Liruliniel didn't know how long she slept, she just knew that when her eyes did finally open that her head registered aches and pains within her body before she even properly woke. She pushed herself off and up from the bed, she looked at the indent she made and blinked simply. Biting her lip and turning on her heels, she paused before back tracking. She made the bed again; it now looked perfect and not slept in. Once she was done, she then retreated from the room, she peered in one last time before shutting the door.

Running a hand down the wood, she just nodded slowly. Patting it and turning towards the bathroom, she had already resigned the fact that there were two rooms here that she'd never enter, unless she needed to. Liruliniel commenced running herself a bath, she poured milky coloured liquid into the clear water. Soon enough an apple scented fragrance entered the room, her eyes blandly watched the steam rise in the room and drift about. With a sigh and stripping herself of her horrendously dirty clothes, she left them in a heap and climbed into the hot water.

She winced a little due to it being hotter than she thought. She undid what remained of her braided hair and submerged herself slowly. Her eyes squeezed shut as she laid there, it was so silent and all she could hear was her steady pulse thrumming away in her ears. By the time she needed to breathe, she gasped and coughed a little. She swept her hair out of her face along with water and looked downwards. The water had steadily turned grimy; she wasn't surprised at all. She was more surprised it hadn't turned as such as soon as she stepped foot into the bath.

She quickly washed herself and her hair and soon left, draining the water and wrapping herself up into soft, clean towelling she left the room. She stood in the corridor and looked sidelong towards the main living quarters. Her heart inexplicably picked up, her eyes burned and Liruliniel soon realised she was just standing silently crying. She had grown used to living here alone, but this was for definite and that well and truly sunk in now.

She walked into her room, opening the wardrobe she skimmed through the items of clothes hanging simply. Plucking out a brownish hued tunic she hunted out a dark pair of trousers and threw them onto the bed. Drying herself off and pulling clean underwear on before her main clothes, she then stood there tying her sword belt around herself before countering her hair.

By the time she was done, Liruliniel was walking through the corridors of the palace finishing braiding her hair all up. She'd looped gloves under and over her belt, and she pulled these free to tug them on. She rolled the sleeves of her tunic up and flexed her fingers slowly. Reaching behind herself she felt for the hood, which was attached to her top, she pulled it over her head and kept her face lowered as she continued on her way.

Not many looked her way, not that that wasn't unusual. She wasted little time turning the corner and making her way to the communal area, she hesitantly paused. She wasn't expecting the vast hall to still be so packed, but then she guessed she must've woken up earlier than she thought.

"Liruliniel!" Her eyes slowly drifted over, Anameleth was waving gently her way. Liruliniel sighed and moved over, she sat down beside the younger elf girl and rested her arms on the table. She stared at her dark gloved clad hands and sighed again. "Were you just going to leave again?" Anameleth asked, tilting her head curiously. She saw the look on Liruliniel's face when she first entered the room. It did look like she was going to bolt before she called out.

Liruliniel's eyes slid over to look at her sidelong, she pushed the hood from her head and shook her many braids free. "I find myself feeling sick, being surrounded by so many people now. It isn't that I do not trust you, or anyone here; but I don't like the feeling." She explained slowly, she felt anxious. She felt incredibly anxious; she could feel the sensation bubbling up within her stomach and it was making her feel really unwell. She rubbed at her forehead and leaned against her hand with her eyes shut.

"It will take time to settle in again."

"You're right, I know you're right." Liruliniel nodded slowly, her eyes opening and her hands reaching out for a bread roll that was on the table. She simply tore it open and picked at it, not even wishing or wanting to put butter or anything in it. Her appetite felt rather illusive too at the moment. She was only eating this because she felt like she needed to.

"How did you sleep?" Anameleth asked, watching her friend worriedly. Liruliniel wasn't the only one who was acting slightly disjointed and aloof. From what she had observed most were. She hadn't ever fought, she didn't ever hope she had to. But she had seen the aftereffects of fighting, and it wasn't pleasant. The suffering afterwards seemed just as bad as the suffering before the fighting ensued.

Liruliniel smiled her way, "Surprisingly well. But I think that's more down to the fact that I felt exhausted. I still do. But both emotionally and physically. I slept in Thalion's room, Caladhiel was with me, but I think she left when she saw I had drifted to sleep." She explained, raising an eyebrow curiously. She should find Caladhiel and thank her for being there, even if nothing really happened. She still found her and made sure she was fine, as fine as could be.

Anameleth watched Liruliniel pick another chunk off the roll and bite into it bitterly. With a sigh, she brushed a hand over her skirts. Removing imaginary dust as she mused over her next words carefully. "It is too soon for me to suggest this, but I am going to throw out the suggestion anyway; if you find yourself growing sad within your own company and wish for it go, I will be here. My quarters are small, but I live alone."

Liruliniel paused eating and stared blankly at the table listening to her. Anameleth finished and swallowed quickly, worried she'd offended her. Liruliniel turned in her seat, one arm staying resting against the table while the other lazily hung in her lap. "Thank you for the offer, my friend. But I cannot leave my home. I can't. But I will take up your offer of company if I feel like I need it." Liruliniel smiled softly, Anameleth didn't look so worried as Liruliniel clasped her spare hand to her shoulder and squeezed it gently. Turning back around, Liruliniel commenced simply eating again. Soon after she bid farewell to Anameleth and left the busy room. It was too loud. Too loud and too close feeling, the air felt hot and heavy, and she felt her heart rate picking up again.

Pulling her hood up, she felt safer hiding within the brown folds of soft material with her eyes downcast. She kept her arms simply by her sides as she walked quietly along the corridor, although her boots slowly scuffed against the floor when she came to a stop. Hesitantly her eyes raised, and she looked upwards at the throne before her. Seeing it unoccupied for the moment just didn't seem right. She was so used to coming in here and seeing Oropher seated upon the elaborate chair. She was trying to imagine what it would be like to enter the room and see Thranduil up there instead, it felt very strange. She couldn't even lie, it felt very surreal there.

"I'm rather sure we are having the same thought." Liruliniel's eyes raised upwards and to the side. From one of the staircases which led to platforms, which then led elsewhere, Thranduil was just standing looking downwards at her.

"You look how I feel." Liruliniel said while watching him sweep the long trail of his terracotta-coloured robe out of the way. Underneath he simply wore a richly coloured tunic and trousers of an almost similar colour, it was slightly lighter, but both were seemingly embroidered with the finest of details. She tilted her head; he wasn't wearing his signature circlet for once.

Thranduil looked doubtful, yet he didn't comment. However, he did reach up and push the hood from her head when he reached her side. She seemed happy to hide in its shadow; however, he didn't want to converse with a shadowed visage. He saw what she meant then, she did seem tired, but a deep rooted tired that no amount of sleep was going to shift. Honestly, he had not slept well either.

"How did the talk go?" Liruliniel dared to ask softly, Thranduil placed a hand on her shoulder and gently nudged her forwards. The pair walked to the first few stairs which led to the throne, both sat down while awkwardly avoiding eye contact with the seat.

"As I am sure you suspected, not well." Thranduil admitted, rubbing his hands together gently and looking sidelong at her when she leaned forwards to properly look up at his face. He could see the questioning in her eyes, Thranduil looked around the spacious room. "He did not fully understand, but he understood to a point."

