Through all the space in which the vast fortress offered, it still was too small to Liruliniel. She may have succeeded in getting on the path to her goal, but that still didn't quell her need to be outside and amongst the trees. It wasn't that being in grey halls and corridors was an alien thing for her and her kind. On the contrary, the fortress in which they now resided in was truly something; the architecture brilliant in its making and sculpting, anyone else would be taken aback by it.

Liruliniel was still bored by the lack of change, the same old, same old. She honestly didn't understand why she was like this, maybe it was something which was inherited from her mother? Unfortunately, Liruliniel had very little memories of the elven woman. She was only young when she passed, her father and brother never spoke of her really. Clearly the loss still cut them deep. How did they think she felt, not having any recollections of her at all? There was an empty void in Liruliniel, and she just presumed that the call to be outside and run about was a mechanism to fill it.

This need to be amongst the trees hadn't dissipated at all, even with the months which had slowly dragged by. Autumn had fully sunk in, and all the trees were going through the state of change. The oranges, browns and falling leaves were, if anything, alluring to her. Unfortunately, the call of being amongst the sprawling branches, had yet again slowly taken precedence over lessons. Only the academic sides of things, when it came to practical lessons she was there instantly. It was something which irked her father but seemed to annoy Thranduil more. Yet, no one had stopped her in her training, so she continued to push and take liberties. She probably shouldn't, but she was curious to see how long this would last.

She wasn't ignorant, she was sure most who were close to her knew what she was doing. So of course, nearing the large doors out into the woodlands, she wasn't surprised to spy a familiar tall blonde. Thranduil just stood there, arms behind his back and his cool eyes staring straight at her. His gaze didn't waver, and he didn't blink. He for one kept trying to goad her into attending lessons with him, no avail. So, his next option was force, literally.

There was a problem with this though, Liruliniel was fast. It was something which had grown to annoy Thranduil more than her avoidance of certain things. Training, if anything, even if it had only been a few months, had excelled her already natural speed. Liruliniel smiled and even before she was halfway down the corridor, she lowered her centre of gravity. Thranduil just tilted his head, a frown appearing on his face as he was aware to what she was intending to do. He just had to be quicker. Which was hard, because the younger elf really was fast.

Thranduil didn't think he was ultimately the best at fighting, and all things tactical, but her speed was something to be both envious and irritated over. She had managed to slip his grasp a few times when he had attempted to direct her to Caladhiel. It was annoying. So, when Liruliniel sped in his direction completely uncaring that he was going to try and stop her, Thranduil tried to catch her before she stepped foot outside.

How did that turn out? It didn't. Liruliniel ducked and rolled along the floor expertly and sprung up, to make it more insulting that he had missed again, she ran backwards with a grin. Thranduil just turned on his heels, eyes narrowing. She really was very annoying. He easily followed after her, his steps slow and measured. Her eyes widened and she turned and made her way to the nearest tree. This wouldn't be the first time this happened, Thranduil had lost count really. But he was determined to catch her this time.

Liruliniel however had other ideas. He knew though that as soon as she got up into the trees, she was a completely different creature. She was so natural at climbing, running along the branches and leaping the distance from one branch to another, that in some ways, it was hard not to admire her footwork. But not when she had things that were needing to be done.

That wasn't to say he wasn't the same, or his skills were below hers when up amongst the leaves and foliage. But he'd usually run along the ground, following her path before spotting the right place to try and catch her from. Being stronger and with longer limbs, climbing was exceedingly easy for Thranduil. Liruliniel still had a habit of wiggling and needing to peddle her shorter legs to get up a tree. Adapted well when up there, yet to actually get up there, no.

The surrounding forest which their capital stood within was safe, stretched forever and from the top of the tallest tree, the landscape which stretched out beyond went on forever and was beautiful. Truly, Liruliniel found the world around her beautiful, she did not know how anyone couldn't be at peace amongst such wonder. Because no evil forces were around, there was no restriction to how far or where exactly anyone could travel and venture. A liberty Liruliniel pushed to an extreme, but if she ran too far north, although it would take her ages, she'd encounter the mountains which ran through the forest, a great ravine of jutting rocks varying in sizes and scale.

