Thalion's reaction to his sister being home was as she suspected, upon seeing her casually just leaning against a wall with her arms crossed, he darted over and picked her up. Both were annoyingly loud in comparison to the calm and quiet corridor around them. She had been pointed in the right direction to find him and find him she did. Though she wasn't expecting him to pick her up and spin her around.

She was in her armour, and he had clearly finished some training session because he was still in his. The armour clanked together and really, the whole thing looked cumbersome. But Liruliniel held on tightly around her brother's neck and laughed away as he guffawed over her being here, in his arms.

"Oh, let me get a good look at you." He suddenly put her at arm's length. Liruliniel blew out a sigh and looked at him. If anything, Thalion had become broader. He seemed stronger, if hauling her around just now was anything to go by. His brownish auburn hair had seemingly turned more brunette as his eyes had become a calming blue. He didn't look much different, but he seemed it in a way. She couldn't put her finger on it, yet he assessed her in return. He frowned and nodded, hummed and eyed her up and down.

It was like he was trying to figure something out. "What is it?" Liruliniel thought she'd just ask, she crossed her arms impatiently and looked at him.

Thalion held up his hands, "I half feared you wouldn't come back. I honestly believed that perhaps you had truly settled in Imladris, or I don't know...someone had snapped you up."

Liruliniel raised an eyebrow, "Do I look like marriage material?"

Thalion laughed, Liruliniel rolled her eyes. She wasn't taking the laughter to heart, Thalion put a hand to his chest once he calmed himself down. "You're here on business then, I take it?"

"I am a messenger. The message has been delivered and now I would very much like to spend some time with my brother."

Thalion narrowed his eyes, placing an arm around her back, he nudged her forwards. "That sounds suspicious. What's happened?"

"Nothing," Liruliniel answered too quickly, Thalion looked at her with a frown. Now he really was suspicious. Liruliniel sighed, "I met the young son of our mutual friend." Thalion pulled a face, now he was following. "How come I never got told? You're not keeping any secret children hidden away, are you?"

"As if!" Thalion laughed loudly, he didn't have a partner, let alone children. It wasn't that he didn't like children, or want them, but he hadn't found the right person to settle with. Sighing, he ran a hand down his face tiredly. Liruliniel just looked at him as he directed their path to their quarters. No one else had moved in once Liruliniel moved out, and Thalion did frequent staying there when she was gone; just to feel like he was close to his sister somehow.

"Thalion...have I missed out on something here? Because I feel very confused. Something isn't right," Liruliniel looked up at her brother, wanting answers and all she got in return was a sigh. This concerned her more so. Yet, she followed him inside the small space when he opened the door.

"You know how you always said something was coming? You found that spider's egg, remember? Things escalated since then. They've been spotted not too far beyond our borders. We're having to guard ourselves more now than ever. Patrols go out, but there's only so much we can do."

"And that's got to do with me not being told my friend had a son because..." Liruliniel sat down and took to unclasping the buckles which kept her gauntlets on. She placed them on the table beside her and glanced back to Thalion. He paused in lighting the fire and turned to look back at her, Liruliniel just leaned back with a sigh. "What?" She asked, "I knew this information already. I saw it before it even happened, what you tell me is no shock. What I want to know is what is wrong with everyone?"

"You know, not everyone was privy to your prophecies of doom and gloom. This has hit them hard, and having a new Prince is something positive for everyone."

"So, I still wasn't told because everyone else's morale came first?" Liruliniel frowned, she was confused. "If I started courting someone in Imladris, I would've sent word. If perchance I married, with father's blessing and thus had a child, I would've sent word. It's what friends do." Not that there were options there for courting or marriage, the thought made her shudder a little, no offence to anyone.

"I don't think Princess Vanadessë wanted it to be totally public knowledge. A newborn is a weak link."

Liruliniel frowned, "Right. I understand that, but she never leaves this place. No one could get in-"

"Liruliniel, everyone knows that with your skill comes the tendency of two-way communication. Even if you don't know it. It works both ways sometimes, right? What if you found out, what if this happened; where do you think amassing forces would go? There's already an army of spiders on our doorstep; it wouldn't take much to direct them our way. We are great in numbers, yes. But eventually we probably wouldn't win this fight. Taking down a stronghold such as this, would prove hugely beneficial. Not only would it wipe out everyone, but it would completely destroy any chance of remaining heirs which could rally forces behind them when they became older." Thalion said, he paced a bit before lighting the fire fully and then coming to kneel in front of her.

Liruliniel looked at the flames for a long time before her eyes slid down to his. "And how did you come to know that communication could work both ways?"

"Thranduil isn't a fool, Liruliniel. You should've known that as soon as he became privy to your skill, he'd research into it."

"And he thus told Vanadessë. Right, so I return home not to happiness and welcoming kin, but to suspicions that I could bring everyone's downfall, again. I left an ostracised outcast, and now I return exactly the same." Liruliniel snapped and stood up, Thalion called her name, but she grabbed her gauntlets and headed to her room, shutting the door behind herself as she went.

She looked at the lock, flicking the key she looked around. Someone had kept the space clean, eyeing up everything she couldn't help but muse on who. Her brother hated cleaning, her father was always busy. Perhaps a maid? She didn't know, right now she was using these thoughts to distract herself from the fact that she returned no less differently treated than when she left.

She was fuming. Regardless of whatever reasons Thalion threw out, logical as they may be, she was fuming. Looking over her shoulder, she narrowed her eyes. Segregation wasn't needed at this time; a rift would cause problems. Especially with war looming. Taking her armour off, she looked at the trunk at the bottom of the bed. She opened it and placed it on top of whatever clothing bits were in there. Someone had bought her pack with her from Ithilwen, she'd fully unpack later.

For now, she just pulled out a clean tunic and trousers. Her clothing was definitely more akin to that worn in Imladris now that she looked upon the colours, no forest green tunics here. Though the dark blue one she tugged on was her favourite, pulling on dark trousers she tugged her boots on, strapped and tied them and grabbed her sword.

Thalion was where she left him, stoking the fire although now he had pulled himself free of his armour too. He turned upon hearing her footsteps, Liruliniel walked over. She threw an arm around his shoulders, while the hand which held her sheathed sword stayed by her side. "I am sorry for snapping, Thalion. It is not your fault. Someone had to tell me this plainly, and I guess it was naturally going to be you." She pulled back and placed her hand against his cheek. "Forgive me?"

Thalion rolled his eyes, "If I got upset or took everything literally when you had a tantrum, I honestly don't know what state I would be in. There is nothing to forgive, Liruliniel. Nothing. Now, where are you going?"

"I don't tantrum."

"You do. But you didn't answer my question." Thalion pointed out while crossing his arms loosely.

"I need to see my horse, I want to see Arthion, and then I want to hit something very hard with a sword. I would say when you go out on your next patrol I'll come too, but you know, doubt I'll be trusted outside."

"You're not going to be under house arrest, Liruliniel." Thalion despaired slightly with a groan.

"Even if it was for everyone's own good?" Liruliniel asked softly, Thalion just looked at her sadly. "Exactly. Get some rest, brother. When it's dinner time we'll go together. Somehow, I don't feel much like branching out and socialising with a wider circle anymore." She said, patting his shoulder and moving around him.

"I don't think they meant anything by it." She turned in the doorway and looked at Thalion as he turned and looked at her. Half his body was shadowed; the other half was illuminated brilliantly thanks to the fire beside him. "Precautions."

Liruliniel tilted her head, "I'm not a secret agent of evil. I haven't even been back a day, and it is clear from your words that everyone believes I still am or might be. If this was the case, I should've just stayed in Imladris where I got no prejudice." She said with a frown as she just shut the door and strapped her belt around herself. She felt immensely negative. She wished she could say it was because of the shadows lurking over this forest, but it wasn't. It really wasn't.

How could she be distrusted by two people she thought were her friends? Well, Thranduil more so. Let her be honest, she wasn't wholly sure what Vanadessë was to her. Someone she had to look after if she ever went out. Blunt but true, Liruliniel guessed. Sniffing and stomping along the corridor had odd, hesitant looks sent her way. She ignored them all and went down to the stables, though she did nip to the kitchen briefly first. She was light and quiet on her feet, and no one noticed her, too busy preparing meals no one saw her come in and go again.

