There was something distinctly eerie about the halls of the palace when they were empty. A few guards were posted around, here and there just in case of anything happening; but for the most part, everyone else was fast asleep within their chambers. The torches which burned cast dark, long shadows across the walls and floors. Tendrils of black reaching up and out and throughout the space, the constant crackling of fire spitting was about the only real audible thing at the moment.

Thalion sat at a bench, forearms against his thighs and just staring up at nothing in particular. He was processing recent events, and it wasn't until someone sat next to him, that he blinked and turned his face. Liruliniel. She smiled lightly at him and kicked her feet out to stretch her legs. Her dark trousers looked even darker within the shadowed light of the corridor, though it did make her auburn-coloured hair appear fierier. He pushed himself up and turned to look at her fully, she just tilted her head to the side to look at him.

It was the eve before they marched out. Everyone had been told their positions and orders. It was all very final, and some were finding it a little hard to come to terms with; such as Thalion. He had spent his whole life training and leading up to such a thing, and now that it was here, he could admit he was fearful. Who wouldn't be? This was a huge undertaking, and so much was riding on the outcome. So much could go wrong if the outcome wasn't good.

"So...I hear you and father are to accompany Princess Vanadessë and her brigade." Liruliniel said slowly, she had been told this and she didn't really like it all too much. Did she think she'd be with her family during the battle? Honestly, yes. Yes, she did. That may have been foolish of her, but it was the truth. Only, she gets told - by Oropher, out of everyone - that Vanadessë and her kin are marching off to another strategic place of interest. Only, because her kin's army were not huge, a small number from Greenwood would make up the numbers. Thalion and Hérion included.

"You don't agree." Thalion smiled slowly, he could hear the distain to this in her voice. Liruliniel tried to look ashamed of feeling this way, but she couldn't. He sighed and placed an arm around her shoulders, "It is the logical thing to do."

"What is in Gundabad?" Liruliniel asked curiously.

Thalion raised an eyebrow, "It is a stronghold, Liruliniel. It is where some of their forces are. If you can take this away, then there will be no help coming to their aid on the battlefield."

"You should take some dwarves with you." She mused, Thalion frowned her way. He did not like that sound of that, it seemed. She just smiled awkwardly, "They'd probably jump at the chance of getting a part of their mountain back, surely?" Gundabad was north in the Misty Mountains, what little she knew was that both orcs and dwarves had fought over it on and off. She didn't know that that was where some resources and forces were though.

Thalion scoffed and rolled his eyes, "I think they're coming with you. After all, I heard on the wind how a young elf guard managed to sway a stubborn dwarf-King to the cause." Liruliniel scratched her cheek with a bashful smile on her face, Thalion just smiled and looked at her pointedly. "Play to his better nature, did you?"

Liruliniel sighed, "I like dwarves! I do not see why we should all dislike each other, I simply don't get it, and I never will. I like their kingdoms, the two which I have seen. King Durin is no different than our King, Thalion. He doesn't want to fight. Face it, none of us do! But what else can we do? We have to band together, we have to. Because if we don't, evil will succeed. And it can only succeed if there are people who are not willing to put differences aside for the sake of saying no, we're not having this." Liruliniel said, Thalion raised his eyebrows and just blinked slowly. "Freedom is the right of everyone within our lands. We will lose this freedom if we fall and fail. But to not fail, everyone needs to be together, united and on the same side." Liruliniel ran a hand through her hair, she hadn't braided it up again, just leaving it down and flowing over her usual green tunic.

"Did you learn debate tactics when with Lord Elrond, by any chance? Because I swear that was perhaps the most diplomatic thing I've ever heard you say." Thalion said, Liruliniel laughed quietly at her brother. He removed his arm from her shoulder and shook his head, his own loose brunette hair swaying from this action. "No, no, I mean it. Liruliniel, that was also perhaps the smartest thing I've ever heard you say."

"Watch it!" Liruliniel said while swatting a hand at him, Thalion laughed and shook his head again. Their childish teasing died down as they sat there in silence just looking at the corridor wall opposite to them.

"You will look after yourself, won't you? Don't go doing anything foolish or risky."

"It's a fight, Thalion. I either give all I've got, or I will be cut down." Liruliniel leaned her head back against the wall and looked up at the towering ceiling above. It was all in darkness; the torchlight did not reach up there. "I wish we were together."

"I wish we were too."

"Do you think I could..." Liruliniel started as she looked at her brother, only to trail off by his expression. He looked saddened, resolute, but sad. "No, you're probably right."

"You've got important figures to guard; you can't change where in the battle you'll be."

Liruliniel shut her eyes, "Yes, I know. Just...this could be our last evening."

"Or it could not be. It could be just another evening, and come tomorrow, and the next night we'll be together again. You cannot think so pessimistically. Although, I understand how you could. You haven't seen something else, have you?" Thalion asked worriedly, thinking maybe she'd had another vision.

"No, no, I haven't seen anything new. It's all the same, at the moment. But you're right, we cannot go into this thinking the worst outcome is going to happen." Liruliniel turned, "I will see you again, brother."

"I don't think we can be rid of each other just yet." Thalion joked, yet his expression and tone were serious. Liruliniel let out a quiet laugh, he was joking, but at the same time not. He was trying to reassure her, and it worked. At least for a little while. He reached up and pulled her to him again, she leaned her head against his shoulder and shut his eyes. "Father will want to see you, before we go tomorrow."

"Of course," Liruliniel tilted her head up to look at him. "As if I won't want the same thing." She couldn't think of anything worse than doing this, without saying farewell to her family. Despite of their words, they were both very aware to the fact that one, or neither of them could survive.

"Do you two make a habit of sitting around in darkened corridors?"

"Do you make it a habit of breaking up a sibling moment, when you see one?" Liruliniel pushed away from Thalion and looked to the side. "And anyway, what are you doing skulking about in dark corridors too?"

Thranduil raised an eyebrow yet remained unmoved from his position. His hands were simply clasped behind his back as he observed the siblings. "I am not skulking."

"It's dark, we didn't hear you, therefore you were skulking." Liruliniel pointed out with a smile and pointed finger.

Thalion rolled his eyes and hit his head back gently against the wall. "Can you two not have an argument?" He had already heard word that they had a falling out previously. Word spread fast in the palace. All it took was one observer to then go and tell someone else.

"I would say it was more of a dispute." Liruliniel mumbled thoughtfully, even tapping her chin in thought as she frowned at the ground.

Thranduil just sighed and moved over, deciding actually no, he wasn't even going to respond to that. So, he sat down on Liruliniel's other side. She looked between the two males and smiled softly, she stretched her legs out again and leaned back against the wall. Thranduil followed suit, all three sat in the same way and Liruliniel's legs barely stretched the same length as the other two. It was something which had her pouting lightly, both were so tall, it wasn't fair.

Giving a small fidget, she tried slouching a bit more to try and level out the difference. Only to almost go sliding off the bench completely, peddling her legs had her shooting upright and she took instead to just crossing her legs. There was enough room for this, even if her knees lightly touched both Thalion and Thranduil's legs, neither seemed to mind though.

"I am proud of us." Liruliniel said after a few moments of silence. Thalion for one looked utterly confused, sending her a frown, whereas Thranduil's eyes just slid sidelong down at her. "I mean, think of us three! Think of where we were, and where we came from, and now look at us!"

"Loitering in a dark corridor?" Thalion chanced, using Thranduil's previous words. From over her head, Thranduil just sent Thalion a smirk.

Liruliniel frowned and waved her hands in the air, making disputing noises and shaking her head. "No! No, no! That's not what I meant, and you know it! Don't you two team up on me..."

"Or what?" Thranduil asked curiously, he crossed his arms loosely and waited. Even from the corner of his eyes he could see Liruliniel's very unhappy face glaring up at him. And of course, like most times, he reached up and caught her hand before she could land a hit on him. This just had her letting out something akin to whine as she continued to shoot looks up at him.

Liruliniel huffed, quite loudly at that as she turned back to facing forwards. Reaching to the side she clutched a hold of her brother's hand; she linked her fingers with both his and Thranduil's and sighed. "I am proud of us. I think of when we were younger, how you would always avoid meetings that your father asked you to attend. But also, how you would always humour me with play fighting." Liruliniel said, flicking her eyes from Thranduil to Thalion.