Honestly, Thranduil never knew what the goal was here for her. He never asked her, but even as he leaped and followed her path along a twisting branch, he could see her rich mahogany hair flowing about behind her like a streak. She didn't spare a glance behind herself, clearly knowing he was following her for some reason or another. She seemed quite happy keeping a good distance between them, although Thranduil watched in almost slow motion as the branch she leaped to snapped as soon as her foot landed on it.

Liruliniel naturally screamed and scrambled as she fell to the branch underneath her. She landed in a crouch and looked up confusedly, she didn't flinch or jump when Thranduil came to land beside her. Both tilted their heads, something was wrong with this tree. The branches were twisting in unnatural ways, the leaves were more of an ashy colour, unlike the autumnal leaves around it on neighbouring trees.

From the branch which had broken, both could spy an equally ashen, almost sickly charcoal colour spreading throughout the bough. Liruliniel placed her palm against the trunk, with her eyes slowly shutting, she frowned deeply. Thranduil paced away from her, she didn't seem to be wanting to run anymore, so he looked around. None of the other trees seemed sickened, not before them at least. He turned, his long silvery blonde hair whipping harshly in the air as he did so. Moving back over to her, he couldn't help but frown.

Liruliniel opened her eyes when he tapped her shoulder, the almost gentle gesture was odd, not that Thranduil was harsh to her, he just didn't make a habit of touching her. What made it odder was his expression looking so distant as he looked over her shoulder. Liruliniel turned too, leaning forwards she jumped forwards, despite him calling her name out. Thranduil looked around, scanning the surroundings. This area of the forest didn't feel right. It didn't feel light, homely. No, it felt sick, it felt heavy. And Liruliniel had just leaped down to the forest floor after skipping and hopping from branch to branch.

Not looking for potential enemies was idiotic for her, Thranduil hadn't spied anything but even still. He followed after her after a few moments had gone. He found her picking up the branch which had snapped under her weight. Liruliniel turned it in her hands, the thickness needing both her hands to hold it. It shouldn't have broken, not like it did.

"There is something wrong," Liruliniel looked at the clearing, it was small, like most of the forest it had these little places. A small meandering stream was nearby; she placed the branch down and moved over. Her eyes narrowing as Thranduil looked up and around him. He wasn't too forthcoming with exploring unlike her. "Prince?"

Hearing her call out to him, Thranduil turned and moved over to her hesitantly. His blue eyes never leaving the tree line, there was this oppressive feeling as if they were being watched by a million eyes. He couldn't place where the source was coming from, but it caused his senses to heighten. "We need to leave," he said, not even entertaining what she had called him over for. He agreed with her, something was wrong. Something was horribly wrong.

"But look-"

"Liruliniel, we've travelled too far. We need to leave." Thranduil said, cutting her off easily and shooting an icy look her way. Though this dissipated when he saw her crouched near the water's edge. "Get your hands out of that," he knelt and swatted her hand away. He looked at her admonishingly, what was wrong with her? The water didn't look right, so what was her natural reaction? Scoop handfuls up.

But she was right, again. It wasn't right, it was wrong. The water looked thicker, oily even as there was a slight sheen gracing the top of it. There weren't even any signs of animals having been here to drink. This small stream would've been a watering hole for a few woodland critters. Yet no prints were around. This part of the forest felt empty, abandoned. Like an invisible wall had been crossed and now the two found themselves in a place which wasn't a part of their home.

"What's wrong with it? I don't understand." Liruliniel let herself be pulled up to a stand, Thranduil just looked at her mutely, Liruliniel just looked back up at him confusedly.