The stables held all the familiarity and welcoming she remembered as a child. Animals didn't judge. They acted accordingly or on command, but they didn't judge her for anything she did or could do or say. That was one reason why she spent so much time down here. Her own kin seemed to believe she was a blight. Select few didn't, but even this Liruliniel was believing was shrinking even more to just her brother and father. But the animals in the stables didn't care if she foresaw death. They didn't care, as long as they got their feed, a brush, new hay and water, they simply didn't care.

Throwing the apple in the air, she caught it and swung around the door, the animal calls within were quiet; most were snuffles, or snorts. There were two animals in particular that she was here to see. Noticing how what was once already a large stall was now even larger, she halted slowly. Her boots scuffing the ground and the sound alone made the owner of the stall rear its head. Liruliniel's mouth dropped, Arthion had grown. He dwarfed her anyway, but now it seemed like his head almost touched the roof of the stables. His antlers were large and longer in span than her arms, Liruliniel just walked closer as his brown eyes looked down at her coolly.

"Arthion, is that really you?" She squinted, not that she didn't believe it, but seriously...seems the elk had now grown to adulthood too. There was a bland snort, Liruliniel frowned and leaned against the stall, purposely keeping the apple hidden. "Sorry, sorry. I just didn't expect to see you so...magnificent?" She mused, that was one word. He leaned his head down and sniffed at her hair. "Please tell me you haven't forgotten me; I am not sure I could bear that." His head tilted, as if to question her of how he could forget her. Liruliniel smiled and turned her hand upwards, he descended on the apple in seconds.

Patting his neck, she turned and made her way downwards. She peered in now and again until she saw Ithilwen merely chewing at the feed in her stall. "Made yourself at home, didn't you?" Hearing her voice, the white, grey horse turned fully and came over to nudge her head against hers. Only, Ithilwen rarely knew her own strength and more or less head butted Liruliniel. Wincing, she just let out a quiet pained noise and patted the horse fondly. "I am happy you are happy." Though her tone caused the horse to exhale heavily, Liruliniel looked downwards. Was she happy? She wasn't sure. Smiling, she said farewell to Ithilwen and Arthion as she passed and made her way to the training grounds.

She tilted her head, stretching her arms she sighed. She forgot how spacious the room was, the door to the outside and the archery range was shut. The only light within was coming from the natural lighting from above, and the torches on the walls. Liruliniel looked down at herself, her hand was just twitching near her sword. Wrapping her hand around the hilt, she pulled it out slowly. The silver of it glittered in the fiery glow of the torches. Holding it up and gently and carefully running her hand down the blade, she avoided cutting herself and marvelled over it. It never didn't impress her, the skill in which it was forged, the ability which she used with it, and what it could do.

Doing a few practice swings, she pointed it forwards. There was no target, and she didn't have a partner, but it didn't stop her from going through manoeuvres and routine counterattacks and attacks that Veryan had drilled into her. It was all muscle memory, and really, she could do it all with her eyes shut. Her breathing slowed, and she found herself in that state of mind between which she was completely calm, yet totally at her highest performing peak. She danced along the floor, slashing upwards, blocking imaginary blows and even jumping and flipping upwards and around. Her braided hair whipped around behind her, sometimes in front but never seemingly obstructing her vision.

She eventually came to an end after a rather volatile looking volley of hits and slashes. Standing and heaving a breath, she felt her shoulders rise and fall from how hard she actually had pushed herself. She looked at her sword hand, it felt slightly cramped but nothing too awful. Hearing a sound, she tilted her head and slowly turned. Clapping, someone was clapping. She frowned and swung her sword in the air as she turned.

"It is good to see you aren't just hoping for the best." Thranduil hadn't sought her out, he had been passing in hopes of finding his father. Yet he heard someone in here and came and watched. He just wasn't expecting to be temporarily impressed by her ability to fight. She had become better; it wasn't just wild hits hoping that one would hit. Even without being against someone, Thranduil could see her attacks had a purpose.

Liruliniel frowned slowly, "Feel safer about me guarding you and your family now?" She asked, keeping her arms by her sides, her hand gripping more onto the hilt as Thranduil moved fully into the room. He looked confused by her clipped tone. "Unless you wish for someone else to do so. Seems I might be a liability."

"Liruliniel-"

"I was completely honest about everything in my letters to you. And you, now that I think about it, were nothing but cordial and obligatory; like it was a chore, like you felt like you needed to reply as simply as you did. You completely cut me out, again! But it wasn't just you, it was my family as well. I am not a liability! I am not an agent of evil, waiting to strike. I would not bring death here! Yet you, you of all people present...how dare you. How dare you! You got my father to lie to me, my brother too? I am all for self-preservation and protection, but really? Really?!

Do you honestly know what it feels like, being back here after years knowing nothing has changed? I had to find out from my own brother that everyone's opinions haven't changed. I am effectively the leper in the community, yet no one really knows how to turf me out. I was so looking forward to coming home, and everyone seems to be obligated to show they share the same emotion, but they don't.

My own brother looks at me with this apprehension, which he didn't have before. My father, I haven't seen since arriving. And you, and your wife...congratulations, by the way, but I would've died before I handed information over to Sauron for him to destroy and kill everyone here. Just so you know, I appreciate to see how much trust you have in me; which is barely any, by the looks of things." Liruliniel said angrily while Thranduil stopped a few paces away from her.

His expression was blank, but his eyes showed his true emotions; he was not appreciating her shouting at him, the way she paced and even pointed her sword in his direction while she looked almost venomous as she spoke. "Are you done?" His calm tone just had her eyes narrowing and turning into sea-coloured shards. "Your skill can wind you, and everyone close to you in danger. Excuse me for airing on the side of caution. Especially where my family is involved. You aren't a liability, Liruliniel. And it was never a chore replying to your letters. It was never my intentions to single you out." Thranduil spoke softly, speaking with any other tone was going to unsettle her and she had finally stopped pacing. Though she still stood sidewards from him, she was calmer than she was moments ago. "What is it?"

She hung her head back and looked at the foliage rooftop above them. "I have never truly felt more out of place, then I have when in my own home. When I was young, I ignored it; mainly because I was left alone. As an adult, I can't. Because I have a purpose, even if the purpose is to relay information of a bad nature. People don't know how to act, like I can see their personal future. I can't. I see events. I don't see people's futures, not like that. I feel like I have changed, so much." Liruliniel smiled, it was a broken thing as her eyes flicked sidelong at him. "And no one else has. I know our kin are rather unchanging, but really? I look around and it is all the same, and...it is so boring. I am bored here, already. Like when I was younger, I have no place. I could guard, yes. But after all I've done, that seems so dull. You know," she smiled a bit sarcastically as she turned to look at him now full on. "I said to Thalion I probably should've returned back to Imladris once I delivered the message to your father. Half tempted to do so. That way everyone can go back to safety, not have to tread carefully around me. Then I can go back, patrol borders without hesitance, aid Lord Elrond and King Gil-galad where I can. There was talk of travelling to Gondor, for the sake of staying together and then marching off."

Thranduil felt himself lost, what exactly could he say to that? "If that is what you wish." He said quietly, uncertainly as she looked almost appalled. "I don't know what you wish for me to say. I dislike you feeling like this, but surely you knew it was likely? You have been amongst people who gave you a purpose, and you are here without one. I can understand why you are bored, but surely you can find something?"

Liruliniel just looked at him hollowly. "You do realise, no one is going to let me guard your father? If Sauron continues to grow, if I continue to have visions and in a moment my resolve slips, there I go. But it won't just be me, will it?" She simply rose her sword up and rested it against her shoulder. "Who'd trust me?" She smirked, looked utterly broken. "I envy you, Thranduil." She said after a few moments of silence and them just looking at each other.

