It just so happened that finding his father to talk to him about Liruliniel's initiation into training came sooner than what Thranduil thought. In fact, the two were still walking about, Thranduil couldn't seem to shake Liruliniel and she was happily walking beside him, when Oropher spotted them. Of course, he looked sceptical, not knowing that Hérion's daughter and his son were remotely friendly. It was a surprise to see them. Although a rather funny image too.

Thranduil was calm faced, sharp blue eyes staring ahead before sliding and landing on his father's form. The steely coloured tunic he wore seemed to blend in with the grey walls around them yet contrasted sharply with the forestry-coloured tunic Liruliniel wore. Thranduil looked a little disjointed, probably in his own thoughts, while Liruliniel's expression was a rather happy one. Oropher didn't know what had happened, but he was pleased to see the young girl wasn't pestering someone somewhere.

He was aware of the daughter of Hérion, the fact that she was seemingly endless bounding energy, her love for climbing had given her the ability to scamper and escape lessons. He was also aware that her father was contemplating sending her elsewhere in hopes of someone else being able to get through and teach her. Caladhiel had her work cut out, but at the end of the day it was up to Hérion what he did. Oropher, as a king and more importantly a friend, he could only give his opinion when and if asked.

Perhaps, if Thranduil and herself were to maybe spend time together, his ways would rub off on her. Or perish the thought, it could go in the opposite direction. Oropher didn't want to think of that. Thranduil was well behaved, did what was asked of him and the thought of him turning rebellious like Liruliniel had him frowning. He may not approve of a budding friendship after all.

The two younger elves soon stopped, Thranduil having to reach out and clutch onto Liruliniel's shoulder when she seemed ignorant to the fact that she was almost going to walk straight into his father. She was too busy looking up at him rambling away about something, he wasn't wholly listening. Because she got pulled to a stop, she looked around then. Her smiling, excited face slipped, and she looked upwards at the taller male before them. If she barely reached Thranduil's shoulders, then Oropher was even more of a ridiculous person to measure against. He had to look down at the girl as she craned her neck up to look at him.

"I am glad to see you have found the runaway student." Oropher said, staring down at Liruliniel. She awkwardly smiled up at him. He had clearly crossed paths with Caladhiel, and she had probably told the king all about her latest experience with Liruliniel.

"I have a suggestion to make her stay and listen." Thranduil commented, sounding offhanded as he removed his hand from her shoulder, not totally realising he was still holding onto her. In fact, he wouldn't blame her if she tried to run. His father had this imposing aura about him. Calming at times, but a turmoil of emotions the next. He had a blank façade most of the time, but his eyes would always give him away with how he was feeling or what he was thinking. Both father and son were very similar in appearance, so being stared at by similar clear blue eyes was disconcerting to anyone, especially a small elf girl.

"Oh?" Oropher tilted his head and turned, he gestured a hand down the hall and Liruliniel soon found herself walking between father and son. She looked between the two awkwardly, she felt very out of place walking alongside these two, not just because of who they were to her, but the fact they looked so perfect, straight backed, blonde haired and blue eyed, fine tunics with the smallest details and both were so incredibly tall to her.

"I have persuaded Liruliniel to agree to take lessons with me. In return, I said I will speak to you about getting her some proper training." Thranduil said, having zero trouble talking about the girl when she was right next to him.

Liruliniel glanced his way, and he just rose a dark eyebrow in return. What he said was true, unless she suddenly wanted to go back to running around and run the risk of being sent elsewhere? Thranduil was sure Lord Elrond would just love to have her running about the waterfall laden dwelling in which he resided in.

Oropher glanced downwards, mainly at his son who just remained looking forwards as they came to a staircase. This was a new thing, his son never having previously really shown an interest in such a thing. Or, no offence, even going out of his way to aid someone in something. It wasn't that Thranduil was selfish, but he did sometimes have the tendencies to be set-minded. To openly come out with something like this, Oropher couldn't help it, his interest had been piqued.

Receiving silence for his words, Thranduil looked at his father. He frowned a little when all he was getting from Oropher was a thoughtful expression. Liruliniel had wide eyes and was just staring onwards, Thranduil had to say, this was the longest he had known her to be silent. It was a shocking change, and one he wasn't used to, or could say he particularly liked.

