Liruliniel was soon becoming oddly used to meeting those that she thought she never would. If someone said to her when she was a child that she would become a guard to Oropher, she'd have laughed. Albeit, yes, she would've also excitedly exclaimed about her dream coming true. But then, if that someone then furthered on and said that she would soon be in Imladris under Elrond's care, then she'd have truly laughed at them. That was two too many high-ranking elves for her to contend with, that would've been for sure.

But and this was a massive one, to suddenly find herself before the last High King of the Ñoldor, was truly something. Her mind was reeling, what did one say to someone like that? Her king was one thing, Elrond was another, but Gil-galad was a whole different story. Ultimately, yes, she did not know too much about him, but she knew of him and surely that was enough? So far, each elf Liruliniel found herself meeting differed, it was truly interesting really to be honest. She was fascinated in how everyone differed, not that she was expecting everyone to be the same, but everyone contrasted in personality.

Gil-galad was more like Elrond in appearance, tall, serious faced with dark brown hair and sharp eyes the colour of slate. He was simply wearing a dark grey almost blue looking tunic, his long hair trailed down his back and atop of his head he wore a simple looking silver circlet. Elrond and himself were practically mirrored, the first wearing something very similar all down to the jewellery upon his head. Liruliniel wasn't expecting to be welcomed in with open arms, but she wasn't expecting to just get stared at.

Liruliniel's eyes slowly widened, her back went ramrod straight and she stiffly bowed. The whole act looked incredibly clumsy, she could almost imagine what it looked like; auburn-haired elf with still red cheeks and wide eyes practically falls over in an effort to bow to royalty. Elrond beside her was trying not to smirk, her shock and reaction to such a thing was a little amusing to watch. Gil-galad however just sighed and leaned against the table behind him, there was a map unfurled on top of it with markers of certain places and things.

"I think that's quite enough of that, don't you?" Liruliniel just peered up, Gil-galad's voice was light, though it seemed that there was a seriousness to it which had her snapping back up. He gestured a hand to her while he himself turned back to the table, Liruliniel looked hesitantly at Elrond, he just nodded and waved a hand over too. Liruliniel picked up her feet and walked over slowly. He reminded her of Oropher, this icy sternness was a little intimidating, but also because of who he was made it so much worse. He was taller than her, like that wasn't a surprise everyone seemed to be, so when she reached his side, he simply looked down at her. "I take it I don't have to explain anything to you?"

"I know why I am here," Liruliniel said, blinking and looking over the map before her. It was of the lands around them, certain markers sat in certain places, and she tilted her head. Gil-galad just remained a bit stoic faced and looking at her, "Visions, those which involve a war. Something is lurking in Greenwood, so to avoid a bad outcome I was taken out of the equation before the outcome could even happen." Liruliniel explained, despite of his words it seemed clear to her that he wished to know why. Like he didn't know, of course he did, but he evidently wanted to hear it from her. "Lord Elrond is going to help me to interpret these, so...I guess if any noticeable information comes to light, it will aid you."

"It'll aid us, Liruliniel. But not just us, but everyone else." Her eyes couldn't help but widen, it just seemed utterly bizarre and unreal that Gil-galad was saying her name so casually. In fact, his exterior softened slightly despite of the topic at hand. "Tell me, do you know any details?"

Liruliniel shifted uncertainly and looked over her shoulder, Elrond saw her desperate plea for help in her eyes and moved over. He reached a hand out from his robe and tapped on the map, in all honesty, Elrond was truly the only person along with Oropher that she uttered noticeable marks in the land in her dream to. She could've come out with it, especially to Gil-galad, he didn't look annoyed by her hesitance, he seemed acceptant and understanding.

Both elves in the room to her, she didn't mean it in a rude way, were sort of used to fighting; they had done so already, they had seen sieges and survived them and a few battles in between then and now. She wasn't. She wasn't even fully a guard and here she was talking of something akin to the end of the world. It was terrifying.

"I saw Emyn Muil." Liruliniel whispered slowly, Elrond's finger moved from the map. He could point the small mountain range out, but he had hoped she'd speak the name. What was terrifying, was the fact that everything she saw happened so close to her home.

The end of the world took place south from where the palace was. The end of the world was on flat plains and rocky mountains and boggy looking marshes full of mist and misleading routes. She wasn't stupid, even as she stood here, she could see one plain in particular which was on the map. Dagorlad. The plain was vast, mostly flat with yellowish and green grass; there was a marshland as a neighbour, and Ered Lithui practically encircled it, not it, but the mountains worked as a border to seemingly keep everyone else out. Orodruin. Mount Doom, sat more or less in the middle of a rock invested plain all on its own.

"How frequent do you see these things?" Gil-galad and Elrond had looked at each other over Liruliniel's head. Both had serious yet knowing expressions on their faces. Not that Elrond saw something dissimilar, but maybe in more detail. There were parts which differed from what Liruliniel saw, but with both seeing things which matched up it meant they had the ability to proper plan in advance.