"How is Legolas now?"

Thranduil tilted his head and looked at her plainly. "How are you?"

Liruliniel ashamedly looked down at her boots. "Awful."

"There's your answer." Thranduil quipped a bit bluntly, his son had broken down in front of him and no amount of comforting seemed to do the job. As much comfort as Legolas got from being within his father's arms, it wasn't him that he wanted to get comfort from. It was his mother, and he wasn't going to get that.

"How are you?" Liruliniel chanced, Thranduil just looked icily down at her. Liruliniel nodded slowly and looked about herself. "Want to talk about it?" Liruliniel chanced, yet again. She sounded hesitant as she looked back at him.

"Not really, no."

"My friend, you keep things bottled up inside, it will not end well. Things which are dwelt on and over will turn sour and bitter you." Thranduil just frowned deeply at her, Liruliniel smiled softly. "I am not trying to patronise you, Thranduil. I'm trying to help you. What is the main problem that is bothering you right now?"

"You, trying to get me to talk."

"I am going nowhere, and you know it. Problem number two?"

Thranduil merely rolled his eyes. He didn't want to talk, let alone discuss what matters were bothering him. "The funeral." Liruliniel looked solemn yet seemed to understand. Despite of the order in which he spoke, she knew that really this was the number one problem. Thranduil rested his forearms simply against his thighs and clasped his hands onto his knees and looked at her patiently. Her eyes flickered with many emotions before she blinked and looked back at him, he raised an eyebrow and waited for her to talk.

"Your father wasn't one for fuss. He seemed to like simplicity. Yes, he was royalty, so he deserves some lavish ceremony. But I do not think he would mind if it were lacking some of the...you know, pomp and pretentious rubbish..." Liruliniel explained awkwardly while rolling her hand in the air. She paused and trailed off with a hesitant look when all Thranduil was doing was looking at her unblinkingly. His expression seemed to turn stonier faced the more she went on. She got the feeling she should probably just stop talking.

Thranduil sighed and looked away, he looked upwards at the leafy rooftop above them. "I have others which speak differently." His eyes slid sidelong to hers again, she scoffed. Thranduil tilted his head, a slow smirk appearing on his face. "You disagree, or you are not surprised?"

"Both!" Liruliniel jumped up and turned and looked at him. "Before your father was our ruler, what did he do? What was he? No offence, he was just like me, like my father; he was a soldier, he fought for his kin and only by a unanimous vote was asked to become King. He lived a simple life for many, many years. Deep down, your father thrived on simplicity. How do I know this? Because we would talk about the past, and of easier times after training. He was a soldier, before he was a King, Thranduil. All a soldier looks for is a good death, and remembrance. He will have a place to rest, forever; somewhere we can all mourn collectively but it won't be some elaborate tomb because I think he would believe it ridiculous to use such resources for something like that." Liruliniel said while she paced in front of him, she paused now and then to wave her hands in the air as if that aided her explanation.

All the while Thranduil just sat straight backed on the stair and watched her, his crystalline eyes would follow her every move as he listened to her quietly. "Perhaps you are right." He said at length after a few moments of silence had passed. He watched as she knelt down in front of him.

Liruliniel simply sat on her haunches, she placed her elbows against her knees and rested her chin in her hands. She looked at him with a small pout on her lips yet remained otherwise silent. Still being on the stair meant he still had the height advantage, and he just looked down at her. "Thranduil, he was our King, but he was your father. You have to do what you feel is right. Take on board opinions and words which are spoken, but only you truly know what to do. No one can contradict or comment, considering..."

"As I have already said, despite taking over from my father I do not expect that would stop you." Thranduil had to point out again.

Liruliniel smiled, "Think of me as common sense; to see and think differently than those which will surround you as a council." She shrugged, lifting her head from her hands and patting her knees before standing and moving back to sit beside him.

Thranduil just frowned her way when she lounged back, arms bent against the stair behind her while her legs stretched out languidly. To make it even worse she loudly sighed and rested her head against her shoulder and just smiled his way. "I do not approve of this, by the way." He said while pointing a finger over her position right now. "Don't make it a habit." He furthered on, Liruliniel just sighed loudly again. Thranduil's shoulders tensed, and he shot her a hard look, she grinned. "Stop it." Thranduil watched as she inhaled deeply, before she could even think to repeat her actions, he lifted a hand up and placed it over her mouth. "I mean it, stop it."

Reaching up and pulling his hand away, she smiled again. "Fine. But getting annoyed over me being me won't help you solve your problems. Stop diverting. Your father's funeral will be perfect, because it will be planned by you. Do not let others try and waylay your plans. What's your third problem?"

"Legolas refuses to leave his room."

"Want me to talk to him?" She offered, Thranduil looked a bit confused over her words. Liruliniel pushed herself upright, "We both lost our mother's when we were young, I do not remember mine and it is painful to say he may become the same. You should be able to relate, Thranduil. You lost yours too when you were young."

"I was the one to tell him what befell on his mother. I am not who he wishes to speak to or see."

"Nor are you the enemy." Liruliniel stated obviously. "You two can grieve together. Some can't."

"Your grief isn't yours alone, remember?" Thranduil wished to point out obviously.

Liruliniel shrugged and nodded and awkwardly had to agree with him there. "Yes, I know. Do you want me to talk to your son or not?"

"What would you say?" He was curious.

Liruliniel frowned in thought. "I will tell him the truth." Thranduil looked more curious here, Liruliniel inhaled softly. "The pain gets better as time goes on. And there is nothing to be ashamed of, if you need to cry or scream because the pain of loss builds up. That I can tell you now will and does happen. But there are ways of coping if you find the right mechanism."

"Please do not encourage my son to start training and fighting just yet." Thranduil sighed heavily, this whole conversation was seemingly tiring him out more. He was already exhausted, somehow this was just making him worse. He knew though, that she was perhaps right.

But he also knew that fighting and training was Liruliniel's way of coping with the world around her. It kept her rooted, focused. It could do the same for Legolas, but Thranduil had just come back from so much fighting, the thought of his son learning to fight made him uneasy. He couldn't help but muse over whether his father felt the same when it came to him.

Liruliniel shrugged and remained silent, she wrapped her arms around her knees and leaned her chin against them. She sniffed quietly and just shut her eyes, silence and her never seemed to last long but this moment dragged on. Thranduil had only really known Liruliniel to be silent when something was bothering her. He could choose from a long list he imagined, he could bet he would choose something right.

But her being still and silent allowed him to notice and see that his friend was equally exhausted, but equally haunted by thoughts and memories. She looked like she had slept, but she didn't at the same time. Her skin was naturally pale, like them all, but this seemed to be edging on opaque. She didn't look at all well. But then, did any of them considering?

"Didn't you want to know what the fourth problem was?" Thranduil asked, getting Liruliniel out of her own head was sometimes as easy as distracting her with something else. He didn't like the stern expression on her face, her closed eyes scrunched up slightly before they opened upon hearing him speak. She was certainly troubled over something. He would get it out of her eventually, if she didn't confess to him beforehand. She simply tilted her head in its resting position and glanced his way. "Coronation." He said lowly, he may have sounded a little bitter but who could blame him?

