Liruliniel never told anyone else about the letter she sent. Tauriel, though she hadn't seen her of late, hadn't spoken of it to anyone else either. If she had, Liruliniel was sure others would be questioning as to why she was writing to Elrond. The fact that a few days passed, bad timing on its behalf as it arrived the same day as Oropher's funeral, had Liruliniel frowning deeply.

She didn't want to open it. She felt bad enough about this day as it was, let alone with whatever information Elrond had written within the parchment. Looking about the small dining space of her home, she tapped her foot against the floor in thought. The envelope was idly on the table before her; it was just there looking up plainly as if mocking her. Liruliniel squeezed her eyes shut before reaching out, she tore the envelope open and pulled the paper out.

Her eyes readily and speedily scanned the paper in her hands. She had started her letter off cordially, asking how he was, how everyone else was and that she hoped the return back to Imladris went well. She hoped there was no more casualties along the way, and it seemed from his response everyone got back safely. That was a massive relief off her mind and heart. She felt relaxed a little, though the next part of the letter had her tensing in her seat. Her hands clutched onto the crisp, off white parchment as her eyes slowly read over the lines of text which he had written so neatly.

Liruliniel swallowed thickly, she felt really sick. 'It is an uncanny thing, to recognise one's kin with a glance. You may not have recalled, recognised or remembered him; but Gil-galad knew of you.' Liruliniel read the line several times, that still was not sinking in. Her breathing turned a little shallow as she blinked her eyes, they hurt from just staring hard at the paper.

He went on; 'Silmacil, a sword grafted by the great smith Celebrimbor for his daughter Ithilwen. An ill fate befell her, when Sauron bewitched Celebrimbor and he rebelled back, Sauron had his family captured, tortured. It stands to reason that you have this sword, not out of luck, but out of family rights. Little is known about Ithilwen, Liruliniel. What is known, is that she married and disappeared. Your ability to sometimes have seen Sauron so vividly may be due to the link between you and the elf he tricked into making the One Ring. I am surmising to say that there has always been more to you, Liruliniel and now we know why; you are of the Ñoldor, one of the true last to come from that lineage.'

Liruliniel looked at the paper, she couldn't help but laugh a little, her horse and her mother shared the same name. But, when dwelt on it, she had recalled the name from somewhere; hence why she named Ithilwen it. Moon, someone by that name with that sword, it was all very ironic. Was this all true? Elrond would not lie to her. She was a little annoyed he clearly knew, along with Gil-galad and said nothing. But she supposed with this new information presented to him, he couldn't deny her knowing anymore.

Liruliniel sat back in her chair, "Celebrimbor," she whispered the name slowly, almost testing it out. This seemed unreal, this couldn't have come on another day, could it? This day was going to be bad enough, without having to process this too!

As any youngling, she had learned about the Ñoldor, and the family tree in some brief glancing. She stood and paced, raking a hand through her hair. She tugged at the auburn locks and frowned, she definitely got the hair colour more from her father than her mother; most if not all knew those from that heritage were extremely dark haired.

Shaking her head, she groaned. "Celebrimbor, the Celebrimbor was my grandfather?!" She ran a hand down her face, "That isn't...what is this..." Liruliniel collapsed back in the chair, "This, this is your life, that's what it is." She mumbled with her head thrown back on the rest of the chair as her eyes squeezed shut. "Celebrimbor was a Ñoldorin Prince. If I remember rightly, he was supposedly the last line of the House of Fëanor; apparently not because...well, here I am...so, does that make me a long-lost Princess?" Liruliniel scrunched her face up, she was so confused!

Sitting up, she pushed her hair over her shoulders and scanned the letter again. Elrond was most kind, as ever, saying if she needed anymore aid then to write. She shook her head slowly though. It still wasn't sinking in. Her grandfather was the great smith that not only created the One Ring, yes, through trickery on Sauron's behalf, but also the ring which Elrond owned too. Liruliniel looked to Silmacil, he created that sword, and now it was hers.

The painful thing was, when she truly dwelt over it: Celebrimbor would've passed, not that long ago. This whole war was because of the very thing he created, which meant if he was aware to it before everyone else then he must've assaulted an attack before anyone else. An attack which failed, her eyes slowly opened, she looked at the paper again. Her mother was captured, and tortured...Liruliniel frowned even more, but that would mean she was alive not that long ago either, surely?

If that was the case, then why would she leave her when she was a baby, and Thalion a small child? What could possibly have been so important, more important than her family, her children? Liruliniel felt her eyes burning, she was so confused and hurt. A part of her family was alive up until recently, and she had yet again been kept in the dark until it was too late. They were dead. Tortured, and killed.

She felt herself crying more. Her grandfather could not help but be fooled, but because of him she had marched to war unknowingly that he, and her mother, were already being tortured and killed and her father and brother were soon to join them. Not to mention Oropher, and many others.

Did Celebrimbor know she existed? Did her mother talk to him about her? Those questions ebbed away, and one remained burning in her mind; why? Why would her mother leave them, to return back to her father? She was all for family loyalty, but within these walls, Ithilwen would've been safe with them. Oropher looked out for her, he would've done the same, even more so considering the family she came from.

Frowning slowly, Liruliniel straightened up in her seat. This wasn't some conspiracy, was it? Was there distrust between Oropher and the Ñoldorin elf which was coming within his family? What if Oropher banished her? What if he asked her to leave? Liruliniel wouldn't and couldn't see him doing such a thing, but she was desperately trying to make sense of this thing, which was her life, which now made no sense at all!

Liruliniel folded the letter up, she slipped it into her inside pocket on her tunic and walked around her quarters readying to leave. She looked at Silmacil, reaching out she grasped a hold of it. Being a two-handed sword made it impossibly long for her, maybe her mother was taller and longer in the limb? Liruliniel didn't know, but she strapped it to her back while Cúferne sat at her side on her belt. She wasn't wearing her armour; it still needed repairing but she took to wearing a light-coloured tunic which would've been worn underneath it. The silvery tones of it reflected the light of the day, while she kept her hair down and out and flowing down her back. She walked with determination to the hall where the ceremony was to take place.

So many were gathered already, of course they were. She looked to the side, edging through those gathered she soon stopped beside Caladhiel. She looked at her curiously, seemingly taking her red cheeked and teary-eyed disposition as her crying over this ceremony already, she grasped onto her hand. Liruliniel felt a bit hallow, and she felt bad for it; but she felt betrayed again, confused beyond belief and all round saddened that she had another two to mourn despite never fully knowing them. Her life was a mess, and she was grateful in a way that at least with this day, she could cry and say bye to one elf.

The ceremony was short, and it was simple. It would be what he wanted, Liruliniel stuck by that. Everyone soon dispersed and Liruliniel so desperately wished to go to Thranduil and Legolas, but so many were flocked around them. Shutting her eyes, she wiped her cheeks on her sleeve and turned on her heels. Now was not the time to vent about her problems. She wished to just bounce her words off someone but today was not the day. This day was about them two.

So, she kept quiet, Liruliniel kept quiet and silent about this information all the way up until Thranduil's coronation day. She, along with everyone was gathered to watch the tremendous moment happen. He looked hesitant yet stayed stoic and calm. Liruliniel was proud of him, she yet again stood strapped with her weapons just wearing a navy-coloured tunic instead. The ruckus cheering all but deafened her, yet she didn't join in. She should, but her silent praise was enough, she believed.

These two events happening still didn't retract her thoughts away from the nagging problems within her mind. The party after the coronation seemed to drag on, but what did she know? She'd never been to one before. That caused her to feel uneasy as she sipped at her cup. Beside her Caladhiel was politely talking with another elf, Liruliniel was not involved in the conversation. She just sat blissfully musing, while drinking really good wine.

"I need to go for a walk," Liruliniel patted Caladhiel on the shoulder.

"Are you alright?" Her motherly mode kicked in, she had sensed something was not right with Liruliniel these past days, she had questioned her believing she'd confide when she was ready. It seemed that day was not today. Caladhiel just believed it was the true shock of losing Oropher, she knew they were friends in an odd way. But she also knew that from returning from the battle, Liruliniel hadn't quite been the same.

Liruliniel smiled and nodded, "I need air, too much wine." She lied, yet she laughed quietly and moved away before Caladhiel could say anything else. Truth be told, it was too loud, too close and too hot in here. She was feeling closed in, and it was making her feel sick. So, she left, there were balconies leading off from this hall and she diverted to walk out onto one.