"Nearly every night." Liruliniel said honestly, no point in lying. She sighed and looked up at the king beside her. "There is no avoiding this, is there?"

Gil-galad looked almost sorry upon hearing her words. "No. Just know that it was another force that moved our hands into action." She merely nodded; it didn't reassure her much though. His eyes looked away from her and to Elrond, "We must send word to Elendil, hopefully him and Isildur have made some progress." Elrond merely nodded and retreated to go and write up a letter to send.

Liruliniel looked up again, "Sire?" Gil-galad looked away from the map with a deep-set frown, the frown lessened when he looked to the inquisitive elf beside him. "May I ask how long you have been planning for this?"

"So far, it's been about a year, maybe a year and a half." Gil-galad was subjected to her double taking and looking utterly taken back by that. "More time will pass yet before we are ready to fight."

Liruliniel looked back at the map, she tilted her head and eyed up the location southward from where they were now. "The King of Gondor is hardening his forces and gathering more, I take it?"

"You are quick on the uptake."

"Which means we are doing the same." Liruliniel saw him nod from the corner of her eyes. She crossed her arms and sighed, she shifted her feet from one foot to the other and looked thoughtfully at the map.

"What is it?" Gil-galad could see something was on her mind, he watched her loudly sigh and do all she did. She was being very obvious that something was troubling her. He just rolled his eyes when she tried to look confused. "You are loud and not very good at being oblivious." Gil-galad said, earning a sheepish smile from her.

"Well, what of the dwarves?" Liruliniel asked simply, Gil-galad raised an eyebrow and looked a little puzzled over her question. "Just, everyone else seems to be getting involved, minus them. Isn't that a bit rude?"

"You haven't encountered many dwarves, have you?" He couldn't help but smirk at that, Liruliniel looked a little flustered as she fidgeted on the spot uncomfortably. "I doubt they will give a straight answer whether they will take part or not."

"I grew up around dwarves actually, sire. I know what they are like."

Gil-galad looked at her with a curious smile then, "Think you can diplomatically sway the great King Durin to our cause?" He crossed his arms as he leaned back against the table, his eyes watching as her face shifted through many emotions. Shock and confused, perhaps a little fear and apprehension. His words had made her a bit speechless, that was for sure.

"Which King Durin are they on now?" Liruliniel asked, totally confused as she squinted a little up at him.

Gil-galad probably shouldn't have, but he laughed. It was a humorous one, he didn't expect to hear that. "Fourth." He said, answering her question once his laughter had ebbed away.

"They're...well, creative with names, aren't they?" After all, so far after Durin the Deathless, each ruler had taken his name. It was a little tedious, repetitive and she honestly didn't know which number the current Durin technically was.

Gil-galad hung his head, his hand rubbing at his forehead. "Perhaps don't say that to any of them. I don't think they'd take it too well." He said, sighing softly and lowering his hand back to his side as he looked at her. Especially considering they had names after perhaps the strongest, wisest and best dwarf-King to date. It was an honour to share his name, even if Liruliniel seemed biased.

"Were you joking?" Gil-galad raised an eyebrow, not knowing what she was referring to at the moment. Liruliniel looked at him hesitantly, "About trying to get the dwarves to take part?"

"There are many things I wouldn't want to subject you to, Liruliniel. Political talking with dwarves is one of them."

"I don't mind."

"You may not, I think your temporary guardian will." He stated, Elrond had left the room a while ago but even still, his hearing was very sharp. Gil-galad wouldn't be surprised if he was nearby still listening just in case anything was said which didn't sit well with either of them. He had to say they were getting on amicably, like they had already known each other. It was perhaps one of the easiest meetings Gil-galad had ever had.

"Good point. I think he only just accepts me training while learning by his side." Liruliniel said with a growing frown.

"He is a good teacher," he presumed this was where she was hesitant. Lessons and the teacher.

"I never said I was a good pupil." Here he chuckled quietly, that sounded like any youngling possible there. Always better things to do than sit and listen to someone older go on, and on, and on.

"You need to know how to defend yourself, he can't deny that. Unprepared fighters lead to quick deaths."

"King Oropher was teaching me."

His eyes widened as he nodded, "A formidable opponent."

"And a terrifying teacher." Liruliniel said, he didn't exactly hold back when sword fighting with her.

"That doesn't surprise me." Gil-galad said, looking down at her as she pressed her lips into a thin line. "You are here for the foreseeable, Liruliniel. As you said, while you're here you're going to learn; both in the ways of understanding your sight and fighting. Depending how it goes, perhaps I will take you up on your offer of being a messenger. Letters can get ignored, someone physically being there can't be."

Liruliniel just smiled up at him, "Would it mean bringing a message back home?"

"Of course." Gil-galad heard the hope in her tone. "Who better to rally the elves of Greenwood, other than one of their own? You seem to have got good ground with the heads in charge."

"Lord Baramaethor doesn't like me. He never has. He always believed I was a child with a fantastical imagination." Liruliniel scrunched her nose up. She hadn't seen him for a while, to be honest he seemed to keep himself to himself. But she knew he still had meetings with Oropher.

