"You never said what you wanted if you won." Thranduil said while climbing over some jutting out roots which seemed to wrap and coil around an ashy coloured boulder. He lost. It was close but Liruliniel seemingly was still the faster out of them. It irked him, just a little. But it was all in good nature and fun.

Liruliniel's head peeped up from out of a small crevice she had managed to worm herself into. Thranduil double took, how she managed that, he didn't know. He sometimes found it best not to question her, or what she did or could do. "I don't want anything from you." She said while throwing her arms over the edge and practically hauling herself out. It wasn't dignified, but it got her out of the hole, she stood up and brushed her armour down.

"Nothing?" Thranduil sounded sceptical, this seemed a little good to be true. Something had to be amiss, surely?

Liruliniel frowned lightly, a small smile tugging at her lips as she looked to the side and hopped upwards to another part of the mountainside. They hadn't fully scaled it; they were merely around the base just walking about. Or in Liruliniel's case, climbing about. The elf couldn't help but not climb. If there was a chance for her to scamper up something, she was there.

"Nothing." She repeated jumping up and kicking against the slightly smooth surface before she found purchase and managed to get to the next jutting out piece of rock. It seemed like a natural ledge, so she sat down and swung her legs over the edge. "Is that honestly so hard to believe? I want nothing from you, Thranduil." Much like most times, when out of the presence of other elves, titles were well and truly dropped.

Thranduil looked around the mountain, he was trying to scope out a better way up to where she was. It seemed like there wasn't, so much like her he had to leap and climb and scramble before sitting down beside her. "I don't find it hard to believe, I find it incredibly hard to believe."

"I'm not a taker," Liruliniel said, waving a hand casually in the air. She could have moments of being an opportunist, but who didn't? That was different than always presuming and taking whatever she could get from people. That just wasn't her.

From their vantage point they could see most of the treetops, they weren't hugely high up off the ground on this ledge, but they were high enough that they could spy just the tips of the palace. The sky above was a bright blue, a calming colour with even calmer white clouds floating about. There was a slight breeze, warm in a way yet chilly in another. Spring was still loitering around which made the air crisp and the leaves on the trees and ground crisper still. The oranges melded seamlessly with the browns and lingering greens, and those which had fallen to the ground crunched underfoot.

New life was starting to grow and return though, fresh buds could be spied on bushes, likewise new leaves were sprouting on boughs. The rocky surface beneath them was unchanging, dull even; but their forestry home was never going to be like that, it would always be in a state of change and the seasons would affect it in different ways, yet still make it look beautiful in a way.

"I'll still help you with your wedding though, if you want?" Liruliniel said, glancing over with a smile on her face. To be honest, the whole thing made her heart hurt a bit. But for his happiness, she'd help if she could. It's what friends did, after all.

"Even though you've admitted to possibly never being wed yourself? I mean no offence here, but how could you know what to do, if you've never dwelt on the prospect, Liruliniel?" Thranduil asked quite plainly and truthfully. He didn't see anything wrong with his question, although the blank look he got from her may have said otherwise.

"Unlike you, I have no prospects. I do not have a kingdom to offer, a home, or any power to rule. I am a guard, so that would always come first. Newly appointed as I am, it makes no difference. If something came attacking us now, my priority would be your safety, Thranduil. Not everyone can understand that. I may not know what to do, you're right. But that does not mean I can't be a sounding board for ideas. But if you do not want my help, then fine." Liruliniel said with a growing frown appearing on her face as she leaned forwards against her knees. She looked down at the drop below, it wasn't terribly high, and she'd land on her feet she was sure of it. Not that she had planned to slip off this ledge and down. But if this topic of conversation continued, she might and pray to the Valar that the ground would open up and swallow her as she landed.

"So, you will be married to your job." Thranduil deduced, tilting his head to the side as his blue eyes flicked around the woodland.

"It is no different than you being married to our kingdom when you are King." Liruliniel said turning to him, now with narrowed eyes. "I don't mean to offend, but our kingdom will come first above anything else. Wife or not, married into our family is different than being born into it."

"I get the feeling you do not like Vanadessë." Thranduil said, deducing once again here.

"I do not know her." Liruliniel hadn't said two words to the elf-Princess.

"Maybe you should get to know her."

"Do not tell me what to do."

Thranduil narrowed his eyes, getting the feeling that the time apart really had changed them both. There was like this rift between them that he couldn't quite conquer or begin to understand. There was something distinctly different about Liruliniel, she seemed jaded, quick to shoot down words and counter them bitterly. "Quite the contrary again, little bird. As a royal guard, I can tell you what to do." This just made her eyes narrow more at him, Thranduil was annoying her, and he could very well see that. "Are you jealous?" He just came out with it, because this was what it felt like.

Liruliniel shook her head slowly, "I am not jealous of you and your newfound love." Her voice was blank sounding as she just stared ahead of them at nothing in particular.

"Then what is wrong, Liruliniel? Because you are acting differently to what I remember."

"That's because it's been years. When we arrived here, I was still a child. I'm not anymore, and nor are you. People grow up, and they change. You remember a child, Thranduil. I'm not that anymore. Nor am I that elf anymore."

"Only because you wear armour, does not mean your disposition changes." Thranduil didn't wholly understand what she was trying to say, and it caused a small amount of worry to appear. Perhaps his thoughts of her and loneliness was right and this was too late. Many things could turn their kin into something of a shadow of their former selves. He wished this wasn't the case here. Perhaps she was right, maybe she had just grown up and grown out of any childish phases she was going through.

Liruliniel simply turned her head to look at him. "Maybe you are right. Maybe. But I look around myself every day and I see constant change, like our home and the seasons. I have grown up, I have reached my goal, but inside...something has changed there, and I do not like it."

"You're speaking in riddles, Liruliniel." Thranduil didn't like how she flitted and contradicted herself. It didn't sit well with him, and he didn't understand.

Liruliniel opened her mouth and shut it slowly. Looking at her hands in her lap, she licked her bottom lip and looked at him. "I have dreams, Thranduil. And they are terrible."

"This again."

Liruliniel double took, "Sorry, am I a hindrance?"

Thranduil rolled his eyes, "No, never. But the last time you felt something terrible, we all moved." He never did hold back making it plain they moved because of her. "And now you're coming out with this?"

Liruliniel just looked away from him. "You're meant to be my friend. I am confiding to you that I cannot sleep because of horrific dreams, and you make it sound like a chore to listen, or to advise."

The lack of sleep would definitely explain her flitting dispositions, Thranduil sighed heavily. "What do you see?" Somehow, he didn't want to entertain her because he feared of what she may come out with. Yet, her intuition wasn't wrong before and look what happened there. She had a habit of pointing out the obvious or the truth and Thranduil did not want to know. He wasn't one for sticking his head in the sand and ignoring all, but if she saw some terrible outcome and told his father, Thranduil didn't know what would happen. Where else could they move to? They couldn't keep skipping and hopping all over the land because of what a single elf happened to see or feel.