"I don't have the answers, but we can find someone who does." He looked around sceptically, half expecting something to leap out at them. Putting a hand on her shoulder, he gently nudged her forwards. "We have to leave though, Liruliniel, and fast. Do not stray too far, do you hear me? Something isn't right, we shouldn't have come this far anyway." Thranduil frowned, getting the point across that they were here because of her.

"You shouldn't have chased me."

He shot her a look, that was a mature reply, not. He shook his head, opting to ignore the childish comment. Sometimes he did find himself forgetting she was still young, mainly because of her rare moments of wise speaking and presence. They stayed on the ground, edging their way through the low hanging twisted branches, both kept on looking around. They may have been making their way out of this area, but the tension didn't ease off.

Liruliniel reached up and pressed gently against a branch, she couldn't help it. Something which had looked so full of life, looked so void of it now. She winced when the branch snapped under her touch. She looked it over before looking at Thranduil. She looked guilty over damaging the tree, yet she couldn't help it. The trees were clearly withering.

Thranduil looked over his shoulder, the heavy atmosphere seemed to almost follow them. He looked around, inhaling deeply he pulled Liruliniel to a stop. She looked confused, his hand left her tunic sleeve, and he nodded upwards, she got the hint and ran and leaped up and clutched onto a healthy-looking branch. Thranduil sighed, rolling his eyes and walking over, he put a hand under one of her feet and pushed. Liruliniel squirmed up and sat there for a moment, she smiled although it turned into a pout when he effortlessly climbed up without trouble. Any other time, he'd smirk and be a little smug over ticking her off. But not now, Thranduil stood and brushed himself down, Liruliniel stood up too and looked back the way they came.

"What is happening?"

"They're dying." Thranduil could only surmise, it wasn't as if they weren't getting enough sun, or water for that matter. No, something seemed to be slowly smothering the life out of the trees. But it was a slow going though, or else all the other trees would be the same.

Liruliniel's head snapped to look at him, Thranduil gestured a hand for her to go first yet she didn't move. "Dying? But, why?"

"I don't know." He said, growing a bit frustrated. He didn't want to loiter around this area anymore. Surely, she felt the heavy tension in the air too? Thranduil wanted to leave. "But we can find out, try and get answers." Not only that, but he'd also need to alert his father to this discovery. Liruliniel shuffled forwards, he could see how affected she was to hear that the trees she loved so much were suffering. It wouldn't just affect her; it would affect them all. "Liruliniel?" She looked at him, hearing him say her name. Thranduil thought his next words carefully, "You can't come out here anymore if it isn't safe." Best him just break it to her now, then save someone else having the task.

"But-"

"No. No, you cannot disagree or contradict here. Listen to me, you come out here and find trouble, you may find yourself outmatched."

"What trouble?"

"There is something, but I can't see it." Thranduil replied slowly, he could definitely feel it though. Flicking his eyes to hers, he nodded, she got the hint and commenced running at a slower pace along the branch.

She sent a small smile over her shoulder at him which got him looking at her strangely. "So, guess this makes us friends now, hm?" She raised an eyebrow, smile slowly turning into a smirk when his eyes widened and he tilted his head. "Friends look out for each other so..."

"Actually, all I was trying to do was make you go to a lesson. Not this." Thranduil responded coolly.

Liruliniel let out a quiet laugh, shaking her head she climbed into another tree and scampered along the branch. The trees were healthier here; she could speed up a bit without worry of falling. "Sure, you keep saying that-"

"Liruliniel-"

"It's fine, Prince. I won't take liberties with our friendship."

"Think you've pushed it enough."

Liruliniel let out an exclaim and paused to face him. She grinned, "You just admitted to it." Liruliniel seemed quite proud of herself here really.

Thranduil rolled his eyes and jumped down, they were near their home. "If I was not somewhat amicable to those who would be latter on dealt with the responsibility to guard me, then I truly do not know."

"Oh, this isn't honour talking," Liruliniel jumped down and ran after him. Thranduil just looked down at her as she smiled up at him. "Would being my friend, really be that bad?" Liruliniel dared to ask, getting a frank, and rather blank look sent her way. She laughed, perhaps she shouldn't have because of who was sending her that look, but he just made her laugh. He was too serious. "I wouldn't be a bad friend, least each day would be entertaining."