He looked confused, Liruliniel looked around and nodded, tilting her head, her eyes flicked back up to his. "I mean, I don't envy the princely duties you get lumped with. But to be so accepted by all, marvelled over and at, having a family that don't have second thoughts and opinions about you, that are kept to themselves. You're going to be a King one day, and your son too. A kingdom to look over, and command. You could follow your father, keep us secreted away. Or not, that is up to you. Having that ability, that freedom...I envy that. You are expected to be something, and act in a way which surely is a drag. But however, you act, everyone will still accept you. And you don't know how much it cuts me up inside, not being accepted by people I just want to protect." Liruliniel said, her voice breaking completely by the end of her sentence. Her eyes watered as her arm sunk back down, the tip of her sword clinking against the ground. "I am not bad, nor did I ask for this...but it doesn't change matters." She sniffed, looking down at her boots was better than being stared at by his unwavering blue eyes.

It was very much clear to him that she was trying hard not to cry. Comforting hadn't got any easier as he got older, even with a child it still wasn't something that came naturally to Thranduil. He was deliberating with what the best course of action was, past actions of calming her seemed incredibly childish now. So, he simply reached up and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Of course you're not a bad, Liruliniel. You've never been bad, and I don't think you ever will be. You may find envy in my life, but I am certain others would envy yours more." She looked up at him with startled eyes. Thranduil shrugged, "Look where you've been for the last few years, who you've been around. There are some here that could only dream of such a thing happening to them."

She reached up and gently removed his hand from her shoulder. "You make it sound like I should be grateful."

"You're just trying to start an argument now for the sake of it." Thranduil frowned at her and placed his hand back by his side.

Liruliniel sheathed her sword and patted it gently once it was safely back inside. Wiping her eyes with the backs of her hands, she smiled thinly. "There is nothing to envy about my life, because quite simply right now I am struggling to find anything even remotely good about it. Excuse me, I promised I would attend dinner with Thalion. That's if he can stand to be around me, or those within the hall." Liruliniel stepped back and did something which Thranduil was not used to. She bowed at him and then simply walked away.

She never bowed or did something respectful like that unless it was in jest. He turned and watched her march off; he had that same lingering dread as the last time they had a gap in contact: there was a rift. Only, very much like that time, Liruliniel had grown up. She not only had done so, but she now had this mature seriousness to her which was not present, well, not all the time present when she was a child. She had moments of seriousness, yes. But this was now retrospective.

It just so happened though that Liruliniel's plans for dinner didn't quite go to plan. By the time she got to the hall, Thalion was with friends which were unknown to her. She walked in, grabbed a plate full of food and then retreated back out the room. Sniffing quietly, she looked around the corridor and just made her way downstairs. She turned into the stables, hearing footsteps had Arthion looking up. Liruliniel smiled and looked around, noticing a stool close by she quickly walked over to it and kicked it over to his stall. She sat down and stretched her legs out; with a sigh she glanced upwards.

Arthion leaned over the stall and looked at her, Liruliniel leaned to the side and rested against his head. Arthion just sniffed the air, his breathing had her relaxing as her eyes slid shut. Liruliniel nestled against his warm body before she moved away and looked at the food before her. She picked at most of it, whatever she didn't fancy eating she handed to the elk. He looked rather happy about being spoilt, even if it was with salad leaves. She left some that she could give to Ithilwen, really the animals seemed to have more of her dinner than herself.

Ithilwen was standing and sleeping when Liruliniel peered inside her stall, she left the food in her feed and returned back to Arthion. "This is rubbish," she said, hands on her hips and looking up at him. "Can I come in?" She asked, not that he could answer really, could he? Liruliniel opened the stall, she stepped inside and looked around.

His home was huge, although considering how gigantic he was, she wasn't surprised. There was clean hay in the corner which she went and hesitantly sat down on. Arthion paced a little before settling down and looking her way. "I'm struggling, do you think I should just go?" Liruliniel leaned forwards and placed her hand between his eyes. She ruffled the fur there while his eyes just stared her way, he let out a low sigh. "You think that'll just be easy? Hm, I guess so...what can I do here though? Just wait until the call of war?" Liruliniel looked unsettled by that, she'd rather not have to do that. "Budge up," she waved a hand at him, Arthion let out a noise which she could only surmise was his version of being affronted. Liruliniel's fear and hesitance about the elk was long gone now as she settled back against him.

Liruliniel rose up and lowered again as he breathed, she could hear the air flood into his lungs and the beat of his heart. It was soothing, and he was very warm. He'd turn his head to look at her, and a few times he seemingly nibbled on her tunic sleeve. Yet Liruliniel remained unmoving, her mind had drifted off and she felt very heavy. Her hands stayed crossed on her stomach while her legs outstretched before her. She finally felt it, peace. All that was around her were the occasional sounds of animals, briefly she could hear voices travel passed and outside, but no one seemed to come in.

Even if they did, Liruliniel doubted they'd check the stalls for anyone. Wasn't exactly a common thing, she doubted, but Liruliniel couldn't help but smile in her sleepy state, she always had to be the one, didn't she? No one else could be the slight odd one out. Turning her head against Arthion's fur, she yawned quietly. She was content and comfortable, what was the point of returning to her quarters? She didn't want to wake to her brother returning home. Nor did she think anyone would come looking for her.

Arthion didn't seem too fussed over having her here, so here she stayed. He laid in a certain way that fully allowed her to sleep against his side or even curl up beside him, the stable floor was padded by lots of hay, and it was warm too. Liruliniel admitted defeat, she was going to sleep and Arthion resting his head close to hers just finished her off; her mind went utterly blank, her body felt heavier than it did moments ago and before she knew it, she was asleep.

=

She'd been here before, in this situation, the fading shadows of things moving around her, the sound of rushing wind; almost howling loudly along with the echoed voices around her. Liruliniel was dreaming. Her eyes opened, and all that was around her was an ashen grey landscape with figures running slowly around, their details were blurred as if someone had erased them slightly, just leaving the loose outlines to give a pretence to this being someone.

She couldn't tell one figure apart from another, she didn't know who was who, or what was what. The larger built forms she presumed were the enemy, orcs or even worse yet: Uruk-hai. These were stronger, faster, slightly heavier built and more skilled than the average orc. Liruliniel hadn't encountered many, if any, even in patrols with Elrond. These were clearly going to get bought out for the battle as a possible advantage.

Forms and figures fell and ran around her, and she just stood there. Firstly, when she started having dreams, she would run. She would run and try and escape, but it was like she was in water; she could run with all her might, but she was treading water. Her legs refused to lift, they refused to even move at times. Sometimes it felt like she was completely sinking, drowning even. Often times she would end up getting swamped with shadows and wake up gasping.

Sometimes she could hear voices, but it was rare. Whispering phrases which were gone as quickly as they appeared, she barely understood what was being said. An underlining whisper was constant, however this she could hear all too clearly. She did not understand black speech, but she didn't need to understand the meaning. Death, despair, meaningless fighting because this was already for naught. Liruliniel didn't believe that though, to live a life free from oppression was definitely worth fighting for. No matter the cost, to be free from the chains which this evil would bind them all with was worth it.

Frowning though, she could hear that low whisper, the words seemed kind sounding almost, tempting in a way. Liruliniel blocked it from her mind. She knew about Sauron, as much as she could learn or as much as Elrond wished to tell her. He was a deceiver, a liar and a tormentor. A giver of fake promises and lies. How else did he become like he did? He betrayed, murdered and lied his way to power. Of course, one such as that would be perceptive to those which were equally aware of him.

Liruliniel had been hearing Sauron's whispering words since she was young, not immediately, but perhaps after the fourth of fifth vision he had become aware, somehow. Since then, she'd hear his words, not totally understanding but knowing the meaning still. It changed and morphed, sometimes it was mocking, sometimes it was saying how fruitless the fighting was, other times it was plainly trying to pull her to the other side; the other side where there wouldn't be any judging, where she'd be accepted.