"Are you going to take this seriously?" Liruliniel could see and hear he sounded patronising. Thranduil inclined his head at her, Liruliniel shook hers. "Forget it." She stood up and looked down, maybe the ground would open and swallow her, maybe. "I don't think there's any treasure, and I think we should return back before it gets late."

"It's mid-afternoon at best, Liruliniel." Thranduil could tell when someone was avoiding him or talking, she couldn't make it any plainer.

She looked down at him, slowly she crouched and looked him dead in the eye. "There is fire, and there is death. Some things are worse than both of those. There is a war coming, Thranduil. And there will be no escaping it because we are all going to be pulled into it." She spoke so lowly and seriously that any feelings of possibly entertaining her was gone. "I was right about the oncoming darkness back in Amon Lanc, and I am right about this. It is the same thing, and it is growing stronger with each day. We can't feel it yet. But some probably have already felt the effects of it."

"Have you told anyone else of this?" Thranduil asked, slowly standing and watching her stand alongside him too. She shook her head, rather adamantly at that. "And you have this dream each night?" She nodded hesitantly. No wonder she couldn't sleep then, and also no wonder she was seemingly quite grouchy at times. "How can you see these things?" It was more a rhetorical question to himself than to her. He didn't understand, he knew there were forces beyond anyone's control within Middle-earth. But he did not think for a second someone close to him would have such a thing. "And this is what is constantly bothering you?"

"Do you know what it feels like to not sleep more than an hour a night? I am scared, and I am alone. I do not speak of my dreams to anyone, because I won't be believed. I'd be ridiculed if anything. Everyone will just think like you did, there I go again...but it isn't that, if I can't get one elf to listen, what's the point?"

"I am listening."

"Took you long enough." Liruliniel frowned at him.

"And I believe you." Thranduil said quietly, placing a hand on her shoulder. She jumped slightly from the contact, yet she looked at his hand and then up at his face. He was being honest, "You were right about Amon Lanc. So, what are the chances of you being right now? You need to tell someone though, Liruliniel. I do not mind you confiding in me, but you need to tell someone."

"Your father?" Liruliniel hesitantly asked, watching Thranduil nod his head. "But..."

"He believed you last time too. And you never know, he may have answers to why you dream such things. If he doesn't know, then I am sure he knows someone who does."

Liruliniel just looked up at Thranduil for a long moment in silence, eventually she turned her face away and looked around them. The trees hadn't changed since the last time she glanced at them, the clouds still roamed the sky above and the light breeze still appeared every now and again. "I'm afraid," she whispered, slowly flicking her eyes back to his. "Thranduil, I am really scared."

"If you have been having this same dream for years, then I am not surprised." He responded calmly, seems their little argument had been and gone. Whatever tension was between them had seemingly dissipated. Whatever lingering uneasy aura which surrounded Liruliniel seemed to have disappeared too. Thranduil could sense it, like coming out with this deep kept problem had done her some good. He just wished she had said something sooner. If she had been having these dreams not long after coming here, that was years of unrest and suffering. Both things which she inflicted on herself, or did she? As she said, she was alone, who was around to talk to? Everyone close to her was off doing different things, she was left behind.

She shook her head sadly, "It does not differ much. Details are hazy. I just know by a feeling it is all bad." She shrugged loosely, almost disheartened by this information.

Thranduil sighed softly, she suddenly looked exhausted and small standing there with her face downcast and looking at her boots. Rolling his eyes skyward, he held up a hand. Liruliniel's green-blue eyes flicked sidelong at it. She looked sceptical before following the arm up to eventually look at his face. Thranduil's own expression was neutral blankness, the usual really there. His expressions rarely changed, but his own crystalline eyes seemed to have a lingering emotion imploring her to just take his hand.

So, she did, reaching up she slipped her smaller hand into his and he just looked at her sternly. "You are not alone. And there is nothing to be scared of right now at least." He distinctly remembered the last time she had a moment not wholly dissimilar that she had asked to hold his hand, it calmed her. Just like it seemed to give her some peace of mind now.

"Thank you."

Thranduil frowned and shook his head which caused his long, silvery blonde hair to whip from side to side loosely. "You don't need to thank me." Which she didn't, in his eyes he had been a reasonably lousy friend to her.

"Are you still free?"

"Why?" Thranduil looked down at her curiously, their loosely linked hands just hanging between them.

Liruliniel grinned, "Think there's any treasure on the other side?"

He raised an eyebrow, "Would you like to find out?"

Liruliniel just continued to beam up at him before turning on her heels and running off. Only, because of their linked hands Thranduil got pulled along rapidly too. His eyes widened a little and he let out a disgruntled noise, he didn't appreciate being pulled around. But here he was, being pulled around by her. Although he abruptly stopped and caught himself by grasping onto her shoulders when she had stopped so suddenly too.

He managed to get his hand free from hers, and he stood behind her easily looking over her head thanks to her being much shorter, with his hands on her shoulders they both looked onwards at the sight before them. This side of the mountain had seemingly eroded to a sheer drop. There was no way they could cross over and explore back the way they had come, so many years previous.

Under his hands, Thranduil could feel Liruliniel's shoulders drop. "Are you still free now?" Thranduil asked the same question to her, she looked up and nodded. Turning slowly under his grasp, Thranduil's hands slipped back to his sides. "I have a suggestion."

"I'm not going to like this, am I?" Liruliniel was wincing already before he had spoken.

Thranduil just smirked, "You say my father is training you. I would merely like to see how you've progressed from the days of wildly swinging a sword around and hoping for the best."

Liruliniel let out a quiet laugh, she started to walk past him, patting his shoulder as she went. "Thranduil, I still wildly swing a sword around hoping for the best. Only now it's slightly more refined, and not so manic."

"That just fills me with confidence." Thranduil said sarcastically while turning on his heels and following Liruliniel down the mountainside. She jumped down the last few rocks and skidded a little on the leaf scattered ground, she turned and watched Thranduil do the same, but with more grace. She just pouted, not even going to comment how fluidly he made the simplest actions.

Moving away from inwardly cursing his clear, natural talent, Liruliniel just swung her arms simply by her sides as they commenced walking back to the palace. "You've bought this on yourself."

Thranduil just looked down at her, slightly astonished by that blatant slice of obviousness. "By asking you for a sparring match? Yes, I know that. You really didn't need to tell me."

She narrowed her eyes playfully up at him. "Are you just worried you'll lose again?" She smirked; her smirk just grew into a full-blown smile when he literally double took at her with wide blue eyes. "Just saying," Liruliniel held her hands up in defence. "You're a loser..." Perhaps saying such a thing to the heir to the throne wasn't wise, if she was anyone else it would definitely be the most unwise move ever. But considering the apparent childish rivalry which had remained between them, Liruliniel knew she could get away with this.

Thranduil's expression was just stormy. Not enjoying being called such a thing for one but also being reminded of the failure to win a simple race. Yes, the head start seemed to be his downfall. But he was close to winning getting to the mountain, only she slipped out the trees and seemed even quicker running on the ground. "It will be somewhat assuring to see the calibre of your skills, considering you have already mentioned danger and you being the first line of defence for my safety."

