"Good evening, Master Oakenshield," I nodded to the surly dwarf. "Good evening," I nodded to the rest of the table. Much to my satisfaction, said surly dwarf's frown deepened, and Balin, across from us, cracked a smile.

"Good evening indeed, Miss Aria. Certainly it is already better than last night, both in that you are able to join us, and have noticed and been able to fix the mix up at the other table." He winked, pointedly not looking at Thorin. I saw His Broodiness attempting to frown even deeper and had to hold back a laugh. And a gulp. But, you know, this is fine.

"It was the least I could do, Master Balin, and completely my pleasure."

"Just Balin is fine, Miss Aria."

"If I'm to call you Balin, then you're to call me Aria, how's that?" I grinned, and he chuckled and shook his head.

"Very well."

It worked out very well, Balin pointing out the formality like that right after Thorin got demoted to 'Master Oakenshield' for his hissy fit. Honestly, if a person can't take honest criticism without throwing a fit, honest criticism that is even delivered diplomatically with a lot of the blame removed, they deserve some ribbing for it.

...I may not be the most charitable of people.

Thorin suddenly grunted and nodded at me. "Miss Renwick."

...It would appear that two can play this game.

I nodded, but didn't say anything. At that moment, a small procession of elves entered the room, all carrying some sort of hearty meat-and-potatoes style dish. The excitement of the other dwarrow was palpable, as will as loud, and I couldn't help but laugh. Dwalin glanced up at the sound, and gave the same little nod as earlier, complete, I'm sure, with the accompanying grunt, even though I could hear it. See? Besties. I grinned brightly at him, then mocked a toast with a forkful of meat. He returned the gesture with what looked like a whole turkey leg and fiercely bared teeth. I laughed.

"I have to say I'm surprised, lass. My brother isn't the type to take to anyone, but seems quite fond of you," Balin noted, with a raised eyebrow.

I just grinned and shook my head, "I wouldn't say fond, Balin, but I like to think there's the beginnings of mutual respect and friendship there. We had a conversation with Master Oakenshield earlier that, perhaps, revealed some things Dwalin could find worthy of respect. That, in fact, I thought they both might find worthy of, if not respect, at least some smidgeon of the beginnings of a more amicable relationship."

It was totally a low blow, but I was not above that at this point.

Balin raised an eyebrow, but there was a smile playing at his lips. We both knew Thorin wasn't stupid enough to miss the way I was addressing his fellows against the way I was adressing him. I risked a glance at him, only to find him trying to glare a hole in his plate, shoulders so tense I was surprised they weren't shaking. Deciding to take pity on the poor dude, I turned to Gandalf. It wasn't hard at all to dreg up the considerable ire currently bubbling in his direction. And, despite his conversation with Elrond, I cut in (it didn't sound all that important anyway), "So Gandalf." The wizard glanced at me and raised an eyebrow. "I find myself quite upset with you. Though I'm sure dinner is not a time to voice such disputes. Perhaps, if Lord Elrond doesn't mind my interruption, we can decide on a later time? If not, I can just accost you in the halls when you least expect it and I've reached the end of my patience, and therefore my ability to do anything other than rant furiously." It was my turn to raise an eyebrow. "I trust we all want to avoid that outcome."

His eyes widened slightly, even as Elrond's narrowed fractionally, and Thorin's head jerked around to between us.

Glorfindel, holy shit that's Glorfindel, when did he get here?, bless his twice-born soul, grinned a bit wryly and said, "Why Gandalf, now I'm curious. I'm sure you wouldn't mind the Lady giving voice to her grievances here and now, would you?"

Gandalf honestly looked a bit put out, but sighed and gestured to me. "Very well, Aria. What have I done to upset you?"

The condescending bastard. I narrowed my eyes. So much for when I lose my patience.

"Upset me? I am not upset, Sir, I am furious. Your idea of amusement is to put the only son of one of your old, dear friends into a situation where he is starved, belittled, and bullied purely because you orchestrated a massive miscommunication. You know more about Hobbits than perhaps anyone outside the Shire, yet you thought it would be funny to tell the company that Bilbo had agreed weeks ago, knew what the journey entailed and how to prepare, held a profession he would never even consider, and was expecting thirteen hungry dwarrow on his stoop! Your idea of amusement is nothing short of disgusting. Not to mention the way you constantly do your own belittling and condescending of the dwarrow you have agreed to accompany, or how you set them up to seem like brutes when really they're quite wonderful. It's almost as if you want the so-called "Big-Folk" to continue with their racism and hatred toward the shorter races. Your behavior is no different that what I outlined so bluntly to Insiloth this very morning." I paused to take a breath, and realized the room had gone eerily quiet. Not daring to glance around, even as I blushed fiercely, I pushed back from the table and stood. "I apologize, it appears all I can do today is rant and lecture. Excuse me."

