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"I think you're exaggerating about that, Bifur," Maristela told the Dwarf, since travelling with the Company she had been learning more Dwarvish then she knew prior. The Dwarves were more than happy to teach both Maristela and Bilbo their language, but of course, Thorin had to correct his nephews when they tried teaching Bilbo the wrong words or pronunciation. And right now, Bifur was telling Maristela about the time he fought a large troll bigger than the ones they encountered on his own and survived. She noticed that Bofur and Bombur were rolling their eyes at their cousin but let him go due to the Elleth's amused smile.

"Oh yes, Bifur is telling you all about his time as a true warrior, huh?" Fili asked as he walked up to Maristela who was watching Bifur get pulled away by Gloin and Nori. "Oh yes, he's very impressive," Maristela replied with a grin making Fili laugh. "More impressive then me?" Fili asked with a smirk. "Oh, much more impressive," Maristela commented before speaking in Elvish, "Though you are impressive." Fíli looked up at Maristela with furrowed brows, he didn't know Elvish so he had no idea what she had just said but he could hear her soft voice speak Sindirin anyday.

The Company slowed to a stop and began to set up camp for the night, they were safe from the Pale Orc thanks to Maristela killing the White Warg and the Eagles taking out Azog's Warg Riders. Maristela made herself comfortable against the trunk of a tree, it was moments like this that she missed Attica but felt at peace knowing he was currently in Rivendell safe and sound. Maristela closed her eyes as she began singing a soft Elven tune that her mother once sang to her as a child, Gandalf perked up hearing the song of the sea and smiled while the others listened to the melody that was softer than music of their culture.

Hush now, mo stóirín
Close your eyes and sleep
Waltzing the waves
Diving in the deep
Stars are shining bright
The wind is on the rise
Whispering words
Of long lost lullabies
Oh won't you come with me
Where the moon is made of gold
And in the morning sun
We'll be sailing
Oh won't you come with me
Where the ocean meets the sky
And as the clouds roll by
We'll sing the song of the sea
I had a dream last night
And heard the sweetest sound
I saw a great white light
And dancers in the round
Castles in the sand
Cradles in the trees
Don't cry, I'll see you by and by
Oh won't you come with me
Where the moon is made of gold
And in the morning sun
We'll be sailing
Oh won't you come with me
Where the ocean meets the sky
And as the clouds roll by
We'll sing the song of the sea

"That was beautiful lass," Dwalin spoke, his usual rough tone was gentle as he sat with his eyes closed thinking of The Lonely Mountain and what its beauty will be once they reclaim it. "What does it mean?" Ori asked from where he sat with eyes wide in child-like wonder. "The song has many meanings for different people but for me, it's about enjoying the beauty of the world and freedom from the shadows," Maristela expressed with a fond smile, "And about sailing the seas under the delicate moonlight without any worries or fears of what may come alongside those who matter most."

The Dwarves were stunned by the emotion within the songs meaning, their culture music was so heavy with tone and raged like a storm in the most beautiful ways but Maristela Sea Lullaby struck a new chord within the Dwarves. "You wanna know what that song means to me?" Bofur spoke up from where he stood leaning against a large boulder. "I would love to," Maristela told him with a smile. "The Beauty of Home," Bofur began before looking around at his kin, "The Golden Halls of Erebor and our journey to reclaim our home." Maristela grinned hearing Bofur's perspective of the song, the others agreeing with him.

"Do you know any other songs?" Ori asked, he wanted to hear her soft voice again. Maristela thought through her collection of lullabies and soft songs she had grown up with from both her mother and the culture of Rivendell but the song that came to her was one that she had heard during her travels. "I can think of one you may enjoy, the song is something I heard through my travels in Middle Earth, a handmaiden sang it to me during my time in Rohan and it is something that gives me peace," Maristela told the Dwarves, they all moved closer eagerly while Bilbo nodded for her to sing as he too was loving the music.

Lay down your head and I'll sing you a lullaby
Back to the years of loo-li lai-lay
And I'll sing you to sleep and I'll sing you tomorrow
Bless you with love for the road that you go
May you sail far to the far fields of fortune
With diamonds and pearls at your head and your feet
And may you need never to banish misfortune
May you find kindness in all that you meet
May there always be angels to watch over you
To guide you each step of the way
To guard you and keep you safe from all harm
Loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay
May you bring love and may you bring happiness
Be loved in return to the end of your days
Now fall off to sleep, I'm not meaning to keep you
I'll just sit for a while and sing loo-li, lai-lay
May there always be angels to watch over you
To guide you each step of the way
To guard you and keep you safe from all harm
Loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay, loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay

Ori, Nori, Bifur, Bombur, Glóin, Oin, and Dori had all fallen asleep to Maristela's lullaby and their gentle snores of peaceful sleep echoed through the night as the remaining looked up at the stars before looking at Maristela, the moon was shining on her and it seemed to make her brown locks glowed with strands of Silver; she looked angelic under the moonlight. Gandalf took notice of the way Thorin was smiling softly, his eyes distant like he was remembering a time when he was younger, Dwalin wasn't tense as he smiled and Balin looked completely at peace from the lullaby; Even Bofur was relaxed where he stood.

Kíli was lying on his bed roll with his eyes on the stars, he took steady breaths as Maristela's song echoed through the night. Fíli, however, was watching Maristela with eyes full of adoration, a sight that made Gandalf smile in realisation that the young Dwarf was falling in love with Maristela. Gandalf knew that Maristela held interest for the Dwarf but she would only pursue him after they had reclaimed Erebor, she wouldn't risk her heart messing with her quest. Fíli was a good fit for Maristela and their potential union may come with troubles but with Thorin's approval and Maristela's reputation within the world, the two had a chance for a union.

"Your melodies are beautiful, Maristela," Thorin spoke as he looked at Maristela, she smiled widely at Thorin. "Thank you, Thorin. I look forward to singing them in the Halls of your Forefathers," Maristela told him with a bow of her head, Thorin chuckled lightly. "That will be a sight to see," Thorin told her, the two laughed knowing the Dwarves would be confused with the softer songs but Thorin believed they would all enjoy them much like the Company had. "Truly exceptional," Bilbo spoke once he had left the memories of the Shire and Rivendell, he smiled at Maristela, the Elleth grinned with flushed cheeks from the compliments.

"Alright, alright. I'm gonna do a quick perimeter check, get some sleep," Maristela told them before getting up and going off to ensure they were safe, her Elvish sight allowed her to see further than the others. Gandalf chuckled, "She never could handle being complimented or appreciated by others." Thorin laughed to himself hearing that before turning his gaze to Bilbo who was settling into his bed roll, the Hobbit let out a content sigh. "I'm really glad that I left the Shire with all of you," Bilbo said softly, his eyes landing on Gandalf who bowed his head before they all closed their eyes allowing sleep to overcome them along with the distant sound of Maristela singing her lullabies.

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Rosemary Speaks

Just a short little extra scene. The songs may seem "cringey" for you but remember that music is a huge part of both Dwarven and Elven culture.
So get over it, they were around a campfire with Maristela singing soft lullabies; nothing cringe about it.

The first song is called "Song of the Sea Lullaby" and it is sung by Nolwenn Leroy. It's a beautiful song and you should listen to it.

The second song is called "Sleepsong" by Secret Garden. Another beautiful melody that I truly love listening to when I'm anxious or uneasy.

Anyway, onto the next act.