"I still humour you now, what are you saying?" Thalion laughed and let out a pained noise when her grip on his hand tightened considerably. "I take it back!"

"I'm trying to say, that I didn't ever think we would be in this position; that we would be like this. You're a soldier in the army, I'm a guard, and you have a family. You have to admit, it is a little strange. I always had it in mind to guard your father, and whatever family you'd end up having. But I never thought I would, because I wasn't very skilled at fighting, nor did I listen, or want to listen to lessons...and I was small. Can you honestly both sit there, and say you foresaw how you were going to turn out, how things were going to turn out? Because I know I can't. I didn't ever think my life would end up like this, sitting in a dark corridor on the night before a battle reminiscing." Liruliniel said softly while her eyes took to staring up at a torch on the wall, she just became enthralled by the flickering of the flame that she bypassed the looks her brother and friend were sending her way.

"I think reminiscing is a common thing to do." Thalion said after letting her words hang in the air for a bit. She looked at him then, Thalion smiled. "I'm rather sure it is common. To think of the past, and also the future."

Liruliniel found herself nodding slowly, "What do you want from the future?" She asked her brother with an excited smile.

"I am not sure. What about you?"

"I think I've still got many lands to explore before I settle for good. That is if I am permitted." Liruliniel explained, still with that excited smile on her face. "I believe King Durin has allowed me entrance to Khazad-dûm when this is over with." Or, at least, he didn't seem to deter her from returning.

Thranduil just frowned at that thought. He could think of better things to do, then exploring dwarven cities. But each to their own, he always knew there was an explorative side of Liruliniel which never seemed to ever fully be sated. "And then?" He dared to ask, she seemed to have thought about her future, he was curious.

She wiggled a little in her cross-legged position, the grip on his hand tightening excitedly as she looked equally so up at him. "I will come back, and I will guard you and your family of course. That was a silly question to ask."

Thranduil just sighed, it didn't seem like a silly question. Even Thalion looked a bit awkward, that was a perfectly normal question to ask. "Where's next after Khazad-dûm then?"

"Erebor! I have kept on about the Lonely Mountain since I was a child. I know it possibly means travelling through Esgaroth, and the people there are...they don't look friendly, but I am sure Dale is nice." She mused and rambled away in thought, it seemed she was more talking to herself than them two. She tugged on their hands and sighed, "I think I like this reminiscing thing."

"You're more just rambling, Liruliniel. To reminisce you have to think of the past." Thalion commented with an awkward look sent in his sister's direction. Her smile faltered, and she looked a bit confused before shrugging and settling back to lean against the wall. "Can I have my hand back?"

"No."

"Why?"

Liruliniel's eyes looked dimly at the ceiling as she sighed slowly. "Because I am trying to remember what it feels like in mine." Both his and Thranduil's hands enveloped her smaller hand easily, the latter having long narrow fingers which more like encased her hand than anything. But she was trying to take everything in, store it away in her memory, just in case.

Neither male knew what to say to that, they understood though. The three turned silent then, just all sitting on the bench in that shadowed corridor, seemingly staring at nothing but enjoying the silence and each other's presence. "Do you remember that time when we left Ered Luin, we passed through that town, and everyone just looked startled. They hadn't seen our kind for so long, it was like they'd forgotten we even existed. Then Liruliniel decided it would be fun to play with some of the children in the street, only it was seemingly going well until one didn't take a liking. Before I could get there, Thranduil had stepped in, and I don't think those children had the nerve to start something then." Thalion said, his voice low with thought as his eyes misted over trying to remember the events he was recounting. Liruliniel and Thranduil looked towards him as he spoke. "What I'm trying to say, or ask, is that if something happens, can I count on you to look out for my sister again?" Thalion asked, moving his head from the wall as he looked at Thranduil. "You know as well as I, she will do something ridiculous and get herself into trouble. This is trouble which she will need help fighting out of."

"I am right here." Liruliniel said shortly.

Thalion frowned at her whereas Thranduil just nodded. "You needn't have asked," he had already said he would watch out for her, in case the worst happened. Although Liruliniel's idea of what the worst was, was being hunted out by Sauron. He understood her fear, but he didn't think it would happen.

"I am meant to be guarding you, remember?"

"What did I say to you the other day?" Thranduil just looked down at her plainly as she sat there. She'd unliked a finger from his and just tapped it against his skin, almost thoughtfully.

"One time offer."

"You can't tell her that, Thranduil. She's likely to believe you!" Thalion laughed when he heard Liruliniel's reply.

"I am not that gullible." Liruliniel countered with a glare sent at her brother.

"You once believed that dwarves came from eggs, because that's what we told you for a joke. We said some great beast lays eggs, and instead of animals, dwarves hatch. You believed us." Thalion said, pointing at her with his spare hand. Thranduil smiled and shook his head slowly, he had forgotten about that. Teasing Liruliniel was a past time of theirs, and she did believe nearly everything she was told.

"I was a child!"

"Why would anyone think a dwarf came from an egg?" Thalion despaired, though he soon burst out laughing.

"It isn't funny!"

"It is, Liruliniel. Trust me, it really is." Thalion still laughed, Liruliniel let go of Thranduil's hand to vault at her brother. Thalion went rolling to the side with Liruliniel trying to shake him by the shoulders. Thalion just let out a startled noise when this happened, yet it didn't deter him from laughing away. The laughter just seemed to encourage Liruliniel more as she practically scrambled to get to him fully.

Thranduil sighed, he patted his knees and stood up. Turning and looking at them he just couldn't help but sigh again. Some things just didn't change. Reaching out, he easily picked Liruliniel up from underneath her arms. She was light, and she just sort of dangled there thanks to the obvious height difference between them. She wiggled a little, trying to get free before Thranduil actually placed her down and kept a hand on her shoulder. He wouldn't be surprised if she went for Thalion again, especially seems he was still chuckling away.

He eventually sighed heavily and looked at the pair standing there. Thalion smiled softly, standing up he placed a hand on Liruliniel's spare shoulder, and the other hand went on Thranduil's. "I believe this is where we call it a night. We will see each other before we part ways tomorrow."

Liruliniel looked over her shoulder and smiled a little sadly up at Thranduil. "Goodnight, Prince." It wasn't too awful for them; they'd still be in each other's company come tomorrow. However, Thalion and himself wouldn't be, Thranduil's hand slipped from her shoulder as she stepped forwards and turned to be by her brother's side.

He looked between them, so similar yet so incredibly different. "Goodnight, little bird." He bowed his head slightly to her, smirk in place when she looked wide eyed, and a little red cheeked. "Goodnight, my friend," Thranduil placed a hand on Thalion's shoulder, he merely nodded in a silent farewell. "Try not to squabble on your way home, you may wake everyone up." He said while watching them back off slowly, almost unwillingly, like this little quiet moment could last forever and things wouldn't change.

Liruliniel chuckled softly and wagged a finger at him. "You're funny." She said sarcastically, she turned on her heels and waved over her shoulder at him. Thalion placed an arm gently around her shoulders, he pulled his sister close, and the pair walked off quietly talking to one another.

Thranduil watched them go, he watched them long after they disappeared into the shadows of the corridor. Admittedly, he couldn't find himself able to rest. Vanadessë hadn't struggled, somehow. And Thranduil had left their quarters to see if a walk would help. He half feared him moving around would've woken Legolas up, but the child still slept peacefully even as his father left.

He hadn't believed anyone else was up, let alone the siblings. He was glad they were, being alone meant being alone with his thoughts and Thranduil wasn't too happy with how they were going. Liruliniel, in her own little odd way, had managed to clearly move both males' attention away from what the day could bring. She was a good anchor point, whether she knew that or not.

=

The army which had been amassed in Gondor was truly a sight to behold; they were visible on the horizon as those within Greenwood slowly made their way out and around the forest they called home. Pale silvery armour was glinting on the equally pale light that was trying to break through of the clouds in the sky. The day itself was dreary, the sky was heavy with angry looking clouds, whether they would unleash their load today at all was unknown. But the rain would surely add to the dreadful conditions everyone would find themselves within.