I may have been fleeing, but I managed to do it with my chin up; at least, until I reached the hall, at which point I wrapped my arms firmly around my middle, tucked my chin into my chest, hunched my shoulders, and walked as fast as I could straight to my room. Not finding a lock on the door, I dragged the chair over to prop under the handle, before I curled up on the floor next to my bed, hugged my knees to my chest, and stared blankly at my feet.

Well fucking shit.

Eventually, I sighed and scrubbed at my face, before leaning my head back against the bed and closing my eyes. Obviously I wasn't handling the shock as well as everyone thought if I was going off on all and sundry and having panic attacks at Thorin freaking Oakenshield. Hermit meets world: hermit goes fucking batshit. Maybe this whole thing was a weird-ass coma dream.

I sighed again and groaned, flopping my head forward but not opening my eyes. Ah yes, Dwalin will definitely not think you're worthless now. Smooth Aria, real smooth. Even Glorfindel. So much for trying to make these people at least think about how racist they're being, now everyone was going to think I'm just a stupid, hysterical woman and disregard everything I say. Not to mention how butthurt Gandalf probably is, how offended the dwarves no-doubt are, and how mortified Bilbo has to be feeling. Less than three days in Middle Earth, and I'd already made literally everybody hate me.

...Okay so that's probably a little melodramatic, but still. Only a little.

Someone knocked on the door.

I keeled over into the fetal position on the floor, then rolled and scootched until I was facing the bed, with my head almost all the way under it.

"Aria?"

Gandalf. Of all people.

"Go the fuck away you - you dastardly meddling old coot." I muttered, but otherwise didn't respond.

"Come now, child, I am not upset with you. Open the door."

I squeezed myself further under the bed and kept muttering. "Just because you're older than the actual dirt doesn't mean I'm a child, you condescending frog spleen. … Even if I'm acting like one."

He tried the handle then, and I actually heard his huff of frustration when the door jammed against the chair.

"Well, very well then. I guess I have no choice but to leave you be, as I will not go around busting down Lord Elrond's doors." What was unsaid, but heard nevertheless, was the 'and you should be disappointed in yourself, young lady. I know I am.'

Oh go punch a bush.

I was left alone after that, and even dozed off a bit while pointedly not thinking of Galadriel's message:

There is no power in Arda that could return you to Earth.

And my automatic response to it:

What did I have to go back to anyway?

Sometime later, I was startled into wakefulness by a heavy knocking. The movement hurt, and I groaned when I realized I'd literally fallen asleep shoved half under my bed. Delaying the unfolding, which I knew would hurt, I stayed put and let the ache sink into my limbs and neck.

The knock came again. It was definitely a dwarf. Bilbo would sound more timid, and an elf lighter. Gandalf would probably just do it with his staff.

"Aria."

It wasn't a question. In fact, it was more of a grunt. But the only Dwarf I knew that spoke in grunts was Dwalin.

I scootched out from under the bed just enough to look at the door. Only, it was dark so I couldn't really see the door, only a line of orange firelight along the bottom interrupted by darkness in two places. Boots, my brain supplied, and, I hope the dwarves aren't using furniture for their campfire.

The knock came again. "Don't make me break down this door."

Definitely Dwalin. Who, unfortunately, would not only be willing to follow through with that threat, but happy to.

I sighed, then moved to get up, groaning as all my stiff muscles, and healing ribs, protested. Oin wasn't going to kill me, but only because Oin wasn't going to find out.

By the time I reached the door and was pulling the chair out, Dwalin was knocking again, and it certainly sounded like he was ready to make good on his threat of breaking the door down. I wrenched it open, ducking out of the way as I did. Luckily, Dwalin is a very talented fighter with very good control of his fists, and was able to pause mid-knock. He lowered his fist, but didn't say anything. I raised an eyebrow. He tilted his head.

Thorin was standing just behind him.