"There's always one."

"He's grumpy, sire. Very grumpy."

"But it isn't him you are going to be reporting to, is it?" He stated, seems she would be going straight to the head of state when the time came. Who was he kidding? He was going to allow her to do this. It could prove useful. She couldn't stay cooped up here all the time. Surely, she'd go on patrols with the elves here, amongst all the other plans for her, but when it came to marching to war, Gil-galad knew she'd want to do so with her people.

Liruliniel nodded her head slowly, that was very true she couldn't exactly dispute that. Looking up when Elrond reappeared, he smiled her way. "Veryan is awaiting you."

"And he is?" Liruliniel just shuffled over to where he awaited her in the doorway.

He side stepped and placed an arm around her shoulders, directing her away. Not before both bid farewell to Gil-galad. He just bowed his head in return and listened to them leave. "He is going to finish your training."

She looked up at him worriedly. "He isn't going to be as lethal as King Oropher, is he?" She winced, Elrond didn't answer which didn't settle with her. Pouting softly, she hung her head. "I'm so going to get beaten to the ground, aren't I?"

"Only if you allow yourself to be." Elrond said while they suddenly came to a stop in a spacious area. He looked forwards towards the elf standing in the space. Liruliniel looked forwards too, Veryan just stood there smiling at her lightly. "He's essentially Captain of our guard here, Liruliniel. Perhaps, if you are up to par, you can join him on patrols."

Her head snapped up to look at Elrond, "Patrols?"

"Orcs," Veryan's voice piped up, he sounded a bit amused over her broken voice. "It seems like everyone is going to be crossing paths with them sooner or later." Elrond frowned, not appreciating that aspect. Or rather, putting Liruliniel in a situation she wasn't prepared for. Any orc would outmatch her, both in height, weight and strength. Not even taking into consideration skills, they fought with anger and the want to kill and destroy. She could be so easily overwhelmed.

"So...can I ask, you have seen what is to come. How long do we have?" Liruliniel looked up at Elrond slowly. She was trying to gauge if she really had enough time to accomplish this plus perhaps play messenger.

Elrond patted her shoulder, "You've got a few years." He said while nodding at Veryan, he picked up the weapon by his side and threw it her way. Elrond rolled his eyes at the sounds of the yelp and her shouting. He did just throw a wooden training sword at her, and despite Liruliniel exclaiming she had a perfectly fine sword, Veryan wasn't having it. He didn't know anything about her, what skills she had and how she used a sword. Only because she had one, didn't mean she properly knew how to wield it.

=

"You see, it is simply unavoidable; I know how much you don't want to march your people into war, I completely understand that. I come as a messenger asking, not demanding or telling you what do, just simply asking for your help."

Durin the Fourth sat on his stone throne in a large stone room within Khazad-dûm which was, of course, stone. It was after all inside a mountain, it was magnificent, truly it was. The craftsmanship of the dwarves never failed to amaze, although their welcoming gestures were a little less to be desired. Liruliniel had come with another elf in tow, both had been sceptically welcomed. She would say hostilely welcomed. The dwarves here were not all too welcoming of elves, of any type or kind.

Liruliniel had tried to air on the side of ego boosting, working to the strengths and the pride of dwarves. Durin just narrowed his eyes at her. He wasn't believing her, not one bit. Didn't help that the whole room now was packed with dwarves, some even seemingly came up from the mines to see what was going here. Word had spread very fast that there were elves present. They didn't exactly cross paths often, so it was like a chance to just look at them and then potter back to whatever they were doing.

Liruliniel had been within Imladris for over two years now. The time had been spent learning, learning and more learning. Veryan had trained her, she had listened to Elrond's lessons and overall, she fitted into life speedily. To be honest, she settled quicker than she thought. She missed home, of course, but she did write often. She remembered the first letter she wrote was telling nearly everyone who she met and her first meeting with Veryan too.

Thranduil's reply had been something along the lines of; "Found someone else to guard now?" She couldn't remember, she kept all the letters she got from him, her brother and father. Vanadessë's letters lessoned over a small period and she was confused of this. Liruliniel believed it was her perhaps being annoyed she missed her wedding, but everyone knew there was a chance that was going to happen. She regretted missing it.

"How many are you proposing I send, hm?" His accent was thick, his voice a lot heavier than the elves, but his words were no less easy to understand. He waved a hand in herself and Aearion's direction.

Unlike Lindir, who was a hard elf to make friends with, Aearion was not. Once Veryan deemed she was capable of fighting and training with the other guards, she had been paired up with him. Aearion was a lot older than her, the way he held himself and how he fought said as much. But that didn't mean he didn't indulge her little childish moments. Durin shifted in his seat, the dark robes around him looked heavy and he looked practically swaddled in them. He looked interestedly down at them, in their different coloured armour. Liruliniel was never going to abandon the armour Oropher gave her. So as such, she was still in muted gold while Aearion was in his silver.