Hérion stood in front of Liruliniel, Thalion beside him as the three had a silent farewell. Her father didn't need to verbally say anything. Just by him pulling her close for a moment and holding her, it said all that words failed to encapsulate. He was proud of her, of who she became, and he worried for her. Equally she worried for her father and brother. She did not know what conditions they would be marching into. She had seen Dagorlad for many years, but she had never seen Gundabad; be it physically, or prophetically.

Hérion kissed her forehead and moved to be head of the group which were parting off from them. Thalion had a similar farewell with her before she slipped on her helmet and moved away. It was perhaps the only time she had ever worn the helmet which went with her guard uniform, but considering what was to happen in this day, she'd need all the protection she could get. She was as strapped up in her armour as she could be any weapon possible was on her person too. Small daggers and knives were in compartments down her ribs and sides; her sword was strapped to her belt. Across her back was a quiver and a bow, and by the time she reached the other guards again, one handed her a lance.

She hadn't ever had so many weapons on herself before. It felt strange, unreal even. She had lived this day, yet now she was actually living it, and she didn't know how to feel. She chanced a glance around her, her helmet constricting most of her vision. Everyone looked stern faced, steadfast and silent as their marching was synched and steady. The pace wasn't fast, there wasn't a rush, yet there was an urgency in which they moved.

The further forward they got, the more visible the Gondorian army were. Liruliniel's eyes widened from behind her helmet, she had never seen a mass gathered before. Surely, they weren't all from Gondor, were they? Surely those present came from other regions too? She didn't know. She could see Elendil and Isildur at the front though, both readying weapons in their hands. They seemed almost too eager to run into battle.

The elven army under Elrond and Gil-galad were to the side of them, some even seemed to come venturing out of nearby Lothlórien as the forest came into view, moving figures could be spied and more were joining onto what was already over there. All of them present were marching towards one fixed point within the landscape, the plains of Dagorlad stretched out vast and wide. The mountains which continued around were ominously dark and jagged, stretching high up into the sky and going as far as Liruliniel could see with her brilliant vision.

Though there was something which could be spied towering up and above all of this. Barad-dûr. The Dark Tower, sharp and pointing upwards into the ever-greying sky above. There was something distinctly chilling about it, like it didn't belong there, yet it seemed to belong there all the same. It fitted in with the surroundings, the dark of its walls blended brilliantly with the dark of the rocks on the mountains. It felt cold. Just looking at it made her feel cold, a seeping dread was definitely travelling through Liruliniel and this didn't go.

It got worse, so much worse when dark figures were spotted across the fields from them. Orcs. They weren't slowly and methodically marching to battle; these seem to rush; all too eager to get into the throws of battle and do as much damage as possible to their target. Liruliniel almost double took as Oropher gave the order to meet them in the middle of the field, their army may not have been great, but there was enough of them here to keep these forces at bay while everyone made their way over to them.

There was a sudden rush, like the air had been completely knocked out of her lungs as her feet were almost swept out from underneath her as she got caught up in running. Not that she wasn't going to run too, but she was almost being pushed forwards. Something didn't feel right to her, even as their boots were running across the ground, she could distinctly hear a call. She just about managed to glance over her shoulder to see Elrond trying to call over to dissuade them. It was no use, his voice went unheard, and they continued on.

The cold dread and the lightheaded feeling soon got swept aside as the faces of those before her were becoming clearer. Snarling faces, full of angry eyes and misaligned teeth within the grimacing expressions. Liruliniel found herself hurriedly using her lance, only to soon toss it aside for her sword. Unsheathing it and sweeping it forward, the weapon which it impacted against had her feet digging into the ground and being pushed back. The orc before her seemed to revel in this, small trenches were appearing within the ground where she got pushed away.

Liruliniel gritted her teeth, putting her weight in the middle of her body, she was able to continue to block the pushing while also being able to push away. Her adversary went stumbling back a step, and by the time his attention was back on her, Liruliniel had pulled a knife out from her person and stabbed it forwards.

Black blood splurged out at her, the knife itself was imbedded within the eye of this foul creature as he screeched and started to try and claw at her hand and arm. He didn't get far, her gauntlets keeping her arms protected as she yanked her arm back and then swung her sword in an arch. The metal lodged itself into the orc's thick neck and sunk him to its knees. Between clutching his eye and trying to push the sword away with the other hand, this orc just growled deeply up at her.

Liruliniel placed her boot to its chest and kicked. Her sword went slicing through thick muscles and grey skin, she stood and watched it try and get up, only to flounder back chocking. Even from where she was standing, even with the chaos around her, she could spy the blood being slightly spat and churned out of mismatched looking lips. Regardless of a comrade clearly dying below its feet, another orc was upon her within moments. The one still perishing on the ground got practically stepped on while this one was trying so desperately to apparently get to her.

Liruliniel stumbled back, this orc was a whole head and a half taller than her, what crude armour he was wearing seemed to barely fit at all. A rusty dark metal that almost cut into the equally darkened skin, not that the orc seemed to care as it continued to snarl at her backing away, clearly angered. The cleaver like weapon that was being clutched onto, was already caked in blood and she perished to think how or who had already fallen victim to it. Liruliniel wanted just a little distance, just a little, she wasn't running off but, in a battle, trying to find ground was hard. She'd stagger and avoid others, while this orc just followed. Her mind clearly wished to point out that this wasn't just a run of the mill orc. This was an Uruk-hai, and one which was very intent on killing her.

Liruliniel gripped onto her knife, she hadn't sheathed it and with a spurt that took it by surprise, she ran. She ran straight forwards, straight towards him, and just before she literally crashed frontwards against him, she leapt. She kicked off of the now boggy ground, so many feet had trampled it already that it was becoming sticky and easy to get sucked down. But she jumped upwards, half turning in the air and blocking the cleaver with her sword, while her knife shanked into his ear.

The reaction was a roar, something which came from deep inside as she continued onwards to the ground, the uruk now bending over as she ripped the knife out, only to then stab it upwards and into a very unprotected throat. Her eyes shut, arterial black blood not only oozed out, but erupted from the slash she made. She was thankful that she had her helmet on, most of the liquid went on the shiny metal, which was now no longer shiny at all.

She inhaled shakily and looked around, a shudder ran through her as she watched elves she had known simply fight and fall, orcs and uruks alike did exactly the same. But they seemed to get more pleasure out of the death they were bringing. The poor elves that met their end by the horrendously curved and crude weaponry seemed to fade and fall without much fight.

Liruliniel gritted her teeth, she looked down and placed her knife back in its sheath before readjusting her grip on her hilt; she rushed forwards, slashing upwards across the back of an orc who was practically battering someone to the ground. The only thing which stopped them literally being smashed into the ground was their shield. The orc turned with a shout, the blood now slowly trickling down his back as he looked at her. Liruliniel followed her attack up with several more slashes and cuts, all in different places with a varied depth. As the orc sunk to its knees, not being able to fight back, her sword stabbed forwards into its throat.

Looking to the side, she held a hand out and helped whoever this was up, she looked the male up and down. Mortal. She looked around then, Gondorians were everywhere, she could see it now. She recognised the silvery slate coloured armour and elaborate looking helmets. She turned to say something to the man, only to let out a scream when an arrow imbedded itself into his eye. He had lost his helmet in this skirmish, so his protection there was minimal. He was still holding her hand tightly as he sunk downwards, Liruliniel pulled her hand free and turned.

She pulled her sword up and smacked away the arrow which was sailing at her. Mortals didn't have the speed or eyesight to counter something like this, and she only just managed to dodge the arrow too. Sinking downwards, she lurched forwards, using the landscape to her advantage. She hid behind small mounds of earth and grass; she helped with small skirmishes and even rolled along the ground to get to the small rocky outcrop the orc archer was standing upon.

She leaped when she was close enough, the orc however caught her by the shoulder and threw her back. Liruliniel tumbled yet pushed herself back up quickly. She ignored the slight ringing in her ears, she hit her head against the rocks below her, the sound ricocheting around her helmet. She shook her head and moved quickly forwards. The archer ditched the bow and arrow that was notched and bought up a curved blade instead.