She wasn't a fool, well, she was...but she wasn't a total fool. How useful would someone be to Sauron, if they could perhaps see the future? She could take everyone's views on her, sadly and albeit grudgingly; but she loved her people, and she loved her home and no matter the false promises, she wouldn't turn her back on her kin or home. Never. The whisperings continued though. Uncaring of her naivety, Liruliniel wasn't that. She had been having dreams of war since she was young. She knew the cost, she knew the price of all of this and yes, she wasn't ready, but she wasn't oblivious to what it meant.

A strangled screeching noise echoed suddenly through the misty air. Liruliniel turned, the noise grew in volume; it turned higher, to the point of it ringing in her ears. Her eyes squeezed shut slowly as she put her hands to her ears, what was that awful noise? She hadn't heard anything so dreadful in her whole life. And it was dreadful, the sound made her head hurt, her ears ring; it travelled through her, made her bones hurt and her stomach drop.

Anything that sounded like this, could only be equally horrendous in person. She sunk to her knees and lifted her head, just as massive black wings blanked out what little light was in the landscape. Forms and figures sunk around her, and with a bright flash Liruliniel could spy what it was. Drakes. Or at least in this moment, a singular one. The flash came from its mouth; fire erupted across the ground and Liruliniel couldn't move.

Drakes were old, from an old time when the lands were still young. It was believed there was none left, whether they died off or got killed, Liruliniel didn't know. But Sauron had used them before, even bred some for the purpose of war. Now one was here, she could only watch the shadowed form in the sky as it pivoted expertly and gracefully before more fire flashed. It came out rippling towards her although the heat and the colour of it was leeched, Liruliniel still held up her hands in a pathetic attempt at defence. There was no defence from that. Drake fire could melt and destroy anything and everything.

But before she thought she was going to get eaten up in flame, something damp pressed against her cheek and her eyes opened again. This time she was awake, awake in the world of the living and not the world of shadows and cold. Liruliniel turned her head slowly, her eyes wide and wary. Arthion. The elk was nudging his nose against her skin; she reached up shakily and patted his neck. He snorted, the air flow moving wisps of her hair out of her face. She had fidgeted and moved in the night, no longer against his side she was more within the hay on the floor. She had clearly tossed and turned because she could feel her hair had escaped the braids she had done yesterday.

"That was new." Liruliniel whispered, "I have never seen a fire-drake before." She pushed herself up onto her elbows, letting out a shuddering breath. She just had to sit and look forwards to just process this. Her boots just stared back at her, so did her trousers which were covered in hay in some places. Liruliniel blinked slowly and looked towards Arthion, he was just watching her coolly. "How do you kill a drake, Arthion? How can something like that be taken down? It is bred for war. It breathes fire..." Liruliniel trailed off, if there was one drake present it would cause a massive problem.

Inhaling slowly, she pushed herself fully up. Arthion placed his head against her back when she seemed a little unsteady, with his help she stood up and brushed herself down. Picking hay from her hair, she flicked it away. Turning and walking to the door, she opened the stall and exited. Not before watching the elk stand, he followed and hung his large head over the stall. Liruliniel reached up, she placed her hands against his head and pulled him close.

She rested her forehead against his with her eyes shut, "Thank you for allowing me to stay, Arthion." She whispered, moving away she brushed his fur and quickly darted to see Ithilwen, the horse perked up seeing her. "Hello, my friend." She reached up and made a fuss of her before looking around, spotting the bag of feed she quickly divided up a portion and gave it to her before doing the same to the other animals down here.

Walking briskly up the stairs and out of the stables, Liruliniel got odd looks sent her way. She just smiled stiffly, like walking out of the dimly lit space with hay still in her hair and on her clothes was completely normal. Liruliniel had it in mind to go home, bathe and change then go and write down her dream. It was partially Elrond's suggestion and idea, when she was still in Imladris, she could just seek him out and tell him what she'd seen. But being parted, the only way to share information was by letter. Liruliniel knew they'd see each other soon, but if there was going to be an assault from the air they needed to know. Gil-galad needed to know too.

Her quarters were empty, Thalion was probably wherever, same with her father. Liruliniel rolled her eyes, running her bath, she shed herself of her clothes. She sunk into the warm lightly bubbled water and submerged herself once she undone all the braids in her hair. She stayed under the water with her eyes shut, just merely thinking. Her lungs were soon screaming out, Liruliniel raised herself up and took in a lungful of air. Pushing her hair and water out of her face, she rested her arms against the sides of the bath.

Looking around the small space, she licked her bottom lip in thought. It was so quiet, peaceful even. But how long was this going to last? She washed her hair, and her body and then she climbed out. She wrapped herself up in towelling and picked her dirty clothes up to put aside for washing later. Her hair was wrapped up too as she made her way to her room. Sniffing quietly, she kicked the door shut and sat down simply on her bed. She just sat there, staring at the door in silence. Was this what life would've been like if she stayed?

She couldn't help but dwell on that. What would life be like, if she didn't go? Liruliniel's sea-coloured eyes flicked to the side. She was eyeing the trunk up, would she guard? Would she had to have fought? What would she be doing? Shaking her head, there was no point in thinking these things. What happened, happened, and there was nothing that was ever going to change that.

So, instead she stood, she got changed. Slipping on a loose cream tunic, she picked up a dark brown leather vest. She pulled her arms in; she tied the cords at the front and made it fitting to her body. Mortals visited and traded with Imladris, some of their clothes were interesting. She slipped on the usual earthy coloured trousers and tucked them into her boots. Her loose tunic was too long for this, and it stopped about in the middle of her thighs.

Pulling her hair free of the towelling, she rubbed it, combed it, and left it out to dry. Walking to the small desk in her room, she opened the drawers and looked around, she was looking for a notebook. Surely, she owned one? It seemed odd if she didn't. Blinking and picking up a roughly bound book, she eyed it suspiciously. Smiling lightly, she shook her head. She had clearly tried to make her own book when she was young. Wincing at the dodgy stitching, she turned on her heels, a pencil now tucked in the rough spine.

Maybe making things with grace, skill and care wasn't her thing, or the trait didn't pass onto her. There was nothing beautiful about this book, the cover was almost falling off, the stitching looked half done or almost falling out and the pages themselves weren't even in shape. Liruliniel left her room, she couldn't help but find humour in her bad attempt at book making. It was so her. She trailed along the corridors; she was making her way to the gardens. She couldn't think of a better place to contemplate and write. Honestly, she couldn't.

There was just a natural infinity to the trees, of course there was. Those around her were just getting on with their lives, they didn't pay mind to her. As soon as she got to the garden, she made her way to the nearest tree which grew within it. It was large, she couldn't get her arms around the trunk. It grew up and the boughs aided with the rooftop with its leaves. The garden here was working around this tree; it just grew throughout the palace. It was a standing point.

Liruliniel looked at her book, it was flexible, so she rolled it up and tucked it into the front of her leather vest. She reached up and jumped, her hands grasped onto the nearest branch. With ease she pulled herself upwards, she didn't need to cycle her legs anymore to try and get momentum. She sat there for a moment, legs either side of the thick branch as she looked around. Looking up, she stood and jumped, she climbed upwards more. She was quite up for being up high and out of sight. She needed no interruptions to write and think here.

Pulling her book out, she stretched her legs out and flipped open the cover. Liruliniel definitely heard a stitch break from doing this. She prayed the book wouldn't just fall apart when she started writing in it. Thankfully, it didn't. She got as far as trying to describe the appearance of the fire-drake, when she heard calling from underneath. But the calling wasn't for her. She looked down, pencil now resting between her lips. Liruliniel frowned, she saw a form totter in an attempt of a run and someone running after them.

She leaned forwards, she rested her book and pencil on the branch and easily slipped downwards, her climb was silent and stealthy so when she hung upside down and grasped onto the collar of the smaller form, the other figure let out a yelp. Liruliniel's legs were bent over the branch, her vest keeping the tunic in place as her hair trailed downwards in the air. Even with being upside down, she still held onto the collar of the tunic she was holding; even lifting her arm upwards slightly as her eyes stared onwards.

Removing her hand from her chest, the young female before her looked relieved. Liruliniel's eyes and expression just went blank. "Thank you! Thank you so much! I just looked away for a moment, and he went!"