She inhaled the air slowly; it was night now. Honestly, had this party been going on all day? She lost count and track of time, and she could bet everyone else had too. She leaned her elbows against the rail and buried her head in her hands. She shakily breathed in and out, too many emotions were going around her head and it caused a pain to appear which was steadily getting worse. The noise behind her was not helping, and the weight of the letter in her pocket was definitely making her feel even more dreadful.

Hearing quiet pattering, she lifted her head and looked down. Legolas looked up at her with wide eyes, "Why are you crying?" His tone full of innocence like children often were when faced with something they didn't understand yet questioned anyway.

"Because I feel sad, Legolas." Liruliniel said softly, she knelt down to be on the same eye level as him. "Do you not cry when you feel sad?" She questioned, watching the young boy nod his head slowly.

"Is it about grandfather?" Legolas asked, "Because I feel the same way too."

Liruliniel brushed a hand over his soft silvery hair, smiling she nodded. "Yes. Yes, it is because of him." She lied, and she felt horrible. Lying to a child was the worst thing she could think to do, at this point in time. But she couldn't tell him the truth about how she found herself well and truly lost now. Her footing and her knowledge of what she knew to be true and not was gone. Her life had been kept in shadows, well and truly and she was finding herself unable to truly cope.

"It will get better, remember?" Legolas piped up again, looking up at her when she stood. Liruliniel could only smile at him while her eyes filled with tears, she looked around the night scape. Shallowly breathing, she licked her bottom lip and placed a hand to his shoulder gently. Legolas just looked up at her curiously, not fully understanding.

"What are you doing out here?" She asked, choosing to divert the topic.

"I thought I saw Tauriel come out here."

Liruliniel smiled, she was glad they were seemingly becoming friends. "I believe I saw her on the opposite balcony. Go see if you can find her." She encouraged, Legolas looked over his shoulder and then up at her before nodding and running away. Liruliniel's hand slipped from his shoulder and then hung lifelessly in the air. She watched him run through the crowds of celebrating people, and all she could do was turn her head away and let out a quiet sob.

She buried her face back in her hands, her shoulders shaking as her tears ran down her face and landed soundlessly against the light bricks beneath her feet. She didn't know what to do anymore. Just when she thought things made sense, something happened to uproot her. Where would she go from learning this information? What would she do? Declare it to the world? Would she need to move? Where would she go? So many questions and the more that appeared, the more her chest constricted and the more her sobs grew and got drowned out by the celebrations behind her.

The cheers and laughter of those happy elves behind her were making her feel more dragged down by the moment. Why couldn't she be happy? Truly happy, that is? Why couldn't her life just go simply and smoothly? What had she done to offend the higher powers in life to make her life this dreadful and painful?

Her sobs did quieten down, eventually. Though her head stayed buried in her hands, and she still cried away. "What has got you hiding away out here?" She simply stood up and half turned to look at Thranduil. He wore a muted gold tunic and slightly silvery coloured trousers; he had long since ditched the robe he wore earlier. They were finely made and definitely fit for royalty. Some of his hair trailed down his back, and some over his shoulders down his chest. He looked at her in a laid-back manner, before truly seeing her distraught face and then his expression turned serious. The elaborate spring orientated crown on his head barely moved as he cleared the space between them in a few strides, not before shutting the doors to the balcony that is.

Never before, not even in her worst moments had he seen her look so disheartened; it wasn't even that, it was more. She seemed so low, so depressed and suffering he didn't know what bought it on, or how to help. Even he could see this was not simply over the loss of his father, or the impending ceremony the pair were going to have for her own father and brother. It was something else, and he could see that it was eating away at her from within. His concern though if anything seemed to set her off again. Her shoulders hunched up and her head bowed as tears readily flowed from her eyes as her hands fisted by her sides.

Thranduil placed his hands on her shoulders, his eyes widening considerably with more worry when her breathing went completely out of synch. "Liruliniel, you need to calm down. Do you hear me? You need to breathe slower," he leaned down and eventually lifted her face to look at him. "Open your eyes, little bird. Open your eyes and look at me," he couldn't care less right now that her tears were just landing in his palm as he held her face. Thranduil was deeply concerned, this was a new level of sadness he had not seen from her. He didn't know the root, but he didn't like seeing her in this state.

He hadn't seen her since before Oropher's burial, had she been harbouring these negative feelings for the last few days? He inwardly cursed if she did, she said about him bottling things up and here she was doing the exact same! Thranduil watched her eyes slowly open, glassy from tears she blinked and stared up at him. "Good. There you go, slowly now." He said when he noticed her breathing grow gradually slower to the point where it was normal. "What has bought this on?"

"I am sad."

"I can see." Thranduil remained holding her face, even with the drying tears. "You can tell me, Liruliniel."

Liruliniel didn't know how to put it into words, so she didn't. He looked and watched her curiously though as she pulled away slowly and reached into her tunic pocket. Thranduil was not expecting to be handed a letter. He looked questionably at her, and that alone seemed to make her eyes well up with tears again. He shook his head and even went as far as wiping an escaped tear away. He didn't like seeing her cry, he had never liked seeing her upset. He always wished to know the problem when a moment arose, and what he could do to help her through it.

Seems she was now silent and watching him, Thranduil pulled out the letter and scanned the contents. He wasn't too surprised to see it was from Elrond, though he was definitely surprised to read the fine handwriting and the details which were there. He must've read the letter several times before looking at her, no wonder she looked so lost and distraught. Even he could figure out the timeline of things, and he firstly felt sorry for her. Before anger seeped in that her mother left her for no reason, and her grandfather was sort of the root problem, regardless of details.

Despite of this, it didn't solve the simple fact coming to the forefront of his mind that before him stood a Princess. And she was, one of the last and this seemed to weigh her down. Thranduil folded the letter back up and handed it back to her, Liruliniel simply slid it back inside her tunic. She wiped a hand over her eyes and sniffed quietly, "You're not going to send me away, are you?"

Thranduil looked appalled by her words, her voice was so small and scared sounding, but her words hit him hard. "I would never do such a thing." He said while placing a hand on her shoulder. "I am truly sorry this has happened, Liruliniel."

"Not as sorry as I am. None of it makes any sense to me! If my father knew all of this, which he clearly did, then why say nothing? Do not get me wrong, I do not wish to live as royalty, but I am. I don't understand...I must've done something truly offensive for the Valar to treat me like this."

"Liruliniel, how could you possibly do anything to warrant this?" Thranduil asked softly, her eyes looked up from her boots. She looked heartbroken, like she truly believed she had asked for this. "None of us knew this, and it seems by ridiculous luck it has come to light. It does not have to change anything."

Liruliniel scoffed, "I do not think others will agree. I am a Ñoldorin Princess, once this is truly known by all I will not be allowed to do anything. The one thing I may be urged to do, is visit Lady Galadriel." She was technically a very loose and distant relative, in a way.

"The last High Elf went to war-"

"It is different, King Gil-galad was a warrior, not to mention male. Princesses do not get such luck, surely, you've read enough tales to know this?"

"You are a warrior too." Thranduil stated, she raised an eyebrow. "We are not so biased, that is a mortal thing. We are freer in terms and conditions when it comes to such things. I have no right to stand here and bargain with you or tell you what to do. You are not mine to do such a thing for." Thranduil spoke slowly and quietly, he was trying to think over all of this all. Liruliniel looked hurt, more by his latter words. Thranduil shook his head gently, "You will always have a place here, Liruliniel. I meant it more in the terms of you being an equal. It is not exactly pleasant or particularly looked upon fondly for one royal to give instructions to another."

"You're already treating me differently. I am still me; I haven't changed." Liruliniel implored, why did things have to change?

Thranduil shook his head again, "Liruliniel, things have changed forever now. How can you not see that?" Despite him saying things hadn't changed, or possibly wouldn't, who was he truly trying to fool? Things would, drastically at that. He couldn't continue to lie to her about this.

She had literally just been dropped into a possible role she did not ever ask for. "What exactly is going to be expected of me?"

"I don't know," Thranduil replied, it wasn't the answer she wanted because she looked and sounded so desperate.

Liruliniel looked around, frowning, she looked at the floor. "I am a royal without anything; I have no realm to call my own, I have no riches, no army, I have nothing to offer anyone. If I am not used as a puppet, then I am not used at all and am useless and will be forgotten by the wayside. This information is as useless as I am."

"Now you know that is not true. You are not useless, nor will you ever be."