"You can't stop it, none of you can," Liruliniel blinked, not having ever really heard an orc speak, let alone to her. The orc just smirked, seeing that he caught her off guard he pushed, or tried to. Liruliniel angled her sword and pushed back, which caused the orc to have to readjust his footing or else he'd go falling.

"You will not win, not today, not tomorrow, not ever." She said strongly, lifting up a leg she kicked at his knee. She watched as the figure before her crumpled slightly, and in that moment, she swiped across. Having a decapitated head almost hit her in its downwards fall had her jumping back a step. She looked around, she could see why this orc chose to be here, it was a natural vantage point. It wasn't part of the mountain range within the plains, but to get up here meant that whoever had to scramble and climb.

She sheathed her sword, pulling her bow free she pulled out an arrow. She was thankful none had escaped her person from all the falling and jumping she had done so far. She had practically lost sight of Oropher, and subsequently Thranduil too not too long after this whole fight began. It was utterly confusing, the number of figures which were around made it truly overwhelming. So much noise too, the clashing of swords, the screams of the dying, and shouts of orders. Liruliniel had never been in a fight before, and she didn't think it would be like this, despite all the visions she saw. Nothing could physically prepare her for this, at all.

From this point, she had a rather good scope of the area, she pulled the arrow back and focussed before letting it fly. She was already shooting another arrow, even before that had hit its target. She had found the two she was mainly looking for, Thranduil having an orc suddenly fall to the side before he could land a hit on it had him looking momentarily confused. That was before he spied her, when she ran out of her own arrows she picked at those the archer she killed had. He wasn't going to need them, was he? But also, she didn't want to chance someone else getting them, someone else on the other side that is.

She soon became rather steadily irritated by her helmet, she paused shooting down whoever she could then reached and pulled her helmet off and throw it to the side. Some stray wisps of hair had escaped one of her many braids, these got promptly pushed away before she continued shooting. She couldn't help but jump when hundreds of other arrows sailed through the air with her own. She looked back with a shocked face, archers from Imladris had taken up another position and were seemingly continuously shooting volley after volley of arrows. She spotted the group which consisted of Oropher, Thranduil and a few guards and elves run into trouble before they even knew it was happening.

She didn't really pin orcs down to being smart, or able to plan. But even they seemed to have the logic that separating the king from everyone else could lead to trouble. Liruliniel placed her bow back over her shoulder. She practically slid down the rocky hillside, she jumped and ran as soon as her feet touched the grassy ground. Her feet got stuck in the mud a few times but even she still managed to pull and wade.

She fought and countered a few attacks as she made her way onwards. She had given Oropher her word that she would look out for him; she gave him her word and that meant a lot to her. She practically vaulted at one orc and twisted his head on his neck before the others fully comprehended that she was crashing their plans.

Reaching down, she pulled the orc's sword from his rigid hand before unsheathing her own sword. Liruliniel marched forwards before jumping, leaping and slashing. If they planned to kill her king, no way was they doing it while she was present. She stabbed upwards with both swords, blood flowing over her hands again. What was already there had dried, the black becoming darker as it crusted over her skin. More blood joined it now as she turned on her heels and pulled the weapons free before unleashing a combination of varying attacks with both swords.

She had to admit, the curved blade she stole was as deadly as her own; it cut and slashed with ease, it didn't struggle to cut through skin and muscle alike. The only thing which seemed to stop it was bone, but by this point she'd usually have dispatched them somehow before amputating a limb. Unless it was their head. Liruliniel hunkered down slightly, she looked around at the group which surrounded them. "You take half, I take half?" She asked, looking up at the taller elf beside her.

Oropher didn't seem tired or exhausted from the extensive fighting which had already gone on. Liruliniel could admit she ached a little, but adrenaline was still coursing through her veins keeping her alert and going. Oropher raised an eyebrow, "Think you can manage that?"

She smiled slowly and nodded, "If it got you out of this situation, I'd take them all on, sire." Liruliniel spoke honestly with a small sigh. That was her occupation, right? Put her life on the line to save him at all costs. She was willing to do that, because quite frankly; she couldn't imagine what all of their lives would be like without him in it. She owed nearly everything she was to him, and for that there was love through loyalty. She would not have him going out this way, not if she could help it.

"I couldn't leave you with that, Liruliniel. This alone is a burden." Oropher raised his sword and turned slightly, his back pressed against hers, but he overshadowed her completely. She just glanced up over her shoulder at him, even through the blood splatters on her face, and whatever dirt had got kicked up, her bright eyes still shone out in the grim day. Oropher's own appearance wasn't too dissimilar, but there was something in his eyes which had her suddenly feeling worried.

Even before she could ask, the orcs around them pounced, some literally. These got easily cut down but the others behind them just walked over their fallen comrades and made their ways quickly to them. Liruliniel countered and fought the best she could, but she was feeling incredibly out of her league and swamped. It didn't help that her shoulder got suddenly grasped onto, before she could throw out an attack she was literally sailing through the air. Her legs and arms flailed slightly as she crashed and rolled along the floor, no one noticed her or paid her mind; they were all too busy fighting. She was just another casualty in this battle, outmatched and being put in her place before a finishing blow.

Liruliniel's eyes squeezed shut before she pushed herself up, her sword laid next to her. She grasped onto it and looked around, her eyes widened. Frantically turning, all she could see was a mix of mortals, elves and orcs fighting. A small group of dwarves were close by too, all ganging up in return to the orcs that tried the same tactic to them.

Liruliniel felt her heart rate pick up, where was Oropher? She dashed forwards, cutting any enemy in her way out of the way. She thought she was going the right way, but she couldn't see him, she pulled herself up onto one of the many small hills which adorned the landscape. The wind blew harshly against her skin, the heavens slowly opening as drops of rain hit against her skin. She blinked and rapidly brushed a hand over her face, clearing her vision of blood and dirt as she continued looking.

She couldn't see him. She couldn't see him...something in her went cold, she stood and looked about, a lone figure not fighting on a small hill trying in vain to find one elf out of the many present. It was impossible. Utterly impossible. Not impossible, from where she was, she could see Thranduil. Utterly resolute and determined in his actions, all of which seemed utterly flawless, fighting wasn't beautiful but the way in which he moved was. Liruliniel felt her breath heave out, she thanked the Valar that he was still within her eyesight, unlike his father.

She still tried in a hopeless effort to find him, but it was clear she wouldn't. Oropher had fallen, and she didn't know where, nor was she much use in making this not happen. Yet everyone still fought on. Every now and then she'd glance back, just to make sure Thranduil was still in one piece. Her presence here didn't go unnoticed for long before orcs came crawling and clambering to her. Liruliniel yet again changed her stance, inhaled deeply and took to cutting them down and kicking them away. Her moves weren't as graceful as Thranduil's, but there was skill there which had the orcs not really standing a chance to survive the blows she sent at them.

Liruliniel had dispatched the small group on the hill before it happened. Her body ran cold, and a hand raised to her ear and pressed against it, her eyes resisted squeezing shut as she listened to that dreadful noise. It sounded so much worse in person. The high-pitched scream was so high she thought her head was honestly going to explode. The wavering tone was accompanied by the sound of beating wings, as she opened her eyes, she saw black. Looking up she watched the beast sail ahead, the noises coming from it never lessening as it blocked what light there was out of the day.

She straightened up, not realising she had completely sunk to the boggy, muddy ground beneath her. The weight of the call had the sound travelling through her, making her bones hurt and for her to feel sick. It was an unknown feeling. Elves didn't get sick. But she felt like she could be. The sight of it turning and pivoting so brilliantly and expertly in the air had her stomach dropping. She had seen this. She had seen this, and she knew what was coming.

There was nothing she could do to deter the fire which suddenly ripped through the battlefield. Those which encountered it were swept up in flames instantly, falling down or flailing for a few moments utterly screaming in agony before nothing. However, what Liruliniel hadn't foresaw was its flight pattern and direction in relation to those she was trying to keep an eye on.

Her eyes clocked sight before anyone else did, "Thranduil!" Liruliniel all but screamed at the top of her lungs as she went to jump down the hill, whether he heard her or not she didn't know, but he turned and looked her way. "Move! Run!" She continued shouting as loudly as she could, her sword blocking and hitting at whoever as her other hand pointed upwards.