Liruliniel tilted her head, Legolas seemed quite content with dangling there by his collar. His little legs peddled, and his hands and arms waved in the air. She could only surmise the poor girl before her was charged with looking after the young prince. Liruliniel managed to keep a grip on Legolas while she easily fell from the tree. She had to admittedly let him go for a moment to do so, this caused the girl to look close to fainting. The young prince fell through the air for a moment before Liruliniel grabbed a hold of him again.

"You...you..."

"You're not very good at child minding, are you?" Liruliniel raised an eyebrow, Legolas still dangled there letting out a sigh. She turned her hand and angled him so she could see his face, he was pouting her way. "Where were you running off to?" She narrowed her eyes in thought; there was nowhere for him to go in here. Legolas merely shrugged, Liruliniel frowned. "That isn't an answer."

"He's only young-"

Liruliniel double took, "He can speak though." She stated obviously. They grew and matured differently than mortals, despite being young, Legolas would be able to comprehend a conversation. Even if he may not fully understand the words meanings.

"Can you maybe put him down? You're making me feel very nervous."

Liruliniel lowered her arm, Legolas's feet touched the ground. He tried to run off only to double back with a quiet grunt. He sunk slightly to the floor and looked confused before spotting Liruliniel's hand still clutching his collar. She looked at him with a raised eyebrow and a blank face. This is why she didn't put him down. The child wanted to go somewhere. "What's your name?" Liruliniel's eyes slowly flicked to the younger girl.

"Anameleth," she replied softly with a small bow of her head.

Liruliniel scoffed, Anameleth's soft brown eyes looked up at her truly confused. With her spare hand, Liruliniel waved it at her. "You really don't need to do that." Bow to her? No.

"You...you are-"

"The returning wanderer, yes." Liruliniel smiled.

"No, I was going to say you're going to make him cry." Anameleth looked awkward, Liruliniel looked minutely embarrassed and looked down. She let out a startled noise, Legolas had tugged and turned, and his collar was getting wrapped around his neck.

Liruliniel let him go, if only to kneel down and straighten his clothes out. "Sorry about that." She smiled at Legolas; he looked unhappily at her. "Why are you looking after him? Where's his mother or father?" Liruliniel kept her hands on his shoulders, she didn't trust him not to run off. Her eyes flicked upwards to the younger elf. She didn't look that much younger than Liruliniel when she left here.

Anameleth had soft features, gentle even. Her hair colour was a similar shade to her eyes, it gave off the impression of her being young, and innocent like a foal. She felt no malice from the younger elf. Just, she was clearly out of her comfort zone here. "She is with King Oropher, discussing plans of getting her kin to aid and send soldiers and provisions."

Liruliniel narrowed her eyes and looked upwards, "Is that so?" She whispered to herself, that was something she'd have to write down. Liruliniel removed her hands when Legolas shrugged, he stood there swinging his arms simply. Liruliniel just watched him, Anameleth did too.

"He seems to like you. This is the longest he has been still since leaving his parents earlier." Anameleth said suddenly, she looked upwards with an awkward expression. Liruliniel had zero experience with children, though she mocked Anameleth here, she was probably doing better than what she would.

"I don't know why," Liruliniel sighed quietly.

"You seem fine to me."

Liruliniel's eyes widened as she looked up at the brunette before her. "You may have just made my day." That was something she hadn't really heard here before.

Anameleth let out a quiet laugh and shook her head, "Everyone is different. If we were all the same, don't you think that would be boring?"

Liruliniel found herself nodding her head slowly, how could she disagree? "I'm Liruliniel."

Anameleth smiled, "I know. My grandfather told me about you, and how you came back with messages of war."

"Grandfather?" Liruliniel stood up now, utterly confused. Did she know anyone's grandfather?

"Baramaethor."

Liruliniel double took, utterly shocked by that as she looked the elf up and down. Anameleth was so innocent looking, she had an innocent beauty about herself too. She held herself like one who had been bought up to always be polite, speak when spoken to, the usual. She was nice, from what Liruliniel had gauged of her so far. How could this lovely elf be related to that old grouch? Liruliniel didn't get it. Her brain couldn't fathom it out.

"Well, that's unexpected."

Anameleth laughed softly, "I heard word of you from my brother too. Who paints a different light." Liruliniel just looked even more miffed, she placed her hands on her hips and tilted her head eyeing Anameleth up expectedly. "Aearion."

"What?!" She exclaimed and actually slapped her hands to her cheeks. Liruliniel's eyes widened, and she just shifted, almost jumping on the spot. "How are you...but...Lord Baramaethor is so...Aearion never...but you're, both of you are so opposite to him!" Liruliniel jumbled out, Anameleth laughed, not taking it to heart. "How did you come to be here? Your brother never mentioned you." Liruliniel said gently, calming down as she looked at the girl for answers.

Anameleth raised an eyebrow, she smoothed her hands over the front of her skirts and sighed softly. "Our father is his son, he passed though, our mother is also gone. But Baramaethor grieved badly, for he lost his only son."

"You both got sent away?" Liruliniel felt sorry, both for the siblings but also for being harsh to the older elf when she clearly didn't know him at all.

Anameleth nodded, "We haven't crossed paths until now, you and me. I was young when I came to work under Princess Vanadessë, I think she took pity that I missed my home. Aearion opted to stay where he was. He had settled into the guard."

"He still never mentioned you though."

"I guess he supposed we had already met. Or that it wasn't important. He mentioned your training. He said you did a lot of moaning and didn't like being beaten. But you also didn't know when to quit. Determined and tenacious, that's what he called you."

"Did he also mention he called me lazy on numerous occasions?" Liruliniel found herself laughing, Aearion didn't hold back. "You must now Veryan as well then?" Liruliniel ventured on, she missed both elves but found a new kinship in Anameleth. She could relate and understand what she felt, but also the same went with Vanadessë too. All three had been in situations where they were the odd ones out. This should bound them together as friends, but somehow Liruliniel felt whatever relationship she had with Vanadessë was deteriorating or had already done so.

Anameleth nodded, smiling lightly she looked at Liruliniel. "Yes. Not very well, but yes."

"How extraordinary." Liruliniel smiled, "I am glad I came to aid you now."

Anameleth shook her head slowly, "It is my first time looking after a child."

"Hm, yes, considering you aren't much out of childhood yourself it doesn't seem fair."

"Only because you're old." Anameleth countered.

Liruliniel burst out laughing, "You are definitely Aearion's sister!" He wouldn't hold back coming out with comments at times. Anameleth smiled shyly, thinking for a moment she had offended Liruliniel. The opposite, Liruliniel found it hilarious. "Would you like peace?" Anameleth looked confused now, Liruliniel looked down at Legolas. The young prince had been forgotten about it seemed until now. He was sitting amongst the grass simply picking at blades and throwing them in the air.

"Oh, I don't know, Princess Vanadessë was very explicit."

Liruliniel frowned, "Explicit in what? Only you being around him, or only you look after him?" Anameleth looked awkward, like she'd gone and put her foot in it. Liruliniel sighed and hung her head, "Listen, Anameleth, you seem way out of your league here. I do not mean to offend, but you do. How can a child look after a child? It seems utterly unfair. Surely you have other things you need to get done? I do not. I am responsible, I am no threat or a danger. You may not know me personally, but you have your brother's words on me." She paused and placed a hand on Anameleth's shoulder, "Go. Go find something else you need to get done or do nothing at all. If Princess Vanadessë questions, or kicks up a fuss, I will take full responsibility. Do you hear me? None of this will come back on you. I am quite good at taking people's anger, or unhappiness. I am sure I can deal with hers."

Anameleth looked uncertain, but now she looked thankful. She did look exhausted from having to look after Legolas thus far. Liruliniel watched Aearion's sister go, rather speedily at that. Rolling her eyes downwards, Liruliniel crouched. "So, Little Prince, what do you want to do?"

Legolas looked up at her with the widest blue eyes she thought she had ever seen. They were a beautiful shade, much like a summer sky. Very similar to his father's, to be honest Liruliniel could already see that the young boy took after his father and grandfather more than his mother. "Up! Up!" Legolas suddenly exclaimed, waving his arms in the air.