Liruliniel laughed quietly and shook her head, it was a ridiculous comeback. No matter how diplomatically put it was, it was still ridiculous. "Yes, and I don't mind being first line of defence. But we both know, you're better at sword fighting than me."

Thranduil smirked slowly, "So, when this danger of yours comes; will it actually be me protecting you, instead of the other way around?"

Liruliniel just looked at him thoughtfully, humming quietly she shook her head gently. "We'll have each other's backs. It's what friends are for." She shrugged noncommittally. She was trying to be casual, but really there was a churning sea of emotions of implications of this whole conversation raging about within her.

"Speaking of which," Thranduil's tone was serious, not that that was uncommon, but something about his tone now had an edge to it. He stopped walking and looked down at the shorter elf beside him, Liruliniel turned and looked right back up at him. "I can see, and tell, that you feel excluded in some way, forgotten and left out even. But that is not the case, you were right, Liruliniel, everyone grows up, but that doesn't have to change the bonds between us all. Do you understand what I am saying?" Thranduil asked, still serious and looking at her with a slightly grave expression.

Liruliniel's expression was hesitant, "You are still my friend, and if I feel as if I am struggling, or if I have another dream; I can come to you."

Thranduil nodded slowly, glad she grasped onto his words and meaning. "Do not throw yourself wholly into your work. I may have been jesting when I said you'd be married to your work, but you are too young to do such a thing, Liruliniel. There is still so much for you to learn, see and do. I know this has been your wish for as long as you and I can remember, but work can drag you down. It drags everyone down, in some way."

"Princely duties tiring you out?" Liruliniel smiled, though she took his words to heart.

Thranduil just rolled his eyes, utterly bored by her jibing yet sighed softly and looked back at her. "Yes. You think you have it hard, you don't."

"Wedding planning really that difficult?"

"You have no idea."

"Want my help?"

"The company would be welcomed," Thranduil said while gesturing a hand back to the path before them. They picked up walking again, back towards the palace which was now coming into view from between the thick and sturdy trees around it.

Liruliniel couldn't help but smile. That sounded rather like Oropher there. She withheld a quiet chuckle; they really were similar. But also, she didn't know her company was really that sought out. "It would also be a chance to get to know your intended, hm?" She said while lightly leaning to the side and bumping her shoulder against his or at least tried. She more or less just bumped her shoulder against his upper arm.

Thranduil looked at her, inclining his head slightly with a smile tugging at his lips. "I would appreciate that too."

"Sorry I snapped earlier." Liruliniel said while they crossed the threshold. The guards on the doors just looked at them questionably, they weren't the same which were there when they left so they probably never got told the prince and herself had left.

"Considering the circumstances, I would be more surprised if you didn't."

"So...sparring match then planning?" Liruliniel dared to question, thinking the other way around didn't seem to sound too fun for either of them. Even the look on Thranduil's face gave it away, she had got the right order, and he slowly nodded. He didn't need to verbally respond, his expression alone was the response. "I've just realised, I'm going to have front row seats for your wedding."

"Aren't you lucky?"

Liruliniel smiled and quietly laughed, "I'll promise to behave."

"I'll believe that when I see it." Thranduil muttered as they turned a corner and made their way to the training rooms. These consisted of two rooms, both of which could be used for any matter of training, yet one of them led off and out into a small clearing which was made more for archery.

Liruliniel held her hands up as she walked past him when he stopped in his tracks. "I'll have my helmet on."

"You can say a lot through just your eyes, Liruliniel." Thranduil pointed out, he glanced over to the wall where weaponry hung for training purposes. He wasn't strapped full of weapons, unlike her. She literally had anything and everything attached to her, minus a bow and quiver of arrows. Knives and her sword however seemed to proudly be shown off.

"Maybe I'll just stand with my eyes shut?" Liruliniel commented, watching him choose a sword. He did a few practice swings with it, testing its weight in his hand and sending her a bland look. She couldn't help but let out a quiet laugh, ridiculous suggestion but worth it for his reaction.

"People may think you've gone to sleep."

"Standing up? Now that is a skill I do not think I have." Liruliniel said, lifting her own weapon out of its sheath and standing in position, her eyes were glued to his form. She was allowing him to have the first strike, at least then she could assess how badly she was going to get beaten in this match.

"Well, when it comes to you, nothing would surprise me." Thranduil said while stalking forwards, there was something with how he just plainly walked that unnerved her. It was relatively clear he did not see her as a threat; his sword wasn't even raised; he was just walking closer to her.

Liruliniel just shrugged, she wasn't going to lose her cool and lash out from panic of him coming ever closer. He was goading her, "Thought of guests yet?" She questioned, watching as now he raised his sword and the last few paces between them was practically dashed across by him. Her eyes widened and she stuck her heels in as both metallic items clashed against each other. The sound of the swords crossing each other rung out in the otherwise quiet, empty space. It was just them in here, where anyone else was, neither knew.

Thranduil frowned and continued pushing against her. "In a way."

Liruliniel winced, "Oh...oh, that did not sound positive at all. Not to mention seating arrangements, can't have someone next to another that they may not get on with."

"No one dislikes anyone that's coming." Thranduil frowned, her wild musings admittedly had him thinking, and he didn't like it.

Liruliniel pushed back and slashed upwards, causing him to take a wide step back. She smiled and lowered herself before leaping forwards and taking to striking out. Whatever thoughts Thranduil had over her skills, or training or lack thereof, was wildly out of memories of her when she was younger. There was skill in her attacks, although still a bit uncouth and frantic, there was skill.

It was her own interesting and unique way of fighting, and to be honest, Thranduil did not believe that his father would be able to knock this out of her. Liruliniel was many things, unique was one of those things. Made sense she even fought differently too. "What about dinner?" Liruliniel said while they circled each other now, both looked at each other, and both waited for the other to strike out.

Thranduil smirked, he changed his stance and tilted his head. "I'm not hungry right now, thanks all the same."

Liruliniel laughed, she shook her head and stopped moving just as he did. Still standing sidewards she just turned quickly on her heels and sprung forward, Thranduil was there to meet her attacks and easily parry them with some of his own. She wasn't implying a meal, more asking if that detail had been figured out yet. Leaning backwards from several strikes of different degrees and angles, Liruliniel jumped to the side and swung high.

Lifting his arm, Thranduil merely blocked the attack to his head. She had to practically lean all of her body into the attack, not just for power, but because of the height difference. It was something which Thranduil took advantage of as he easily straightened up more, making the difference greater and Liruliniel's balance to wobble ever so slightly. Raising an eyebrow, Thranduil had to give her credit for holding on in, although it didn't last as he pushed her away with ease and watched her stagger back.