He looked from her and turned, Liruliniel was still too far away, yet not far enough to see where he was standing suddenly go up in flames. The backlash of them had her suddenly catapulting through the air again as she screamed. She rolled and crashed against the ground, kicking up mud, water and grass as she went. By the time she stopped, her head hit against something, and she groaned. She could feel blood trickle down the side of her face, and as she opened her eyes she recoiled in horror at the lifeless face of a man she seemingly had landed nearby.

Looking around herself as she stood, she trembled, she was surrounded by the dead. Her eyes glanced around at them all, some of the mortals didn't even look that old, children at best. Not literal children, but young adults in their world, a child to her though. Pushing a hand over her face, she cleaned her vision of her blood and watched the flames which had, if anything, grown in size to appear to be an impenetrable wall of heat. Others had taken to retreating from the scorched earth, whereas Liruliniel walked down from this graveyard of the fallen and made her way towards it.

Thranduil was there, somewhere, a foolish part of her was saying he wasn't dead, while the other half was stating the obvious; nobody, mortal, elf, dwarf could survive that head on. The flames didn't seem to ebb away or diminish, the number of things which kept the flames alight were prominent; grass, bodies, nearly everything was food for this wall of fire. The smell was truly unbearable, Liruliniel had never smelt something so terrible before. It made her gag almost; she put a hand to her face and squinted at the flickering flames.

The light hurt her eyes, and the heat made her skin prickle. Turning her face either side, she was desperately trying to get to the other side. She needed to get to the other side; there was no way and nothing and no one that was going to stop her. Fruitless effort or not, she was determined. Running along the flames, she kept glancing to the side in a hope of catching a glimpse of the elf she was looking out for. Nothing seemed to move on the other side, it had her heart sinking as she spotted a cluster of boulders.

She easily jumped and got to the top; the flames hadn't engulfed them. Luckily for her, because this gave her the way across that she so desperately needed. Liruliniel practically skidded down the other side, she landed heavily in the muddy ground and pushed herself up slowly. No one seemed close to this area, all that surrounded her were unmoving forms. Her stomach clenched, the smoke rising upwards really caught in her throat with each breath she took.

It was disgusting, the level of harm and damage that just one creature could do was truly horrific. Because she was alone, she was able to scramble and climb through the dead. She tried to not look at the faces, if she did, she couldn't help but find herself musing over just who they were. Did they have families? Brothers, sisters? Were they parents? Did they themselves have daughters and sons? Where did the hail from? Gondor, or further afield? The real questions of getting to the root of who someone was really played on her.

Emyn Muil towered to the side of her, though the distant mountains to her other side seemed all the more daunting. The dark rock just shadowed everything, it created a perfect place to just recollect actually. Not that she had time to sit and dwell over things considering her surroundings. Her eyes scanned around the space where she had last seen Thranduil. She figured he wouldn't be too far away from this spot. Even when the fire rained down, she didn't see his form flit and jump away.

Shielding her eyes from the bleak sun, she squinted, she couldn't shout his name, that would draw attention to herself. She was segregated from everyone else, alone amongst the dead hoping that one elf wasn't. Sighing she double took, jumping and running as fast as she could, Liruliniel tried not to think of the dead she practically ran over at times. Everyone was doing it, unlike orcs and uruks, Liruliniel had more of a conscience over this action. It made her feel sick.

Crashing to her knees, she reached out and hauled Thranduil onto his back. He seemed half curled up as if that was going to protect him, or that was just how he fell, Liruliniel didn't know. However, she did know that there was no way he was going to come out of this unscathed. And he wasn't, he was unconscious, which for the moment was probably for the best. Liruliniel reached up and tentatively brushed mud and grass away from his face, half his face seemed fine, the other half however seemed marred by the fire which had come into contact with it. He was lucky, as ridiculous as that seemed considering, but only a small portion of him had been hurt.

Though, Liruliniel sighed and sat back on her haunches sadly, it was an important portion of him. She wasn't aesthetic, she wasn't shallow, but that didn't mean other people wouldn't be. Thranduil's face looked melted, taut skin blistering and she could even spy sinewy muscle underneath. Shutting her eyes, she inhaled deeply. Leaning forwards, she placed her hands on her knees and slowly opened her eyes. Narrowing them slowly, she tilted her head.

The Valar must truly be looking kindly down at her for the moment; she reached to the side and plucked off the hardy but small plant which was scattered throughout the land. Athelas. Turning the small, flowered plant in her hands, she hurriedly crushed it up while looking warily around. She knew eventually someone would spy her, they would see her, and they would come for her. She needed to hurry, not just for her sake but for his too.

The flower was easily crushed into a slight paste, it was crude and hurriedly done, but it would do the job. She silently apologised in advance to her unconscious comrade before gently placing her hand against his cheek, which was where most of the damage was. It wasn't pretty, or practical but it would soothe, hopefully enough for this to work and for him to survive. She, and everyone else, had clearly lost Oropher. They couldn't lose Thranduil too. That would be too much of a loss which would knock them all, what would they do? Honestly, what would they do, and who'd take charge? Legolas wasn't old enough, for one.

Liruliniel frowned, she needed to clear her mind as she slowed her breathing. "Menno o nin na hon, i eliad annen annin, hon leitho o ngurth." She whispered calmly, she didn't feel particularly calm. Inside there was a wave of emotions and feelings. Liruliniel rocked a little on her haunches, her hand pressing a little more against the sore skin underneath her palm. She tried to focus on the healing, not on the injury itself or who it was on. Liruliniel eventually pulled her hand away, she wiped it on part of her cloak and placed her hands on her knees, just watching and waiting.

Nothing happened. She inhaled shakily; she reached out with wavering hands. They skimmed over his features gently before pressing a finger against his neck. She leaned down and in, listening to his chest. There was a pulse, and he was breathing. She shot up, turning his face gently as she leaned over him. Brushing dirty strands of blonde hair out of his face, Liruliniel looked him over. He looked so pale, Thranduil was pale anyway, all of their kin were, but he seemed too pale. His breathing seemed laboured now that he seemed to be slowly trying to come around and wake up.

"Thranduil, I need you to wake up." Liruliniel whispered, keeping a hand gently on his good cheek. Though her hands eventually came to rest against his chest, the silvery armour underneath her palms felt surprisingly cold despite of the heat it had been nearby. The mud and dirt were brushed away idly, she was trying to distract herself a little. It wasn't helping as he continued to lay motionless. Liruliniel frowned, she even tapped his good cheek slightly, "Thranduil, I need you to wake up!" She said in a rushed whisper, pleading inwardly with him to just wake up, open his eyes, glare at her for daring to slap him. Anything, anything right now would be better than nothing.

Liruliniel could feel her eyes prickling, she was surprised really that tears hadn't appeared sooner. She guessed she was so focussed that the tears would come from whatever the outcome was of finding him. Now she had, it was sinking in. He was alive, yes, but he was unconscious. If a chancing orc happened to come across him and realised, he was still breathing, they'd end him easily. Thranduil was powerless right now, and Liruliniel sat in the mud with the rain pattering down on her sniffing quietly.

What could she do? What could she do other than sit with him, hope that he'd wake and then go from there. Leaning over him, she kept one hand near his head and the other resting against his shoulder. She was shielding him from the rain, although that didn't stop Liruliniel's tears from still slipping and landing against his skin. She couldn't help it, nor could she stop it.

"You have to wake up...what am I meant to do without you? I need you to wake up...you have to wake up, you just have to, Thranduil..." Liruliniel said with a shaking voice. She couldn't keep her voice calm and strong, not while looking down at him in this state. "Please, Thranduil. Please, just open your eyes, please...I need you..." Liruliniel's shoulders shook as her eyes shut, fully aware to more tears escaping her eyes and trailing down through the dirt and blood on her face.

Hearing a sudden intake of breath, she opened her eyes and looked down. She whispered his name, only to put more force on his shoulder to stop him suddenly practically convulsing on the floor. The sound which came from him had her wincing, agonised. He sounded absolutely agonised, his screams and shouts blended in with everyone else's. He was just another exclaiming in pain before falling silent, and he did eventually grow still and silent. Although his eyes stared upwards at her, she still shielded him from the rain and looked at the eyes directed up at her.