He could tell the younger girl felt awkward, he could see she felt it. Her expression was tense, Thranduil had to think for a moment, was this perhaps the closest she had been to his father? It was one thing to be around a prince, but a king? At least, he had to give her credit, she was keeping silent and not coming out with words she hadn't thought over.

"Your father has spoken to me about such a thing," Oropher said, directly talking to Liruliniel for the first time. Thranduil watched as she stiffly looked up at him, he shouldn't find it amusing, but she was right to be a little hesitant around his father. He was a formidable person, quick, smart, dangerous. "But he has also told me he does not wish for you to follow him to war."

"I do not believe my mother wanted such a thing for me, I think that is more it. Father wishes something for me, that I do not want. I am not one for disrespecting my father, I know he has done things not just for you, but for everyone to keep us all safe; but he is wrong to lay out a path for me, that I know does not feel right. There is something within me, sire, something that cannot settle and won't. I know it drives everyone mad, but I need to use that never settling energy for something. So why not for the sake of protecting the two most important people in all of our lives, plus everyone else?"

Thranduil actually looked taken back by Liruliniel's honestly spoken words. She had aired her thoughts and feelings with such strong, honest conviction that it was hard not to respect her slightly for it. Not that he didn't have respect for her, but most of the time she seemed to wish to annoy her brother and himself. Hard to respect someone who was forever a bit of a pest and a trickster. But even still now, even now she had done a complete turn of character and Thranduil just found himself silently contemplating. Where had this Liruliniel been all this time?

Even Oropher seemed a little taken back by her diplomatic words. For someone so young, she had very little trouble wording her thoughts and speaking them. "You know it'll be hard," he stated, not questioning her on this. He just looked at her with a knowing look, Liruliniel looked upwards at him with a small nod.

"Things in life, well, things which are wanted and need to be achieved in life will always be hard. I am not expecting it to be easy. I am expecting to be beaten, to lose, but with each failure I will grow and progress. I will learn. Isn't that the one use of failing? To learn and adapt?" Liruliniel questioned, small frown on her face as she shook her head from side to side simply.

"It will take time too," Oropher hadn't heard of Liruliniel being patient, or be known for her patience. Clearly some of the character traits of the dwarves in Ered Luin had rubbed off on her. Oropher knew she was fond of a smith there and spent many a day with him. Valar only knew what they conversed about, but there seemed to be civil amicability there.

Liruliniel looked around the corridor they had descended down into. A frown had appeared on her face as she bit her lip in thought. "Well, I guess I better start as soon as possible, right?" She asked with the full endless childish hope that only someone so young could come out with. She even looked hopefully up at him. At the end of the day, her father may disagree, but if Oropher gave the go ahead, Hérion wouldn't be able to disagree. He'd have to train her, alongside all the other new recruits, be them for the guard or the army.

Oropher wasn't one for humour, rarely that is, yet he let out a quiet chuckle and shook his head. He had to give credit to her perseverance. "When put like that, it is hard to disagree. Although, I do not think others share your enthusiasm." He had to say, mainly because each person signed up for this life for different reasons. Oropher couldn't disagree with Liruliniel's words, she was restless and by doing this, it may give her an outlet. She believed she was destined for something, and she was clearly going to not give up finding what that something was. Guard or not, Oropher didn't think she'd give up until she tried to get on that path. "May I inquire why?" Oropher asked, he didn't disbelieve her earlier words, but he believed there was more to it. He'd just rather hear it from her mouth, then someone else's.

Liruliniel looked back up at her king, "I do not want to be left behind. Do I want to charge off to war anytime soon? No, the thought is terrifying. But if it means to protect my home, my family, then yes. But also, others. Some people aren't as good at fighting as us, they deserve to be protected too." Liruliniel said, a firm look on her face as she fidgeted awkwardly as they walked along. "I will not be of much use to you at the moment, but I can promise one day I will be. I am not a quitter. Even if I have to be bested by your son countless times in sparring matches, I don't care." Liruliniel was deadly serious as she looked up at Oropher. He couldn't fault her determination, very much her father's daughter there.