Her guard was gone, and she was left wide open for an attack. Only, he should've expected the unexpected with Liruliniel, even if her grip had loosened on her sword and she couldn't raise it in time to block his attack, she did however just use her gauntlet covered forearm to block the blade as she turned her grip and the sword in her other arm. With it trailing down her forearm she swiped up, and Thranduil had no choice but to lean back with slightly startled eyes.

He hoped she wouldn't sacrifice her body like that in a real fight. Enemies wouldn't hold back, and her arm would get cut right off. As for how she now held her sword, not common within their natural fighting styles and the close call ended in some strands of his hair being cut from the ends as he leaned away. Liruliniel just narrowed her eyes, a sure smile on her face knowing she'd caught him a little unawares; swinging the sword around and bringing it back to normal, she ran forwards.

There was power in her hits, despite her lithe, wiry frame, she was strong and Thranduil could feel that power in each hit he blocked and parried. Unlike the fight with Oropher, Liruliniel did not tire out here as much. Mainly because she was fighting against someone who had practically more or less the same training and knowledge and skill as herself. Yes, the power difference and skill level were still obvious, but Thranduil wasn't setting out to show this. He could've easily beaten her several times already, but he hadn't because he wanted to see how she had grown.

"Music?" Liruliniel questioned, their swords now clashing against each other as they both leaned heavily forwards.

"Are you offering to sing?" Thranduil countered, a smirk on his face as she grinned and laughed. "If so, please don't." This just made her laugh more and she pushed away from him, walking several paces away and shaking her head. She ran her hand down her face and looked back at him, Thranduil just stood with a light smile on his face as he lowered his weapon too.

"No one needs to hear me sing." Liruliniel stated, this fight was over, that much was clear. She sheathed her weapon and watched as he went and set his back. While he did this, she sat down on the floor before falling back. She merely blinked when he appeared over her, looking down at her curiously.

Thranduil sighed and sat down cross legged beside her, she just tilted her head to the side and looked at him. "Your mother named you after the lark, surely you have some of its namesake in you?"

"I can't fly."

Thranduil rolled his eyes, "You don't say," he mumbled plainly, she still heard him and smiled upwards at him.

Liruliniel just looked back up at the ceiling, the canopy of leaves above melded with the roof which was actually built in. The palace was alive after all, so the same colourings of the leaves outside were in here too. It made the lighting warm, a slight orangey glow mixing with whatever torches may have been left alight. "It was her favourite bird. That is perhaps one of the only things I have ever been told about her. I do not recall her face, or her voice. I never knew her, Thranduil. So really, I don't know what traits I could take from a favourite bird of a woman I have never encountered, but also; what traits I could've got from the woman herself." She said quietly, thoughtfully and somewhat sadly really. Considering they were still alone; she still went on withholding using a title for him. "Do you remember your mother?" She asked curiously, looking up at him with searching eyes.

"I do."

"Are you like her?"

"My father has said in the past he sees parts of her in me. But for the most part, he thinks I take after him more."

"I think you do. I mean, I can't comment seeing as how I only know your father; but you are definitely like him." Liruliniel said while propping herself up onto her elbows before leaning against her hands and sitting there looking up at the ceiling. "Can we do this again?" Thranduil raised a curious eyebrow, "This, I mean...it gets you away from princely duties, and it gives me a reason to practice."

"You shouldn't need a reason to practice. Not if my father has anything to do with it." Thranduil stated, he had been under his father's tutelage and, well, he didn't envy her right now. She was going to be in for it, for the long haul that is.

"You know what I mean," she frowned his way with a sigh.

Thranduil nodded, he did, he was just messing with her. "I would like that," if only for an ulterior motive, and that was to keep an eye on her. Make sure she didn't waver and lose sight of her path. He didn't want her falling victim to whatever darkness could appear and grow within her.

"Same time next week?" Liruliniel asked while pushing away from her hands and looking at him with a smile.

"As good a time as any," Thranduil replied, patting his knees and standing. He held out a hand to her and helped her up, "You have improved, by the way." He said while letting her hand go, Liruliniel just crossed her arms and smiled. She was going to take that compliment readily. "Even if you do still wildly hope for the best."

She just raised her eyebrows and clicked her tongue. "It seems to work out okay."

"Not if you're going to rely on your arms blocking attacks. Don't do that, it's foolish." Thranduil decided to scold her there though.

Liruliniel opened her mouth and was going to retort, but another voice entered the room. Soft and lilting, rather pleasant to listen to really. She leaned around Thranduil as he turned and looked to the blonde entering the room. Vanadessë. Honestly, this was the closest Liruliniel had probably been to the elf-Princess, small details could be seen fully now.

She was fair, both her hair and face, a smile was on her face and her blue eyes looked kindly between the two. She wore a rather elegant looking gown which seemed out of place considering the room she was walking through. A rich blue in colour, if anything made her skin look paler but the golden details on the dress made her features seem to shine. All in all, she was beautiful, Liruliniel couldn't deny that she really was.

Getting a sudden nudge, Liruliniel shot Thranduil a look. He tilted his head, and she rolled her eyes and bowed. It was fine for her manners and customs to lapse when in his company, because he had known her long enough now to not be bothered by them disappearing. But also, they were friends. So, it really didn't matter, only when in other people's presence.

Speaking of which, considering Vanadessë was a princess and didn't know Liruliniel and her ways, and likewise the same reversed, it was best to remind the latter of certain customs. Like bowing to members of a royal family, for instance. Vanadessë blinked her large blue eyes and looked between the two, the auburn-haired elf before her was still bowed and she awkwardly coughed to get her attention. Liruliniel straightened up and looked plainly at her. Thranduil felt increasingly uncomfortable standing here in the silent training room.

"You must be Liruliniel. I heard word of you from my maidservant. She spoke of a young elf who had fought the King and suddenly became enlisted within the guard. But also, your brother, he speaks fondly of you." Vanadessë's tone was polite and kind yet even Thranduil knew she had gone and stepped right in it.

Liruliniel's eyes hardened, and she tried her best not to look bitter, but she was failing. "It is so nice that you have met my brother, and that he speaks such a way about me. I have not seen him for quite a while, so I'd really like to know what he told you. But rather, how did you cross paths with him?"

Vanadessë looked to Thranduil, her whole countenance was screaming for help here. He sighed and stepped aside to stand beside her, he looked to Liruliniel as she stood tense and fighting the urge to storm off. "When she first arrived, we took a tour of the palace and its grounds. Hérion was training with the army, and so of course was Thalion."

"You were present when this conversation happened?" Liruliniel questioned, her tone low and her eyes narrowing slowly.

"Yes." Thranduil replied, it was one of few recent moments of seeing Thalion. Not long enough to catch up though. He watched Liruliniel's expression shift and change before she nodded her head. She wasn't happy, and he could visibly see it.

Liruliniel looked around the space collecting her thoughts for a moment before nodding and putting on a brave face. And that was what it was, even if Vanadessë believed Liruliniel was fine, Thranduil knew otherwise. "Are you enjoying your stay here, Princess Vanadessë?"

"It is more than a stay, wouldn't you say?" The princess answered back with a smile on her face again.