"That is easy for you to say, you've got all of this, you have a reason to be. I've just found out that half my family were alive until recently, and that I am a Princess to a dying lineage. I am pleased, in a way that I have found out why I never truly felt like I belonged here. Because I don't. But then where do I belong?"

"You belong here." Thranduil said while watching as she frowned and looked thoughtful. "There is nothing stopping you from continuing to do what you are doing. But you must understand that when others come to hear of who you are, they will stop you. I apologise for treating you differently so readily, Liruliniel. But I was not expecting this."

"You and me both."

"Will you come back inside?" Thranduil asked after a few moments, she just stood there looking at the sky. Though hearing him speak had her eyes sliding over to look at his. He watched and waited; this was truly an eventful day. His mind was still racing with questions, but he couldn't imagine they were different than her own.

"I do not feel like celebrating."

"What do you want to do then?"

Liruliniel narrowed her eyes in thought. "I want to go to the garden, go to the Niphredil and say farewell now." She decided on not piercing swords in the ground as markers of that being their place. She didn't wish to harm the earth below and deter any other flowers from growing. No, instead she was simply adopting that small section as their spot.

"Then, shall we?"

"Sorry?" Liruliniel blinked and looked utterly confused when he turned and gestured to the door.

Thranduil looked at her simply, not understanding why she was struggling. "Shall we go now?"

"Thranduil...this is your coronation, you cannot leave it." She said a little despairingly. She would never forgive herself if he did not celebrate this with the others, because of her and her wreck of a life.

Thranduil slowly smirked, "I do believe I can do whatever I wish." Now as the Elvenking of the Greenwood, he could do whatever, as long as he didn't foolishly endanger those around him, who was going to stop him walking out of that hall? Liruliniel still looked utterly bemused by this, she shook her head slowly. She was disagreeing, of course she was. He sighed, "I have had my fill of it all, in truth I do not feel like celebrating anymore. More pressing matters have arisen, and I wish to spend my time wisely with that than in there." Thranduil watched as she slowly smiled at him, thankful really as he opened the door and entered the hall.

It was as loud, if not louder than when they both left. Everyone was enjoying themselves and likewise, never noticed them leaving. The walk to the garden area Liruliniel was referring to took moments, and neither of them spoke. Yet he watched as she trotted from his side to the quiet corner she had clearly reserved for her family. Well, part of her family at least. Thranduil walked steadily over, regardless of the light-coloured trousers he wore, he knelt down beside her too.

Liruliniel's head was bowed, her eyes were shut, and she was clearly internally speaking to them, saying farewell with silent words in her mind. Thranduil looked over the small white flowers, they really did look like stars. He followed suit and shut his eyes, Hérion he did not know as well as Thalion, but both he said farewell to.

"Do you think they both knew?"

"Thalion would've remembered your mother more than you." Thranduil said, watching as she fidgeted and sat cross legged before just laying down in the soft grass. The white petals of the flowers continued to shine brightly in the moonlight in the garden as she laid there. "You cannot stay there, Liruliniel."

Her eyes opened and looked upwards at him. "Just for a moment, please?"

Thranduil sighed softly, how could he say no? What with everything that had happened, how could he deter her? He relented with a nod; he watched her eyes shut again as she laid there silently. He didn't know what to do from here, he was as confused as her. Thranduil knelt there silently and watched as her face steadily relaxed, her breathing shallowed out and she looked peaceful. Her cheeks were still a little flushed from crying, but she seemed at rest now.

He shook his head, reaching over and moving a stray lock of hair from her face, he simply tucked it behind her ear with a sigh. "What are we going to do with you, hm?" Baramaethor had been right again, something else had arisen revolving around Liruliniel. Thranduil couldn't help but smirk, he was going to get a shock when he discovered just what that something was.

But his rhetorical question held some truth, what were they going to do? Thranduil mused over the fact that he should probably write to Elrond, he needed advice here. He now had a High Elven Princess in his woodland home, within his palace and was utterly stumped. She was right too though, she had nothing and nowhere to go, only here. Thranduil was determined to see that she belonged here, truly she did. He didn't want her to go, even if it was to meet Galadriel and stay a little while. He did not want that. What if she'd be persuaded to stay there and not want to come back? He would miss her terribly.

He did worry though, what if she needed to go again? He couldn't rightfully stop her, he wasn't really her monarch, was he? King, yes, of the elves of Greenwood, not the Ñoldor. He also worried that everyone would look at her utterly different now, and not for the better. Some would probably vie for her attention, her friendship and perhaps more; this irked him, beyond belief to a point where even Thranduil couldn't fathom words to properly describe it. Others would look at her with jealousy, the same lingering dislike and displeasure. Others might just avoid her completely, like some already did.

He looked down at her, so peaceful and small laying there asleep. How did he now look upon her? Honestly, Thranduil was finding himself conflicted and confused. He had always tried to look out for her, there had always been this fragile quality to Liruliniel, this innocence that seemed to need to be protected because honestly, without it she'd have truly lost herself to the darkness of her dreams. That same innocence was there; he saw the fragility of it as she broke down in tears in front of him.

He didn't think of her as useless, and he did not believe she did not have something to give; Liruliniel had so much to give, she was a warm and caring being, considerate and funny. She was loyal to a fault, and when she cared about something fiercely enough, she wasn't ashamed to openly admit it. She had, after all, bluntly said she was only in a meeting for his welfare, her loyalty and friendship for him ran deep; but it was more than that, wasn't it? Thranduil could recall his father saying as such, that there was care within Liruliniel for him that ran deeper than what - at the time - Thranduil believed.

She loved him, and he knew it. He had known for a long time, he had stood and watched her try and act normally around Vanadessë, when really, he could see that her heart was shattering. But she ignored those feelings, because of him; because of his happiness, and his welfare. She was so selfless and caring for his feelings that she did this. Truly he had never met someone like her before, and he could bet he never would again.

Liruliniel was one of a kind, and he wouldn't change that no matter how much she could pester at times. Truth be told, he liked that about her character. He liked her being different, he liked her not humouring him and easily having no qualms about trying to put him in his place or contradict him. Truth be told, honestly, Liruliniel had secured a place within his heart years before Oropher even addressed this to him, and even more years before Vanadessë.

It felt wrong to care so strongly about two beings, but Thranduil did. There was nothing he could do about it, no denying it either, especially to himself. Others, yes. The pain of losing his wife was still fresh, of course it was, and he was not saying he was going to replace her, but he took solace in Liruliniel still being present. That was why he could not bear it if she had to leave, because truly then it would feel like his heart would be completely void, other than the love he had for his son.

Thranduil sighed and reached forwards, he couldn't let her sleep here. Liruliniel was light in his arms as he shifted her fully against his chest. She quietly mumbled something in her sleep as she huddled closer, she felt cold and he was warm, of course she'd nestle for more. Thranduil worried whenever she grew cooler than normal, the last few times had led to something bad. He didn't want her to fade in despair from well and truly losing all sides of her family, regardless of if they were hidden away.

He would try anything and everything in his power to cease that from happening. In all honesty, the first time when she had come over unwell was perhaps the first time that Thranduil truly found himself worrying and caring if she was to be fine. They were children, she was small, cocky and fragile to the creeping atmosphere in the wood; but he looked fondly at that scruffy haired elf child who'd always be smiling and grinning his way, even laughing at his expense. Not much changed now, she still did that.

"I'm sorry...I didn't mean to go to sleep," Liruliniel's tired voice quietly spoke out.

Thranduil looked down at her, her eyes tiredly looking up at him as he carried her out of the garden space. Her head was simply resting against his shoulder as her hands sat idly in her lap. He couldn't recognise that happy child that he used to know now, and it saddened him that truly this had happened to her. He couldn't imagine how lost she felt, yet he was going to make it clear that no matter how she felt, he was still here. "I wouldn't worry yourself over it."

"I can walk..." Her head lifted from his shoulder, yet he tightened his hold on her and she got the message.

Thranduil looked onwards down the corridor as her head rested back against his shoulder. He felt the gentle tugging on some of his hair which wasn't down his back. Glancing down he wasn't too surprised to see her tired finger's part and start braiding the straight locks of hair. He didn't comment, yet he watched her fingers slow with her breathing as she yet again drifted off to sleep. "What am I going to do with you?" He asked quietly to no one as he continued on down the corridor; he was glad she had removed her weapons from earlier or else that would make carrying her so much harder.