"Stressful, Liruliniel. Stressful, especially if you manage to find more situations like that."

"You like the adventure really. Cuts up the boring, mundane routine of your princely duties, don't lie."

Thranduil just shook his head upon her saying this, sounding so sure of herself, he just sighed. They had been amicably friendly for a while now, and not only because of the time spent studying and practising, although she hadn't practiced sparring with him, yet. But Liruliniel was now not really seen as a pest who popped up to get attention from her brother, and by extension him, no, as much as Thranduil wouldn't openly admit it, she had become a friend.

"Who do we talk to about the trees?"

"My father," Thranduil looked her way when she inhaled sharply. He slowly smiled, "Would you like me to do the talking and explaining as to how we came to find what we did?" If he did, Liruliniel knew full well that it would become obvious of her slacking again. He also found it mildly amusing still how much his father scared her. She scrunched her nose up yet sighed and looked at him hopefully. Thranduil just raised an eyebrow, "I will try and make it seem like it wasn't all your fault."

"You're taking partial blame?"

"No, Liruliniel, you mistake me; I am telling him what happened, and how. But I will say it in a way to avoid laying blame entirely on you."

"You're going to lie." Liruliniel found herself laughing quietly, "You can't do that!"

"Oh, right then, you can come out with the honest truth. I'd rather avoid the wrath of my father for doing such a thing." Thranduil shrugged nonchalantly, Liruliniel's shoulders sagged. It was okay for her to do such a thing though, clearly. She really didn't want to entertain the thought of lying to their king, his father. Liruliniel accepted what was to be, she'd come out with the honest truth, lying wasn't going to get answers.

=

There was one problem with having to talk the truth, it was more the fact that it wasn't just the king, which was present, and listening; what's more, Thranduil had left Liruliniel's side and stood beside his father in the large room they were within. The last thing Liruliniel expected was a meeting to happen. All those which were important in the functioning of their kingdom were present, her father included, Thalion was not. Hérion had looked somewhat displeased that his daughter was seemingly the centre of attention here, only dreading to know what she had done to be in this situation.

Liruliniel looked quite small as she shifted from foot to foot looking amongst the faces gathered, her eyes narrowed at Thranduil, that traitor left her side as soon as they entered this room when they had well and truly caught his father's attention. "I do not know what is wrong out there, but something is not right with the trees. It is not close to us, but it is creeping throughout the forest. There are parts so still, it seems unnatural." Liruliniel spoke eventually, tucking her hands behind her back and standing up straight. She couldn't exactly stand here slouching in front of so many stern and serious faced elves. She was aware that already some were perhaps judging her.

"That is preposterous, there is nothing untoward here. We have sought safety here and will be safe here for as long as we need." Baramaethor spoke, although not physically appearing so, he was extremely old. Behind his back and with speculating tones, Liruliniel and Thalion had whispered about him perhaps being one of the first elves to ever awaken and walk the grounds of Middle-earth. However, whether this was true or not, neither knew but it had made Baramaethor extremely judgmental, opinionated and quick to shoot down ideals and things which didn't agree with him.

Liruliniel wasn't one for disrespecting her elders, despite of how she acted. But she was very tempted here, she frowned and tilted her head, seeing the look on her face, Hérion interjected before she could. "Perhaps you can explain your words better?" He opted to ask in a tone which hinted to her to not answer rudely to Baramaethor. The older elf shifted in his seat and shot Hérion a look, he just slowly slid his eyes back to his daughter. The last thing they needed was a falling out here. But if he was going to shoot his daughter down, Hérion would defend.

She looked worriedly at him, Hérion just stood unfazed by her pleading expression. She got herself into this, she was getting herself out. He couldn't comment either way anyway, he wasn't there. Sighing she looked around the sparsely decorated hall. "I was exploring," she winced when there were quiet exchanges from in front of her. "I was opting out of a lesson, with Lady Caladhiel and I ventured further than I believed." She said, selflessly as she took full responsibility.