He paused walking, thus making the two younger elves stop too. Liruliniel turned to look up at the blonde elf-King, while Thranduil stood behind her quiet and listening. He had been listening to their exchange all the while. He had no reason to speak up about anything. Oropher placed a hand on Liruliniel's shoulder, she just tilted her head and looked at him hopefully. His lips pulled upwards to the side slightly, "You seem to have accepted all the possibilities that could come from this. You are wise to not wish to go to war so soon, but also that the failures do not necessarily have to be bad. You appear wiser than your years, Liruliniel. And I will look forward to hearing about your progress from your father." Oropher said, patting her shoulder one last time before leaving them, Liruliniel quickly bowed as he left and then straightened up to look at Thranduil from over her shoulder.

"Did I just get a yes from your father?"

"It appears that way." Thranduil replied, blinking slowly and looking down at her as she jumped around to look up at him. "You spoke with conviction, Liruliniel, how could he say no?" Thranduil questioned, a loose shrug accompanying his words. Why she didn't speak like that more often, he didn't know.

"So, when's your first lesson?" Liruliniel hesitantly asked, wincing a little dreading the worst in all honesty.

Thranduil sighed softly, moving around her and commencing walking away again. "Usually after Caladhiel has finished with yours." He said, intending to make his way to one of the large rooms which could possibly be used as a study area. It was away from prying eyes, and it was peaceful. Hearing a groan, Thranduil looked over his shoulder. Liruliniel hadn't followed him and stood with her head hung, she looked despondent. "What is it?" He asked, watching her peer up at him slowly.

"I just escaped one lesson!"

Thranduil raised an eyebrow and looked slowly away from her. "Then you won't mind catching up on what you missed then, will you?" He idly commented, continuing to walk to where he was sure the elven lady was waiting for him. Hearing footsteps, Thranduil looked down when she came running up to him. Liruliniel looked displeased, he just smirked. She couldn't expect this to just happen when she wanted it, right? Thranduil had his own routine, especially when it came to lessons and training and Liruliniel was just being slotted into this too.

=

Thranduil wasn't under any illusion, considering how Liruliniel's attention seemed to flit from one thing to another, he didn't think she'd exactly be the best student ever. However, through Caladhiel's shock of her being present, she wasn't surprised the young girl didn't seem to pay attention, but where she shocked Caladhiel more, Liruliniel was caught writing notes down. In fact, if asked a question, she'd answer. She may not look like she was listening, but she really was. He hadn't pinned Liruliniel to being complex, he wasn't trying to be rude, but he didn't. Her motives, her words everything about her was incredibly easy to understand. Yet on the flip side, she had a habit of proving his estimations about her wrong.

She may have surprised him when it came to lessons of an academic nature. But physical? Training was another matter. Everyone who knew of Liruliniel knew that she spent most of the time within Ered Luin with dwarves. It hadn't caused problems, she hadn't got in the way and really, everyone seemed rather taken with her in a way. Maybe because she acted so differently to the other elves which had come to inhabit the same land as them? Thranduil didn't know.

But he dreaded to think what habits she picked up from them when it came to fighting. Surely, she had witnessed sparring matches which they had? This was definitely going to be interesting. And interesting it was, Hérion hadn't been pleased, yet he was silent. He couldn't go against something which came from his king. Still didn't mean he'd want to train his daughter. But if not him, then who? Knowing Liruliniel she'd probably pester Thalion.

For all Hérion knew, she'd even just sit and watch and take mental notes. Maybe even sneak a weapon somehow and train on her own, she was more likely to injure herself if she did that. But instead, having private training sessions was something which was limited to very few. Thalion was present here as well, being that he was perhaps at a same skill level as Thranduil, along with being a similar build, age and height.

Thalion, unlike his father, had burst out laughing when the two appeared. Mainly because Liruliniel was clearly talking a million miles an hour up at Thranduil. She was talking at him, not to him. There was a definitive difference, and it was one Thranduil just seemed to have a calm face over. Yet his eyes looked hardened, even Thalion could tell his friend was getting steadily annoyed. Liruliniel was trying his patience, and honestly, Thalion hoped he hadn't had to put up with his sister for too long.

Of course, neither father nor son knew that Thranduil had had to have Liruliniel with him for most of the day. It was really testing his patience, that was for sure. Not that Thranduil was an angry person, but much like his father, he was able to spark into annoyance over something so suddenly that it could happen in a blink of an eye.

Thalion threw an arm around his sister's shoulders, she beamed up at him and he just grinned in return. Was he happy she was getting her way? Of course. Was he actually happy? No, but he wouldn't say, of course the last thing he'd ever want is for his sister to have to face battle. The thought of her hurt, or worse turned his stomach. He would do whatever was in his power to save and protect her. But she was getting her way, and he wouldn't stop her. Even if their father may still try and deter.