As if to answer him, at least subconsciously, Liruliniel's head buried itself more against his shoulder. Thranduil just sighed and looked around, he could hear the ongoing celebration from here. He wondered if anyone had noticed he'd gone, he knew by now Legolas would've been taken to his room to sleep. But had anyone truly realised he had disappeared? Probably not, he wouldn't be surprised and really, he didn't mind being able to still get away unseen.

He took some pleasure from that as he made his way downwards into the lower levels of the palace. The quarters down here were definitely more tightly packed together than the grand halls and rooms above. But he knew where she resided, it was a struggle to open the door with her in his arms, but he managed. He was very thankful no one was around to witness him struggling and entering the small space.

Everything was more compact in here, the ceilings not as high and the rooms definitely quarter of the sizes of his own. The small living space had a corridor leading off from it, Thranduil moved past the table that had her weapons resting on it and made his way to the only open door. Her room was tidy, small and seemingly just about had enough room for her and what furniture she needed. He was thankful she hadn't taken to grasping onto his tunic, she was easily laid down after he struggled again to move the cover out of the way.

The movement had Liruliniel moving and stirring slightly, the lack of body heat from him was what probably woke her up more. Thranduil simply draped the cover back over her and watched her stir in the low light of the room. "What are we going to do?" Liruliniel whispered, her tired eyes looking up at him.

Thranduil crouched down, he rested his hands on the edge of the bed and looked at her. Half her face was buried against the pillow, her one visible hear blank and hollow looking. "We are going to talk about this in the morning after you have had some rest."

"You really won't send me away?"

Thranduil shook his head, reaching over and making sure she was firmly wrapped up to get warm again. "I couldn't think of a worse decision to follow through with. Your home is here, Liruliniel." He didn't know what unknown lands of possible kingdoms she had a claim to, but he could figure they were ruined and under what remnants of Sauron's forces survived. "Get some sleep, when morning comes and you feel ready, you know where to find me." He said firmly, watching her tiredly nod against the bedding before her eyes slid to a shut. He sighed softly and stood, readying to leave although he paused when hearing her voice speak again.

"Thank you for putting up with me. I know it is not easy, your father at times struggled too; if there ever comes a point where I am a burden, just tell me and I will go."

Thranduil just stared at her thoughtfully for several moments. "I will not allow you to go into exile. And this is a burden I will bear, now get some rest." Thranduil's tone by the end was stern. Her keeping herself awake wasn't going to achieve anything but further exhaustion. He watched her grow still and silent again, he slightly shut the door as he left.

His eyes looking to the one opposite, he turned on his heels and left. He had no right to go entering the other rooms here. Though he paused when he came to the table, his eyes specifically looking at the long sword in its scabbard. He couldn't help natural curiosity; he reached over and pulled the sword slightly free. His eyes widened at the brilliantly clear shine of the weapon within, clicking it back in place he turned and left silently.

He did not feel at all tired for sleep, if anything he felt rather on edge and tense. So, it appeared that his reign was off to a brilliant start already; a brilliant, confusing utterly thought-provoking beginning.

=

Liruliniel didn't rise for a few days, three to be exact. She didn't exit her home, nor did she even leave her bed unless she desperately needed to. She stayed hidden away in the safety of familiar scents and rooms, ignoring the door if it was knocked on and didn't listen if someone spoke through it. She wasn't feeling very sociable at the moment. She'd often just lay on her bed, staring up at her ceiling. She washed and changed with each passing day, but she never really did anything.

One day though, after dwelling and being lost in her own head for too long, she found her armour and set to setting it up on a makeshift mannequin she made to look at it. Liruliniel wasn't a smith, but she had learned certain things from a smith. She looked at her hands, turning them over and eyeing up her palms, she slowly looked at the mannequin with her armour resting on it. Unwittingly her eyes drifted and stared at Silmacil. Her grandfather had the skills of crafting, he was too good at it, and it led to his death, and his family's.

Bitterly, Liruliniel hunted around her home for things to use to mend what was broken. She had seen her father fix his armour before, not wishing to bother the smith here. It meant entering his room, again. Liruliniel was slowly going back on her vow of not coming into this room, same went for Thalion's. On one of the days where she simply trudged around brooding, she had methodically gone through both rooms to see if she could garner any more information.

She failed, ultimately whatever may have existed was no doubt lost and forgotten about. Either remaining in Ered Luin, or Amon Lanc. Both destinations were a no to her. One was too far away, and she didn't find herself wishing to travel at the moment. And the other was taken over; it was taken over and despite it being a taboo subject; Liruliniel could still very well feel something wasn't right within the woodland around her. She kept silent, even as she managed to find the small pouch of tools that she was looking for. It was hidden away in a drawer; she left her father's room and returned back to the main one.

But there was something sick growing within the trees. She didn't tell anyone, because she was rather sure she'd either get ignored, or laughed at. Because she always had to bring about a prophecy of ill will. She reached behind herself and tied her hair off her neck. She was wearing a simple sleeveless tunic, it had sleeves originally, but she cut them off when training with Veryan got gradually tougher. Of course, she wouldn't go charging into battle with uncovered arms. But summers in Imladris were hot.

Without having sleeves made her ability to work here so much easier. She lifted the chain which had the kink in it, she had found the buckled piece of shoulder plating too. Looking over the mannequin's shoulder, she looked to the small mallet which was in the pouch. And it was small, the hammer of it was barely the size of her palm. She tweezed at the chain, managing to bend and manipulate it back into position. She gave it a reassuring hit a few times with the small hammer, she didn't know if that actually did anything she just thought it was something that smiths did a lot of.

What did she know? She knew nothing of the arts; this was new to her. She was bored, she didn't wish to go out and like her father; she didn't want to bother the smith. The shoulder plate gave up more of a fight, but eventually she managed to get it back into position too, even with a friendly hit with the mallet. Standing back, she crossed her arms with a sigh. Looking to the side, she eyed up her weapons. Tilting her head and reaching forwards, she strapped them to the mannequin. There were definitely more sharp weapons on there than what she would surely ever carry.

Would she truly be able to still be a guard? A guard guarding another royal...that seemed like a beginning of a joke to her. Let alone being a specific guard to look out for royalty. Definitely the beginnings of a bad joke. She couldn't imagine it was something which would be welcomed openly. That's why kings and queens had armies, right? To have people to fight for them, to protect them and such so they wouldn't need to.

Although that obviously didn't stop royalty in the past fight which happened, but mostly they tended not to get involved. King Durin for example, he sent dwarves, he himself didn't come. That proved her point enough, she was not going to be allowed near a battlefield, any time soon that was for sure.

What was she going to do if she couldn't guard, or fight? It was awful to say, but she was good at it. She didn't take solace or comfort in killing, loss of life was horrendous no matter who or what or why. Within a battle, everyone is following their own orders from their higher ups. Can't comment or contradict, just got to follow. Sure, the orcs seemed to enjoy getting bloodied and butchered, but surely even they could see that their comrades dying was awful?

She didn't know. She didn't want to know actually. Orcs and dark creatures from Mordor were a law unto themselves. She just knew she found killing and death horrible. Didn't stop her being good at executing both. Liruliniel sighed, would she need to have some sort of stupid tutoring? Like how to be a royal? That sounded painfully dull. She wasn't going to just get dropped into this role with expectations thrusted upon her, was she? She had spent enough time around the royal family here, observed how they acted and how they spoke, but that wasn't her.

She was sometimes too impatient to think and answer. More often than not just blurting whatever came to mind out without a second thought. She didn't see Thranduil doing that, nor did she ever see Oropher do it either. She had grown up around dwarves, mock fought with them and fought alongside them while training under some of the best elves she had come to know. She scratched her neck in thought with a frown, if she was likely to be expected to do things, or diplomatically instruct, she was wondering how that would go down.

Liruliniel moved past the mannequin and towards the door. Her bare feet padded along the brickwork as she just walked out. She wasn't wearing her boots; her brown trousers were not tucked into them and her sleeveless tunic stopped about the middle of her thigh and loosely billowed when she walked. It was perhaps too big for her, due to it being for a male. Regardless, she kept the strings tied around the neckline, keeping the collar in place. And she wasn't so indecent or shot of her sense not to wear an undergarment underneath it.

In the simple tie it was in, her hair swished side to side as she determinedly walked down the corridor. She just raised an eyebrow, unconventionally yet again not looking prim and proper like those around her. Liruliniel smiled, maybe being different wasn't so bad. She'd always wanted acceptance, yearned for it. But it never fully happened, through apprehension and fear probably. But she had come to see the world differently, her outlooks vastly differed to those around her and really, maybe that's what the world needed.