These things were meant to be a tremendous and happy celebration; but two of the people Thranduil wished nothing more to celebrate the day with were gone. Only Legolas and Liruliniel remained, and though they were enough, he wanted his wife and father to be there too.

Liruliniel rolled her eyes, "My friend, that is something you're not going to be able to avoid all the pomp and pageantry with." She said sarcastically and hollowly. "Let me guess, your council believe that pushing this first will give us all something to celebrate and be happy over, before we mourn the loss of our previous King and everyone else?"

"You would've guessed correctly, and again; I hear you disagree." Thranduil said, he watched as her expression turned blank, her eyes practically looked through him then at him. It was something he'd only seen once, and that was when she had come over ill back in the forest for the first time. She looked exactly like she did then, and that made his stomach turn a little.

"No amount of celebrating your coronation will erase the fact that we have not yet buried your father or said a proper farewell to the dead. In the grand scheme of things, that is more important and must come first. How can you become a ruler, without saying goodbye to the previous one? It is a mantle passing over, you being crowned first is like you've just taken it. Yes, it is your right, but that makes me very uncomfortable." Liruliniel confessed with a bitter tone.

She did not want to celebrate or be around ignorant party goers who were blissfully happy about having a new monarch when the old one was still laid out waiting for his burial. Her eyes slid away from his and looked blankly at a staircase. "The thought makes me feel sick." She confessed again, it did. It seemed so wrong to her. And honestly, if Thranduil could put this before burying his father then, well, her estimation of him would severely go downhill fast.

"Liruliniel, do you believe that I want to go through with it at all yet? We have barely been back home already, and so much has happened." Thranduil said plainly, he couldn't possibly think of organising such a thing while numerous other things were plaguing his mind.

"Your council disagrees. Let me guess again, they're practically trying to push you into things you do not want to do? Your council sound like a load of imbeciles, you should get a better one." Liruliniel said, shutting her eyes and burying the lower half of her face against her knees and arms so her voice came out muffled.

Thranduil raised an eyebrow, "Or just one extra elf." He said, her eyes snapped open, and she looked at him sharply. "What was your father to mine? He was his friend, and sometimes his advisor. You are my friend, and you give me advice even when I do not ask for it, Liruliniel. You have shown yourself able to be both messenger and politician. You see things in a way which others do not, and I do not mean because of your foresight." Thranduil explained simply, which was true.

She had always had a diplomatic streak in her, she spoke with conviction and honesty; these two things were even stronger when it was on a topic, she felt passionate over. Honestly, he couldn't think of a better person to aid him really. "You want me...to sit around a table, with all of them knowing full well they've never liked me? You want me to openly contradict them, question their motives for their plans, and just sit and take them up starting over it?"

Thranduil turned on the stair and nodded. "Yes. So?"

"It sounds like fun, to be honest with you." Liruliniel slowly grinned up at him. "When do I start?"

"Are you free now?"

"I was going to go look for your son, but if you have more pressing matters at hand..." Liruliniel said while her grin subsided to a small smile.

"I said to them I needed a break, to think things over. I do believe they are all still awaiting my return."

"I do not think they'll like me being in tow."

Thranduil sighed and stood slowly, he glanced down at her when she remained seated. "They've never liked you being in tow, Liruliniel. Whereas my father accepted our friendship, they never did."

"Ah, so now I am like...a guard, advisory friend?"

Thranduil rolled his eyes and turned away, "That's too complicated. Why've you got to make things complicated?" He asked while moving back towards the stairs he previously walked down. He heard her leap up to a stand and run after him slowly. He just looked sidelong at her as she reached his side with her arms loosely crossed, he waited for her to speak.

"That's me. And come on, you secretly like it."

"Bigger fool me." He sighed while looking upwards as his hands came and clasped behind his back as they finished ascending the stairs and reached the corridor which stretched out afterwards. Liruliniel just smiled softly, he wasn't a fool. He was anything but one, but the joking undertone of accepting her ways was present and would clearly never be called into question. If it was, or ever would be, it was perhaps a little late for that. "How are you, truly?" Thranduil asked slowly, the question came out a bit tense, Liruliniel looked at him with a raised eyebrow. He wasn't exactly one for asking how others were, he didn't really do a whole lot of questioning over welfare. It wasn't that he didn't care to know, but rather he probably believed others would speak if something was the matter.

"I slept in Thalion's room last night. I didn't mean to, I just did. This morning, I made the bed, shut the door and vowed I wouldn't enter the room again. The same goes for my father's. I have no right to trespass in either. But also, Anameleth...she has offered me a room within her quarters. She lives alone, but something tells me she does not wholly mind. I do not think she would honestly want me invading her space. I accepted her offer of companionship, if and when I get low. But I do not know if it would honestly be such a bad thing. I said no, but now...I do not know."

Thranduil listened quietly to her words, not ignoring the guilt she clearly felt over near enough everything. "You have to do what is right for you." He caught her hand when she went to swat at him, Liruliniel frowned upwards. She didn't appreciate him basically using her words from earlier. "It is true though. Do you think you will be at peace living with Anameleth?"

"I think it is a way to seek comfort and companionship from a friend, while ignoring the bigger issue. The bigger issue being that I feel alone within my own home, and it makes me very sad. That living with her, moving out will be like ignoring this, I do not think either my father or brother would want me to move out. But that space no longer feels homely to me. I also do not wish for Anameleth to feel like I am humouring her suggestion because I feel obliged to save her feelings, or that she is a replacement for what I have lost."

"I think you have your answer without fully realising it, Liruliniel." Thranduil said while they turned the corner and came to a crossroads of pathways. Some led upwards, some down. All of them intersected in some way or another, some had figures crossing them slowly and others were empty altogether.

"I would feel guilty for going."

"So don't go," Thranduil paused and turned to look at her. They stood within an arched doorway, gaping wide and made of sandy brickwork which led to another long corridor with many doors coming off it. There were torches either side of the opening, bright flickering flame that ebbed lowly in the daytime light which came from above. "I thought you intended on travelling afterwards?"

Liruliniel looked at him with an honest expression, "The lands still interest me, as do those who dwell within them. But I think it's too soon. So much was lost, people, dwarves and elves alike all lost too much...I will see the lands, and all they hold but not yet. Plus, you need help planning both a funeral and a coronation, so I can't leave you, can I?"

"I wouldn't stop you, if you wished to go." Thranduil pointed out, he would miss her. Of course he would, whenever they had time apart so much seemed to happen and change between them. Yes, he still could see the young elf girl who grew up with before him, but he also saw a young elf woman who had a rather independent and strong will, both things good of course, and both things which had grown more since she was a child.

Liruliniel always knew her own mind, perish the thought of others saying otherwise; but she seemed battle-worn, tired and wishing for some peace right now. He had no doubt whatsoever that she'd go exploring sometime, he just wanted her to know that he knew, and he wouldn't stop her. Unless anything harmful may be around, then he may intervene. He didn't want her to get hurt.

Liruliniel smiled thankfully at him, "If and when I go and come back, I'll bring back a gift from each place."

Thranduil couldn't help but roll his eyes over that. "I do not need knick-knacks from far off places taking up room."

"You're not meant to deny a gift or reject it without it even being given!" Liruliniel exclaimed and stomped a foot before jogging to catch up with him again. She huffed and balled her hands by her sides.