The lamplight made them glow, shine even and the contrast of their attire and those around them was truly something. Liruliniel and Aearion looked at each other, "That is up to you." Liruliniel was the speaker, Aearion was just watching her back while they travelled.

Durin let out a laugh, "So, if I sent one dwarf, that would suffice, eh?" He smirked, even behind his thick beard Liruliniel could see his lips tilt upwards. He found amusement in this, despite it being serious and about war, he still found it amusing. The others around the room though, they didn't like his words. They chattered and murmured amongst themselves, clearly hoping the one dwarf he mentioned wasn't them.

"It is up to you, sire. You don't have to send any. But I did not think that dwarves shied away from the opportunity of taking down the spawn of Sauron." Liruliniel said, crossing her arms loosely over her armour and listening to the grating calls and words around her. They seemed more than up for the chance of killing orcs. Durin frowned her way as Liruliniel just raised an eyebrow. "Not only that, but you also get to show off how you clearly have the more perfected method of taking them down. I mean, we're all just so twirly, pretty and..." Liruliniel's sea-coloured eyes looked around when there was numerous laughter.

She knew what dwarves really thought of her and her kin, it wasn't usually anything nice. Aearion looked disgruntled beside her, he didn't appreciate being laughed at, or over. She, however, couldn't care less. In truth yes, sometimes it did look like her and her kin were more dancing around than fighting; but that was just their nature and style, dwarves were not so delicate and graceful. Unfortunately, they weren't blessed with that. But they had other aspects, raw power and strength was something that they presented quite brilliantly.

"You know, when I heard word that there was going to be an elvish emissary, I sat and thought over the prospect of how much I wasn't looking forward to it. Let's be honest here, lass. We aren't best friends, you're on a mission to persuade me to give you fighters for battle, and I am here to try and bargain a way out of this; or even find a resolution in which my people don't have to fight."

"This is an all-out battle, sire. I am afraid to say that I do not think you have the choice to sit and not take part. It will drag you in, one way or another." Liruliniel frowned softly, how long could they hide away in these cavernous spaces for? Yes, the mines and the vaults were mighty and strong, thick stone that would stand for many centuries surely.

But even that wouldn't stop an enemy from coming to their front door and not politely knocking on it to get it. There wasn't exactly a back door to this fortress, that Liruliniel knew of, so they'd be cornered and forced to fight. It wasn't an observation; it was a fact because it was something she sensed.

"I like you. That one not so much." Durin said, leaning his arm against the rest of his throne and waving a hand from her to Aearion.

"He does take a bit of getting used to." Liruliniel shrugged, her armour clinking slightly as she did so. Aearion shot her a look while Durin laughed.

"You are a funny one, aren't you?" He seemed to be speaking rhetorically, so Liruliniel didn't answer him. Durin looked at her, long and hard before sighing and relenting with a nod. "You tell us when, and we will march."

"Not just the one dwarf?" Liruliniel quipped hesitantly with a smile.

"How about an army?"

"Thank you for listening to me, sire. I wish we met on other terms," Liruliniel bowed slowly, her braided hair falling over her shoulder as she did so. Aearion seemed a bit more begrudging of bowing, but that was probably because he was bitter at being laughed at. She straightened up and looked around, "I would like to come back here, when this is all over, if I may? Your kingdom is truly magnificent." She said while half turning to leave, Durin looked a bit baffled to say the least. Elves and caves, not really a mix, was it? Liruliniel still had her mind set on visiting Erebor when she got the chance. The first chance she got, she'd go. But at the moment, that was far, far away from her.

They soon left after that, their horses awaiting them outside on the slight mound which made up the entranceway. Aearion mounted and looked at her with a frown, Liruliniel was a little slower on the uptake and turned and looked at him. "I was not aware that you owned any charm. Or, if someone once told me you did, I'd have mocked them. Liruliniel, surely not? But I do believe you just charmed that dwarf. You don't possess any other secret abilities, do you?" Honestly, he hadn't seen anything like it, he wasn't expecting Liruliniel or Durin to just jovially converse and joke. It was strange. Really very strange to him.

She nudged her horse gently; it started to walk towards the plains before Khazad-dûm. Although they weren't vast, the space was big enough to expand out and be crested by the Misty Mountains. Everything this side of the lands seemed to be dwarfed by mountain ranges of some description. "I see things, I don't charm. It isn't my fault I'm such a loveable character."

Aearion laughed, "Loveable? Ah, yes, not so much so when having to be woken up at the crack of dawn for patrols."

Liruliniel frowned and hunkered in her saddle. "I like sleeping, when I get it. Who could honestly blame me?" She replied back with a huff. Fine, being woken up incredibly early was not something she took pleasure in. It had to be done, but that didn't mean whoever got the task of waking her up didn't get ranted at. Sleep riddled ranting yes, but still she usually went off on one.

Aearion turned silent as their horses picked up their paces. They were heading back home, well, to Imladris that is. Although Liruliniel could say she wasn't. She was heading that way, but her path was diverting off from his. She would miss the waterfall city that she had come to know these past few years. But she was longing for home. It was pulling her back, and she couldn't ignore the call of it anymore.

