unknown,

For Herald Kris and my Queen's Own

I swear that you will pay!"

She received a round of applause before she began to sing again

"Before I got to fighting (or when fighting got to me)

I looked to find examples on the field of chivalry

And I saw mighty arms much stronger than my arms could ever be

So I thought perhaps the field was not for me

But still I stayed and watched the fighting 'til one figure stood apart

In armour newly fashioned and a helm more pot than art

But each blow was thrown with honour and a lightness of the heart

So I took that step which soon became a start

'Cause she was not the biggest fighter nor one to raise a fuss

But I remember being proud that she was one of us

And we might never stand together in the shield-wall side by side

But because of her I lift my sword with pride

She was ladylike and lively, not the type you would expect

With a braver heart than many he and a slot-shot to respect

I guess she'd once decided this was where she'd like to be

And I thought if she could do it, why not me

'Cause she was not the biggest fighter nor one to raise a fuss

But I remember being proud that she was one of us

And we might never stand together in the shield-wall side by side

But because of her I lift my sword with pride

So now as I gather armour, bits and pieces here and there,

I think about examples: how you act, and what you dare

'Cause you never know who's watching or how far that story goes

And where'er that Lady is I hope she knows

'Cause she was not the biggest fighter, nor one to raise a fuss

But I remember being proud that she was one of us

And we might never stand together in the shield-wall side by side

But because of her I lift my sword with pride

We may never stand together in the shield-wall side by side

But because of her I lift my sword with pride!"

"I've never heard you sing that one." Thorin commented

"I heard it a few years ago in Rohan, while being a messenger between Rohan and Gondor." Alina replied softly

"You were a messenger for men?" He asked "Do you know anymore?" she heard the hope in his voice she quickly remembered a song that Celebrían sang to her during the storms when she first stepped foot in Rivendell.

"Little child, be not afraid

The rain pounds harsh against the glass

Like an unwanted stranger

There is no danger, I am here tonight

Little child be not afraid

Though thunder explodes and lightning flash

Illuminates your tearstained face

I am here tonight and someday you'll know

That nature is so

This same rain that draws you near me

Falls on rivers and land and forests and sand

Makes the beautiful world that you see in the morning

Little child be not afraid

The storm clouds mask your beloved moon

And its candlelight beams

Still keep pleasant dreams

I am here tonight

Little child be not afraid

The wind makes creatures of our trees

And the branches to hands

They're not real, understand

And I am here tonight and someday you'll know

That nature is so

This same rain that draws you near me

Falls on rivers and land and forest and sand

Makes the beautiful world that you see in the morning

For you know, once even I Was a little child

And I was afraid but a gentle someone always came

To dry all my tears trade sweet sleep for fears

And to give a kiss goodnight

Well, now I am grown and these years have shown

Rain's a part of how life goes but it's dark and it's late

So I'll hold you and wait 'til your frightened eyes do close

And I hope that you'll know that nature is so

This same rain that draws you near me

Falls on rivers and land and forests and sand

Makes the beautiful world that you see in the morning

Everything's fine in the morning

The rain will be gone in the morning

But I'll still be here in the morning"

"Where did you hear that one?" Balin asked

"That one I heard long ago and have not heard it for many years, the elf who sang it to me left for the undying lands after being captured by Orcs, she couldn't bare this world any longer." She replied

"Typical elf." Dwalin muttered

"Don't you dare bad mouth her, Celebrían is the only mother I have ever known, Dwalin, you would have not even drawn your axes before I'd have removed your head from your body if you speak badly about her again do you understand Master Dwarf." Alina's eyes flashed red; she felt a change in her head, her hand went to her head as she shook off Achlys rising. Dwalin's eyes narrowed at her.

She heard laughing that was trying to be muffled. She turned to look at Bofur and grinned at him causing him to burst out laughing, causing everyone in their company to laugh except Dwalin and Bilbo who was slightly afraid of Alina.

Fíli began singing causing his brother and the rest of the dwarves in the company to follow suit.

"The world was young, the mountains green,

No stain yet on the Moon was seen,

No words were laid on stream or stone

When Durin woke and walked alone.

He named the nameless hills and dells;

He drank from yet untasted wells;

He stooped and looked in Mirrormere,

And saw a crown of stars appear,

As gems upon a silver thread,

Above the shadows of his head.

The world was fair, the mountains tall,

In Elder Days before the fall

Of mighty kings in Nargothrond

And Gondolin, who now beyond

The Western Seas have passed away:

The world was fair in Durin's Day.

A king he was on carven throne

In many-pillared halls of stone

With golden roof and silver floor,

And runes of power upon the door.

The light of sun and star and moon

In shining lamps of crystal hewn

Undimmed by cloud or shade of night

There shone forever fair and bright.

There hammer on the anvil smote,

There chisel clove, and graver wrote;

There forged was blade, and bound was hilt;

The delver mined, the mason built.

There beryl, pearl, and opal pale,

And metal wrought like fishes' mail,

Buckler and corslet, axe and sword,

And shining spears were laid in hoard.

Unwearied then were Durin's folk;

Beneath the mountains music woke:

The harpers harped, the minstrels sang,

And at the gates the trumpets rang.