Liruliniel frowned, she wasn't following. Or she wasn't, until she followed his arms. Liruliniel looked up to the tree and smiled slowly. "You're a little young for tree climbing, are you not?" Legolas frowned at her, she raised an eyebrow, well he seemed to have the look pinned down already. "Not to mention small?" His eyes darkened and he crossed his arms, Liruliniel smiled slowly. "Never listen to those who say you can't do something. I spent most of my life doing the opposite. It has wound me up in a rather precarious position, but I do not find myself wholly regretting."

"So, up?"

"Sure, Little Prince, sure..." Liruliniel grasped a hold of his collar again. Being lifted in the air had Legolas's legs peddling again and him giggling. "Hold on tightly," she lifted him up and over and situated him on her back. Legolas's hands naturally tightened onto her. It was natural really, Liruliniel glanced at him. "I mean it, little leaf. You hold on, and you don't let go until I say." Liruliniel watched as he hunkered down more against her back and nodded, his eyes just peeping over her shoulder.

Liruliniel sighed, looking up she took a step back and jumped. She pulled herself up and sat swinging her legs over the branch. Standing and turning, she did the same again until she was on the branch she was previously on. Her book and pencil were still here, thankfully they hadn't fallen out with her climbing back up and shaking the branches.

Picking the child off of her back, she set him down. Legolas stood while Liruliniel sat, she kept her hands on his hips though. She wasn't letting him go, no way. He looked up and around himself, his face looking utterly enthralled by the leaves around him. Liruliniel couldn't help but smile, she leaned back against the trunk as his small hands pulled at nearby small twiggy branches. She lifted him up at one point, it had him laughing and managing to clutch onto the leaf which had caught his attention so much.

Sitting him down, she pulled her book close. Flipping to a blank page at the back, she looked over him and gave him the pencil. Legolas simply leaned his back against her chest, the book between his legs as he scribbled mindlessly away. He talked to himself now and again, Liruliniel just sighed and kept her arms wrapped around him.

She missed being a child, utterly innocent to the world, oblivious to the horrors out there. She looked down as Legolas just continued scribbling away at his work of art, she hoped he'd stay innocent like his for as long as possible. He didn't need to know what the world was like yet.

"Do you get bored?" Liruliniel asked, she had, after all, seen the outcome of his father's upbringing. Being a prince came with responsibilities, but also it came with this hesitant wall; no one fully knew how to speak to him, some still didn't, others avoided Thranduil when he was younger completely. No one truly wanted to be the prince's friend, due to the risk of a backlash if something went wrong. No one would want Oropher coming for them.

Yes, Liruliniel persevered, she saw her loneliness in him. Were they still friends? Liruliniel guessed so. She hadn't seen him since she shouted at him. But they always seemed to come back to each other, like a magnet was pulling them. Liruliniel could only guess Legolas may have similar problems. It would explain why he wanted to scamper from Anameleth. He was bored. He was an only child, and he wanted to explore the palace. She hoped he'd get a friend that would bother with him, persevere like she did. Being royalty must be lonely, and hard, but it didn't mean they had to be devoid of friendship.

"Mmhmm," came the hummed response after a few moments.

Liruliniel sympathised. She sighed and patted him on the shoulder, Legolas looked up with his wide eyes. "Would you like to explore the palace? I will show you my favourite places, if you want? Although, to be honest, that's mainly the stables. But I am sure you haven't been shown there, have you?" Liruliniel asked, Legolas listened and then shook his head before nodding. Liruliniel smiled, she took the book from his hand and rolled it up. Placing it back into her vest, she picked him up and put him on her back. "Slow or fast way down, Little Prince?" Liruliniel looked to her shoulder, Legolas's eyes were peering out again.

"Fast," he said, sounding rather excited over what that could entail.

"Hold on then," Liruliniel said before simply stepping foot off of the branch. They fell. They fell fast. Legolas let out screeching laughter, Liruliniel placed an arm behind her back to make sure he didn't fall as she landed on a branch a few below the one they fell from. She had managed to shift in the air to avoid hitting other branches, but she landed on this one for a moment. "Fun?"

"Yes!" Legolas said while practically hanging over her shoulder with wide excited eyes. From the fall, his straight silvery blonde hair had gone a bit wild, windswept and everywhere, yet he just shook his head and smiled. "Again."

Liruliniel bowed her head, "As you wish, sire." She said in a very pompous sounding voice, Legolas merely laughed and that went up a pitch when she jumped from the branch and down again. She stopped a few more times, hopping from branch to branch before landing on the ground and taking off running as soon as her feet touched solid earth.

Liruliniel ran down the corridor, her feet barely touching the ground it seemed as she avoided colliding with others which were walking around. They didn't look too pleased with her rushing passed though, but their expressions turned when they saw the small child on her back laughing wildly, having fun. Liruliniel couldn't help but find herself smiling and laughing too. It was fun. It was ridiculous, but it was fun. Her pace slowed down though as she reached the stables, Legolas was still more over her shoulder than on her back now, but he looked around curiously.

Reaching up, she picked him up and placed him down. "Listen, do not go into the stalls, these animals will not harm you, but they won't want to be messed around."

Legolas looked at her, his hands playing with the hem of his tunic as she knelt in front of him. He couldn't reach the stall doors anyway, but she wouldn't put it passed him if he didn't at least try. He nodded though, showing he understood so Liruliniel let him go. She stood up and watched him potter off, hearing his quiet steps had most of the horses looking up and over. They inspected Legolas curiously, not having seen him before.

Liruliniel followed after him, the stables may not be child friendly. There was equipment and tools here which he could get his hands on and hurt himself somehow. Legolas let out an utterly startled yet amazed noise when Arthion's head came up and over his stall. She couldn't help but laugh, picking the child up under his arms, she balanced him on her hip and looked between the two.

"This is Arthion. I am not sure where he comes from, or if there are others. But he is your grandfather's, and he's been his for as long as I can remember. There was a story of King Oropher finding the young foal alone in the woodland, he took him in, and hand reared him. He couldn't bear to let such a creature perish in that way. And I for one am glad he did. Arthion is an old friend, though I was shocked when I first saw him. I was scared even, I didn't know how to act around him. Horses are one thing, but this...what? I am saying you're majestic, don't be like that!" Liruliniel explained softly, only to get a short snort near the end of her words. "Majestic, impressive, imposing, utterly ethereal and protective." Liruliniel went on, watching as Arthion lifted his head higher and clipped at the ground with a hoof. She smirked, "Liked that then, hm?" She couldn't help but find humour in it, who knew the elk had such an ego?

Legolas's hands reached out slowly, Arthion sniffed at them. He seemed discouraged that the young boy hadn't got any food in his grasp. Liruliniel sighed, she'll bring him something later. After giving the small boy another sniff, Arthion leaned forwards. Liruliniel's hands still looked small when against him, but Legolas's looked utterly tiny. He was small, and the elk was so large. But both right now were being gentle and considerate. Legolas didn't know his strength, children rarely did, but Arthion was all too aware that he could hurt the boy if he pressed too much against his hands.

Putting Legolas back over her shoulder, Liruliniel walked off simply. She looked around, sunlight was coming through the foliage above, she found herself slowly smiling. It made the leaves glow, a myriad of greens, oranges and reds shone down on them as she moved up the stairs and soon stood in the middle of the room they were in. Both were just looking upwards. It was peaceful, quiet and content. Liruliniel shut her eyes and just stood there, Legolas wiggled a little against her. Liruliniel got the message, she moved on.

"Fast!"

Liruliniel laughed, shaking her head she pushed off against the ground and went running down the corridor. Legolas laughed and clung onto her tightly. Liruliniel weaved around the corridors, kicking off of corners and jumping downstairs. All the while those around them looked displeased, and Legolas laughed away. She slowed soon, mainly because Liruliniel's eyes had caught sight of a group exiting a room. They all looked strained, clearly having discussed business. Legolas suddenly exclaimed out, right in her ear which made Liruliniel wince.