Maybe it needed someone possibly in charge with a varied outlook on the world around them, to make a difference; to make a change. Liruliniel smiled, she wasn't thinking of taking charge of anything, but if she remained on the council here then she was definitely going to invoke this. Baramaethor was going to flip, and she knew it. She found herself smiling again, her bare feet padded up the stairs as she turned the corner and continued on her way. Maybe this wasn't all bad. Emotions and worrying thoughts had piled up against her, and it got to her. She broke down. She was still her; a title wasn't going to change that. She would still determinedly do whatever she wished, regardless of comments said by others...as long as it didn't endanger anyone, of course.

Liruliniel had always wanted to be a guard, and all and any higher powers above was anyone going to stop her. Her three days in reclusive company had given her the ability to truly dwell and think over everything. She'd always been retrospective, but now it was more so. Maybe, somehow, she'd just grown up a little more. Liruliniel couldn't help but quietly laugh to herself about that, maybe she had? One grows from hardships and trials. Finding out her family were a small bunch of hidden away elves and them all being dead and her the lone survivor really made her think. But it also gave her the opportunity to admit that she was not going to do the same mistakes.

Sauron spoke to her in her dreams, not no more, but he did. Sugared words trying to sway her, convince her, she ignored him just like her grandfather should've. Those who listen to such lies, must surely have doubt within their own conviction and being, right? Maybe it would've been easier for her to go along with him too, he'd have killed her and truly wiped out the line from Fëanor.

No, Liruliniel was putting her foot down, no. If he arose again, and would come to her in horrific visions, she would fight him every step of the way. She hadn't a stake to claim in anything, but she was staking her claim in forever fighting back against evil.

That was the core root of Liruliniel, she had always wanted to help, and she had always wanted peace. Because she was apparently one of the Ñoldor, did that mean she had to stop? No. Did it mean she had to hide away? No. She had done these past days to recollect and think. Truly, think over what was now to be her life. This was her home, she'd always looked at the forest as her home. Thranduil was not going to send her away, he too had implored her she belonged here.

And she did, which was why she looked so miffed when she entered the throne room and was surrounded by finely dressed elves trying to get a word in any way they could. It was her home, yes, but these weren't really her people, were they? But it didn't matter, she pushed her way gently through the crowd and got to the front. She all but beamed up at poor Thranduil who looked utterly bored seated up the stairs upon his antler throne.

He looked confused, his head tilting slightly as he caught sight of her. He looked relieved, if only by his eyes softening slightly by seeing her not looking so sad anymore. He hadn't sought her out like he wished, or she find him, because he had been busy. Ruling a kingdom was not easy, and there were many trivial things which kept waylaying him. But here she was, standing barefoot and smiling. Her attire so unlike those around her that he couldn't help but smirk. She didn't care, she simply didn't care that she was the lone out of a crowd to differ and that reassured him that she had made peace with everything.

"What brings you here out of hiding?" He asked, sitting slightly sidewards as he bent one leg at the knee and placed it over the other, his foot kicked slowly and languidly in the air as his arms were placed against the rests. Ringed fingers simply twiddled in the air as he slowly gestured and hand down at her. He was trying to seem casual, aloof slightly on the matter yet he lightly smirked out of curiosity.

Liruliniel smiled, she looked around herself and it seemed others had noticed her now. Or rather upon hearing him talk, they stopped. Rolling her eyes back up to him, Liruliniel sighed. "I am wanting your help, sire."

"Whatever with?" Thranduil frowned slowly, she didn't usually ask for help. Liruliniel wasn't one for getting help, unless it got to the point where she physically needed it. Or things were too much for her and everything overspilled, and the result was her breaking down. He hoped it wasn't going to come to that again; he sat forwards in his chair and looked down at her.

"I believe there is one being which could aid me in fully getting answers to questions I may not otherwise get from anyone else. I want to know my origins, and I believe Lady Galadriel may be the only one who truly knows anything about where I possibly come from. She may know what really happened..." Liruliniel said slowly, well aware to prying eyes around her.

Thranduil looked around with narrowed eyes before standing, Liruliniel just shifted back a step when he walked slowly down the stairs. He was as imposing up there as his father, she had struggled to envision him up there and really, now she'd seen it, it could not be unseen. Thranduil was very much like Oropher, she'd always thought it, but this was cementing it even more now. He gestured a hand idly around the room, those present got the message and all bowed and scattered off with lowered heads.

Liruliniel just looked around with a pout and a raised eyebrow. Slowly her eyes looked back up to his, Thranduil was looking at her with a hard gaze. "You wish to leave."

Liruliniel shook her head, "No! I wish to write a letter, but...unlike Lord Elrond, I have never met the Lady, and I do not know how to properly formulate or write a letter to her." Liruliniel explained hurriedly with her hands waving in the air. She didn't want him to get the wrong idea; she didn't want to go anywhere.

Thranduil looked relieved, even letting out a quiet sigh while looking around at the empty room. "You want me to help you write a letter," he couldn't help but sound amused, another slow smirk appearing on his face as she frowned up at him. "But perhaps you are right, little bird." He clasped his hands behind his back and walked around and past her, "Come along then." He just glanced over his shoulder at her, Liruliniel smiled and walked quickly after him. Thranduil frowned though and looked down at her appearance, "May I ask, where are your boots? You did not throw them at anyone, did you?"

Liruliniel laughed and shook her head, "I couldn't be bothered to put them on." Thranduil just raised an eyebrow, what exactly was he meant to say to that? Liruliniel just swung her arms by her sides and smiled away, he was pleased she looked lighter and happier.

"She will probably wish to meet you." Thranduil spoke quietly, leading the way to what was his father's study but was now his. Liruliniel nodded her head slowly at that, it was clear she was aware to this possibility. "But if it gets you answers, I suppose I can relieve my one guard to go in search for them."

Liruliniel chuckled quietly, "You could always invite her here?"

Thranduil frowned, "I hear she rarely leaves her woodland home."

"Sounds like someone else I know." Liruliniel jumped to sit in the chair opposite the desk when they entered the room. Thranduil walked around to the other chair and frowned at her. After everything that happened, who could blame him for not wanting to readily leave the safety of his home? Liruliniel just smiled and scooted forwards in the seat. "I'll bring you back a present."

"We went through this," Thranduil said, not wanting to see her grow upset again. She merely rolled her eyes and lounged back in the chair. Shaking his head, he pulled a piece of paper out and a pen. Dipping it in the inkwell, he looked to her. "I do hope for your input; I am not solely writing this."

"But you're my King..." Liruliniel said, putting extra emphasis on something it was clear he believed he wasn't, at least not anymore. She wanted him to know he was wrong. No matter what, as long as she lived within these halls, he was her king.

Thranduil shook his head and lowered the pen, though a somewhat calm and understanding expression was on his face over her words. "Be that as it may, this is still your letter. What exactly was it you were needing help with?"

"I need her to know who I am, and if she can aid in answers. But I do not know how to put it, without sounding blunt." Liruliniel admitted, she couldn't be blunt to someone she'd never met.

Thranduil merely nodded, he seemed to understand and took to writing slowly. Liruliniel just sat and watched him at work. It felt odd seeing him there instead of Oropher. But she supposed that was something everyone was going to need to get used to. It seemed like Thranduil had fallen into the role of ruler quite easily, and naturally. Although she still worried, he had lost his father and wife so young...how could that not or maybe impact on him and his decisions in some ways?

"I'm sorry I didn't come find you sooner." Liruliniel broke the silence, Thranduil's eyes flicked up from the paper. He looked at her curiously, "In truth, I was embarrassed. I have never been that bad, not even over the loss of my father and brother. You have seen me too many times in such a way, crying, depressive...staying away was my way of allowing you to just get on with your life without having to worry over mine." Liruliniel explained while twiddling her fingers together nervously.

"I knew you'd come out eventually. So, I never pressed the matter." Thranduil replied, he knew she would come find him, it was just natural. "Legolas was asking for you though, I think he misses his tutor." Here she let out a quiet laugh, he just smiled lightly and continued on writing. He didn't actually realise that his son had become so attached to Liruliniel already. He seemed to make friends readily there, maybe that was a Liruliniel trait which rubbed off on him? Thranduil knew for definite it wasn't something he inherited from himself, he was and had always been so guarded. Vanadessë at length was the same, although warm in nature and outwardly kinder than himself, but even she had troubles making friends with those outside of her social circle.

"I'll go find him later, if I can?"

"Perish the thought of me stopping you." Thranduil rolled his eyes as he finished writing.