Much like Thranduil, he didn't have many hopes of Liruliniel being any good first time around. He wasn't saying she wasn't a quick learner, but he sort of had the inkling their father would expect more from her, just to perhaps prove a point that she was out of her league. And how did Liruliniel react to all of this? With an eager smile and slow rocking on her heels as she listened intently to Hérion, she was taking this so far in her stride. But for how long exactly? Thalion knew full well she was a sore loser. She'd only take getting beaten so many times before she'd get frustrated.

Regardless, Thalion and Thranduil were left to their own devices. Although Thalion looked over to where his father was kneeling in front of his sister. A stern expression on his face, as he no doubt was speaking sternly to her, all with a stern voice and all. He was going full on father mode here and he pitied Liruliniel having to listen. Though, by her expression, she didn't seem to take it to heart. Wide eyes with excitement, a smile still in place as she nodded her head listening to him.

"She will be fine, you know?" Thalion looked suddenly to Thranduil, he was standing looking over the training sword they used. The weight of a normal sword they'd eventually wield, but minus a sharp edge. Still didn't mean it didn't hurt if hit with it.

"Sorry, who are you?" Thalion couldn't help but ask, though yes, his question could be rhetorical. He unsheathed his own sword while making his way closer to his friend. "When exactly did you start backing her?"

Thranduil raised an eyebrow, "You're annoyed." He stated, Thalion was radiating this irritated aura. Thranduil was many things, but he was especially perceptive.

"I'm not annoyed."

"Angry then." Thranduil shrugged, same thing, no difference to him.

Thalion just double took, "Have I missed something?" He looked utterly lost, Thranduil just tilted his head. "Do I know she'll be fine? Well, how can I know? She'll be fine at the moment. But later on, in life? I have to be blunt, I believe you meant well, but you have encouraged an ideal that may not be achieved."

Thranduil lifted up the sword in his hands and turn to stand, ready to strike. "Aren't you meant to encourage her, being her brother and all?"

Thalion just narrowed his eyes, "I'm her older brother, and it is my responsibility to look after her, protect her."

"Now she can protect herself, by extension protect you too." Thranduil said, musing slightly over his words. "Unless you don't want to be saved by your sister?" He couldn't help but smirk over that thought.

It was something which irked Thalion, his expression darkened, and he shook his head. "If you weren't my friend, I'd be really offended." He paused, "Also, I'm half tempted to let Liruliniel throw her half-broken boots at you, for revenge over those comments."

Thranduil shrugged, "Good thing I'm fast at dodging."

Thalion clicked his tongue and shook his head, raising his own weapon and swing it in a practice stroke, readjusting his grip and assessing the familiar weight again. "We shall see," he paused and flicked his sea-green eyes to Thranduil.

He just had a rather knowing expression on his face. He had won this, quite easily. Thalion didn't really have it in him to argue. He didn't do verbal confrontation, not that he was confrontational. But when it came to arguments or discussions, Thranduil usually won. He was just better at wording things; it was as simple as that.

While the friends were having their little exchange with words, Hérion was trying to be serious and speak to his daughter about the need-to-know details when it came to training. Liruliniel listened, ecstatic expression and all, but she listened. Hérion almost regretted handing over a smaller sized training sword to her, but he did. Liruliniel looked at the sword in her hands, a tense frown appearing as she weighed it. She couldn't have the full-length training swords the others used, mainly due to her small stature, it would make her top heavy, clumsy. If she stuck with this, she would get there eventually.

Hérion stood away from her, she looked up at him and he found himself sighing softly. She looked lost, yet when he tapped the sword in his hand against hers, she got the message. Lifting her weapon up, she copied his stance. Hérion slowly went through the basics, footwork and stance changes. He watched and scrutinised Liruliniel if she went wrong. She hopped a bit if she was a little off and got a tap to the leg with a sword. Her father got a look shot at him then, yet Hérion just raised an eyebrow.

"Watch your footing, or else you may find yourself in trouble."

"Dead, you can say it, father." Liruliniel was blunt while letting her arm go lax a bit, this got another tap. She whined and frowned, "Stop it!"