She had explained this to Elrond, who accepted it. He knew the time would come where she'd need to go, but it seemed that he had grown used to her being around. She had got used to being around, she really had. Greenwood was going to feel a bit alien and unknown to her now, she knew it. She wondered how much had changed though. She wondered how much the forest had changed.

That was another thing, if she returned back, she could keep both Elrond and Gil-galad updated on the happenings there. Both were under no illusion that something had taken over what remained of Amon Lanc, this something was turning it into a shell of its former glory. If more spiders were located or witnessed, then this just further proved it. There was a base of evil in the forest, and at some point, it would surely be dealt with. Not before the main problem got eradicated, however.

Hours of travelling had them parting ways, Liruliniel had already said her farewells to Elrond, but the one with Aearion was fleeting. They knew they'd see each other again, yes on the eve of battle, but they would. "Just you and me, Ithilwen." She said, patting her horses' neck. She was the same one which she had first arrived in Imladris on, and she was allowed to keep her. She hadn't known her name for most of that journey and only learned it later on when she found the stables through exploring.

Her name meant moon, and really Liruliniel didn't think there was a better name for Ithilwen. She was strong, for a small horse, Liruliniel could relate, small but strong...just minus being a horse, she was the colour of moonlight; all silvery and grey, specks of white dappled her here and there. She was beautiful in Liruliniel's eyes, truly she was, her mane was the colour of fresh snow, and her eyes were the kindest colour brown she'd ever seen. She didn't think she'd ever have her own horse, but now she had she didn't think she could ride anything else and replace her.

With a snort, Ithilwen shook her head and took to running through the passageway which she had first bought her rider through years ago. Liruliniel held onto the reins and just let the horse go, she knew where she was going. Liruliniel had explained she was going home, and it was like Ithilwen knew, there was just this link between them. It took hours to even get to Imladris, of course it wasn't going to take much longer to get back.

Though, admittedly, Liruliniel chose to take a slightly longer route, just so she could pass Lothlórien. She didn't venture in, but she passed it by and Ithilwen trotted towards one of the small streams which travelled through. Much like any river feeding into the Greenwood, it would grow and expand and merge with the greater part of the Anduin.

Even from where she stood, allowing herself and Ithilwen to have a drink, she could see the old road leading into the darkened looking forest on the horizon. She inhaled slowly, even from here she could feel a presence. Deciding to let Ithilwen have a break, Liruliniel walked and led her by the reins. It felt good to walk, so much riding had made her legs go a bit numb. She was used to it by now, but it still didn't mean it didn't affect her in some way.

"Greenwood is not like Imladris, Ithilwen. It is...or at least was a very confined place. We had to move, you see. We had lots of space, but something came...that something is still there," Liruliniel explained while now the forest was parallel to where they were walking.

Even from them passing by, she could just about spy the tops of Amon Lanc's forgotten towers breaching above the trees. The brick looked darker than before, and crumbling. But she couldn't see the whole thing, and really, she didn't think she'd want to. "We won't be taking the road; I fear that will take us too close to where we don't want to be. Instead, we'll just...go in," the horse let out a snort, Liruliniel blinked her eyes slowly and looked hesitantly up at her. "I know my way around that forest; I'll have you know. I won't get us lost, honest. Soon we'll be back at the palace, you can settle into the stables and meet Arthion, and I can catch up with everyone. Although business first, girl. I must talk to King Oropher. I will miss out the part of managing to persuade King Durin to fight...if I mention dwarves, I don't know what his reaction will be." Inhaling, she stopped, they'd crossed the small bridge over, and she stood looking up at the trees.

It was imposing, it felt imposing now. She stood there and shivered; she didn't think she'd feel this cold dread seeping through her for being back home. She thought she'd be elated, endless happiness and exuding that emotion as she came back. But no, she felt cold inside and out, she felt like she was being watched but most importantly: she felt like something didn't want her coming in.

It was like there was an invisible wall, or a barrier up. It took all the strength she had to start leading Ithilwen in, it wouldn't be wholly fair on the horse if she rode her throughout the forest. She could, but what with the outward state of it, she could only imagine the inside. Fallen trees, split bark and roots jutting upwards readying to catch any unsure feet. If Liruliniel led her slowly, Ithilwen would get back to the palace in one piece, so would she with any luck.

The horse seemed to sense something was amiss, she halted every so often, her ears flicking each way before stamping a foot and almost rearing. Liruliniel could feel it too, that same oppressive atmosphere was still hanging around like a fog. She could feel it weighing her down, she looked down and was surprised to see she hadn't sunk to her knees. That's how it felt. She felt like she should be on her hands and knees crawling, the strength it took to keep alert and upright was almost exhausting. What had happened to her home in the years she had been gone? This was not the home she remembered at all.

