Later on that same afternoon, Ariana came back outside (after washing both Peanut and herself after their sweaty run earlier) to find a multitude of dwarves hacking away at the solidified layer of whatever-it-was. Standing at the top where the land sloped away from the entrance to Erebor was a lightly-dressed dwarf and Thorin, watching over everyone. The two seemed to be deep in conversation.

She walked over to them, and stood silently by Thorin and listened in – they were discussing what food and how many and where to get them from. Soon enough they noticed her.

"Lady Ariana," exclaimed the dwarf. "I'm so sorry, I did not see you there."

Ariana smiled, thinking of Bilbo. "No apology necessary." She didn't bother to ask how he knew her – she had become fairly well-known as a hobbit amongst dwarves (and also as Thorin's ladyfriend, she wasn't so sure how to take that).

He bowed to her. "Hustad, at your service." Ariana inclined her head to him. "I must thank you, my Lady," he continued. "You have given us a lot more than farms; you have given us hope."

Ariana's cheeks flushed red and she struggled to form a reply. Thorin smiled and said "Hobbits are a remarkable people, you should have met my dear friend Master Baggins. Missed all the comforts of home – nearly went back – yet he stayed and gave me my Mountain."

"You have good friends, my King."

Thorin laughed softly. "If it weren't for them, I would not be here. I owe them everything."

There was a moment of silence and Hustad would have responded if it weren't for a younger dwarf running up to them, cheeks red and eyes excited. Her beard was braided out of her face but her brown hair was loose.

"Irak'adad! We've had a breakthrough, we should have it clear by the end of the day." She panted heavily before bowing to Thorin and Ariana. "Apologies, King Thorin, Lady Ariana. Buví, at your service."

"Wonderful my girl," replied Hustad. "We'll send more workers to help you, we want this done as soon as possible, let your father know." Buví nodded and rushed back down the hill. "My niece," he explained. "Farming folk, takes after her father. You know of him, Skerin Greenhand, their family is better with soil than with ore. My sister has blessed him with two daughters."

"I am glad to know my farms are in good hands."

"Better than good, my King. Under his rule, the land will flourish."

Ariana found herself at the Healing Rooms later that day, asking for directions to Lofin and Fulla's home. The elderly Ubsat, Asja, explained that the pair lived in a communal sector of the Mountain that had once been soldiers' barracks. Being one of the few places still mostly intact, many dwarves were living there. She then went on to give the hobbit clear directions on how to get there.

When she eventually found where Fulla was staying, Ariana had to ask for further directions, as there were many rooms within the barracks. Upon finding their private room, due to Lofin's woulds, she felt oddly nervous. She supposed it was because she'd never really been this personal with her handmaiden, but something had changed in her. Raising her hand, she knocked three times.

Fulla, her hair down for the first time Ariana had seen, opened the door and grinned. "Ariana! What a lovely surprise, come in!"

"I always wondered where you lived, thought I'd come visit and meet Lofin."

"You chose a good day," said Lofin, his voice deep. Sitting at the small table to one side of the room, was a dark haired dwarf sporting only a few braids in his long beard. "Glad to meet you Lady Ariana, take a seat. I'd stand and greet you properly, but…" He glanced down at the bandages still wrapped around his side.

"No apology necessary, and please dispense of the 'Lady', Lofin. I'm only a hobbit, and a friend of your betrothed. How are you feeling?" she asked as she and Fulla sat down.

"Better than a few weeks ago," he stated. "But Asja says I'm doing well and can get to work in a few days."

"What is it you do?"

"I work in masonry, I built several homes back in the Iron Hills. I hope to help rebuild more for Erebor."

"Just don't strain yourself lansel," said Fulla, taking Lofin's hand. "You will not be fully healed for a long while."

"I must do my duty to the King."

"But-" Fulla started, and Ariana sensed that it was an argument oft repeated.

"You must also do your duty to your future wife," interrupted Ariana. "I understand your feelings, Lofin, but you must also consider your family. If you strain yourself too much, how can you spend your life with the one you love?"

He looked at her for a long time, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "You are right, Ariana." He turned to Fulla. "I am sorry, my love, I'll look after myself. You have my word." Fulla smiled, a mixture of relief and gratefulness.

The three of them had a cup of tea together, and was invited for dinner with them. She had to decline – it was a bit short notice and she would have to let Thorin know – but she promised she would join them within the next week.

She left a little while later and arrived just in time for dinner with Thorin. They were joined by Balin, who informed them that they'd had a Raven from Dis' party stating that they would arrive in a couple of weeks.

Ariana felt a wave of nervousness rush over her. She'd heard a lot about Thorin's sister, and frankly the woman intimidated her. Stories spoke of her fighting prowess (which apparently superseded Thorin's own) alongside her style of ruling (firm, very firm). Fili and Kili, of course, sung praises of their mother, who kept her people hopeful even after the death of their father, Vili.

Thorin and Balin did not seem to notice, but after Thorin walked her back to her quarters and they had settled down before the fire, he asked, "What is it that troubles you?"

"I'm not entirely sure myself," she replied reluctantly. "I've heard about your sister, and… well, what if she doesn't like me?"

Thorin curved an arm around her shoulder. "Of course she will. She is very much a family oriented woman, and if her family is happy she will be too. Speaking of family, how are yours doing?"

"They're doing well," Ariana said, seizing the change of topic happily. "My brother has finally become a Shirriff, he's very excited to start. Allamanda is having more better days than not."

"What is it that ails your sister?"

She paused for a while before answering, and when she did, her voice was serious and quiet. "An illness of the body, she is frail and cannot leave the house most days. It's fairly recent, she only started getting ill two years ago. She misses gardening." Ariana sighed heavily.

Thorin pressed a kiss to her temple. "If you want to visit them, let me know, and I will arrange it for you."

Ariana smiled and leaned into his embrace. "Thank you. That means a lot."

They usually ended evenings like this now, curled up together on the sofa, talking about whatever came into their minds. Then Ariana would yawn widely and shoo Thorin out so that they could both go to their respective beds. She'd say goodnight to the painting of her family, then fall asleep amongst the soft covers on her bed with a smile on her face.