It was something which Thranduil couldn't help but look at her curiously over. Upon returning, he wasted no time in finding Oropher. His father was reading in a quiet room to himself. Thranduil had explained that Liruliniel had discovered something while she was out, he was expecting her to drop him in it too just out of spite. But she didn't. Did Oropher think they were together when finding this supposed discovery? Yes, most likely. He hadn't been ignorant to the two of them forming their new friendship, but he had not spoken about it.

Thranduil wasn't expecting Liruliniel to be selfless, despite of the repercussions which might come her way for it. But as a friend, in Liruliniel's eyes, keeping him from any punishment was the right thing to do. He didn't need to follow her, despite of his reasons. But he did. There were no borders in the forest, no place within their home that they were expected to avoid. But even still...straying and finding danger and putting the heir to the throne in danger too, without a weapon and defenceless, was awful.

Oropher wasn't an overprotective parent, but even Liruliniel knew that if something happened to Thranduil and she was to blame, she'd probably get imprisoned for life, or sent away, or exiled. Choose from the pick there, all were as bad as each other. She'd probably only be spared death because of the years of work and loyalty which Oropher had for Hérion. But even then, her actions could come back on him, and her brother. They could be declined and demoted from any position.

For the first time, Liruliniel saw what consequences her actions could have. And it dawned on her, that she had been acting foolishly for so long. It wasn't just her that could suffer if she did something idiotic, others would be hurt too. The last thing she wanted was her family to suffer, and she really didn't want Thranduil hurt because of his denial over friendly protection.

"There is a stream, about ten minutes north from here, it is poisoned." Liruliniel paused to hear the exchange quietly again, the only ones who weren't talking amongst themselves was Oropher, Thranduil and her father. "It is slick with murk; there is no life surrounding it. And the trees, the trees appear to be dying. Something is killing them, sire. And I do not know what, but it isn't right. There is something very wrong out there beyond our safe haven, and it is quietly growing, spreading even."

"What else did you see?" For the first time, Oropher spoke up. He for one found the insight troubling. It was perhaps foolish to think that peace would rein for longer. But he had never thought that the evil which had been defeated a while ago, was slowly regaining strength already. What was to be the end to this? Was there going to be an end? Where else was slowly suffering its effects? Surely, they weren't the only ones? This evil was not discriminating; it hated all and would bring death to everyone if it could.

Liruliniel snapped her eyes to his, Oropher's blue eyes just stared at her curiously. Unlike everyone else present, he was perhaps one of few who did not look sternly at her. Like she was just a child wasting their time. He was genuine, and really, Liruliniel had seen the same look in Thranduil's eyes at times too. "A branch broke when I landed on it. This tree was old, thick and sturdy and it broke just by having me step foot on it. Within the branch, there was no signs of growing life. The tree branch looked sick, dead even. Greying and black, it wasn't natural. There is an atmosphere growing, it's leeching into everything and bringing ruin. I can feel it." Liruliniel said slowly, thoughtfully and measuredly. She was making sure to word her thoughts correctly and get across what she had found and her feelings about it. It unsettled her, it scared her even.

"Ridiculous," Liruliniel looked with a frown back at Baramaethor. "The ramblings of an overactive imagination, an imagination which could be curbed by attending lessons and listening to their tutor."

"I am not making this up!" Liruliniel all but lost it, her small voice raised, and she looked fiercely at the older elf. Baramaethor for one double took, looking truly astonished she had done such a thing. "I am not a liar! Go out there yourself, go on. When was the last time you left these halls, and actually looked around at the world in which we live in? When? When? I am standing here telling you something isn't right, and you believe I am lying. I am many things, but I am not that. You stay ignorant to this, and it will creep up on us all before we even know it. I-"

"Enough!" Baramaethor's voice harshly cut her off, and Liruliniel for one physically took a step back with a pained face. She hadn't looked scared thus far really, but him shouting at her made her jolt. "Do not raise your voice to me, child. It seems as if you have skipped the lessons given to you, on how to talk to those above you."