"Come on, girl." Liruliniel led her onwards, anyone else would surely get lost just blindly walking into such a place. Not her. She had a very distinctive pull leading her home. She knew she wouldn't get lost, and she didn't. The trees slowly thinned a little, leading way to the sandy coloured brick of the pathway in. Looking to the horse beside her, Liruliniel slowly smiled. "Want to make an entrance, Ithilwen?" She smirked and pulled herself up into the saddle. "Because I think that sounds fun. They're probably expecting some boring messenger. You didn't hear King Durin, but he clearly was expecting someone like that...all preaching and demanding." Liruliniel whispered while stroking a hand through the snowy mane. "Let's go," she whispered again and without prompt, Ithilwen went bolting out of the trees. The poor guards on the doors looked startled, both jumping to attention and aiming lances their ways. "I am here to speak with King Oropher. Please may I come in?" She asked politely, she didn't recognise these two. They were new to this and hesitantly obliged. "Please make sure she is settled; I'll be down to check on her shortly." Liruliniel nodded and moved into the palace itself.

One of the guards led Ithilwen away while the other darted passed her, "Wait here," he instructed. He watched as Liruliniel just held her hands up and nodded. She stepped back and looked around, the main foyer to the palace didn't appear any different. Still the same brickwork, trees still grew in and around the space and torches were lit and hung every few paces away. Inhaling slowly, Liruliniel shut her eyes.

She was home, the smell of it was the same, the look...was a little different outwardly, the forest was darker, but the palace seemed steadfast and unchanging. She smiled softly; the earthen woodland smell just warmed her. Opening her eyes when she heard some footsteps, she raised her eyebrows and was in the middle of turning when someone spoke. "I hear there is someone who wishes an audience with me?"

Liruliniel turned with a smile, Oropher stood tall and a little confused, maybe taken back that she was before him. Despite of the coolness of the wood, mainly thanks to the shadows, they were in summer. His crown reflected as such, and so did his lighter coloured robes and tunic. His silvery blonde hair still trailed over his shoulders and back, and his sharp eyes assessed her. But he wasn't alone.

This if anything had made Liruliniel's smile turn into a full-blown grin. Her father was with him, evidently the guard had not told either who the visitor was, or what they were wanting to speak with the king about. Hérion's eyes clouded over, and his expression went distant as he looked to his daughter.

She had grown up, that much he couldn't deny. It had only been a small handful of years, but she had. But, between Hérion and Oropher, it was hard to see how time had changed them. They seemed unchanging. However, the elf beside Oropher, no. Thranduil had grown up too, both had been verging on adulthood when they parted ways. But now it seemed both were very well grown. Liruliniel could only presume the two royal elves were together when the guard appeared and thus Oropher summoned her father, just in case.

Liruliniel smiled at the three, they still seemed a little confused. She bowed, straightening up she looked serious. "Sire, I come from Imladris as an envoy for Lord Elrond; there is soon to be war upon us, within the end of this year we suspect. All forces in Middle-earth are reinforcing, building arms and uniting. I am here to ask you; will you join us?" She spoke strongly, clearly and without diverting her gaze away from the tall elf-King before her. She kept her hands clasped behind her back and standing at attention as if she had never been away, and that he had asked to speak to her. It was strange how easily old ways could be slipped back into.

"I feared this would be the case," Oropher looked to Hérion, he tore his eyes away from his daughter and up at his friend. Oropher and him seemed to have a conversation through shared questioning looks before Hérion bowed and left, and Oropher looked back at Liruliniel. "He has gone to summon the generals. If there is to be war, we must be prepared."

"You will join then?"

Oropher walked forwards away from his son's side and stopped in front of her. Liruliniel looked up at him, she may have grown, but he was still impossibly tall to her. "We may keep to ourselves here; we don't tend to interfere with whatever is happening beyond our walls; but even I know and understand that there will be no long-lasting peace if this evil is not banished from our lands." Liruliniel just nodded slowly as he spoke, she couldn't agree more. Oropher tilted his head, a small smile gracing his face as he looked down at her. "Welcome home."

"It is good to be home."

Oropher nodded slowly, that he could imagine. Turning and glancing sidelong back at Thranduil, he looked one last time at Liruliniel. Her eyes flicked from one blonde to the other, Oropher got hesitant looks, while Thranduil had something definitely more akin to a longing fondness. Admittedly, it was a look which Oropher had seen grace her face more times than once. He didn't know if she knew, maybe she did or maybe she didn't.

But it pained him, for her sake, it would always be one-sided. Their relationship couldn't progress any further than friendship. But turning away and deciding to not deter them reuniting anymore, Oropher opted to look passed the fact that something of a similar flickered across his son's eyes. Though the look there was more familiarity, relief even to see she was still in one piece.

"I must find your father; I will write our acceptance and send it come first light." Oropher swept his robe out of the way as he walked off.

Liruliniel watched him go before smiling again and dashing over to stop in front of Thranduil. "You're so tall now! Look at you! Oh, Valar...I am surely going to need to get a stool to look you in the eyes, Thranduil." Liruliniel rambled out and looked him up and down. Don't get her wrong, he'd always been tall. But this was now ridiculous, she now knew how a halfling or a dwarf felt when next to a mortal or elf, positively tiny!