He had spied his mother, and his mother had turned quickly. Her skirts twirling about her person as she looked back down the corridor. Her face was happy looking, then the smile that was on her face faltered a little. Probably because her son was still looking over Liruliniel's shoulder. She just placed her hands on her hips and awkwardly smiled. What else was there to do? Smiling seemed to irk Vanadessë though as she quickly excused herself and walked over. Liruliniel just watched as the older elf came almost marching towards her.

"Where is Anameleth?" Vanadessë's tone was polite, but a little clipped.

Liruliniel scratched her cheek in thought, "I gave her the day off."

"You..." Vanadessë's tone was low then as she double took and frowned at her. Her eyes sharply narrowed as she glanced at Liruliniel. "You don't have the right to dismiss my child's carer."

"Right. So, you make it a habit to allow your child to be looked after by someone who is still a child themselves?" Liruliniel crossed her arms and shifted her weight, Legolas reached up with a small hand and took to playing with a piece of her hair. The action got watched by his mother, her eyes still narrowed and unhappy looking.

"Are you questioning me?"

Liruliniel raised an eyebrow. "Have I done something to offend you? Because I am feeling some angst right now, and honestly, I don't know what it is that I've supposedly to have done. But I've had enough, Princess. Do you hear me? Enough. You've got a problem with me, and I want to know why. I've tried to get along with you, tried to become your friend, but you never fully welcomed that. You didn't want to be an outsider, and I tried to be one of the first to abolish this...yet soon after, I was put at arm's length...you don't want to be friends? That's fine. But I will be one of a small group to guard you in the coming tribulations, even afterwards too. We don't have to be friends for me to do my job." Liruliniel said, sternly and seriously as she eyed Vanadessë up and down. Only because she was royalty, didn't mean she was any better than her. Sure, perhaps she was by birthright. But without that right, she'd be a regular elf. She wouldn't be entitled to anything.

"You still wish to do that." Vanadessë said slowly, her voice still not sounding friendly.

Liruliniel smiled, she even laughed quietly. "Believe me when I say, it is going to take a lot more than you telling suspicions to whoever would listen to stop me from protecting my people."

"I did no such thing. I merely aired on the side of caution." Vanadessë defended while looking at Liruliniel with an expression which was probably meant to be shock. She looked a little startled by what Liruliniel had said.

"And I'm calling you a liar." Liruliniel said through gritted teeth as her eyes narrowed at the elf before her. "You see me as a threat, and you are the root of why three of my closest allies cut me out of the loop. They all lied to me about what was going on, him, anything and everything." Liruliniel said, even pointing to Legolas on her shoulder. He wasn't listening, he was too busy twiddling her hair. "I have never proven to be a threat. Any information I garner from my visions I have used for the sake of good. I tell those in charge so they can do what they will with it, for the sake of our safety."

Vanadessë looked about herself, they were practically alone in this corridor now. A few milled down the end, but they didn't venture down here. She seemingly took all of Liruliniel's words on the chin, she nodded her head and looked her up and down a little bitterly. "Yes, pagan of truth and knowledge. You are the one who can foresee a terrible fate awaiting us all, a great evil which is coming to swallow us whole. You have been a topic of conversation and debate, even when you weren't here. Did you know that? Do you know what it could be like to be in my position, with my son on the way and even when he is here, and hear everything which you are doing, how well you're doing and where you are?"

Liruliniel's hard expression dissipated slowly, "Green isn't a good colour on you."

"Don't mock me!" Vanadessë suddenly exclaimed, Liruliniel flinched a little and Legolas looked at his mother with wide eyes. "I am not jealous of you." She stated, Liruliniel raised an eyebrow.

She had found Thranduil's words of envy ridiculous, patronising even. Yet she would never imagine Vanadessë would be one of those which felt like this. But then, Liruliniel lowered her eyes to the ground, she was royalty, Liruliniel presumed her parents had said what her prospects of life would be like, she doubted they expected someone like her to crop up. But also, Thranduil had discussed her letters, she knew this already. If she was in Vanadessë's position, she'd probably feel the same way if her other half was going on about someone else.

But then, Liruliniel couldn't help but falter; did Thranduil honestly speak about her that much? She didn't know the answer. "I never wanted all this attention."

Vanadessë laughed, it wasn't a humorous one either. "Who are you trying to fool? We both know that is all you've ever wanted. You were shunned for so long when you were a child, your loneliness and sadness was so evident a blind man could see it. All you've ever wanted, is to have attention, Liruliniel. Welcoming, attention. Attention others show to their kin. You want to be on the inside; you don't want negative attention anymore." Her tone was coming off incredibly patronising as she took a step back from Liruliniel and shook her head, she side eyed her with a frown though, not enjoying this whole confrontation at all.

Liruliniel listened to her. She nodded her head slowly, "Maybe you are right. Is it so wrong for me to want some welcoming attention? To be treated like everyone else? Only because I see things, does not make me different from how I feel, or think. I am like you; I am like everyone else." Liruliniel said softly with a sigh.

Vanadessë shook her head slowly with a sigh. "I do not want to argue with you. But I fear that what you may see, may affect my family."

"And that is why you whispered suspicions...I can't see a specific future. I see the future which can be changed. Keeping your son, and your husband at arm's length from me won't work. Thranduil and I have been friends, long before this."

Vanadessë didn't look happy again, she looked utterly defeated. With a heavy sigh, she reached out and took Legolas from Liruliniel's shoulder. The young boy fidgeted and made a fuss, even looking upset and close to crying. He didn't want to leave clearly, and she had disrupted him. "There is a bond there which cannot be severed. I got told all that you were doing when away. Meeting Lords and Kings at times seemed a little more interesting than having a family."

"I am sure he didn't mean it like that. I am sure you have noticed, but he struggles a little...I remember coming over unwell when we were out, and he really didn't know how to comfort. He still doesn't, now that I think about it. But I have seen the way he looks at you, and your son, Vanadessë. He may not verbally say it, but there is love there. Don't doubt it. I'm a nuisance, I know that, but I'm a friendly one who means no harm." Liruliniel said while stepping back slowly. She shrugged loosely, "My life in Imladris wasn't all that my letters made out to be. It was glorified in writing. It was hard, it consisted of training, lessons and more training. Yes, I met Lords and Kings, but not to be friends, though I am sure we can call each other that now; but for the sake of Middle-earth's welfare. A cause bought us together there; I wasn't there out of free will. Being haunted in my sleep and walking each day numbed is not something I would find envy in. Excuse me, I believe I've kept you long enough since your meeting finished." Liruliniel said, bowing swiftly and turning on her heels, leaving the pair there.

Liruliniel didn't know where they went to, if they intended to go for a walk or back to their quarters. She was too busy making her way through the labyrinth of corridors until she got to a familiar door. Reaching up and knocking, she listened to the voice within asking her to enter before she did so.

Oropher looked up from the letter he was writing, she had come to his study. He was in the meeting which Vanadessë left, and Liruliniel could've guessed he'd come here. He eyed Liruliniel curiously, her attire and presence caused him a moment of thought before he sat up straight in his chair, crossing his hands on his stomach. "Can I help you with something?"

Liruliniel pulled her book out from her vest, flicking through she sighed and held it out to him. "We have a problem. A flying, fire breathing problem, sire. I need you to send word to Lord Elrond, and King Gil-galad, if you can?" She watched him read over her writing, neat and easily written down; a simple account of her dream, he turned the page and continued on. His features shifting to one of concern as he went on. Liruliniel stood there, arms by her sides as she waited to hear his answer.

"I am sending a letter now, Liruliniel. I will feature this in there." Oropher said slowly, he shut the book and paused. Him flicking the covers shut had made the back one visible. He looked at the scribblings there with confusion.

Liruliniel smiled, "Your grandson is quite the artist." She explained and took the book back when he held it out to her.

Oropher nodded slowly, "You have properly met him then."

"I've spent most of the day with him, sire. He is quiet but seems like a sweet boy. He seems too much like your son, I do not see much of Princess Vanadessë in him."

Oropher raised an eyebrow and leaned his head back against the rest on the chair. "I did hear word of you rush tearing about the palace with him on your back. You startled most in the corridors, and I believe Legolas's laughter startled them more."