Yet again, Thranduil just watched Liruliniel's eyes dim a bit more. "Do you think you'll like living here? Is it like your real home?" He just sent her a sharp look, she shrugged. "We used to live in a fortress, is your other home like that?" She decided to reword and question, not that it lessened Thranduil's glaring at her.

"It is hard to make one's way around; I find myself forever getting lost. I think a corridor goes somewhere, then I wind up elsewhere. But yes, I do love it here. Ah, alas no, by sounds of it our previous homes were very similar. So, this place is a wonder to me." Vanadessë responded kindly and in turn to Liruliniel's questions.

She inhaled slowly, "Maybe you need a map?" She commented with a raised eyebrow and a smile, Vanadessë laughed quietly. It was a musical sounding thing which had Liruliniel just crossing her arms, smile still in place. "I'm sure someone can draw one up."

"That sounds like a great idea, but I think it will look slightly bizarre."

Liruliniel shrugged, "Sometimes one needs to get a little lost, to really find where they're going. That's half the fun of getting lost, finding something new." She ran a hand through her hair and looked around the room curiously. Flicking her eyes back to the princess, Liruliniel waved a hand in the air. "Do you fight?" Thranduil looked like he was close to almost shaking her by the shoulders to shut her up by this point. Vanadessë may not know when Liruliniel was partially joking at her expense, but he did.

"I excelled in archery." She seemed very proud of that, not like any other elves weren't similar.

Liruliniel nodded her head, "Ah, I almost shot my father once when he was trying to teach me. Hence the lack of one on my person. I am better with a sword and knife."

Vanadessë awkwardly laughed, "Oh, I am sorry, I don't mean to laugh but...that is a little funny."

Liruliniel slowly smiled, "My father wouldn't agree. Maybe I had the wrong teacher?"

Vanadessë's eyes widened, and she shook her head, she held her hands up and looked at Liruliniel with wide eyes. "No, no. I couldn't possibly-"

"Scared I'll end up being better than you on my first try?" Liruliniel said, totally jokingly and sarcastically and ignoring the looks Thranduil was sending her way.

"Is that a challenge?" Vanadessë asked, sounding serious for the first time while stepping forwards and moving past them to go to the bow and quiver which was present in the room.

"No, but you're seemingly taking it as one." Liruliniel shrugged again and moved after her. "The way I see it, if I can learn to sword fight from someone as skilled as King Oropher, and learn to shoot perfectly from someone who said they excelled in the form of archery, then I will be a force to be reckoned with."

Vanadessë looked at her curiously as they moved to the outside area. "Is that your aim in life?"

Liruliniel smiled and shook her head, "No. I wish to be able to have as many skills at my disposal as possible for when the time comes when I need them to protect those closest to me." She said honestly, "Wanting to be strong to protect isn't a bad thing."

"No, but sometimes it doesn't always work out like that." Vanadessë said, "You can't control a situation, no matter how hard you may try." She said, looking pointedly at Liruliniel. She sighed over what the older female said that much was true. But Liruliniel stuck to her words, if her dreams became a reality, she was going to try her hardest to be as strong as possible to fight off whoever and whatever for the sake of survival; not just for her own, but for others. "Now then, I can't say I will be a good teacher, but I will happily help you with your archery skills." Vanadessë said while rolling her dress sleeves up and looking at Liruliniel with a smile.

She nodded her head slowly, "I'd like that, thank you, Princess Vanadessë."

"Please, can we drop the formalities, are not all friends here?" She questioned, flicking her hand in the air casually before pulling an arrow out to draw it against the string of the bow.

Her question made Liruliniel guiltily look over to Thranduil who had been silent throughout the interaction. He just looked at her pointedly, Liruliniel felt bad. Though a wicked and teasing smile appeared on her face as she leaned close to the princess. "To be honest, I think you and Thranduil might be a bit more than friends soon, yes?" She all but whispered causing Vanadessë's aim to go off and the arrow to miss the target by a wide margin.

The embarrassed flush on her face was evident as she exclaimed Liruliniel's name and looked at her with wide eyes, that did glance at Thranduil now and again before she became a bit too flustered and confused with what to respond with. Liruliniel just grinned and laughed, "I believe it's my turn." She took the bow from the embarrassed princess's hands and paused notching her arrow. "Sorry, Vanadessë. That was cruel of me." From the look on Thranduil's face, it was clear he had heard her comment too. Turning and pulling the bow into position, she pulled the string and let the arrow loose.

"You don't need lessons," Vanadessë said, her voice still a little shaky from being flustered. Her words were true, Liruliniel's arrow had more or less hit dead centre.

"I know, I just thought it would be a nice way to get to know you." Liruliniel said while turning and looking at the princess. "Seemed more eventful than just sitting around chatting." She said while looking between the pair. "Plus, I'm going to be enlisted in looking out for you both when and if you go on visits. Need to be on good terms, or else this could be awkward." Liruliniel said, although to be honest, she still felt awkward about genuinely nearly everything. But she kept that bottled up, she held the bow out and looked at Thranduil. "Want a turn? I mean, this is the part where you hit dead centre, split my arrow in two and amaze the dear Princess here with your archery skills."

Thranduil just shook his head, yet his hands took hold of the bow. Liruliniel just smirked and stepped aside, Vanadessë and herself stood side by side watching him. He couldn't help but sigh as he decided why not do what her words said? But also, the rift he previously felt, the tension and everything, it well and truly felt like it had gone now. Time had passed between them, and if anything, Liruliniel seemed much the same, if not slightly more sarcastic and joking, but still there was that earnest conviction within her that still remained, which was very much a strong part of the younger elf he had grown to know.

The rest of the afternoon was spent walking around the palace socialising. It wasn't until it was much later and nearing dinner that Liruliniel excused herself from the two royal elves. Thranduil just sent her a knowing look, knowing full well she was going off to find his father and discuss matters which, well, confused them both and worried the one who dreamt them. He would offer to go with her, but the look on her face said otherwise.

She shook her head; this was truly something she needed to do alone. Not only that, with Thranduil would come Vanadessë, and Liruliniel did not want the princess being privy to her possible dream problems. It would be embarrassing, and awkward. It would surely cause questions to appear from the princess, questions which Liruliniel possibly didn't want to answer. It was going to be bad enough that Oropher would question her, and she'd have to reply. But the princess? No. Especially seems some ground had been made between the two females. Were they friends? Perhaps not yet. But with time perhaps a friendship would be forged, Liruliniel guessed she'd wait and see.

She walked the corridors, elves were busying around, some preparing dinner others making their ways to the communal areas to partake in sharing this time of day with others around them. Liruliniel however paid no heed, she was making her way to the one area where she knew for sure the king would be. His throne room. Oropher seemed to spend most time, if not in his study, then sat upon the antler adorned chair hearing messages out from surrounding kingdoms, but also any quibbles residents had.