I left the door open and turned to shuffle back into the room. As much as I wanted to slam it in his face… I sighed and sank down onto the bed, flopping out spread-eagle and breathing away the ache worsened, then began to fade.

Note to self: include lower back stretches in daily routine.

"Aria." This time it was Thorin who spoke, and it sounded like he was right at the foot of my bed.

I hummed.

"Look at me." He sounded about as tired as I felt, so I grabbed a pillow and curled around it facing the end of the bed. Sure enough, he was standing there, hands clasped behind his back and feet planted apart, chin tucked down just a little, as if bracing against something. I made eye-contact, and held it.

"It would seem," he ground out softly, "That I owe you another apology."

I frowned. "You do?" My voice came out raspy and dry.

It was his turn to frown. "I was - less than polite, this afternoon. And at dinner."

Oh. "That's okay." I finally broke eye contact, and shrugged. "I was less than polite all day, and not just to you, either. I think I'm the one that owes some apologies."

I heard his boots scuff against the floor, and glanced up to find him leaning against, and almost over, the end of the bed.

"And yet, everything you said was true, and in the defense of my Company." his eyes were intense, so intense I couldn't look away, even as my frown deepened.

"But…?"

"Bilbo Baggins is a part of my Company."

I let out a breath, and my eyes started to tear up a bit. "Thank you, Thorin."

He just nodded and straightened back to his previous posture.

"The others have asked if you will join us at the campfire. We do not have to rise early tomorrow, and they are taking advantage of this fact." A wry smile played at the corners of his lips, and I couldn't help but return the expression.

"Enthusiastically, I imagine." I tilted my head. "But quietly?"

He shook his head, smile growing a bit, "My nephews were quite adamant we not disturb you." He shrugged a little, "Personally, Dwalin's glare was a bit more convincing."

I smirked and raised both eyebrows, "Dwalin? I can imagine." Then glanced up at the dwarf in question. He was standing next to the door. Axe planted in front of him and hands resting on it. The door was swung almost shut, but he seemed to be guarding it.

He shrugged, and grunted.

I grinned. "Thanks, but you needn't have worried. I sleep like the dead when I'm emotionally drained. In fact, I'd passed out curled up on the floor. Like an idiot. Now my back hurts." I chuckled at myself and shook my head, then began to drag myself out of bed. "Well, I guess I'd best make an appearance if they're deciding they want my company instead of plotting how to off me or leave me behind after everything I said today."

Thorin rolled his eyes, but came around the bed to give me a hand up. I regarded him quizzically.

"I won't say none of them were offended, but we have all come to terms with the truth in what you said, and are glad for the chance to get to know our Burglar for who he is."

As doubtful as I was that all of them had gotten over it -Bilbo, at least, was going to murder me- I wasn't making things up when I said I'd best make an appearance. Anything to endear myself to these guys.

But…

"Gandalf isn't out there, is he?"

Thorin gave a very sudden, very feral, grin. "Mr Baggins chased him off."

...That would explain some of the newfound respect.

I couldn't help but grin back, and chuckle. "I'm a bit sad I missed that, to be honest."

He just chuckled and shook his head.

"Um, I feel like I should tell you something else Lord Elrond said earlier."

He raised an eyebrow, and I caught Dwalin's frown deepening out of the corner of my eye.

"It was more a message? Well, Lady Galadriel? She's undoubtedly one of the most powerful beings on Arda - heavily gifted in the foresight area - and well, she gave him a message for me that I've been trying not to think about."

I paused long enough that Thorin reached out to grasp my shoulder and frowned.

"She uh, she said, 'There is no power in Arda that could return you to Earth.'" I glanced down and fidgeted, then shrugged and tried to grin through suddenly wet eyes at both dwarrow, "So, guess you guys are stuck with me?"

There was a long moment of silence. Long enough, that even as Thorin's grip tightened I pulled away to bustle around returning the chair to the vanity and dashing at my tears. "I mean, unless you don't want me, that's fine too, I totally understand. After the quest, I mean. I'm afraid I'm not giving you an option with the quest, what with," I flailed, "Everything. But, after that if y'all would just rather I go, I-"

"Stop." Thorin's voice came out as more of a growl than an actual voice, and I couldn't help but freeze and hunch my shoulders, hugging myself.

I didn't dare look at either of them. Or move.