So maybe it wasn't that bad, but she barely reached his shoulders before, now it seemed even worse seems he went and decided to get taller. She pouted, that wasn't fair. She hadn't got much taller, and here he was all tall, seemingly nonchalant over her moment; his crystal blue eyes just staring as he waited for her to stop, the slightest of smirks on his face as he found her words amusing. Unlike his father, Thranduil hadn't worn clothes a colour of the season, he stood in a silvery grey tunic, minus a thick robe over top. He still had a silver circlet resting on his head however, she frowned, he had grown taller, and though she joked about him having perfect hair once, it had seemingly become more pin straight and lighter.

"Maybe the armour is weighing you down?" He quipped, raising a dark eyebrow at her as she double took at him. "What?" She was giving him this really odd look.

"You've really grown up." She whispered, his voice seemed lower, time away had just pinpointed to her what had changed with him. Don't get her wrong, he had always been handsome, beautiful even; but now he seemed to have transformed and grown into just who he was meant to be. He was an elf-Prince, and by the Valar he really excelled in projecting that now. She shuddered and shook her head, smiling awkwardly at him again she waved a hand in the air. "Eh...never mind, I'll have you know I've only had to alter this armour twice. It is the same one your father gave me." Which was true as she pointed at him.

He sighed, it seemed she still had that trait of keeping things to herself. Thranduil could tell that wasn't what she perhaps wanted to say. But it wasn't like Liruliniel could stand there and openly admit that she had perhaps admired him from afar when they were younger, in her eyes, how could someone not? But now...she just clasped her hands tightly behind her back, what could she say? Time had been very kind to him. Not that Liruliniel wholly liked someone based on looks, she wasn't shallow, but this was just cruel to her now. Her friend was married, and her heart did not seem to want to take that into consideration. Just being close again reminded her honestly of all the things about him and his character that she liked.

"You don't appear to have," Thranduil said, earning a gasp from her as she reached up to punch him on the shoulder. Much like always, he caught her hand, his long fingers easily enveloping her smaller hand as she stood glaring at him. "Point proven. I thought you were going to prove me wrong when you returned? Show everyone how much you have grown up, and here you are, trying to hit me."

She snatched her hand away and crossed her arms. Smiling, she shifted her weight from one leg to the other. "You're a hittable elf."

"Charming."

Liruliniel laughed and hung her head, shaking it slowly she glanced back at him. "I have missed you, my friend. I have missed this place, Imladris is beautiful, but it doesn't replace home." Liruliniel said wistfully and quietly, she nodded her head and looked around the space again. It was like she was seeing it for the first time, taking every little detail in.

And Thranduil just stood and let her, she clearly needed a moment. It just gave him the chance to assess her in return. Though he joked, he could see she had grown. Matured, no. Grown, yes. She still seemed in the habit of braiding her hair, many small intricate braids leading into one that trailed down her back. Her armour was pristine; she clearly treasured it for many reasons and kept it clean.

She was still shorter than him, but she always had been. She had to tilt her head to look up at him, and when she did it just let him see that the rounded face of youth had given way to soft angles and sharper blue-green eyes. Though she was still in the habit of joking and being a bit sarcastic, her voice had a soft lilt to it, kind and welcoming and friendly. She'd grown up to become a beautiful elf, no way around that although he had to admit it was a little hard to try and compare the scruffy child, to the slightly awkward teen to the woman before him now. Her transition was truly noticeable and drastic.

"It has been most silent without your presence." Thranduil eventually spoke after a small while.

"Ah, is that your way of saying you missed me too, hm?" She smirked up at him and rocked on her heels.

"Letters can only do so much." Thranduil stated, which was true. They kept near on constant contact, there were a few weeks in between replies at times, but they never lost touch. She kept him in the loop with everything she was doing, him...not so much. Which further cemented Oropher's words of keeping themselves to themselves here.

"I didn't know my voice would be missed so much!" She laughed and placed her hands on her hips, her head tilting as she gave him a closed eye smile. She missed Thranduil blanching a little as he rolled his eyes and sighed, opening her eyes she swung her arms by her sides. "So! What's changed in your life? I am sorry I missed your wedding, by the way how did it go?"

Thranduil smiled, "You're sorry you missed going to sleep through it, you mean."

"No!"

"I don't believe you," he turned and gestured a hand, Liruliniel jumped and walked beside him as they took off. Thranduil looked down as she huffed and shot him narrow eyed looks. "What?"

"Can you not walk so fast? My legs are not as long as yours!" Liruliniel exclaimed, she didn't know if Thranduil was aware, but he was walking a bit too fast for her shorter legs.

"Maybe you haven't quite grown up yet?"

"I will punch you."

"No, no, you will try and punch me and fail. Just like always." Thranduil corrected with a pointed finger in the air, as if that helped state that fact.

"Bet I could beat you in a sparring match though. I wouldn't fail there."

"You seem so sure."

"Oh...sorry, wasn't last time a draw?"