"This is all hypothetical, why are you getting so upset?" Thranduil could see the look creeping onto her face.

"Because if I do go, and if I saw something which I thought you would like, I would get it for you. Even if it's a boring book you've not yet read. I have no one else to buy things for, and presents are special because you put a lot of thought into it, if whoever you are buying for would truly like it or not." Liruliniel explained solemnly while looking down at her feet. "Hypothetical or not, the truth is still there." Would he honestly reject something she'd give him from her travels? Or in general? That seemed very harsh and hurtful to her.

"I didn't mean to upset you." Thranduil said softly, which was very true. He thought they were just jesting, he didn't know she was being serious on this topic. If he knew that, he wouldn't have said something which truly hurt her feelings.

Liruliniel shrugged, "Let's just go get this meeting over with. Then I can go find Legolas and hopefully cheer him up." She all but mumbled quietly. She didn't seem as enthralled about possibly causing unrest with the older members of the council as she did previously.

Nagging guilt was appearing slowly within Thranduil. He honestly didn't mean to upset her. She'd always been sensitive but then, at this point in time he wasn't surprised that her, along with everyone else's sensitivity had gone up a level. He gestured a hand onwards; the room used for meetings wasn't too far away now. It was tucked away enough so that passing eavesdroppers could easily get noticed. This was a corridor which was not used by everyone, just those select important few. Of course, anyone out of the norm that was caught possibly listening in was questioned as to what exactly they had heard. After all, within these rooms' important matters of the kingdom and lands around were discussed. Information which should only be known to those within the rooms.

Of course, as soon as he appeared back the older elves in the room all stood and seemingly inclined their heads in unison. It was a little daunting, like they had timed it so perfectly to get it right. Perhaps they secretly practised when he or his father weren't around? The thought had a smirk appearing on his face, it remained in place when he stepped aside and Liruliniel was shown from behind him.

She just looked up plainly, the outrage on their faces was clear. To become a member of the council one had to have participated in things which came around by the formation of their kingdom, in other words; perhaps had to have been around from the very beginning. Liruliniel was definitely not that old.

"It is only right that Liruliniel takes over the position that Hérion had, is it not?" Thranduil questioned, his tone really one of no nonsense. Even if those present wished to comment otherwise, it was clear it would be for nothing. He looked down at her and gestured a hand towards an empty seat. He just watched her shuffle silently from his side and sit down. Though the look from Baramaethor beside her had her narrowing her eyes in return. Perhaps them two being side by side wasn't wise. But there were no other empty seats, except his own.

She didn't really properly know that her father was on the council, not like this at least. But she leaned back in the chair, crossing her legs at the ankles and listened to the talking that was happening around her. Frowning and looking at Baramaethor, she couldn't help but feel herself sour. "Correct me if I am wrong, but it does not seem right to celebrate when some are still grieving." Liruliniel said, she still thought it was wrong not to bury Oropher first before crowning Thranduil. It was wrong, so wrong.

"The morale in the palace is at a low. Everyone needs something-"

"We've just come back from war. Excuse me if morale is low. But that's what it does." Liruliniel cut in, narrowing her eyes up at the ceiling as her head rested against the high back of the dark wooden chair.

"That was your first time in battle, and you are acting as if you are a veteran." Baramaethor said in a snide comment.

Liruliniel's head slowly turned, and she looked at him with hard eyes. "I lived that battle in my dreams, each and every night. Do not sit there and patronise me. I saw this war coming before you even knew it was on your doorstep! Yes, it was my first time in battle, but it was the same for many others. I am not the only one who'd never faced an enemy before."

"What will be the next thing, hm? It seems each thing has escalated, what's next? You are young, and foolish enough to think that you alone believe that we here do not think or talk about what we think is right for everyone."

"And you believe that a coronation should come first before saying farewell? I am going to sit here and say that you are wrong. I mean no offence to you, but I wish to say goodbye to your father before celebrating you being crowned. You know this, I've told you." Liruliniel said, finally looking over to Thranduil and then back at Baramaethor when he let out a scoff.

"Of course you say this. You always have to be the lone one to contradict."

"If I don't, who will? I do not know if you have realised, but we came back with a third of our army; King Oropher lay dead, countless others could not be reclaimed. How can you rightfully justify sitting there and saying we should not bury him first? We should not mourn those lost? It will be a lingering, unspoken thing and that will inflict on how people see him," she said while waving a hand to Thranduil. Him and the others were silent and letting them go at it, it was more they didn't know when and how to intervene. "He needs to bury his father! He needs to bury his father and say farewell to him as well as his wife! How can you be so selfish and not put his needs first?!" Liruliniel all but shouted looking fiercely at Baramaethor, he remained stony faced. Even when she slammed her hands on the table, he remained unmoving. "You are looking out for the kingdom, am I the only one here looking out for our soon to be King?" Liruliniel shook her head slowly, she wouldn't be surprised if none of them had even asked how he was.

She simmered down a bit, looking bitterly to the side only to vehemently look back at Baramaethor when he spoke the near on unquestionable. She could pin his words to perhaps being in mourning over Oropher's death, but there was surely a line which did not ever need to be crossed? If that was the case, Baramaethor evidently didn't know it. "Need I remind you, as a guard it was your job to ensure his safety? Yet, I do believe you are the only guard to return home. May I say, if you are to choose those to replace the ones who died, I do not feel like we will have a new ruler for long."

Liruliniel let that sink in, her pulse thumping in her ears as she radiated anger. "How dare you! How dare you! I tried everything within my power to get to him, to save him!"

"Evidently not everything."

"Lord-" another council member interjected at last, looking sheepish and awkward that it had come to this.

"You weren't there! You didn't see how much carnage was around, how chaotic it truly was. I fought my way through enemies to try and get back to him when we became separated, but I couldn't. But how dare you sit there and say I did not give everything, what, because I didn't die alongside him too, you mean? Would you have thought any better of me if I did perish? No. You've always hated me, always. I don't know why, and I don't truly care to know why. The feeling is entirely mutual. I do not like you Lord, I think you are a selfish, self-conceited, contrite elf who would rather sit here and talk about scenarios he knows nothing about, than actually get outside and participate. You weren't there! I do not remember seeing your face on the battlefield trying to save King Oropher." Liruliniel said heatedly and loudly, even jumping from her chair and listening to it hit against the floor below as she all but towered over the older elf. He sat there and took it, silently and with a hard expression on his face.

"Do not try and label me a coward, Lord. I am many things, but a coward I am not." She seethed before leaning her hands against the table. She looked over the faces of those present, "We're having the burial first, end of. Because we the majority out there wish it, not because you lot in here declare it or otherwise. It will be simple, because it's what he wants, do not contradict him; he was your friend, yes, but he was his father. Burial first. Talk to whoever to make it happen, then perhaps if you want my opinions on a coronation, come find me. Until then, this has been eventful." Liruliniel said while turning and pulling her hood up and leaving the room.

She was steaming. She did not like getting berated, least of all by someone who didn't have a clue. She picked up her pace, soon she was running through the palace, up flights of stairs and along corridors before she paused. She leaned against her knees to catch her breath back before reaching up and knocking on the door before her. She pushed her hood down, she just wanted to go off in a strop, in some style. To her nothing said no more nonsense and talking like turning her back and pulling her hood up. Really, she mused it was perhaps a bit childish and ridiculous, but she didn't care.