To be honest, Liruliniel could see why he'd grown bored. That seemed increasingly boring to her. But, well, responsibilities and all that. She stepped to the side, watching those leave the large room. They were all talking amongst themselves, none of them looked her way. But to be honest, she was standing more in the shadows of the torches on the walls. When she was sure the room was cleared out, she moved inside quietly.

Oropher still sat upon his throne, though he seemed to be moving when his eyes glanced upon her form. From the look on her face, he sat back down. She had something to say, and he sensed that. So, he stayed seated, he would treat her like anyone else, regardless of what had happened.

"Sire, there is a matter in which I would like to discuss with you. But also, if you can aid me in some way, I would appreciate it hugely for I am confused." Liruliniel said, clasping her hands behind her back to hide the fact that they were shaking slightly. She was trying to tell herself that she was just another elf, with a problem and was seeking guidance from her leader. But her mind wasn't playing that game. It was going through all the problems and implications that was going to happen from her uttering this secret. It was one thing to tell his son, but his son had no power over decision making really.

Oropher looked down at her, he had changed since the last time she saw him. The richly coloured burgundy was replaced with a light cream, the light colour of his robe, tunic and trousers just made Oropher seem more ethereal. Simply put, with the torches burning in the room, they made the cream seemingly glow, and him along with it. "This better not be a resignation."

"No, no," Liruliniel smiled and shook her head. "Nothing of the sort, sire. You are stuck with me, I'm afraid."

Oropher smiled lightly, "Something I am sure I can suffer with. What is it?"

Liruliniel shifted from foot to foot, she looked down at her feet and thought of how best to start this. "I have seen things, sire. Things which I do not understand, and they come to me in dreams. I don't want to see these things anymore, but I do every night." Liruliniel spoke quietly, but still loud enough for him to hear. She didn't know how else to word it, so she just used a similar phrasing like she did with Thranduil.

Oropher shifted in his seat, Liruliniel heard the movement of material and looked up. He was looking at her sternly, not angrily or disappointedly, but questionably. He gripped the arms of the throne before standing, he silently made his way down towards her and she tried to not shift, but she couldn't help it. She took a few steps back, but all Oropher did was step forwards more.

"You know, I have suspected for a while that there is something about you, Liruliniel. Something that is not beyond my grasp of understanding, but maybe it is with others. You already sensed darkness once, and it seems it is seeking you out again."

Liruliniel looked worriedly at him, "What does that mean?"

"Maybe you are sensitive to its nature. I wouldn't say you are linked, but there is something tying you and it together."

Liruliniel looked at him with wide eyes, eventually she had to look away because his were just unblinkingly staring down at her. She looked around the room instead, her eyes following some of the staircases which led to and from the room. The corridors to the sides which led to the living quarters of the king, and his family but also to the deeper sections of the palace.

The stables where dear Arthion was standing in his stall probably waiting for a visit and some apples. Liruliniel inhaled deeply, she never fully realised how dear this all was to her until realising that whatever darkness was out in the world, was...what, seeking her out and able to possibly take it all away?

"Tell me, what have you seen?" Oropher placed a hand on her shoulder and turned her. The two commenced walking out of the room and towards his study.

"Why do you believe me?" She asked instead, looking up at him questionably and confusedly. "No one else does."

Oropher rose an eyebrow, he sought out some parchment, followed by ink and a dipping pen. He sat down at the desk and gestured a hand to her; she moved over to the chair opposite and sat down. "Because, quite frankly, I am old, Liruliniel. I am old, and there are things which sometimes are a little hard to believe, with little proof. Do I think this is a coincidence? No. I believe you, because what motives do you have to lie? You have none. You are fiercely loyal to us all, and all you want is to protect whoever is under your care. Does that sound like someone who'd lie about deceitful and dangerous things? No, it doesn't." He paused, watching her eyes looked sadly at him. She was feeling sadness because of how honestly, he spoke. It was odd to her that she had gone from being under the radar, not having any contact as such with her king to suddenly this...him seemingly becoming her confidant. "Now tell me, what have you seen?"

"You're going to scribe?"

Oropher shook his head, "I am writing a letter."

"To?"

He looked at her with a small frown, "Curious, aren't you?" She nodded slowly, "To someone who could possibly help in this matter."

Liruliniel frowned, that sounded like a riddle. It didn't make sense to her, even if it did to him. Although of course it did, he was the one who spoke those enigmatic words. "Who?"

"Lord Elrond, Liruliniel. There are few who rival him in knowledge, he is wise. He may understand this more than me."

Liruliniel frowned again, she hadn't ever met the elf mentioned. Heard of him, yes, who hadn't? But hearing about someone was different than knowing them. "It always starts off the same, it is dark, and there are the screams of Man." Liruliniel started off, watching Oropher dip the pen into the ink and nod at her to continue. So, she did, Liruliniel recounted what she remembered of that dream, that horrible wretched dream. The fire, the stench of death, of blood; everything, and all the while her king remained silent and unspeaking. By the time she had finished, she felt exhausted, "What now?"

"I'll send this letter, and we'll await a response." Oropher said, sealing the letter into an envelope and looking her way. "Go, Liruliniel. Go and find something to eat, I doubt we will get a reply much before a week has passed."

She stood, tucking the chair into the desk as she went. "What will happen, sire?" She looked at him, he poured wax on the envelope and took to stamping it shut. Though he looked at her curiously, "Will I have to leave? Or will he visit?"

Oropher stood, he could see she was going into mental overload here thinking over all possibilities. This was a huge deal, not just for her to speak this, but the resulting moments which came from it. He moved around his desk, he placed a hand on her shoulder, and she looked up at him slightly fearfully. "We will cross that bridge when and if it comes to it. But no matter what happens, Liruliniel, daughter of Hérion, you are and will forever be a royal guard and daughter of Greenwood."

She couldn't help but feel her eyes sting a little from growing tears. Oropher just patted her shoulder, a sign of comfort in a way. "I'm scared."

"I know." He walked her to the door, "The thing with fear, is sometimes it can be conquered."

Liruliniel looked up at him, "Are you saying I could control this...whatever it is?"

Oropher shrugged slowly, "Who knows?" He didn't for one. He never imagined one elf child could be such an enigma. "Go, eat and rest. It has been a busy, eventful day."

She merely nodded; she bowed and left him to his work. She believed he was going to continue working, she didn't know. Who was she to question her king? With a sigh, she made her way to the communal area, many were still gathered eating and talking away. She looked around the known faces, spotting a familiar one she moved over and sat down.

Food was still placed on the tables, and she reached across and started plating herself something to eat. Caladhiel just turned and looked at her with a small smile, Liruliniel just smiled her way and commenced eating in silence. Caladhiel just shook her head, she didn't see much of the younger elf anymore, she still taught lessons but to much more willing listeners. Since being here, many new lives had come to be.

"You look very much the part now." Caladhiel said, watching Liruliniel pause in drinking as she lowered her goblet to look at her. "How do you feel?"

"Tired."