"I can't see you." Thranduil's voice was low and hoarse sounding, he coughed roughly and tried to turn away. Liruliniel helped him, even giving him a swift hit to the back before he laid back down.

"I think you've been blinded." She said slowly, the sudden flash of flames would definitely do that. Although, Liruliniel could see one of his eyes was the icy blue she had known all her life. The other was milky; a filmy layer of dusty white had seemingly appeared over the eye. He was blind in that eye, and she doubted he'd get vision back.

"I heard your voice," Thranduil blinked, his eyes blurry but a shape above was slowly coming into focus. He had heard her soft voice, her quiet chanting like a lullaby calling out to him. It was so alluring, kind and welcoming, how could he ignore her voice? He tilted his head, Liruliniel just looked down at him with a saddened face. "You've been crying." He stated, Liruliniel just found herself mutely nodding.

Thranduil looked her over, she had blood down her face, some which appeared to be hers, the rest was black and cracking off. She didn't appear hurt, other than the cut that had been bleeding on her temple. Her hair was escaping the braids she'd so intricately done, wispy auburn strands which were either against her skin because of blood or the rain, the rest was going with the breeze in the air. She seemed to have gone through it, her muddy and bloody appearance said enough to him.

"I thought I lost you," Liruliniel whispered, putting her hands on his arms and aiding him to sit up. He seemed unsteady, he placed a hand to his head before trailing it down and wincing. She pulled his hand away and shook her head, "I tried my best...I am sorry, I tried." Liruliniel's voice wavered again, she wasn't a healer. She did the best she could with what she had, which wasn't much.

Thranduil's different shaded eyes flicked at her. "You healed me."

"I tried..."

He turned away, looking at the bodies of familiars and enemy alike. They seemed to be the only two alive here, though the continuing battle was still raging, he could hear it. He was letting her simple reply sink in. To heal meant she had to give a small piece of herself in the process. When he looked at her again, she seemed a little fatigued, pale and struggling. This whole thing was hard on her, it was hard on everyone, but she had just healed him.

Thranduil placed a hand to her shoulder, she blinked and looked at him. "I am in your debt."

"No, no you're not, Thranduil. You'd have done the same if it were me." Liruliniel shook her head slowly, it was a debt which he couldn't repay, because she wouldn't ask for anything. There was nothing which could come close to rivalling him being alive. Him being up was enough repayment, whether he knew it or not.

He nodded slowly, looking to the side and grasping onto his sword. "My father?"

Liruliniel's silence had him looking at her with a frown. "I lost sight of him. But I tried..."

Thranduil watched her try not to breakdown. He knew they were close, he never fully understood their strange closeness, their friendship, but it was there. He was her king, but also her friend. But he was his king, but his father and that loss suddenly cut him deep. "Liruliniel, I do not doubt you. I know you'd have done everything and anything to get to him, to protect him. Do not think for one second you have failed him, or me in anyway, because you haven't. You haven't and you never will, do you understand?" Thranduil asked sternly, watching her wipe a hand over her eyes and nod slowly. He reached up and put a hand to the back of her head before bringing her close, he didn't do embracing, he was awkward when she did it that one time. But he hadn't seen someone who needed one more now than Liruliniel.

She looked over his shoulder and sniffled quietly. She held onto him, just enjoying the comfort while being alert to everything around them. "We need to move. Can you still fight?" Liruliniel pulled away and looked at him worriedly.

Thranduil awkwardly stood, she stood quickly too readying to steady him if needed. He did a practice swing with his sword before looking down at her. "Can you?"

Liruliniel pushed loose hair out of her face and unsheathed her sword too. "We stay together." She said determinedly, he hadn't got sight in one eye, he was weak and an easy target. She already failed to protect one royal; she wasn't going to fail again.

Thranduil just nodded and turned, Liruliniel was quick on his heels as he started off walking at first. Before she knew it the two of them were running back into the throng of battle. Liruliniel crashed against an orc that was going to behead a Gondorian soldier, she kicked him away and took a stand between the mortal and the creature before slicing forwards. The man got up and nodded at her, Liruliniel nodded back before joining the fight which Thranduil was currently in.

Thinking she was someone trying to sneak up on him, he turned, and she blocked his sword. Although her eyes widened and she let out a startled noise when he moved his sword from hers and pierced it forwards. There was a horrible gurgling sound from behind her, and she really didn't want to look at the unfortunate beast which had just been stabbed in the head. Although with him like this, meant he wasn't watching his own back and Liruliniel had to aim upwards from under his outstretched arm.

Looking at the orc dying on the end of her sword, she slowly looked up at him. "Was that the one-time offer gone?"

"Not the time, Liruliniel." Thranduil rolled his eyes, shocked by her timing of joking as he freed his sword and turned, wasting no time getting back into the masses of clashing bodies. Liruliniel sighed and stuck close as they made their way through any enemy that presented itself to them. There was the distant screeching of the drake, but it wasn't down here on the plains. It had clearly ventured off elsewhere, not that its presence was gone completely. It was something she was very aware to, and if she could, she'd try and spot it.

Grasping onto his shoulder, Liruliniel pulled him to the side and held up her sword to block the cleaver which was coming for him. Thranduil had looked affronted, only to see her getting pushed down to her knees by an uruk. Thranduil wasted very little time in whipping his sword in an arc and taking the figures head clean off its shoulders. Liruliniel stood up and looked at the decapitated body before looking at him, her eyes widened though, and she put an arm in front blocking another horrible looking sword.

It didn't cut through to her skin, but it dented the gauntlet deeply. Even before she could counter with her own sword, one went straight through the chest plate armour and the skin underneath. Thranduil stood behind her with a frown, he didn't approve of her almost sacrificing her arm for the sake of blocking an attack. He didn't like it when they sparred, and he didn't like it now that she was actually in battle. He didn't like her doing unnecessary things like this, he could only guess this was one of the things Thalion had feared she'd do.

Thranduil found it was his turn to grab a hold of her shoulder and pull her to the side, her footsteps mirrored his as they turned and exchanged sides for the sake of getting her out of the path of another orc climbing over some of the fallen. They worked quite well together, as well as independently. They hadn't a plan of action to correspond with each other, when it came to fighting, but they worked well in coordinating, they looked out for each other and stayed together. The most they strayed from each other was a couple of paces, before returning back to each other. The way they saw it, the only way for them both to get through this, was together.

There was nothing that was going to split them up, although Liruliniel suddenly spotted a large figure at the base of the mountain, standing on a large group of boulders swatting people away as if they were nothing. She hadn't ever really seen Sauron, but the armour was terrifying, it painted a horrendous picture of the being they were all here to try and put down. The mace in his grasp was wielded one-handedly, the people still tried to get close, only to fail and go flying away.

"Thranduil," Liruliniel pulled at his arm slightly, he pushed the orc he had just killed away before following her gaze. Even with one eye he could clearly see what had got her frightened. Sauron was standing and dealing with whoever rushed at him, he wasn't even properly on the battlefield.

He put an arm behind himself, pushing her back as he looked around and saw a pathway of sorts. It wasn't actually a pathway, more a sudden clearing which allowed them to get out of this vicinity. Liruliniel couldn't help but keep glancing behind herself, she didn't want to be remotely near that. But then seeing Sauron finally step foot onto the battlefield had her picking up her pace more.

Anyone who got in the way was hurriedly pushed away or cut down. She didn't even wait to deliver a finishing blow to some; she just wanted to get away. Did she honestly think he would seek her out? No, there was more pressing matters to deal with. But did she think an altercation wouldn't happen, if they were close enough? Of course not, and she knew she wasn't strong enough to fight back.

Pulling to a slow stop, Liruliniel looked about herself. They were back in amongst familiar faces, though unknown, but they were in with an elven group from Imladris. Frowning when she heard her name, she turned and saw Aearion pushing his way through to her. Even Thranduil turned, he heard her name too and couldn't see the person calling her unless he turned his good eye to them.

The elf before them looked as weary as them, equally muddy and bloody too. Thranduil just stood and awkwardly watched them exchange a quick, fleeting greeting of him placing a hand on her shoulder and pulling her close. He let her go promptly and looked her over worriedly. Thranduil didn't get glanced at, which had him sighing and turning away.