The world is grey, the mountains old,

The forge's fire is ashen-cold;

No harp is wrung, no hammer falls:

The darkness dwells in Durin's halls;

The shadow lies upon his tomb

In Moria, in Khazad-dûm.

But still the sunken stars appear

In dark and windless Mirrormere;

There lies his crown in water deep,

Till Durin wakes again from sleep."

Alina had joined in with their singing, Thorin's heart swelled with pride as he had taught her the song of Durin just as he had taught his nephews.

The day passed with all but Gandalf and Dwalin who still had not forgiven Alina for threatening him singing as well as some complaints about mud. Their trail found them close to a small village; Thorin sent Balin, Dwalin, Nori and Bofur to buy supplies.

"Uncle we found a hot springs can we go bathe?" asked Kíli

"We all can." Thorin replied he heard the hobbit moan in pleasure at the thought of a bath.

"Alina, we made you a drink." Ori gave Alina what smelt like berry tea, her nose smelt something else but she brushed it off and drank it quickly giving Ori her thanks.

A certain young Dwarf grinned at his brother who simply raised his eyebrows and mouthed "What have you done?" which caused his grin to widen.

Thorin looked around before asking "Where is Alina?"

"She went closer to the springs something about she'd seen enough naked dwarves for a lifetime." Kíli replied grinning.

Thorin turned north towards the source of the springs; he heard her singing softly to herself

"I hear your voice on the wind

And I hear you call out my name

"Listen, my child," you say to me

"I am the voice of your history

Be not afraid, come follow me

Answer my call, and I'll set you free"

I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain

I am the voice of your hunger and pain

I am the voice that always is calling you

I am the voice, I will remain

I am the voice in the fields when the summer's gone

The dance of the leaves when the autumn winds blow

Ne'er do I sleep thoughout all the cold winter long

I am the force that in springtime will grow

I am the voice of the past that will always be

Filled with my sorrow and blood in my fields

I am the voice of the future, bring me your peace

Bring me your peace, and my wounds, they will heal

I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain

I am the voice of your hunger and pain

I am the voice that always is calling you

I am the voice

I am the voice of the past that will always be

I am the voice of your hunger and pain

I am the voice of the future

I am the voice, I am the voice

I am the voice, I am the voice"

He came around the corner to find a very naked Alina in the spring, his eyes raked over her form, and his eyes found a tattoo on her back of Dwarven runes, before he could read it she whipped round as he had stepped on a twig.

"Thorin!" She exclaimed covering herself "Do you mind turning round?"

He did as she asked as she got out of the spring and pulled on her elven clothes.

"Did you get a good gawp?" She asked bitterly, he turned back around seeing the pain and self-loathing in her eyes.

"You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen." He spoke quickly before he could stop himself.

"Really, even without a beard?" She asked not daring to meet his eyes

He lifted her face so her eyes met his own "Especially without a beard, Lina."

She smiled before wrapping her arms around him and nuzzling into his bare chest. He gasped at her contact, but slowly lowered himself to the ground wrapping his arms around her. He heard her breathing increase as his heart hammered in his chest. She slowly pushed him down to lie on the grass. Her fingers began tracing the Dwarven tattoos on his chest, his breathing soon became hitched. She sat up above him, she bent down kissing his chest while her fingers drew lazy lines across it, and she moved up to kiss his neck, then up to his jaw.

"Your braids are truly beautiful." She whispered, he was unable to answer as desire overtook him. She brought her lips to his, she ran her tongue across his lips causing him to open his mouth, she sucked on his bottom lip causing him to moan, and he used his strength to roll her over on to her back and then reclaimed her mouth, her mouth tasted of berries and balm. He broke away the lust fleeting from his mind. Balm was an aphrodisiac, someone had slipped her it.

He moved away from her, she looked up at him confused through her lust filled eyes.

"Thorn?" she asked the confusion present in her voice

"Alina, you don't want this." He spoke distancing himself from her

"I know what I want Thorn and that's you." She stood to move to him

He put his hand up to stop her "Alina, someone has slipped you Balm, this is not real, and you don't want this."

"Balm, you're sure?" She asked as she shook the remaining fog around her mind.

"Yes." He answered as she sat back down and pulled her knees to her chest.

Thorin turned to walk away

"Wait please Thorn, don't go I need sleep and I can sleep when I'm near you, please." She begged

He moved to sit next to her, pulling his shirt over his head, he laid back on the grass, she moved slowly and rested her head on his chest. She was slowly slipping into sleep when he asked

"Who do you think did it?"

"Hmm?"

"Put the Balm in your drink."

"Kíli and Fíli, more likely just Kíli." She mumbled before falling asleep. Thorin got himself comfy before planning revenge on his nephews.

Tutt tutt naughty Kili. Please tell me what you think

Songs in order

Rains of Castamere - Game of Thrones (Lannister song)

I see fire - Ed Sheeran

Blunt the Knives - The Hobbit

Battle Dawn - Mercedes Lackey

One of Us - Heather Dale

Lullaby for a Stormy Night - Vienna Teng

The Song of Durin - Tolkien's

The Voice - Celtic Women

I own none of them :(. Hope you had fun reading anyone want to suggest pairings I am open to suggestions

-The Archfiend