"You know, you believe I will not listen to you if you say something; that is not true, I was friends with your father but there was a line, you know? If he ordered me, I would listen. He questioned me, I would answer. If you told me no, I would listen to you, Thranduil. Not just because I would want to, but because I need to." Liruliniel said while leaning forwards and grasping the paper when he held it out to her. It was only fair she read what he had written on her behalf. He had a way of elaborating her rather blunt words into something more fluid sounding. Still, there was an air of hesitance, not wholly forthcoming or welcoming but it was better than what she would write. "May I go send this now?"

Thranduil sat there just watching her, he gave the slightest of nods and watched her stand. She smiled, bowed and ran out the room in a flash of auburn hair. He sat there in the silence looking around at the accumulated wealth of books which his father had collected. Thranduil hadn't read most of what was in here, and he doubted his father did either. But his eyes slid slowly back to the partially open door, she was so eager. But how come he got the feeling the answers she was looking for, weren't ones she would want to hear?

Surely something had happened that neither of them truly knew what had caused a separation, a rift as it were. Yes, Galadriel may be the holder of the answers, but would she be honest about it? Thranduil didn't know. He did know that she was likely to want to see and meet her, it was inevitable. It was something which was a bit bitter to swallow and accept. He didn't want her to go; he wouldn't tell her no despite of her words. Thranduil could admit there was a selfish streak in him, but this is one thing he would not stand in the way of. He hoped she got answers, just not at the price of a further broken heart. It had gone through enough already, and he wished for it to mend and for her to continue being happy like she is now. He didn't want to see her return back to how she was.

He wondered how long he could hide away in here for before someone would come and find him. Now he understood why his father hid away in this room for, a private area to contemplate and was often left alone. At the moment he was very much alone, and at any other time he wouldn't wholly mind. But after having the whirlwind that was Liruliniel as company, Thranduil found his own company lacking.

Pushing himself out of the chair, he decided to simply walk about the palace. He paused however when he heard a familiar voice, whatever was happening, Legolas didn't sound too pleased. Naturally he walked onwards to find the root of the problem, he couldn't help but roll his eyes when he came to the training area a few moments later. Legolas was sprawled out on his back on the floor, Liruliniel leaned against a staff and was smiling down at him.

"I did say your footing was off. You're lucky, my tutor back in Imladris would often gloat and mock me for being so unsure on my feet. He'd also go into great detail about the yelp I'd let out when I fell. Something about me sounding like a struggling cat, meowing out and failing." She mused and shrugged, her fingers drumming thoughtfully against the wooden staff in her hands.

"You didn't give me a chance to correct myself." Legolas huffed, sounding really quite annoyed as she stood over him rambling away. Thranduil stayed hidden in the shadows of the doorway just watching them. His son brushed himself down, walked to where his own staff had fallen and picked it up. "You're meant to at least give me a chance."

Liruliniel shook her head, "The enemy won't do such a thing for you. I got told that numerous times. You learn better in the moment." She paused when Legolas just shot her a look, she leaned away and blew out a sigh. That was a very Thranduil glare going on there, and she couldn't help but be slightly wowed by how he had perfected it so young. On a serious note, she leaned down, "You're not hurt though, are you?" She asked worriedly, looking him over, even reaching out with a hand and patting him down.

"I'm fine!" Legolas implored while swatting her hand away, Liruliniel just looked at him. "I'm sure this won't be the first time I fall in training."

She smiled, "It's a customary habit, unfortunately. But, if you do happen to get hurt, please tell me. It is not my intention to put you in a situation while we're here sparring, but accidents do happen."

"And that's what it'll be. And that is what I'd just tell father." Legolas said with a shrug, he just continued peering up at her. Even he could see she was concerned that Thranduil would comment something if he ended up harmed.

Liruliniel hummed and stood upright, she nodded slowly accepting that. "Just don't go lying about anything." She said, knowing that children did often lie about certain injuries. He didn't need to spare her in anyway.

"He already knows I am here, and he probably already knows you've beaten me several times."

"Don't say it like that!" Liruliniel exclaimed in a panicked tone. "That sounds awful, Legolas!" He just sent her a cheeky grin, Liruliniel pointed a finger at him. "I'm going to have to watch out for that wit of yours, Little Prince. Now come on, again." She said, banging the end of the staff against the ground. The sound echoed out and Legolas instantly moved to get into position.

They were an unlikely pair; the camaraderie was endearing though. At the moment, Legolas was not much of a talker. He'd always been a silent child, but losing his mother and grandfather had pushed him into a shell. He spoke to Thranduil, but even that took Liruliniel's aid and persuasion to help it along to happen. But he was seemingly the only person he did talk to at length, but now there was her. Thranduil wasn't expecting to see his son so talkative and conversational, but here he was surprising him.

He couldn't help but smirk slightly watching them, Legolas was getting more and more annoyed that Liruliniel was better than him. Of course she was, she had been in his position getting annoyed at Oropher; she was now the one with speed, strength and experience on her side and Legolas just wasn't wanting to bow down and accept that. He was determined, fast and confident in the attacks he followed through with, but of course; they weren't beating her or besting her. Whatever he had, Liruliniel had an answer to, and it still further irked him.

He shouldn't find humour in his son growing steadily more annoyed, but it was amusing. His face scrunched to one of sheer concentration and pure determination while whenever Thranduil caught a glimpse of Liruliniel's face, she was relaxed and smiling lightly; just to top it off, at some points she even had her eyes shut. No wonder Legolas was getting angry; she was literally beating him with her eyes shut. How she did it, Thranduil didn't know. But she was, and his son was not amused by this skill. Thranduil was somewhat interested and captivated by her ability to do it, yet his apprehension kicked in and he prayed she did not pull such a trick in a real fight.

"Come now, Little Prince! Why do you look like that? I am here to teach you, not lay down and accept you beating me." Liruliniel said when they paused again, Legolas paced to and from catching his breath. "You are being too hard on yourself, Legolas. Nobody is a natural at things, everyone has to start from somewhere. But you will improve, you may not think it now, but you will. And when you do, I can guarantee you now that you will be as good, if not better than me, and even your father. Fancy that, hm?" Liruliniel questioned, her eyes watching him slow before looking up at her.

"You must be one brilliant teacher for that to happen then. Are you boasting about your skills already?"

Both seemed equally surprised by him being here and speaking. Liruliniel physically jumped and turned to shoot a look his way, and Legolas's face broke out into a smile upon seeing him walk further into the room. He all but dropped the staff and ran towards him, he was still small enough for Thranduil to be able to pick him up. So, when he was close enough, he leaned down and placed his hands under his arms and did so.

Legolas immediately seemed to recall all the events of his training, regardless of the fact that Thranduil had watched. Legolas didn't know that though, Liruliniel just leaned her head between both training staffs and watched him walk back over with his son in his arms.

Though Legolas was more resting against his hip, waving his small arms around as if that helped explain things better. Liruliniel just blinked and watched as he ran out of things to say and then just sat there quietly looking between the pair. "Talkative little thing, aren't you?" Liruliniel mused and moved away from her leaning position. "You were watching the whole time, weren't you?"

"How could you tell; you had your eyes shut." Thranduil couldn't lie, though he sounded amused and looked it too when she shifted on the spot and seemed embarrassed by this. Legolas let out a huff and crossed his arms, he didn't like it when she did that. Thranduil looked at his son's unhappy face, then back to Liruliniel. He placed Legolas down, his son turned and looked up at him curiously, especially when he knelt and placed an arm around his shoulders. "I think we could take her on, don't you?"

"Don't you dare!" Liruliniel said, a growing smirk on his face really didn't put her at any ease.

"She surely can't take both of us on, can she? I mean, do not get me wrong, Legolas; Liruliniel is good, but she isn't that good." Thranduil continued, watching her turn utterly affronted by his words. "You've never beaten me in a sparring match, remember?" That was adding fuel to the fire as she glared down at him, Thranduil continued to kneel smirking away as Legolas laughed quietly.

Liruliniel let out a chuckle, she passed the pair the staffs she had before going to the wall and grabbing one for herself. On second thoughts, she grabbed three training swords. These would be easier to handle and deal with than quarter staffs flying everywhere. Also, less chance of Legolas getting really hurt. Taking the staffs back, Liruliniel simply threw them to the other side of the room. They clattered loudly against the floor but didn't break or anything as they lay forgotten.