"What are you all doing here?" She asked, after all it seemed like a small number had gathered here for some reason, she just didn't know what.

"Archers, we were further away but seeing as how the field was clearing, we marched forwards." Aearion explained, now that Liruliniel looked, she saw many had a bow as their primary weapon in hand.

Frowning though, she looked back to her friend. "You've not just been giving air support though." She could see they all had to fight.

Aearion nodded, "There was an ambush lying in wait over the horizon." That was all he had to say, clearly by still being here, they had won. Sure, there was probably losses on their side too, but they had managed to deal with the skirmish.

"What now?"

"We were called to regroup." Aearion explained, Liruliniel tilted her head curiously. She slowly looked to the side, Thranduil was silent and looking elsewhere, probably for their own forces. Aearion looked at him too, before looking back at Liruliniel. "It is hard to find comrades in amongst all this chaos. You are welcome to stay with us." Aearion offered, Liruliniel sighed, sounding thankful whereas Thranduil just looked at him from the corner of his eye. One was up for it, the other perhaps not so much.

Liruliniel gauged the situation, biting her lip in thought she side stepped around to be in front of Thranduil. "We are better off together, than apart. If we keep going, we may find ourselves in a situation which would be catastrophic for us both. I would hate myself if that happened, if you were in a situation where it could end fatally."

He was blind, completely handicapped and at a disadvantage on one side. Yes, he could still fight, but anyone approaching from his blindside would have him, and there'd be nothing he could do to stop that. Even she couldn't, if she was otherwise preoccupied. Thranduil just stared down at her as she whispered this honestly to him. Turning and looking at Aearion, he ignored the bewildered look he got sent; the elven archer was clearly not expecting to have to face the half-burnt appearance of the elf-Prince.

Regardless, Thranduil just looked at him blankly. "You were told to regroup, where then were you being sent?" He had listened to the whole conversation. Trying to figure out if tactically being with this group was beneficial or not. Regardless of his apparent natural and instant distrust of the Imladris elves, Thranduil couldn't help but agree with Liruliniel; alone they were doomed.

"Flanking the left side, those there are faltering and what forces of evil remain are continuing to overpower." Aearion explained, lifting an arm and pointing to where him and the others were meant to go.

Thranduil turned and looked, he could see where Aearion was directing their attention. He could also see what he meant, he nodded his head slowly. "We will come too." Liruliniel sent him a confused look which had him frowning, although that hurt, taught skin pulling and the burning sensation starting up again had him hesitantly placing a hand to his face.

The paste like substance which had been soothing him had all but disappeared, sunken into his skin or fallen away through the running and fighting. His hand bought little relief as his eyes shut tightly. He hurt, unbelievably so. Gritting his teeth, he looked to Aearion, he merely gestured a hand at him to lead the way. He couldn't find it within himself to speak right now, the pain in his face making it very hard for him to focus.

Liruliniel placed a hand on his arm, Thranduil just looked down at her with hard eyes. The others around them were moving quickly past, not paying attention to them still being stationary. She opened her mouth to say something, only to shut it again and shake her head slowly. She didn't know what to say, what could she possibly say? Her somewhat tired expression spoke volumes, Thranduil took her hand off his arm gently, and nudged her to chase after those that were around them earlier.

It didn't take much to catch up, along the way to their destination there was a few small fights here and there. All the while, none of them lost sight of each other. The small band were very determined to stick together and not get separated. There was always a conscious counting of the number of heads, just to make sure no one got left behind before they moved off again.

What remnants remained along this side of the battle were truly wavering, dwindling quickly in numbers it seemed most here were those of mortals. They didn't have the resilience, or the speed to manoeuvre and counter attacks. They were so easily cut down and stepped over. However, a few dwarves were in the area too, and these seemed to relish in fighting against the orcs. Their power and their teamwork seemed to take a few off guard, not expecting them to come barrelling - sometimes literally - right into them and all then descended upon the poor victim.

It was all chaotic, none of this hadn't been, but with the added numbers it seemed like this small area was starting to level out. They were successfully driving the forces back, only for them to meet the end of being trapped against the rocky mountainside and being easily cut down by those in front. There was no escaping for those trying to, all around them there was someone readying to defeat them. Many orcs soon laid at their feet, not that didn't stop others from appearing. Not so much to avenge their fallen brethren, but more just to get to someone to kill, or try to.

Liruliniel stuck near to Thranduil, both tried to aid the other where and when they can. It was sometimes hard to catch sight of those they arrived down here with, only because more Gondorians had appeared to join the fray. They all fought valiantly, and bravely. None of them showed any fear, even when dealt a killing blow they just seemed resolute. Liruliniel couldn't help but admire them, they showed such bravery. Although getting caught up in trying to aid one had her getting kicked in the stomach, Liruliniel tumbled to the floor and shielded herself from the boots around her.

She was rather stuck in the mud, she could only just peer through the forest of legs and feet around her to see the man she was trying to help, get success in killing the orc that kicked her. He didn't look around for her, which had her frowning. In some respects, she got it, he couldn't, there were too many around. But at the same time...Liruliniel's struggling to get up caught the attention of the wrong kind, holding up her sword she swatted the one which was raining down on her.

Kicking out with her own feet, she succeeded in kicking against the rusty coloured plating around the shin, the orc stumbled and when that happened, she leaned upwards and stabbed through the crude armoured stomach. Only, she wasn't expecting to have the body suddenly fall on her. Forwards momentum and her sword still being stuck in the armour and flesh, she recoiled and squirmed. All the while her hands and feet, her whole being just seemed to get sucked more down into the mud. She all but kicked the corpse away from her, freeing her sword in the process and letting out a scream when she was suddenly hauled up.

Someone had grabbed the back of her armour, the tangled cloak which had become drenched in all sorts of matter was held onto too. Even as she was lifted up, she could feel the cloak slap with a disgusting noise against her armoured legs. The material felt heavy now, even more so from her wallowing and worming in the mud. The same went for her hair, utterly soaked through with mud it stuck to the back of her neck, causing a chill to run through her.

Despite of all of this, didn't stop the person still dragging her by the back of her armour away from where she was stuck. All she could do was flail her arms and scream, her legs pathetically wheeled and kicked at the ground to resist. She couldn't even reach back and try and hit out with her sword, because of how she was being held, it made the armour on her shoulder lock with the mail down her body. Something somewhere had come loose, and the clinking sound said as much.

It wasn't until she was finally let go, that she had Thranduil appearing in front of her, black blood etched across his face and what was perfectly shining silver armour. He had seen her go down, and frantically he had fought his way through to get to her. All he could do was grab and pull and hope not many got in his way to get her out of immediate danger.

Liruliniel was about to say something, when something bowled them all over. Both of them went ricocheting to the ground. Others around them did the same as something akin to a shockwave travelled through the air. It was a force so strong that no one could resist against it. Everyone was laid out, and the ringing in the air was echoing in everyone's ears. Her eyes painfully opened eventually, her vision a little blurry as she unsteadily reached up and shook Thranduil's shoulder.

They had landed together, side by side and facing each other. This was the second time he'd been laid out, and she was disliking it even more now than the first time. She didn't like seeing him hurt. His eyes opened not long after she shook him, he blinked a few times in an effort to clear the vision in his good eye. Liruliniel pushed herself to sit, she brushed mud and grass from the side of her face that impacted against the ground and looked about herself.

Everyone was doing much the same, and all looked thoroughly confused. The only ones who didn't seem confused, were the orcs and uruks which seemed to look startled, frightened even as they looked about. They tried to escape but those that had already recovered were on them in minutes, cutting them down as they tried to retreat back fully into Mordor.

It wasn't until both heard a call that they aided each other in standing, Liruliniel tilted her head and warily looked around. "The Dark Lord is dead!" Someone had shouted, and she couldn't honestly believe what she was hearing. Thranduil seemed as confused as she did, and everyone else. No one could truly believe what they were hearing.

"My friends!" Liruliniel turned on her heels, Aearion was striding towards them. A look of utter astonishment and relief on his face. He had lost sight of the pair, and he had worried, maybe more for Liruliniel than Thranduil, but he was still concerned. Seeing them both here had him sighing in relief even as people around them were cheering.