Looking down when the door opened, Liruliniel knelt. Legolas looked shattered, both emotionally and physically. His world had partially ended, she knew that, and she could understand that too. Lifting up her arms, she wasn't all too surprised when he came at her and buried himself as close to her as possible. Liruliniel picked him up and carried him off, she kicked the door gently shut behind herself and looked around his room. She couldn't help but smile at the little wooden sword leaning against the wall. It was simply furnished, but most of the rooms here were unless they were important.

Placing him on the window seat, Liruliniel sat beside him. "Your father says you're not talking to him. Will you talk to me?" She asked softly, Legolas sniffled now and then. He even wiped his eyes against his sleeve and looked shiftily up at her before looking away again.

Liruliniel looked to the sword, standing up and moving over, she picked it up. "You know, when I was perhaps not much older than you are now, a dwarf gave me a training sword. It was like this, perhaps a bit heavier but I loved it. He had to put up with me quite a bit, because I was often alone. He thought I could curb the loneliness and use it towards something else. Training helps focus, with focus comes a retrospective outlook that can truly be a blessing." Liruliniel explained, yes, she knew what Thranduil said but to her nothing got stress, anger, and sadness out like hitting and training against a practice dummy.

She ran her hand over the smooth wood as she made her way back to Legolas, his teary blue eyes were watching her as his sniffles had died down. "I lost my mother when I was younger than you, I think your father was perhaps your age or a bit older when he lost his. Do not be hard on him, little leaf. Your father is hurting, just as much if not more than you because he has lost his heart, his soulmate is it were. A loss that great cuts deep. I mean, I don't know personally, but I saw what it did to my father, and I can only surmise it is doing the same to him." Liruliniel turned the sword over in her hands one more time before placing it within his smaller ones. "It will hurt, Legolas. But you learn and grow from pain, you can use it, wield it even. Never fight in anger though, that is when you truly lose yourself. And if you do that, darkness will creep in. But to use it as a driving force, for an incentive? That is different. You need to learn the difference between being angry and fighting because of anger."

Legolas looked down at his lap, and the sword which was resting there. Slowly his head moved, Liruliniel stopped leaning back against the simply paned window and looked down at him. His blue eyes were staring upwards at her, "Will you teach me?"

Liruliniel tilted her head in thought. "I do not think your father wants that."

Legolas jumped up from his seat and looked at her. Liruliniel frowned softly, he seemed to have grown up a little more since parting ways. It was only a small amount of time, but something had changed. "But I want that."

He was definitely more coherent with words since last time, they did all grow quickly so she wasn't too surprised really. Liruliniel patted her knees and stood slowly, she smiled softly down at him. "I wanted it too, so I took any chance I could get to learn."

"Did it help you?" Legolas asked while she placed a hand on his shoulder and guided him to the door.

Liruliniel thought about that, "It helped my focus, it helped me to see what I wanted. But it never aided in filling the void my mother left. I never knew her, Legolas. That is something we differ in, you knew your mother. You will have memories of her, and you will look back on these fondly. You will probably also catch yourself thinking over whether she would be proud of you. I can answer already, yes, yes, she would be. Because as her son, she would always be proud of you. I know my mother would be proud of me, and all I have achieved. So, I know this to be true for you too."

Legolas smiled up at her, his face didn't look so stricken by grief now. Yes, he still looked saddened, and he would for a while, but Liruliniel had faith he'd get through it. Hardships were there to learn from, even if the hardship was the loss of a parent. They left his room, they silently walked down the corridor side by side, Legolas idly swinging his training sword by his side as they went. Liruliniel was probably going to be further in the bad books for this, but right now she didn't wholly care.

"I've had quite a few tutors when it comes to fighting. So, I must've picked up some of their teaching methods too, I hope." Liruliniel said awkwardly while they entered the training room. She left Legolas's side to pick up a wooden sword, hers were of course a definite no, yet stayed in place on her belt. "Your grandfather was a terrifying tutor; he really did scare me." Liruliniel said with a soft smile as she did some practice swings in the air.

Legolas smiled too, "He was a little scary."

"He was!" Liruliniel laughed and looked down at the small, blonde elf boy before her. "He didn't hold back. But that doesn't mean I am going to go down a similar avenue. You go wrong; I will correct you. But I will not berate if you do. Everyone gets things wrong, sometimes, and everyone makes mistakes, but learning from them is important. So, shall we begin, little leaf?" Liruliniel asked, changing her footing and holding her sword up.

"Yes!" Legolas nodded and jumped to be beside her. He looked at her feet, how they were positioned and promptly followed suit. He then looked to how she was holding her sword, and he copied that too. When it came to simple swinging arcs, he readily copied her movements. His blue eyes didn't seemingly leave her form as he watched, copied and learned.

After several moments, Liruliniel lowered her sword and nodded at him. Legolas looked apprehensive at first. She rolled her eyes and struck out a tentative hit, Legolas instinctively raised his sword and blocked her. Liruliniel merely smiled and nodded, encouraging him silently to follow the block up with an attack. She could admit, he was a little sloppy. But he was young, and he was learning. He was quick though; she had to give him credit there. She aimed her sword this way and that to block his hits, Legolas seemed focussed on his task and only stopped when his arms were clearly getting tired.

Liruliniel sat down cross legged, Legolas yet again followed suit. When she decided to lay down, he did too beside her. Both looked up at the rooftop above them, silent all but for Legolas trying to catch his breath back. Liruliniel slid her eyes to a close, being on the council went well, not, but training the young elf seemed to have gone so much better.

Despite of what Baramaethor said, perhaps going down the route of tutoring was something she should potentially look into. Liruliniel frowned in thought, she already had one elf who seemed up for being a willing student, and really at the moment; that was truly enough for her.

=

Liruliniel was woken up by the sounds of quiet chatter; in truth, she didn't even realise she went to sleep. When exactly did this happen? She didn't know. She did know she didn't feel particularly rested from her brief sleep. She frowned confusedly, her head tilting upwards against the floor as her eyes stared onwards. She raised an eyebrow, slowly she rolled over onto her stomach. She just laid there, her eyes flicking between one figure and then the other. Her eyes widened though when it seemed the little discussion was getting heated.

"Stop it," she said firmly, one hand grabbed onto Legolas's shoulder and the other went against the elf girl. "What has happened to cause you to squabble so loudly?" She knelt down, removing her hands when it seemed like both had calmed down. She looked expectedly at Legolas, she did not know the young girl's name, yet she got stared at too. "Won't say? I wonder how your father would react to hear you picking fights with young girls."

Legolas's eyes widened and he looked at her fiercely. "I didn't start it! She wanted to wake you, and I said no because you are tired. She wasn't going to listen to me and was going to do it anyway."

Liruliniel rolled her eyes to the girl, she looked put out that Legolas had confessed so easily. "I wouldn't have been very happy if you woke me." Liruliniel sat cross legged and looked between the pair. Legolas was the first to sit, the girl following suit. "I do not recall seeing you before. What is your name?" She asked softly, she looked over the auburn-haired elf. She looked a little despondent, like she didn't want to answer Liruliniel. She glanced at Legolas, "What is the name of your friend, Legolas?" If the girl wouldn't answer, maybe he would.