"He doesn't laugh?" Liruliniel frowned, that didn't seem right.

"As you said, he is a quiet boy."

Liruliniel scrunched her nose up and just sat down casually in the chair opposite him. Oropher just looked at her, blinking slowly over her ability to just make herself at home, not that he was surprised. She leaned against her forearms and nodded, "He is definitely your son's child then. I do not think I have seen Thranduil laugh often. Is it a trait in your family to be so serious?"

"Is it a trait in yours to be so curious?" Oropher countered, his voice bland and his expression blank.

Liruliniel slowly grinned, "Yes, sire. I believe it is."

Oropher sighed and rolled his eyes with a slight shake of his head. Liruliniel just continued to smile his way, she missed the slight interactions with her king, no matter how much he could shoot her down or frighten her a little. "I believe the host from Imladris are going to commence marching come these next few days. Sending word will be hard, if they are on the move."

Liruliniel nodded slowly, she understood. But she also understood his lingering words which weren't said. "If anything, else comes to light, I know where you are, sire." Oropher nodded, Liruliniel stood and looked at him. "They will not be coming here though, will they?"

"No. They are setting up a camp westward from us. Why?"

Liruliniel looked at the ground and sighed. "There are friends there I'd like to see before we march. This is happening sooner than I believed."

Oropher just looked at her as she seemed to struggle. She didn't think war would be happening so soon. But in his experience, the sooner the better. Dwelling would only make this problem worse. "You can go see your friends, Liruliniel. When we get confirmation, they have set up camp. But yes, yes, it is. Will you be ready?"

She blinked slowly, her eyes growing distant before looking at him firmly. "I will guard you with my life, sire."

"I know. I know you won't let me down."

Liruliniel bowed, she turned and walked out of his study tapping her book against her palm. Double taking, she darted forwards. "Prince!" She called, seeing as how others were around, she thought she best use his title. Thranduil looked over his shoulder confused, his eyebrows pulled together as he looked at her. He turned in the corridor they were in, he towered over her in his grey coloured robes and tunic which glimmered in the torchlight. His eyes looked icier in this light, and she didn't like it all too much. "Can I talk to you?"

"If you must. Unless you are going to shout or throw accusations around."

"My accusations were founded, thank you very much." Liruliniel said with a smile and a pointed finger at him. Thranduil just raised an eyebrow, not replying. Liruliniel sighed and hung her head, "Thranduil, you're my oldest friend and I have never liked fighting with you. Verbal or otherwise, not that the latter has ever happened unless we are sparring. But...I was upset, I was upset, and I was angry, and I took that out on you. It wasn't fair on you for me to do that, only because you were there. You were being a friend, and I was being controlled by my emotions and lashing out. I am sorry, my friend. Truly I am."

Thranduil tucked his hands behind his back, he listened to her with a blank face while on the inside he mulled over what she was saying. "You learned humility while you were away, I see."

Liruliniel sniggered and looked up slowly through her hair. "Grown smugger, I see." She smirked and lifted her head up fully to stare up at him.

Thranduil rolled his eyes and turned on his heels, Liruliniel stepped into line with him easily enough. "I accept your apology." He said at length after they had been walking for a few moments in silence.

Liruliniel smiled, thankfully up at him. "You said some really lovely things, by the way."

"And you said you envied me." Thranduil countered with a smirk sent down at her.

She narrowed her eyes slowly, "I did."

"I did too." Thranduil said, in regard to her previous statement.

Liruliniel swung her arms by her sides and inhaled deeply, slowly exhaling she jumped and started walking backwards in front of him. "Well, I have news for you," she said with an awkward smile, Thranduil's pace didn't differ despite having her walking in front of him. He just looked at her curiously, Liruliniel clapped her hands together and rubbed them slowly. "I saw a fire-drake." His eyes widened and he looked concerned, "In a dream! Not in real life...yet...do you think we have enough archers to take one down? I was thinking about this when I was with Arthion earlier, how does one kill a fire-drake?"

Thranduil didn't quite know what to say, not that that was new with Liruliniel. "I do not know."

Liruliniel hummed and frowned, she looked disgruntled by this. Thranduil frowned, did she honestly think he had the answers to everything? "There is something that I left out of my account." He looked confused, "I write what I see down. Just to keep track, but...I showed your father, but I did not mention to him something."

Thranduil stopped walking, a torch burned brightly to his side making his hair appear more silver and his skin paler than what it actually was. If anything, the firelight made him appear entirely more otherworldly than he was. The shadows from the torch though played across his skin and easily made him look more serious than usual. Although, his expression was serious.

"Whatever it is you are about to tell me, surely he should know too?" He didn't like the sounds of this, surely his father should know this information too? Thranduil was used to sometimes being the lone person of Liruliniel's confessions when it came to her visions, but at times he wished she'd tell someone else the whole details, not just him.

Liruliniel nodded slowly, he probably should. But Thranduil gestured a hand at her, Liruliniel looked around the corridor awkwardly before looking upwards at him. He looked patient, Liruliniel's stomach twisted, patient but worried. She didn't like seeing him look that way because of her. She didn't like being the source of his concern. "I hear him talk to me." She whispered slowly, Thranduil knew who she meant, and his eyes widened considerably. "I do not talk back, and I do not know what he says, not entirely. I feel the meaning...the despair, but it's been getting stronger, Thranduil. The closer we come to crossing paths with his forces, the clearer his voice has been. It scares me. What if I am sought out on the battlefield? What if I am singled out and separated from you all?"

"That will not be allowed to happen." He said slowly, measuredly as he tried to fathom out what exactly was being said to her in black speech.

"Why?" Liruliniel looked up at him with her head tilted slightly.

Thranduil sighed quietly, "Because I am rather sure your brother wouldn't allow it. Nor your father, or your friends from Imladris. Not to mention my father and me. If this is what you fear Liruliniel, then you should not because you have many around you, who would protect you."

"But I'm meant to be guarding you..." She trailed off quietly, a small smile appearing on her face.

Thranduil shrugged and side stepped around her. "I suppose sometimes one must save their guard, I presume it has to happen with others, at least once or twice." Liruliniel turned and ran after him, his long legs getting him quite far away despite of only leaving her for a few moments. "After that though, no."

"It's a onetime only thing?"

"Yes."

Liruliniel laughed and ran a hand through her hair. "Have I ever told you, that you're my closest friend?"

"A few times, yes." Thranduil nodded slowly, he turned the corner and continued on his way to the hall where others would surely be now for a meal.

"And that doesn't constitute to you may be helping me more than once?"

He looked thoughtful, "Depends how big of a hole you've gone and dug yourself into." He said while moving through the doorway, Liruliniel was still shuffling beside him musing with a frown. Thranduil couldn't help but lightly smile, of course he would help her if she needed it. She didn't even need to ask, the fact she was looking at him with an exasperated expression said enough, she knew he wasn't being serious.

Hearing her name being called quietly, Liruliniel looked up. Anameleth sat waving, Liruliniel smiled and looked at Thranduil. He just inclined his head; she smiled and patted his arm gently in a gestured thanks for this whole conversation and whatever else before turning and jogging over slowly. Thranduil just watched her go, where this sudden companionship came from with the younger elf, he didn't know. But it was good to see Liruliniel sitting with someone, and not either on her own or leaving and eating elsewhere, still on her own.

She had done it, and he had witnessed it. He hadn't been pleased either. Turning and looking, he saw Vanadessë and Legolas smiling his way, his son especially looked excited at his appearance. Thranduil walked over, he stroked a hand through his son's hair, earning a quiet hum and him nudging more against him, and he leaned down to Vanadessë's level to rest his forehead against hers before moving away and placing a kiss there before sitting. He looked around, just observing, everyone seemed so content though sudden laughter caught his attention.

Liruliniel was sitting there with her hands against her mouth, looking really guilty that such a loud noise came from her. Others around looked displeased, yet Anameleth looked like she was hiding her face in her hands, shoulders shaking because she was trying to contain her laughter too.

——

Edited: 26/June/25