"It's easier than using words, and more productive." Hérion smiled, actions sometimes spoke louder than words with his daughter. With that thought in mind, he tilted his head, Liruliniel looked confused. "Parry," he said, Liruliniel was about to question him, only to yelp rather loudly and hold her sword up to block his attack. Hérion had everything she didn't, speed, power, accuracy, years upon years of training; he had started training when he was near Thalion's age, his father had taught him, and he hadn't ever really stopped.

Despite of the natural and clearly obvious advantages he had, he held back. Of course he did, he wasn't a horrible person. He wasn't going to so easily beat her in a simple exchange of parries. He'd hit, she'd block, he'd nod at her to return the favour, and he'd tell her how to improve. Was she quick? Surprisingly yes, her smaller frame and wiry limbs had her being quite springy. Did she grasp onto what he was telling her? She lapped it up. Hérion hadn't remembered Thalion looking so enthralled by his lessons, Liruliniel differed greatly. But of course, the siblings could be polar opposite yet similar.

Not having the stamina, Liruliniel found herself tiring quite easily. Hérion couldn't help but laugh when she collapsed back on the ground. Some leaves shuttled upwards in the air from this action, Liruliniel just laid there looking upwards. The leaves were changing colour, autumn seemed to be coming on them quickly. She liked autumn, all the colours, warm and vibrant, the browns mixing with the lingering greens and bright oranges. Her eyes blinked though when she tilted her head, Thalion appeared kneeling beside her.

"I can't feel my arms."

Thalion laughed, "You get used to it."

"Can I fight you?"

Thalion shook his head, "No." Liruliniel pouted, Thalion rolled his eyes. "You can't stand, let alone have a practice run with me, Liruliniel."

"Can I at least have a go?"

"What, so you can lose?"

She pouted again and pushed herself up, looking around she watched her father and Thranduil exchange words, commencing a session. She inhaled deeply and crossed her legs, the sword resting against her legs as she watched. Thalion looked over his shoulder and watched too, he looked back at Liruliniel. With a sigh, he turned and sat beside her. She was watching every movement with unblinking eyes; an almost adoring expression was on her face. Although Thalion wasn't sure who exactly she was finding adoration in.

It was hard not to admire both elves' abilities, the speed of the attacks and the fact that they weren't needing to be thought out seemed utterly astonishing really. It was all muscle memory and instinct, something which seemed to come almost naturally to Thranduil, Thalion a little behind here. But what else was to be expected by their prince, exactly? If he didn't excel in things such as this, people would probably end up talking. They would need a leader at some point, much like Oropher, who would lead them, sometimes even into battles without shying away.

"How did you manage this?" Thalion asked quietly, his head turning and looking to his little sister.

She peeled her eyes away begrudgingly. "Prince Thranduil said that I spoke with conviction." She flicked her eyes to the side; she was talking to her brother yet watching the two still fighting.

Thalion found himself slowly smiling, seemed like the lone time she actually used his title without sarcasm. So, he was guessing her expression was over him, whether she knew it or not. Shaking his head, he rolled his eyes. "To whom?"

"His father." Liruliniel said obviously with a frank look sent his way. "But...there's a catch."

"Which is?" Thalion asked, truly interested. Thranduil hadn't been forthcoming exactly with how this all managed to happen. Let alone the smaller details.

Liruliniel looked disheartened, "I have my lessons with him." He didn't quite believe what he heard, double taking and looking wide eyed. She didn't stutter, and she wasn't speaking a foreign language, she had actually said that. And Thalion, for the life of him, found himself lost for words. "Lady Caladhiel seemed almost thankful that I stayed in place to actually finish a lesson."

"You do tend to run away from tutors." Thalion stated with a frown. "Maybe you'll actually learn something, hm?" He asked, smirking and earning a punch to the shoulder. He laughed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, bringing her close and leaning his head against hers. "So, feel rested enough for that fight?" He looked down, her head was resting against his shoulder. She peered up at him suddenly excited as she nodded her head and sprung up. "Steady on, Liruliniel! These may not be sharp enough to cut, but you could still hurt yourself, or me!" He scolded, mainly because she had jumped up, sword in hand and just swung around to face him. Thalion had to lean back and out of reach or else that sword would've made contact with his face. Honestly, he found himself a bit envious of Thranduil's apparent dodging skills right now.

——

Edited: 19/June/25