"Her name is Tauriel. She comes down here when she thinks others don't know." Legolas crossed his arms over his tunic and frowned onwards, right at Tauriel.

Liruliniel smiled, looking at the silent girl she couldn't help but laugh. Tauriel frowned her way, "I used to do that all the time. I still do when I need time alone, are you in training?" Liruliniel asked while leaning her elbow against her knee and looking at her for an answer.

"No. No, I am not."

"Would you like to be?" Liruliniel asked with a smirk while moving to lean her chin against her palm.

Legolas double took while Tauriel looked utterly confused. "I...yes, but I do not know how..."

Liruliniel gestured a hand at herself, slightly dramatically. Tauriel looked lost again and looked to Legolas for some help. He sighed, "She means herself. She's currently aiding me in training. Do you wish to join us?" Legolas asked while leaning back against his hands.

Tauriel looked at Liruliniel seriously, "You would do that?"

"I've been in your position, Tauriel. I know how much of a struggle it is. As long as you're willing to have me as a tutor, then sure." Liruliniel mused, it just cemented her earlier thoughts. Although she inhaled deeply in thought. Guards, she didn't honestly know how others would come about but she doubted she'd be allowed to have an input. Was she even going to be allowed to continue to be one after her altercation with Baramaethor?

"I want to be a guard."

Liruliniel laughed quietly. Tauriel seemingly took this badly and glared at her. "Then do it! I am not laughing at you; I find myself sitting here musing over the parallels of us. I wanted to be a guard, I wanted to guard Legolas's grandfather, and father. His mother too, if I were able." She smiled softly, even clasping a hand on the boy's shoulder when he looked sadly down at his lap.

"I want to protect our lands."

"My brother wanted the same thing. That's why he enlisted in the army." Liruliniel explained, watching Tauriel nod away slowly, she seemed interested by her words. At least she wasn't looking so grumpy anymore.

"Is he still in the army?"

"Alas, no. In the recent fighting, he fell. My father too, I am an orphan now. Perhaps I am a bit too old to be classed as one, but I am." Liruliniel tilted her head in thought.

Tauriel picked at imaginary chipped wood on the floor. "I don't want to be in the army. Just the forest guards."

Liruliniel smiled slowly, "Then do it. If I managed to do it, so can you. If someone tries to stop you, say no and do it anyway."

Tauriel scratched her head in thought. She sheepishly smiled, Liruliniel smiled in return. When not looking so serious she was really quite cute looking, she had a warm smile which lit up her brown eyes. "I do not want to get into too much trouble."

Liruliniel shrugged, that sounded boring to her. But who was she to comment? Sighing softly, she looked back at Tauriel when she was sitting eyeing up the weapons Liruliniel had strapped to her person. With a sigh, she leaned to the side and unsheathed her sword. Laying it down, she looked between the pair. "This is Cúferne. It means crescent of beech tree."

"That's an odd name." Legolas just came out with it.

Liruliniel laughed and nodded. "Yes, I know. I never questioned how or why that was its name, it just is. Apparently, it was an old sword of my father's. I am not sure I believe him still, or whether he just had it forged for me and bestowed the name on it." She said with a nod, "My mother had a sword called Silmacil, my father kept it safe; its name means shining white sword. I think it came from the Ñoldor because it lived to its name, and it was unlike any other weapon I have seen." Liruliniel mused, she couldn't help but frown in thought.

She'd spied it outside the sheath only a few number of times, and it was beautiful. But she did not recall seeing her father take that sword into battle. Its sheath was as memorable as the sword itself. Blinking slowly, she looked at the two children, they looked at her patiently but with curious eyes. "I think it may still be at home." She explained, they did look a bit confused that she'd just turned silent.

"Will you use it?" Tauriel asked, Liruliniel looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "It seems only right you have both your mother's and your father's swords, does it not?"

"You say this, but something tells me you just want to see an ancient sword." She laughed, though how her family came to own something from the High Elves completely confused her. Maybe it was a gift? An heirloom? Liruliniel scratched her head in thought...if it was an heirloom, does that mean that it came from within the family? Liruliniel inhaled sharply, if that was the case...was she partly Ñoldorin? She shook her head, her thoughts got carried away there. No way was she partly High Elf. If she was surely Gil-galad would've said something, or would he?

"Are you alright?" Legolas asked with a worried look.

"Hm, I am just getting lost in thought. I believe I have a letter to write to a good friend." Elrond. Would he know? Something now was truly bugging her, and she wanted an answer. "What are you two going to do now?" Liruliniel stood, sheathing her sword and securing it back in place.

Legolas stood and sighed softly; he looked at his feet before looking upwards at her. "I will find father."

Liruliniel was pleased to hear that, she placed a hand on his shoulder again and nodded. "I hope it all goes well," which she did, she didn't want them to have another falling out. "And you?"

Tauriel looked lost, she shrugged loosely. "I'm currently avoiding doing chores. If I return back, mother will surely badger me."

Liruliniel rolled her eyes and guided the pair back to the door. "You can accompany me, if you wish?" She asked while they parted ways from Legolas as he turned and walked off down the corridor.

"Your letter, do you know what you are going to write?" Tauriel was curious.

Liruliniel sighed and ran a hand down her face. "A part of my life has always been in shadows. I think I deserve answers now. I...do not fully know what I am going to write. Truth be told, I need to think. But I find myself feeling hungry, I haven't really eaten today. Are you hungry, Tauriel?" She asked, looking downwards and the young girl beside her.

Tauriel had a tentative smile on her face, Liruliniel was taking this as a yes. Patting her shoulder, she urged her onwards. Tauriel didn't need to be nudged anymore, she picked up her pace and the pair jogged towards the kitchens. They speedily ate before Liruliniel led Tauriel to her home. She entered silently, Tauriel looked around before sitting down at the dining table. She watched Liruliniel walk past, taking her sword belt off as she went. She hung it up on a peg near the corridor doorway as she went towards her father's room.

It felt wrong, prodding and poking around in amongst his things. Yet she did so, hesitantly she opened the door and peered in. She padded her way in, looking about. Inhaling slowly, she relished in the homely, familiar scent before her eyes opened. They landed on the sheath before her mind fully realised what it was, she was staring at.

How had she never questioned her father about it before? Mainly because she rarely saw him wield it. She reached out and grasped a hold onto it, the sheath was a dark grey in colour, yet upon it was finely crafted and intricately designed patterns in filagree. It was very unlike any other weapon here. It definitely wasn't from here. High Elven swords, or any craft done by their hands was noticeable because of just how the items looked. Their craftsmanship was really unlike any other being within the lands of Middle-earth. They had the gift of crafting, and they used it well.

Liruliniel turned it in her hands and left the room. Tauriel was still at the table, her legs kicking to and from on the chair as she watched her come back. Her eyes looked curiously at the sheath then to Liruliniel. She smiled and grasped on tighter and pulled the sword free. The sound rung in the air, frighteningly loud in such a small space. Yet the sword shone out brightly, it lived up to its name that was for sure. The blade was so pure in colour, whiter than silver. It was long, incredibly so and Liruliniel readjusted her hold on the hilt.

"It's two-handed," she whispered, weighing it in her hands and frowning softly. She had to readjust her feet and how she stood just to counterbalance the sword. "I've never had a two-handed sword, nor have I ever used one..."