Liruliniel placed her hands on her knees and took several deep breaths. Aearion knelt down and looked up at her face. "It is over, truly?" She asked, her eyes looked into his uncertainly.

Aearion nodded, "It is. Word is already spreading that it was Isildur that dealt the finishing blow." He explained, watching as Liruliniel straightened up and looked upwards at the sky. Aearion looked about at those around him, it was hard to tell if the Gondorians were happy Sauron had been defeated, or because the final attack came from one of their own, they were especially pleased. Perhaps it was a mixture of both.

"At what cost?" Liruliniel frowned, eyeing her friend up. She looked at her sword, whipping it in the air had most of the blood coming off. She groaned quietly, looking to the rocks at the base of the mountain, she walked over and sat down. Resting her sword across both knees, she looked at both elves before her. "The loss between us all has been great."

"But those losses were not in vain." Aearion said, sitting next to her. He placed a hand on her shoulder; she looked at him. "They weren't." He implored, Liruliniel just shut her eyes and nodded her head slowly. Aearion patted her shoulder one last time before standing, she opened her eyes and watched him. "I will see you both again soon, I must check to see who else has survived." Aearion explained, inclining his head to both before turning and running off.

Liruliniel watched him disappear. She couldn't help but muse that that was perhaps one of few genuine serious conversations they'd had. Couldn't really joke at a time like this though, right? Her eyes flicked upwards, she watched as Thranduil sat slowly beside her. "So..." She trailed off, his eye slid to the corner as he looked at her. He didn't move his head; his blind side being kept hidden for the moment. "You're my King now, it seems."

"So, it would seem." Thranduil's voice was hard to distinguish. He didn't sound like anything. There was literally no emotion in his tone.

Liruliniel placed a hand on his shoulder, he turned and looked at her. Both mix-matched eyes staring into her sea-coloured ones. She sighed softly, "I think you'll make a brilliant one." Trying to reassure him, although deep down she was worried. How could she not be? This was a role he had been preparing for since he was young.

But that therein still laid the problem, Thranduil was still young, maybe not in mortal eyes, but elven, yes, he was. He was still young, and he had lost his father in this horrendous battle; where Oropher no doubt had more things to teach him, Thranduil would now need to figure it out for himself. He wouldn't be alone, Liruliniel would aid where and however she could. But she didn't know anything about ruling a kingdom. But the council within Greenwood did, and she was under no illusions that they may persuade Thranduil down a route of ruling, he may never be able to come back from but may also contradict his father's rule horribly. She was worried. It didn't help that Vanadessë was equally in a similar position, they'd both have to figure this out as they went alone. That wasn't a reassuring thought.

"But you've always been championing away." Thranduil stated, watching as she shrugged and placed her hands behind herself. She leaned back and looked around at the masses around them. People were greeting each other, dwarves were...well, being dwarves and getting involved in conversation where some didn't seem to want them. They didn't care; they still did it anyway. Elves stayed clear of them, of course, yet looked relieved upon seeing a familiar face.

"Because I am your friend, Thranduil. If I didn't back your corner, I'd be failing in some part. I've had confidence in you since, well, forever. You've never given me a reason to not believe you won't be a good ruler." Liruliniel said, tearing her eyes away from those celebrating to him. Thranduil just looked at her, as if trying to discern whether she was being honest. As if she wasn't, of course she was, and he just eventually nodded. "But we are not the only ones having to grow used to a new leader." Liruliniel said slowly, Thranduil looked at her with a tense frown. Liruliniel had been listening to nearby whispers, "King Elendil is dead. So is King Gil-galad, the last of the High Kings. That's a lineage that is gone forever now." Liruliniel explained with a heavy sigh, she rubbed her forehead slowly. She winced a little, she had a few unknown cuts and scrapes there that hurt to touch.

"I am sorry," he said slowly, earning a sidelong look from her. "I know he was your friend."

Liruliniel smiled, "He was also a teacher. But I believe we've all lost friends today, I am not singular. But," she paused, shrugging and standing. She sheathed her sword and looked about herself with a small smile sent around at anyone who caught her eye. "I will mourn him, in my own time and way. We all came into this knowing the outcome. Come, we should try and see who else we may find." Liruliniel held out a hand to him, "Plus, we all need to find our dead, and care for them. Anyone who is hurt needs to see a healer, and you...I am sorry, definitely do."

"Real subtle, Liruliniel." Thranduil grasped her hand and stood when she tugged back.

She smiled awkwardly, "I am not skilled at the task, but I did learn some techniques from Lord Elrond. Perhaps, if we find him, he will aid you."

"I am sure our own healers will suffice." Thranduil said, moving past her swiftly. Liruliniel frowned, the healers from Greenwood would not be as skilled as Elrond. She knew that she knew he knew that, so why avoid the older elf-Lord?

He surely couldn't blame Elrond for summoning his father and bringing them all into war? Everyone took part in this today. The outcome if Oropher ignored the summons and stayed hidden would've been awful. Surely Thranduil knew that already? Regardless, she shook her head and followed after him. Although, hearing a cheer, she double took and smiled awkwardly. Veryan. Thranduil heard her name being called again, he watched as the elf that did so greet her. He sighed and rolled his eyes and walked off. She was more popular than he thought.

Though she watched him walk off with a sad look. Perhaps being alone was what he needed? He had a lot to process and think about, after all. Not an everyday occasion one goes to war, loses their father then becomes king. Liruliniel looked at Veryan though, he seemed relieved to see she was in one piece. "You must've had a good teacher," he had commented, making her roll her eyes.

"I had a few good teachers. You can't take all the credit, Veryan." Liruliniel pointed out, crossing her arms and shifting her weight in the muddy ground.

He held his hands up, "Perhaps not. But I was the one that you got stuck with the most."

Liruliniel rolled her eyes again, she'd let him have that one. "I am most glad to see you are in one piece. But I will have to leave you for the moment," Liruliniel said while stepping back and away. Veryan shrugged and seemed to understand, he too needed to go and find whoever else survived this battle.

They parted ways, promising to see each other when temporary camps were put up for everyone to recover before marching onwards home. That and her earlier words were true, they all needed to deal with their dead. This was no easy thing considering the masses which had fallen. Spying gold armour, she rushed forwards. She was soon surrounded by those from Greenwood, she felt relieved although rather solemn.

They weren't a massive army anyway, but there seemed to be even fewer of them left now. Liruliniel looked at her muddy boots, so many footprints were trod in the ground around her. How many of the print's owners were still alive? Breathing slowly, she looked up at those around her. They all seemed as tired as the next elf, hearing a call from elsewhere about all converging and making camp, they looked about themselves. Liruliniel had even gone to start moving, only to pause when she noticed she was the only one doing so.

That was awkward, wasn't it obvious to all remain together, to heal and recover, to mourn and then part ways? It seemed obvious to her, why didn't it to everyone else? Mainly because, as a collective army, they looked to their leader to prompt them, guide them and right now Thranduil was stationary and looking rather stern faced.

Liruliniel frowned, were they not joining the others? Surely, he hadn't planned to march them back to Greenwood? Everyone was utterly spent, elves weren't prone to exhaustion, but this had taken it out of them. She tilted her head, she for one wasn't marching back home on tired legs, caked in mud and blood with minor injuries to her person. Regardless of everyone else's thoughts, even Thranduil's, she turned and walked off.

She could feel the many eyes practically burning into her as she did so. She wasn't rebelling, or turning her back on any of them, in fact she was hurrying forwards to help set up camp so she could rest, just like everyone else.

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(A/N: Basically, I may admit I've avoided using any Sindarin/elven language of any sort so far because I did it quite a bit in Thorin's story (Calm the Fire) and it did me in, although that was Khazdul too, nightmare. But I kinda cracked here. Someone on Tumblr basically kinda roughly translated what Tauriel says when healing Kíli, so I nabbed it...nabbed and used it here. But here's what the English is, if it's wrong, okay xD)

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Inventory:

Menno o nin na hon, i eliad annen annin, hon leitho o ngurth - May the blessing that was given to me, be sent from me to him, may he be released from death.

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Edited: 26/June/25