"You are older than me, Lord Baramaethor, that is all. We all came from the same source, and we will return to that source when our time comes." Liruliniel responded diplomatically, further irking the older elf who was shifting forwards in his chair, as if he was going to storm down to her and strike her for insolence.

The only reason why he didn't, was because Oropher placed an arm in front of him and stood up instead. Liruliniel had looked scared by Baramaethor's possible movement to her, but now that the king was, she looked petrified. His steady footsteps barely made a noise in the room as he neared her, slowly he crouched to be on a similar eye level as her. Liruliniel hadn't been this close to Oropher, walking alongside him was one thing, but being eye to eye with him was something else.

But it was the little things she realised, the similarities between father and son. Both had very similar shades of blue eyes, the sapphire colour deep and beautiful, yet also a lingering seriousness and sorrow lurking beneath the depths. They looked alike too, Thranduil clearly took after his father more than his mother; both tall, blonde haired and Liruliniel couldn't put her finger on it, they were just so alike, they had this same aura surrounding them, mysterious in a way, yet familiar at the same time. Yet not someone to mess with, because of the hidden danger which could be unleashed suddenly.

Oropher was assessing her just as much as she was him. "Can you show me where this clearing of yours was?" He asked quietly, so only she could hear. The last thing he needed were the others behind him starting off. Yes, he was listening to a young girl, because he could see that she had seen something that had worried her. It worried her enough to talk in front of all of these people, regardless of Thranduil being the one to put that into motion.

Thinking of which, a glance was sent over his shoulder back to his son. Thranduil just remained stoic faced, sighing and looking back at Liruliniel, Oropher nodded slowly. "I know he was with you, Liruliniel. I don't think you need me to tell you how you should probably think before you act now. You regret going there, I can see it, but by going there you have perhaps found something that could threaten our lives."

"You think it's something that bad?" Liruliniel frowned, not thinking so drastically.

Oropher looked at her with an unwavering glance. "I don't know. But I would like to find out, wouldn't you?"

"But...your son said I shouldn't go back out there, if it's dangerous." Liruliniel said uncertainly.

Oropher's mouth tilted upwards slightly. "He is wise to say such a thing. But you won't be going alone, will you?" He stood slowly and looked down at her as she craned her neck up to look at him in return. "But I would listen to him. He isn't exactly too forthcoming when it comes to giving advice or showing concern." Oropher got a confused look sent at him then, shaking his head loosely, he turned and gestured a hand to her. "Lead the way, Liruliniel."

"We're going now?"

"Right now."

"Right..." Liruliniel sighed heavily, feeling awkward as she dragged her feet a little to leave the large room. She was aware to those she passed just looking at her with hard expressions. She looked up when someone slipped beside her. Hérion looked at his daughter firmly, he was curious too though. He looked at her sceptically, as if wondering just what exactly his daughter had found.

Listening to the footsteps behind her, Liruliniel looked behind herself quickly. Thranduil had stepped beside his father, she didn't know whether he was instructed to come too, or whether he wanted to freely come. But they exchanged a look before she looked back up at her father. "I'm sorry," she whispered up at him, he didn't look disappointed, but Liruliniel felt like he was for some reason.

Maybe it wasn't disappointment, but apprehension over what was to possibly be found. If it was something bad, would there be another battle? Would they need to move again? Liruliniel felt awful, she could be the lone person to bring an end to the peace here in Amon Lanc; and if that happened, where would they then go? Where else was there for them to go? Did they honestly have to run away?

Hérion just shook his head, he placed a hand on her shoulder and gripped it surely, it his way of showing her apology was for nothing, and she had nothing to worry about. Well, where her father's anger may be involved at least. That didn't mean the others wouldn't be a little annoyed over what her exploring may have found.

——

Edited: 19/June/25