"It seems you may need some practice." Tauriel laughed quietly. Liruliniel smiled and sheathed the sword. She rested her hand on the seam where the sword would come out. It felt right, it felt natural her having this. Something just clicked. She couldn't describe it, but she felt like she was meant to have this sword. "Are you going to write your letter now?"

"Yes. Yes, I suppose I should. Although I am now also wondering what else my father had hidden away from me, but also Thalion too." She didn't want to think of her family being full of secrets. But it seemed like it was. Resting the sword against the wall, Liruliniel hunted out paper and a pen.

Tauriel just sat there and watched as she scribbled away quickly. She'd pause every so often before continuing on again. Tauriel wasn't expecting to have the letter placed down in front of herself. From the expectant look on Liruliniel's face, she got it. She wanted someone else to read it over. Even if some of the things Tauriel didn't properly understand.

Liruliniel seemed happy that it made sense. She sealed the letter up and sighed. She supposed she better send this as soon as possible. Looking Tauriel over, Liruliniel sighed. "I should get you home, I am sure as much as you do not wish to do chores; your mother will be looking for you. Or at least wondering where you are. Come, I'll send this and make sure you get back safely."

Tauriel frowned up at her, "Nothing can happen here. We're safe." She said, as if Liruliniel was being paranoid. She could get home safely enough without an escort.

Liruliniel thought over that. "I suppose we are, yes." She said and a few moments later, Tauriel left her side and darted towards her home. Liruliniel looked at the letter in her hand, patting the envelope against her palm she turned and sought out a raven to send the message. At the moment there shouldn't be too many correspondences coming in and out of the kingdom, so she hoped this got off quick and easy.

Liruliniel combed her fingers through the tail ends of her braids and hummed quietly. She felt like she was in another world, her mind was drifting about over all sorts of topics and things which happened today. So much seemed to have happened, she didn't know where to even begin musing away seriously, and deeply. Pausing, she tilted her head. A balcony looked quiet and inviting, the door to it was open and even from where she stood, she could feel the cool breeze drifting in.

Spring was definitely on the horizon. Smiling and walking towards it, Liruliniel simply climbed up and sat on the thick, wooden railing which ran around the edge of the balcony. There were many positions like this all over the palace, each varying in the view of course due to height. But this one was high enough that she could spy some of the tops of trees and some sky. Most of it was still hidden, the trees were thick and heavy. But she could see the creeping nighttime coming on.

Liruliniel looked around, even from where she sat, she couldn't see anyone passing by in the corridor. She smiled and whistled loudly, her legs rocked, and her hands patted her lap, keeping rhythm with her whistling tune. Though it soon died off as the first stars started to appear. Already her ears pricked at the sounds of heightened activity, she didn't know what was going on, dinner perhaps?

Shaking her head, Liruliniel just turned her attention back to the sky. She felt uneasy, not just because she sat on the edge of a balcony railing, but what if the letter she sent had an answer given that she wouldn't like? What would she do? She was being presumptuous, presuming things which weren't real in hopes of finding a bigger whole. Although, who was she kidding? The only person she could recall that was left from the Ñoldor was Galadriel. She couldn't imagine her welcoming Liruliniel with open arms. Shaking her head, she rolled her eyes. Her mind was wishing to imagine things up to make herself happy and distract her from the ebbing sadness in her.

The stars soon started to shine brightly from within the dark velvety looking sky. There was something so welcoming, so known and yet unknown about the stars above. It felt homely too, looking up at them in wonder. "A Elbereth Gilthoniel, silivren penna miriel. O menel aglar elenath, na-chaered palan diriel. O galadhremmin ennorath, nef aear, sí aearon. Fanuilos, le linnathon. Nef aear, sí aearon."

"And the little spring lark has made her voice be known."

Liruliniel all but jumped and turned, hand clasped on her chest. "Are you trying to kill me?!"

Thranduil's face went deadpanned. "Now, where has that beautiful voice disappeared to? I do not believe it just came from the screaming creature before me. She seems too angry to have such a singing voice." Thranduil just watched as she uncomfortably mumbled under her breath and fidgeted to turn her back to him. He couldn't help but smirk, she was so easy to embarrass.

But what he said was true, he wasn't even near this balcony yet could hear her voice. He didn't know Liruliniel could sing, it was something which all elves took solace in and enjoyed; but he hadn't ever heard her. Not like this, never like this before. That wasn't to say he didn't think she could sing, more that he never believed he would ever hear her sing. It was an odd feeling; he had heard her as had others and he found himself wanting to listen more.

There was something so comforting about her soft tone, a lulling feeling which soothed and calmed even him. The day had continued to be eventful, even after her storming off. It had left him feeling...displeased, unhappy and angry. He hadn't sought her out, thinking it best to let her calm down. He was going to try and find her before dinner commenced, just so happened he heard her singing and came up here. Her voice was recognisable in an instance, couldn't mistake it for anyone else at all.

Thranduil moved over and rested his hands on the railing, she stayed sitting with her legs over it. Yet he looked disdainfully at her position, and she got the message. Swinging her legs over, she jumped down and looked at him pointedly. Thranduil just sent her a crooked smile, more of a smirk before looking back up at the sky. "What bought you out here to sing, least of all a song such as that?" He asked curiously. Something must've happened to make her wish to do such a thing surely?

Liruliniel leaned her arms against the rail, she tilted her head and looked at the moon. It was slowly edging its way out from behind the clouds, bathing everything in a soft, silver glow. "I am not thinking of sailing, if that's what you are wondering." For some of the lyrics could allude to such a thing. Even from her saying that, she could see the tension leave him slightly. Liruliniel smiled and shook her head, she couldn't honestly believe that he thought such a thing. "I just...I remember hearing it sung in Imladris, and I just thought it was a sad, yet beautiful song. I haven't got a reason why I came out here to sing, it seems out of my character really, doesn't it?" She laughed and looked at him with a soft smile.

"Yes." He replied simply, it really did.

"Can you sing?" Liruliniel rested her cheek against her palm and grinned his way. He remained stoic, yet he shifted from foot to foot slightly and avoided looking at her. Liruliniel couldn't help it, a few moments passed, and she burst out laughing. "I wish you could see your face!" Thranduil just ignored her, his eyes narrowing sidelong at her as she almost doubled up and over herself laughing. She straightened up for a few moments, wiping her face in case she cried from laughing too much and looked back at him. "Can you though?"

"Refrain from asking again."

"Or what?"

Thranduil sighed, "Whatever I say, you will ignore. So, what is the point?" He tilted his head back and looked upwards at the dark sky and glistening stars. There were very few outside lights within the palace to obscure the natural lighting from above. And he was so thankful for it, in some parts of the palace the pale light would shine down. It seemed cold, so silver and aloof yet it was comforting walking in its light.

Liruliniel nodded slowly, she looked away from him and to the side. The moonlight made him shine, as ridiculous as that may sound. She had always viewed Thranduil as this unattainable thing, she meant no offence by addressing him as that; but he was more than just an elf, he was something more. If he ever knew, his ego would surely be boosted, but Liruliniel had to admit that the cooling light of the moon and stars really played off on him. It made him more ethereal, more otherworldly and certainly more beautiful than he already was.