"You've never beaten me either, remember? Nor have you ever managed to catch me. I am faster than you, sure you have the skill, but I have the speed, all I need is for you to slip up once...then you're done. And as for you, you are not much of a challenge at the moment, Little Prince." Liruliniel said, speaking to the father and then to the son.

Thranduil stood and took the swords from her hands, he gave one to Legolas and tested the weight of his in his hands. He tilted his head with a knowing smile, his eyes flicked up to hers. "That's if I slip up. And that's also if you are fast enough. Since when have you based things on what-ifs?"

Liruliniel smiled and turned her back on the pair, she walked a few paces away before turning with a blank and serious expression on her face. "Fine. It's an eventuality, you will make a mistake, and I will best you. Once I have, I will do the same with your son, no offence, Legolas." She felt bad, she sounded so insulting, but she didn't mean to! She liked the young elf-Prince, he was lovely, it hurt to sound harsh when she wasn't meaning to be.

Thranduil just narrowed his eyes at her, he wasn't too sure which part of her words he disliked more. The thought that she believed she'd beat him, or that once she had she easily would do the same with Legolas. Liruliniel just smiled, it was a crooked thing, though full of humour. She found this highly amusing, but she was also no way going to back down from this challenge. Since when had she ever done such a thing? Yes, she could admit it was disconcerting to have both blondes staring at her with similar toned eyes, Thranduil looked slightly more serious than Legolas, but it didn't matter at all to her.

She was just curious to see how they'd work as a pair, but also if by fighting alongside his father, if it prompted Legolas's skills to vastly improve. Not that he wasn't good, but he could be a lot better. Liruliniel tilted her head, she watched as Thranduil knelt again and quickly spoke quietly to Legolas. The young boy nodded his head every now and again. He spoke so low she couldn't hear him, while he did so, Liruliniel just paced to and from swinging her sword in the air.

She was waiting, clearly a battle plan was being discussed over there and who was she to stop them? However, when she caught sight of them splitting up, her pacing stopped. She smiled, she hadn't raised her weapon up to defend herself and really, when they were close enough it was obvious who she'd go for first.

Poor Legolas was practically blind sighted when she came for him. From the sound of quiet running footsteps behind her, Liruliniel pushed the young boy away gently, making sure he didn't stumble too hard before turning and jumping back from Thranduil. He also glanced at Legolas, who just sprung back up and came running back. Sharing a raised eyebrow expression with each other, they both equally double took before remembering they were meant to be against each other here.

Liruliniel just grinned and took the incentive to start throwing attacks his way. Thranduil had watched her fight on the battlefield, her movements were graceful and dangerous; it was exactly the same here, without the worry of serious injury from the wooden weapons. It still didn't mean she held back, she was determined to best him here, and he could see and feel that. Just so happened, he wished the same and fought back with equal aggression.

Liruliniel yelped a little and backed off, skipping and jumping from the suddenly skilled strikes of Legolas. She had hoped he'd improve during this, but did it honestly have to be right now?! She was locked up with Thranduil and so ready to push back and send a volley his way, but no, no here came Legolas. As quickly as he came, the poor boy went again. Liruliniel sent him an apologetic look before leaning back and to the side when a wooden sword flashed past her vision.

"Are you trying to break my nose?" She shot out seriously, because that sword came way too close for comfort as she ran in a semi-circle around the room to get space from Thranduil. She hadn't thrown such an attack out, in fact she'd been holding back if anything. That definitely wasn't holding back, he was serious in winning here and though she was too, she wasn't going to win by practically bashing his head in.

She watched as Thranduil made sure Legolas was alright, he just remained sprawled where he went skidding along the floor. He sat up and nodded, he looked exhausted. He hadn't the speed yet to fully keep up with them. Thranduil helped him up and watched him leave, though he turned and pointed the wooden sword back at her. Liruliniel let out an exasperated sound and threw her arms in the air.

"Are you joking?!" She couldn't help but exclaim. This was meant to be a two on one match, not one on one. As much as she was up for sparring, Thranduil really was too much like Oropher in this department and it was terrifying being on the other end of those attacks.

"Worried you'll lose?"

"I'm more worried I'll get hurt." She mumbled and ran a hand over the back of her neck with a sigh.

Thranduil shook his head, his blonde hair barely moving as he looked at her seriously. "I do apologise for that previous attack. I can assure you; I will not do it again or anything similar." The fact his tone was a bit smug and sarcastic sounding had her wincing. He didn't mean that at all! If it meant he finally won, he'd do whatever!

"Fine." Liruliniel said firmly while charging forwards. There was nothing for it, she'd stop holding back and fight him as if he were an enemy.

It was clearly what he was aiming for, and before long the heavy sounds of wood impacting off of wood echoed out in the room. He was stronger than her, but he always had been; a few times Liruliniel got pushed backwards and almost fully stumbled. But she couldn't because he would follow up with other quick and speedy hits. Liruliniel countered and returned the favour, driving him back and his assured expression would dwindle then as he'd look seriously at her with hard eyes.

It was all well and good as long as he was winning. But this if anything just proved that at the moment, she really was equal in his fighting ability. She did have the speed, and she used it to her advantage to dodge and weave around him, throwing hits out here and there and bracing herself when they were countered. Neither of them was backing down and from previous matches, they both had the experience and skills to get the measure of each other. Whatever one threw out, the other matched and sent it back.

Liruliniel was resolute on winning, but continuing to fight as an elf clearly wasn't going to get it. It may have been a dirty trick, but she had been taught foremostly by a dwarf smith. She could use those skills here, even if the weapon to hand wasn't what would've been typically used. Thranduil's face said it all, his expression turned blank and serious as his eyes turned very icy; his whole demeanour changed as he didn't approve of what was happening, while she just smiled quickly at him before putting more weight behind her hits and how and where to hit.

She was driving him back, and he hated it. She could see it as he practically glared at her. Just to top it off, because he was already clearly annoyed, Liruliniel locked swords with him and when his attention was on that she shifted her weight and, well, Thranduil reacted too late and went falling backwards. Problem being, they were still in combat; he went, and he took her with him.

Liruliniel placed her hands underneath herself and pushed herself, "Does this mean I win?" She asked hesitantly, Thranduil slowly opened his eyes and narrowed them. "Are you hurt? You're not, are you?" She asked worriedly, he could've really hit his head on the ground for all she knew. She worried, she really hoped he wasn't hurt.

He sighed quietly, "I'm not sure about win, this seems more like an accidental win if it was one."

"You just don't want to admit I beat you." Liruliniel smiled down at him, Thranduil narrowed his eyes at her again as he tilted his head and looked around. Liruliniel was too busy gloating in a way to fully register the situation, unlike him. They were in the middle of the room, the light above was shining through the canopy, and the rays were making her auburn hair shine. Her hands were resting against his chest, as the rest of her body was pretty much stretched down his. She was light, much like when he carried her, he hardly felt her weight against him. But even still, this was a little awkward.

Thranduil just shut his eyes before slowly opening them when he felt her shift. He turned his head and looked to her as she settled beside him, her hands on her stomach as her cheeks seemed a bit flushed. Maybe she realised the awkward position in which they landed in after all. He just turned his face back up to look above them, he didn't answer her earlier words. He felt like he didn't really need to. Through awkward and accidental means, yes, she had won. He didn't need to say it; she knew it and that was enough.

Liruliniel turned onto her side and looked at him, she tucked an arm underneath her head and just laid there. "What are you thinking about?" She asked softly, she could see he had a thoughtful expression on his face, and she wondered why.

Thranduil turned his face to look at her again, he leaned away a little not realising fully how close they were. A mixture of feelings was churning up inside him and he didn't quite know what to say. He couldn't lay here and admit he was thinking of her, because he was. It was painful to admit, awful in some ways.

The loss of Vanadessë did not seem so painful, because she was here. Liruliniel would always be here, she had made that clear. But even he could see how bad it was to be falling for someone, when his previous partner had not been passed for long. The love he had for both were different; he had registered that already. For Vanadessë it started as an obligatory feeling that grew the more, he discovered they shared interests and views, he loved her for who she was and for being the mother of his child.

But for Liruliniel, this was something which had been harboured in secret for years and the more life went on, the more Thranduil had to relent that honestly, he couldn't bear to see her with someone else if it came to it. She was of the Ñoldor, royal at that, how long would it take before someone tried for her hand? Thranduil winced, now he knew how she felt when he came to getting engaged and married. There was a pain ebbing through him, a cold piercing feeling which made him feel unsettled.