Slowly, Thorin walked toward me, his hard-soled boots surprisingly quiet on the floor. Dude was literally like some sort of panther.

He stopped in front of me. I resisted the urge to flinch.

Grasping my chin between his thumb and forefinger, he guided me to look at him, then spoke softly, "You have lost your home, more irrevocably than to any dragon."

...Thank you, for pointing that out.

I shrugged, and dropped my eyes.

He grasped my chin a little tighter. "Look at me, Aria."

Slowly, I did. His eyes burned.

"I would never abandon a friend and ally the way Thranduil did to my people. Do you hear? We will make Erebor your home, even if I have to carve a man-style house on the outside in the sunshine."

I gulped, "I'm hardly that needy. Besides, my home was lonely anyway; if I have to leave it I may as well fix that aspect."

For a moment longer he continued frowning intensely at me, before nodding decisively and stepping away. "I am going to have to complain to Lord Elrond for the way he has distressed you repeatedly - a guest in his halls and a member of my Company."

I flailed my hands at him, "Oh no, no, no. Please don't. I'm fine, really. It's just been a kind of insane few days and I'm emotionally fragile and, apparently, taking it out on everyone else. Does the Company really want me out there?"

For a moment, the king just stared at me, narrow-eyed, then gave a short nod, "Very well. However," He fixed me with a look, "If it continues I will not be dissuaded."

I winced, "Ok."

"As for the Company," he took my shoulder and turned me to the door, "Yes. Come." Then led the way.

With a sigh, I followed.

Halfway to the door, I stopped suddenly. "Hey Thorin?" He paused to glance back at me. "What is the general feel about hugs to you guys? I mean, do friends hug each other? Just family?"

He turned fully to face me, looking very bemused, "It would depend, I think, on thf absolute insanity and I'm a bit emotionally fragile, is all." I sunk into myself a bit again. "And, e individual."

"So it wouldn't be some sort of huge cultural faux pas for me to hug any of you guys?"

"Faux pas?" He frowned.

"Uh, like a mistake. Like, if someone doesn't know something is not done in the city they are visiting, and does it. But not something too bad. Faux pas are more on the level of, 'I just accidently did something really really awkward,' than 'oops, I broke a bunch of laws I didn't know about and now I'm in the dungeons.' So I guess I'm asking if it's only something done by close kin and those courting so I don't accidentally make someone uncomfortable. I like hugs."

He blinked, then shrugged. "The only one in the company that I know would be uncomfortable is probably Nori. The others, I'm not so sure. Some may be, some may not." He shot Dwalin a -dare I say- mischievous look, and winked at me.

Seeing as it isn't every day the King of Dark and Broody tries to get in on some fun, I took that as my cue to bounce right up to tall, muscly, and intimidating and wrap him in a hug. "Thanks Dwalin."

He grunted and patted my back awkwardly, "You're welcome, lass."

Taking pity on the socially awkward dwarf, I turned on Thorin and wrapped him in a hug as well. I mean, he was socially awkward too, just slightly less so. As demonstrated by the warm, strong arms wrapped firmly around my ribcage. I tried not to melt, but seriously, it'd been a long long time since I'd had a hug this good.

...Really since I'd had a hug at all.

I sighed and stepped back, patting his shoulder. "Thanks, I really needed that." I quirked a lopsided grin at him. "I run on hugs, you know."

Still looking bemused, he shrugged. "It was not unpleasant. If so simple a thing truly helps so much, I am glad."

I laughed a little and shrugged, "I'm a person of pretty simple needs. Hugs, food, sleep." I tilted my head. "Some exercise. Hugs are good for your endorphins, the chemical - like adrenaline? - that makes you happy. And people with higher endorphins levels live longer." I shrugged, "According to rumour, at least. I just use it as an excuse to get hugs."

The dwarrow glanced at each other. Dwalin shrugged. Thorin grinned a little and shook his head. "Stop stalling. Come."

I sighed and pouted, "Yessir."

He glared.

"Okay, okay." I took a deep breath and steadied myself, before glancing between the two dwarrow. "Thanks guys."

Dwalin grunted and nodded, then opened the door. Thorin just clapped me on the shoulder, then put a hand on my lower back. As a sign of support? To keep me from running away? Who knows.

As we walked out the door, I leaned over to murmur in Thorin's ear, "Oh, and Thorin? Don't think I've forgotten how you used Dwalin to get me to open the door."