Caladhiel rolled her eyes, "I didn't mean...I meant-"

"I know, I know. I feel content, happy and proud even. But I am tired, I've had a busy day." Liruliniel said, and went off to explain what she had done, she didn't know if Caladhiel wanted to listen; but it was someone paying her some attention and sitting there.

Liruliniel was perhaps more talking at her, than to her. But Caladhiel didn't seem to mind, she listened with a patient face and nodded now and again. Liruliniel finished her tale and drunk some more before pushing her empty plate away. "How are you?" It was only polite to ask in return. Liruliniel listened to Caladhiel recount her day-to-day activities, and Liruliniel realised that her life may have moved on, Caladhiel's hadn't in a way. She was still a teacher. But she seemed happy in that role.

Hearing her name being quietly called, she turned in her seat and leaped up. Running forwards, she all but crashed into the form which had appeared. Thalion. He was wearing his armour still too, clearly having just finished some routine regime. More often than not, when meals happened the siblings missed each other by a few moments. But not now, they were both here.

Thalion put her at arm's length and looked her over whereas she did the same to him. Admittedly her armour did look more impressive. But his was still of a similar muted gold and silver colour scheme like hers. Neither of them had their helmets on, both forgotten somewhere. His in the barracks and hers in her quarters. Thalion placed a gentle hand on her arm and guided her to another table. Liruliniel happily sat down and looked at him with a wide grin, this day, through all its ups and downs was now ending very nicely for her.

"I saw your fight, by the way." Thalion said, taking to filling up two goblets. He sipped at the wine within while side eyeing his sister who looked awkward. "You did good, Liruliniel. You did really good."

"I cannot say I have seen the same from you," she laughed, earning a scoff from her brother. "Our schedules differ. Would you like to train sometime?"

Thalion raised an eyebrow, "Can you afford that? I mean, you're going to be so busy."

Liruliniel rolled her eyes, admittedly all the guards did at the moment was stand about the palace. Not much different than the army really, when one thought about it. "Well, I am able to do shifts of guarding. You're the one who's more tied down."

Thalion just shook his head with a laugh, "That is true, I will give you that one." He toasted his drink to her. She grasped onto her own goblet and sipped at it again. The siblings went silent then, both just enjoying the comfortable silence but both feeling a bit awkward as to what to say.

Liruliniel turned to Thalion, "How is father?"

"Ask him yourself," a voice came from behind. Liruliniel turned so quickly she knocked her seat over. It clattered to the floor, and she scrambled to pick it up before reaching forwards and wrapping her arms around her father's midsection. Hérion merely placed his arms around her and stroked a hand through her hair.

"How are you, father?" Liruliniel peeked up from his chest at him.

Hérion couldn't help but smile, he cupped her face and looked her over. "I am well. I see and hear you have been busy."

"Yes, very." Liruliniel turned and gestured to her seat, she sat down on his other side and leaned against the table to smile at Thalion. He shook his head, drunk some of his wine and smiled. He was pleased to see her so happy; he had missed being with her and he knew she'd feel the same.

"Well, are you going to tell me what you've been up to then?" Hérion asked, crossing his arms and looking pointedly at his daughter. She merely beamed and nodded enthusiastically before basically repeating what she had told Caladhiel. Of course she missed out the letter to Elrond to the pair, they didn't need to know that until a response came. And even then, only her father truly needed to know of the outcome from it.

Little to the trio's knowledge, they had been spied and were being watched. Thranduil couldn't help but smile as he drunk some of his drink, Liruliniel was rather expressive with whatever she was saying to Hérion. This was because every so often her hands and arms would fly about, as if that would help her explain whatever it was, she was saying.

Thalion laughed every now and then, Thranduil couldn't hear the noise, but he could see the motion. The father of the pair just shook his head, a fond smile on his face even if he was slightly despairing of his daughter. Throughout it all though, Liruliniel had a wide smile on her face and Thranduil could say this was the happiest he had seen her, truly happy as of late.

Sensing a presence to the side, he looked up as his father sat down. On Thranduil's other side Vanadessë was conversing with another elf. She wouldn't notice if he turned and conversed with his father, she was otherwise preoccupied anyway. Thranduil lowered his goblet and looked from the family to his father. "She told you?"

"Not before telling you, I see." Oropher didn't sound disapproving of this. More relieved, in a way that she hadn't kept only him in the know.

"She didn't seem pleased with confessing her...problem though." Thranduil didn't know how else to word it. Oropher rose an eyebrow at his choice of words. "She was very serious, upset but serious about it."

Oropher looked around the packed hall. He sighed softly, he straightened up in his seat and loosely crossed his hands across his stomach. His long legs stretched out under the table as he leaned back in the chair. "Wouldn't you be scared if you dreamt of death every night?"

Thranduil narrowed his eyes, "She told you more details than she told me. Was she specific?"

Oropher looked towards his son, "It doesn't matter. I have written to someone who may be of assistance."

Thranduil suddenly felt like the room was spinning a bit, not that elves got drunk as such. But he presumed this is what it felt like. Everything seemed distant, too loud and then too quiet. He could hear his heartbeat thumping away, he was nervous and a little scared for his friend. His father's ominous words did not help, because this is what set this moment off. "What will happen to her?" This was the root of this sudden uneasy feeling.

Oropher tilted his head, "I don't know." He flicked his eyes around the room, everyone seemed so joyous and happy. He looked back to Thranduil who seemed the opposite. "Thranduil, if what I suspect is true, Liruliniel will need guidance from someone who understands, who shares this...shall we say particular skill. If that is the case, she may be better off learning to perhaps control what she has, if she can be there than here."

Thranduil listened and looked at his father. He didn't want to lose his friend, although he understood full well that this may end up being the case. "Who?"

"Lord Elrond."

"Does she know?"

"She was present when I wrote to him." Oropher replied quietly, smiling at some elves which walked past and wished him a good evening.

Thranduil looked back to the family, "I know we joked about her being sent away for schooling, but I didn't think it would actually happen."

"We don't know if it will happen, Thranduil." Oropher said while looking at his son, he shook his head slowly. He was disagreeing because in the pit of his stomach he knew. He just knew. There was this niggling feeling which wasn't self-doubt that he was wrong, but assurance knowing he was right. He should've foreseen this coming, no pun intended why hadn't Liruliniel possibly foreseen this? Did she only see bad things? Could she see good too?

Thranduil just found himself shaking his head slowly again. "No, I suppose we don't." He said softly and quietly. What more could he possibly say? There was nothing, not until there was a response to his father's letter at least.

=

"There seems to be something which I have noticed with you, Liruliniel. You skirt on the edges, it's strange; wanting to be noticed, yet also not. I suppose in some way we have that in common, the slight disjointed feeling I mean. I don't have the luxury of not being seen, considering."

Liruliniel looked up from where she was sitting on a bench, there were plenty dotted about the palace, and the one she happened to be seated on was on a balcony overlooking the outside world. She had just been sitting in peace, thinking over nothing in particular to be honest. Well, that may have been a partial lie; it had been almost three days since Oropher sent word to Elrond, as yet there had been no response.