"It doesn't matter." Thranduil spoke eventually, his eyes sliding upwards again as he took to looking over the canopy above them. It was easier to deal with than Liruliniel looking at him disbelievingly. Of course she didn't believe him, if he was her, he wouldn't either; his tone was not convincing, it was quiet and thoughtful still. He would try and be flippant on the matter, but she would know that if she pushed for information, he was likely to just go silent. It was a usual thing which irked her when they were children, and probably still would now.

He looked sidelong though when there was movement, she had rolled onto her back and placed her hands by her shoulders. Pulling her legs upwards, she suddenly vaulted and landed on her haunches. "If you are still concerned over the letter, and the implications of it, you shouldn't be. This is my home, there isn't anything anyone could say to persuade me otherwise. I just hope to find out what happened in the past, for it all to become so confusing for my present life. It is a similar thing, like when I went with Lord Elrond. I know Lady Galadriel is likely to ask me to go to Lothlórien, I do not plan to be gone for years, maybe just a few months. She may be the lone distant relative I have, and I think I have the right to know why I didn't know that until now." Liruliniel spoke quietly, her back still to him as she looked at her hands as she played with her fingers.

Thranduil pushed himself up to sit beside her, his long legs still stretched out before him as he listened to her speak so honestly. He had reservations, but his thoughts hadn't been plagued by anything of that notion. At least not for the moment that is, he sighed and looked about the empty training room. "What if you get answers you don't want to hear?" He asked plainly, Liruliniel sat down cross legged and looked at him with her head slightly tilted. Thranduil frowned and slowly went to stand, he held a hand out to her to aid her up too. Her smaller hand slipped into his without hesitation, and Thranduil pulled her up gently. "Have you not thought over this possibility?" He frowned, by her expression he could guess no was the answer.

"I have, it's more...well, I don't think that's the right question to ask." Liruliniel said while sliding her hand out from his, the gentle hold and his slender fingers wrapped around her hand was too distracting; comforting and warm, and really it would make possibly going hard again with the more contact and conversations they had. Not that she was trying to distance herself, she couldn't physically. That would be a pain that would cut deep for her.

Thranduil looked at her curiously, he gestured a hand to her, and she started walking towards the door. He didn't outwardly look affected by her retraction, but he did look a little hollow over it happening. Her bare feet pattered beside him almost silently; without any shoes it just made the height difference more noticeable. "And what is the right question, little bird?" He asked, tucking his hands behind his back as they walked along the corridor in relative peace.

There were others pottering around, minding their own business and the pair did get glanced at now and again by those they passed. Liruliniel sniffed quietly and placed her hands on her hips as they walked along. "The right question would be; what do you plan to do, with the answers you get, be them bad or good?" Liruliniel's eyes looked upwards at him, he looked a little thoughtful over her words.

"And what would you plan to do?" Thranduil's voice turned hard, like he was about to hear a truth he did not want to listen to.

Liruliniel stopped, she turned and smiled up at him. "Accept the answers, come back home and continue on from there. If I am truly what Lord Elrond wrote, if that is true...then I am a Princess in exile, essentially. Did your father know this? Most likely. Did everyone else know? I am inclined to say yes. It seems we were kept out of the circle, sire. I don't know about you, but I don't like being excluded; I got used to it when I was young, now I am older and want to know why. What do I truly plan to do? Well, there's only one thing I've ever wanted, and I plan to continue doing it. I'm going to be your guard, it's as simple as that. I have lived this long without a title, by now it means nothing because I have had none of the traits, or privileges that come with it. I don't want anything; I don't want to be expected to want anything either." Liruliniel said while fixedly looking up at him as others just passed by without much care.

"A Princess guarding a King." Thranduil couldn't help but smirk, Liruliniel let out a quiet laugh and looked down at her feet. When said so plainly, it did sound utterly ridiculous.

"It sounds like a bad joke." She said once she looked back up at him, she watched him as he hummed quietly and nodded agreeing with her. "I can though...right?"

"We've already been through this; yes, and you wouldn't listen to me anyway even if I said no, even with your words of listening." Thranduil said tensely with a sigh, this was getting repetitive. He moved around her and continued walking; he heard her quiet pattering footsteps speed up to catch up with him. He just glanced down at her as she swung her arms by her sides with a small smile.

"Sire?" She asked while rolling her eyes upwards to his, Thranduil didn't like that tone. It sounded joking, serious yet a little sarcastic. It was a bizarre mix which she seemed to pull off well. It worried him. Even from the smile which she was trying to keep at bay, he knew he was unlikely to like what he was about to hear.

"Yes?" He replied anyway, keeping her waiting in silence was just having her looking at him more and more pointedly, imploring him to answer her already before she continued on.

"If we look at this from a technical standpoint, am I higher in rank than you?" Liruliniel asked, if her lineage was correct, then possibly? That was her thinking, the expression which flitted onto Thranduil's face had her laughing almost instantly. He didn't look at all pleased, utterly displeased and rejecting of her words would probably be more accurate to be honest. Yet she still laughed, placing a hand over her mouth to hide her grin.

"Don't push it, I may change my mind after all and not allow you to return to being a guard. Perhaps, maybe, I could quite possibly inflict royal duties on you; after all, I am sure you will get guidance from Lady Galadriel who am I to not aid in this too?"

Liruliniel pouted and pointed a finger at him. "You are a shrewd elf, sire." Thranduil smiled down at her, quite sarcastically and patronisingly too. "That wasn't a compliment!" He still smiled, and she huffed a sigh before crossing her arms tightly across her chest. "You couldn't do that," she said on a serious matter, her eyes flicking around the corridor they were travelling down. "I'm not royalty from here. And sorry, do you know how a Princess is meant to act? Are you trying to tell me something here?" Liruliniel snickered and just let out a whine from the glare shot down at her. "Sorry!"

Thranduil just sighed silently. She was right, ultimately. "Go and come back to guard, Liruliniel. It is what you want, it's always what you wanted; but do not be foolish enough to think that once all is known, others will not treat you differently."

"Will you?" Liruliniel just came out and asked simply, she looked at him with wide eyes. "I couldn't think of anything worse, to be honest. I'm not so fragile that I need looking after or pussyfooting around."

"And you're telling me this? Do you not think I have come to know this already?" Thranduil couldn't help but look at her shocked, definitely the wrong person to be saying this to. He knew all too well what her disposition and character was like. "Though I did the other night, I will not." She looked relieved by this, him almost changing how he treated her did her head in, he saw that happen. And it partly didn't feel right on his behalf; he couldn't quite describe it. Maybe her earlier words of not having a title or the things which come from it has done this? He had grown up, well, both of them had grown up together and treated each other how they continued to do so now; albeit, with clear slight tensions underlining, but that was another matter entirely.

Liruliniel didn't outwardly show she cared for titles; yet she did, she respected those with them and ultimately, she would listen if he put his foot down and said no; it wasn't an egotistical thing, or presumptuous, Thranduil just knew she would. Not just because she said so, but because she knew that he would be saying no for her own sake and safety. However, Thranduil had only ever known what it was like to have implications and expectations thrusted upon him from birth, as such it had impacted how he grew up and saw the world; and even how he possibly treated those around him.

"Thank you."

"You don't need to thank me, Liruliniel. But can you say that once you've got all your answers, you won't change?" Thranduil asked, Liruliniel looked up at him confusedly. "I mean it, whether the answers you get are bad or good, whatever you wish to do with them or not it is up to you; however, are you sure your views and ways won't change from getting the full truth? You may soon find yourself in more of a situation which will baffle you more. You've gone from being in the shadows, to soon be known by all as a long-lost Princess. Do you not think others will wish to seek you out, to get to know you? How long do you think it will be until someone wishes to ask for your hand, just because you are now royalty? With that comes a stigma, expectations and possible pluses to marrying into such a legacy." Thranduil explained, just cutting straight to the point fully and in detail so she didn't find herself getting lost.

She was silent for a long time, processing this. Thranduil couldn't help but look confused and a little shocked when she answered him so simply with a shrug. "Good job I have you watching my back then, isn't it? I am sure you will deter me from doing something stupid." Liruliniel's eyes just stared widely and somewhat innocently into his, Thranduil got the sense somehow that this was perhaps more an answer or response to his latter words than anything else.

How did he feel about that? Utterly confused, yet resolute. Even from her tone, it was clear she did not wish to have random figures vying for marriage. But also, believed wholeheartedly that he would be there to look out for her, if and when the time came; of course he would be, if only to perhaps be acting more on selfish grounds than what she may be realised.

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Edited: 27/June/25