His silvery blonde hair at the best of times shimmered within any light, but the stars and moon rivalled it in colour. Because it was dark out here, no matter the natural light, which was provided, it made clear blue appear almost sapphire as his eyes just looked unblinkingly upwards. Because he wasn't moving, it was like he was a statue, simply frozen in time and space; gazing up above at the night sky.

Her heart hurt. A clenching vice as her head said that out of any other time to stand and admire him, the timing couldn't be worse now. She couldn't help it; she had grown incredibly fond of Thranduil. He would always view her as a link to the past, a pest from the past more like, but a friend nonetheless; nothing more, nothing less. And she was sure she was not the only elf present to truly be alerted to how their prince had grown to be the soon to be elf-King beside her.

She meant what she shouted in the meeting, was she truly the only one present in that room who was looking out for his best interests? She always would too, she was unselfish like that when it came to him. "Legolas tells me you are training him." Liruliniel tensed hearing his words and awkwardly looked back at him. Thranduil just looked at her plainly, "To what motive and end, may I inquire?"

She sighed softly, "He doesn't want you to be the lone one to fight, rather to fight and protect him. He told me that, you know? Your son wants to learn, so he can protect you in turn. He is sweet, truly he is." She explained, they'd had a brief talk about why Legolas wanted to learn. She had thought it would be good for him to vent, but he had other motives; other motives which ran deep, and she could understand that want.

Thranduil's eyes widened, he wasn't expecting that, and he was lost for words. Liruliniel just smiled knowingly, things like this always seemed to knock him, like it utterly surprised him that his son would want to do such a thing. "He said there was another, too." Thranduil managed to recollect himself at last and continue on.

Liruliniel laughed quietly, "Yes, I do believe your son has made a friend."

"Hm, dangerous business that." Thranduil smirked slowly and looked away from her and back to the sky.

"Yes, I know. The amount of trouble you got me into when we were children, I often find myself musing whether it was all worth it?" Liruliniel said with a sigh as she leaned her elbows against the rail and placed her chin within her cupped hands. Even from the corner of her eyes she saw Thranduil double take at her with a rather unhappy expression, she couldn't help it, she laughed again. He liked embarrassing her, and she enjoyed utterly joking about in return.

"Did you not want to know how the rest of the meeting went?" He asked at length once she stilled and calmed her laughter down.

"I believe you'd tell me when you felt the moment was right."

"They are uncertain whether you truly belong amongst them; whether you are the right elf in fact to take over where your father left off." Thranduil explained, watching as she stood straight. Only to clasp her hands on the rail and lean back on her heels. Her face turned to him though; she was frowning away looking rather broody. "I argued otherwise, just so you know. I believe what Lord Baramaethor said was unjust, and I said as much. You weren't there, and it may have come too late, but I defended you, Liruliniel. Because you were right, and he was in the wrong. I was not alone, the others felt the same too. He is singular within the council, Liruliniel. The others are not like him."

"Thank you." Liruliniel whispered, he may not have intervened when she was arguing, but he had spoken out afterwards. Just knowing that was enough to still and rid herself of some negativity from the day.

Thranduil inclined his head simply in return. Looking around and then back at her, he nodded backwards. "Unless you plan on doing anymore singing to the stars, I do believe dinner is waiting." He gestured to the doors; he frowned unhappily when she simply let go of the rail while still leaning against her heels. He was close to reaching out and catching her because she looked like she was just going to collapse back. But she caught her footing at the last minute and pivoted on her heels and trotted to the door.

She turned and looked at him curiously, "Are you coming?" She merely questioned, Thranduil just shook his head and walked after her. "So, am I still on the council?"

"Would it please you if I said no?"

"I'd be indifferent, I am there to help you. I do not wholly care about the rest."

"You are still needed."

"As long as you need my help, then you've got it." Liruliniel smiled up at him. Thranduil lightly smiled in return as they walked along the corridor silently. "Nost-na-Lothion is nearing." She said quietly after a few moments, she could feel it in the air. The festival usually happened within the first few weeks of the spring season. Her eyes slowly skimmed up to his, "I feel like I need your help in return. How do I have a burial, a ceremony even if I have no bodies?"

Thranduil thought over that question. He looked around the corridor before them, as if it would give inspiration. "Have you something that belongs to them both?" He asked, Liruliniel nodded her head slowly. Both her brother and father had numerous swords and such laying around. "Find a place and mark it as theirs."

"In one of the gardens, there is a patch of Niphredil. Thalion and I always used to call them starflowers when we were children." She said quietly, crossing her arms loosely behind her back as they walked on. The small white flowers did look like stars when fully in bloom. They were beautiful, the plant itself seemed to grow almost everywhere and seemed quite hardy.

"Then that will be the place." Thranduil said, breaking her out of her thoughts as she blinked and looked up at him.

"It is in a corner tucked away, private and quiet. I think it will be the perfect place for them both." Liruliniel said, she frequented that part often, she'd have even more reason to now. "Speaking of such things, your father's burial..." Liruliniel trailed off awkwardly, mainly because his face went downcast.

"It is in two days' time."

"Then your coronation..."

"A few days after."

"Not wasting any time, hm?"

"You were right though; everyone needs to say farewell to my father. We need to prepare for such a thing and then prepare afterwards again. With the sad times, has to come happy ones too. As much as you disliked what he said, Lord Baramaethor was right; it will strengthen resolve and morale."

"A new future," Liruliniel said quietly with a slow nod as they were soon approaching the hall.

"You do not sound certain. What is it?" Thranduil turned to her before they entered. He looked a little worried, in case she had seen something within a vision again. He now had to shoulder that responsibility like his father did. Though he was used to hearing about her visions, he never truly had to dealt with the consequences of them. Now he would, and from what he decided the outcome could go either way.

"Am I still a guard?"

Thranduil looked confused, "Is that what is bothering you?" He suddenly felt a bit idiotic worrying for the worst. Liruliniel frowned up at him, he made it sound so trivial! This was her livelihood he was referring to so plainly. "Of course you are, why?"

"I was wondering if our dear Lord, had persuaded you otherwise. But he is right...as much as I hate to admit it, I am the lone one to return back. You need others, Thranduil. I do not know how you go about acquiring them. But I know that I cannot be the one to do so. If I do, it'll set him off. He distrusts me enough. He's probably suspecting I'm plotting sabotage against you."

He rolled his eyes at the latter part, "You're probably right. But I will look into it myself."

Liruliniel bowed in a half-felt fashion and gestured to the doorway, "Royalty before peasantry."

Thranduil just sighed and walked past her. "The day you believe you are mere peasantry, I do believe will be the same day where you and Lord Baramaethor get along."

She looked affronted, Thranduil smirked and couldn't help but chuckle lowly over that. He caught her there and she just frowned before following him into the room, they parted ways however; she went to Anameleth with Caladhiel beside her, and Thranduil went to where Legolas was seated waiting for him with another one of Vanadessë's remaining maids beside him, keeping him in check.

——

Inventory:

A Elbereth Gilthoniel -

O Star-queen Star-kindler, glimmering white, sparkling like jewels the glory of the heavens slides down from the firmament. Having gazed afar at the distance from tree-tangled lands of Middle-earth on this side of the ocean, here, great ocean. Fanuilos, I will sing to you. On this side of the ocean, here, great ocean!

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Edited: 26/June/25