The waiting was horrible. Liruliniel felt on edge just waiting for whatever was to come. Those three days had been spent with training, even if Oropher noticed she was distracted; finding time to see Thalion, after sharing a few cups of wine and catching up, the siblings made a pact to find time to see each other away from their respective occupations.

Thranduil had quite simply questioned her if she had anymore dreams, he didn't waste time asking and she answered. He seemed to be making it more of a thing to check in on her, to make sure she was doing fine. Was Liruliniel doing fine? She didn't honestly know. Maybe something Vanadessë just said rung true, she felt disjointed. Time seemed to slow, and she felt rather like she was in this state of limbo.

Straightening up in her slouched position, she looked at the princess who was loitering near the door. "People are still looking at you like you are a foreigner then?" Her question was rather blunt, she meant no offence the few hours she spent within her company, Liruliniel found pleasing. The princess was inoffensive, able to hold her own in conversation and had opinions which surprised her really. Honestly, she wasn't what Liruliniel expected a princess to be. But then again, Vanadessë was the only princess Liruliniel had met.

Vanadessë merely walked more onto the balcony. She looked out over the woodland before her, seemingly not taking her words to heart. If anything she let out a quiet chuckle, "Don't you?" Her eyes soon turned to Liruliniel as she sat there with her hands clasped on her knees.

She clicked her tongue in response. "We are a rather closed off community. We keep to ourselves, and we don't bother others. Nor do we get involved in other people's problems. So, to have someone from the outside come in, it throws everyone off. We know what we know and who, and we tend to like to keep it like that. It isn't personal, it's just you're out of the norm. Everyone, me included, will just need to get used to you. But more importantly: we need to get to know you." Liruliniel said softly with a small smile. She hoped in part that her words bought some solace to the princess. It seemed that she had underestimated just how much Vanadessë felt like an outsider.

Tilting her head made her braided blonde hair to move as Vanadessë just looked in Liruliniel's direction. "So, is that a promise?"

"Pardon?" Liruliniel frowned, utterly confused by the blonde's question.

Vanadessë smiled as she moved over, she lifted the skirt of her auburn-coloured dress up as she went. From underneath silvery coloured slippers could be spied, Liruliniel looked down at her scuffed boots and shook her head. They were very different, like night and day. Yet she turned and looked at the princess when she sat down beside her. "To get to know me." Vanadessë stated obviously, as if it was in fact obvious. She seemed confused as to why she was even saying this.

Liruliniel raised an eyebrow, she leaned back against the wall behind her and looked to the trees before them. She was silent for a long moment, blinking and flicking her sea-coloured eyes sidelong, she tilted her head. "You want to be friends."

"Don't you?" Vanadessë questioned, using the same words as earlier as she looked plainly at Liruliniel. "Anyone with eyes can see you are overflowing with loneliness. We are both within these walls, yet both left to either our own devices or left alone completely. You do realise, that I spend most of my days either in my quarters, or the library."

"We are the same, but different."

"We aren't that different." Vanadessë said while placing a gentle hand on Liruliniel's arm. She wasn't wearing her armour, so Vanadessë's hand rested against her usual forestry green tunic sleeve. Liruliniel just looked at her sceptically, Vanadessë sighed softly. "Being royalty or not doesn't change the fact we all come into this world the same. We probably have more in common than you realise."

Liruliniel looked back at the woodland scape. "Do you like the trees?"

Vanadessë sent her a bemused look, yet Liruliniel's eyes just stared at her in a sidelong glance. It took the princess perhaps longer than it should to realise this was Liruliniel's way of trying to converse. Previously, the one person they had in common seemed to be the one keeping conversations going. Thranduil seemed to find it increasingly important that both females got on, considering both were close to him.

"I do, though I have not been permitted to travelling far. I have strolled between the trees and marvelled at what is here."

Liruliniel nodded slowly, she felt at peace out here. In fact, when near trees or in them she did. "Would you like too?" A slow smile was appearing on her face as she turned to look at Vanadessë, she raised an eyebrow. "Go for a stroll between the trees, I mean?" Vanadessë's face soon lightened up as a wide smile appeared on her face, she nodded enthusiastically. Liruliniel looked down at herself and sighed, "Please allow me to change first, just in case." She patted her knees and stood up; she stretched her arms before herself before placing her arms by her sides.

Vanadessë stood, a confused look on her face. "Just in case of what?"

Liruliniel paused on her way to the doorway. "Just in case of danger."

Vanadessë trailed after her, skirts in hands as she trotted to keep up with Liruliniel's strides. She was walking quickly, clearly eager to get out. "But...there is no danger here, is there?"

Liruliniel frowned her way, "There is danger everywhere, Vanadessë. Only because somewhere appears safe, it doesn't mean it is. Tell me, did you hear about how we came to be here? No? That is a surprise. We came to be here, in this palace, because there was a darkness growing near Amon Lanc. How did this darkness come to light, you maybe musing. It came to light because I found it, alongside you're intended. It all but suffocated me and laid me out for many days. There is something in this forest, Vanadessë. There is something, and I am wondering what exactly it is. Nothing has shown its face, but it still doesn't mean I am willing to go out for a walk with you, without any weapons. And plus, in this situation; I'm going to be guarding you." Liruliniel explained evenly, glancing at Vanadessë every so often. Like asked those few days ago, she ditched pretences. Vanadessë wished to be on friendly terms, then so be it, no more titles.

"If it is perhaps dangerous, then perhaps it isn't wise going out."

Liruliniel frowned, "I refuse to be a shut in because of something I cannot grasp onto. I am not afraid exactly...my will and want to know, outweighs my fear of the unknown. If you do not wish to come with, then that is fine."

Vanadessë looked at her determinedly, even stomping a foot as Liruliniel paused in the threshold of her quarters. "If this place is to be my home, then I too wish to know if there are troubles brewing elsewhere."

Liruliniel smiled as she pushed open the door more, "I think you may just be growing on me, Vanadessë."

"And I believe you could become a bad influence on me, Liruliniel." Vanadessë smiled at her, following the guard as she gestured to her home. Vanadessë looked around the humble settings, small but cosy she ended up sitting down near the unlit fire. It was clear Liruliniel resided here alone, no other signs of people being present were around.

Liruliniel soon appeared a few moments later, harnessing her belt around herself as she strapped her weapons in place. She checked her sword before sheathing it again and looked at Vanadessë with a smile. "That to me sounds like a brilliant friendship." Liruliniel didn't know the princess was so easily swayed, but then again if she was shut in, she must be bored.

She must also find herself being nagged constantly on what not to do, or to do. Liruliniel found herself feeling sorry for her really in a way. Clearly Vanadessë had never thought of sneaking out on her own before, not before Liruliniel mentioned it. Was she a bad influence? No, she didn't believe so. The princess wanted to go out and Liruliniel wanted to try and fathom things out without feeling confined in the palace too; and more often than not, she found that her best thinking was done when outside and surrounded by nature.

——

Edited: 20/June/25