"Maybe I just let you think that."

"Thranduil..."

"Yes, little bird?" He replied, completely casual yet with a slight sarcastic tint in his tone.

She looked at him with slightly wide eyes, excuse her but that voice saying that nickname now no longer sounded so patronising and annoying. "I've fought orcs, an elf-Prince isn't a hard challenge in comparison." Liruliniel said, her voice low as she looked around the corridors.

Thranduil's expression turned serious as he stopped, she did too and looked at him. She had this expression on her face, like she knew he was about to lecture her. "I don't like the sound of that. Knowing how reckless you were when we sparred, I can only imagine something of a similar happening."

"I didn't get hurt." She reassured, "The orcs...can't speak for them. They're travelling through those lands more. I aided protecting the borders. Lord Elrond took some persuading though."

"He really took you under his wing." Thranduil said, happy actually that she wasn't segregated. Though his words could've been a little bit of a pun considering her nickname. She frowned at him; he turned away with a sigh. He didn't mean it like that. "You will surely miss him?"

"I will. He became like a second father to me. But even that cannot replace what I have here. I've missed you; I've missed Thalion and my father, Vanadessë and Caladhiel..." Liruliniel trailed off, Thranduil couldn't help but notice how he was first on the list. But back then he was the one elf she saw all the time. Both found loneliness in their lives and they both filled that void for the other. "Speaking of, where is your wife?" Liruliniel scrunched her nose in thought, she did believe that Vanadessë would be present for some reason when both Oropher and Thranduil appeared.

Thranduil looked down at the ground, there was perhaps a little something, or someone, that he hadn't really seen fit to mention. Not that he didn't want to, but how exactly did he bring up the fact that he now had a son? Vanadessë and himself had conceived a child within the first couple of months of being married. The child was already up and walking and trying to find his independence, even at such a young age.

"Thranduil?" Liruliniel didn't like silence, silence meant something bad.

"Follow me," he knew where the two would be at this time of day. Usually in one of the gardens, Vanadessë would read, and their son would listen. Or he'd find joy in trying to climb about the garden, often rendering Vanadessë in despairing he may hurt himself. She was a good mother, kind and loving, gentle yet could be stern if needed.

Liruliniel followed silently, she wasn't expecting to be led to the garden, and she definitely wasn't expecting to see the two elves sitting amongst the grass, one reading while the other wobbled on legs trying to catch the little insects which fluttered about the space. Vanadessë clearly felt eyes on her and looked away from the pages before her, her own eyes widened as she stared at her husband but more importantly at Liruliniel.

Her face was rather blank, Liruliniel was sure of it as she watched Vanadessë stand, not before scooping up the child and rushing over as quickly as she could. It was a small accomplishment considering her long skirts and the squirming figure in her arms. "When did you get back? It is so good to see you!" Vanadessë practically gushed, Liruliniel smiled. The elf-Princess had grown fairer while she was away, much like Thranduil she too was taller than her.

"Not long ago. I was just catching up with Thranduil, I wondered where you were. I thought I'd come say hello, then go find that brother of mine." Liruliniel said, her tone kind and welcoming sounding, but Thranduil looked down at her with a small frown. There was a slight edge to her tone, not that Vanadessë picked up on it. Nor did she pick up on the hollow expression on Liruliniel's face, Thranduil however did. Liruliniel shook her head, she put on her best smile, which Thranduil could see was totally fake by the way and looked at the child. "Who are you?"

"This," Vanadessë said, hoisting the child more against her hip. The small blonde boy seemed a bit shy and opted to stay hidden against his mother's neck. "Is Legolas."

Liruliniel sighed softly, "He's cute." She said while crossing her arms, her fingernails digging into her arms where her armour didn't cover. "Another one for me to guard, hm?" She smirked, Vanadessë laughed and shook her head while Thranduil reached up and tried to coax his son out from hiding, Legolas ignored his father's hand and stayed hidden.

"Ah, yes, I got told you are accumulating quite the list." Vanadessë said while her eyes flicked to Thranduil before looking back at Liruliniel.

If her expression wasn't blank, it was totally verging on that way now. She didn't know how she felt about her letters being discussed, she didn't do that. Narrowing her eyes slowly, she was going to speak before Thranduil beat her to it. "If she had it her way, I think Liruliniel would have everyone under her protective care." He said, a slight warning in his tone as he looked at Liruliniel. They may have been apart for two years, perhaps nearing three, but even he remembered what that expression led to. Usually, words said that hadn't been thought over.

She smiled, tilting her head she shrugged loosely. "Well, sorry for wanting to keep my friends and family safe." She held her hands up and took a step back. "Speaking of, I must go find Thalion. Excuse me, both of you. We must catch up properly later on, if you are both able. But what little energy I have left right now, I think is going to be used up trying to calm my brother down that I am truly back. Sorry to dash, my friends, but I will see you both later." Liruliniel bowed and turned on her heels and walked away, leaving the family standing in the doorway of the gardens getting bathed in warm, yellow sunlight.

——

Edited: 26/June/25