It was safe to say that when it came to a response for the letter, neither Thranduil nor Liruliniel were expecting a literal response in the form of a guide. Liruliniel for one was utterly miffed, she knew where to go. Lothlórien wasn't exactly hard to miss, whether she could venture in to find where she actually needed to go was something else entirely. But she was sure she could do it herself, Thranduil wasn't wise to this, he didn't know that she just planned to go it alone and Liruliniel was going to leave it as that.

Seems the whole thing had been taken out of their hands because several days later, an elf from Lórien had appeared. Silvery blonde hair, not as bright as Thranduil's in Liruliniel's eyes - not that she was being biased, - but he stood clad in silver and grey armour with a red cape around his shoulders. Even as she stood there utterly baffled by him being here, she could see the weapons strapped to his person. He wasn't alone, two others were with him looking similar, too similar. Liruliniel narrowed her eyes a fraction, they were brothers perhaps?

"This is most unexpected," Thranduil spoke from up high on his throne, the elf's blue eyes trailed upwards, and a polite smile appeared on his face. The other two looked on but didn't seem as responsive. Liruliniel stood to the side of the stairs with her head tilted a little, it seemed two of the three didn't understand the common tongue. "We were awaiting a reply, a letter. But instead, you arrive, Marchwarden. I did not think as a Warden of Lórien, you would've been permitted leave." Thranduil spoke, questionably as he narrowed his eyes downwards at the three. It wasn't that he wasn't welcoming of strangers, this could be questioned, but he was confused.

He had been taking usual council, for once in the throne room instead of that poky room in the recesses of the palace. Liruliniel had been present, much to Baramaethor's displeasure; for a change they hadn't squabbled and the topic of conversations while talking was civil. It seemed the pair had reached an impasse. Baramaethor wasn't going to apologise, and Liruliniel had nothing to apologise for.

But after a small while a guard had come marching into the room. Of course, those present had been confused, even more so when the guard had said a messenger from Lothlórien was on their doorstep asking for entry and an audience with the king. Those present had been discharged, all but Liruliniel who looked both curious and a bit terrified. Thranduil had remained seated, casually up there as he just looked down at her fretting away. He had tried to calm her with words, or even a look sent her way; but no, she was worrying.

They both knew she'd be leaving, again. It was an eventuality that it would happen. Neither of them could plainly tell Galadriel that the granddaughter of Celebrimbor was alive and not expect her to react. Even more so considering the pair were cousins in a way, which really would mean Liruliniel was related to the Lady of Lórien.

Regardless, Thranduil allowed them entry, Liruliniel had stood near the stairs and remained so. Even though when her back was to him, he could see her forever twiddling her fingers together nervously. "We live in a time of peace, at the moment." The elf at the forefront said, Thranduil's eyes slid up and away from Liruliniel's worrying form to him.

"Quite," he replied simply and stoically. Yes, a time of peace at so much cost.

"There is not such a need to patrol our borders, unlike in the past. A time will come again, no doubt that we will. But considering the circumstances, we were allowed to come and accompany our guest back there."

Liruliniel swallowed, more like gulped and she was sure everyone heard as she nervously smiled. "That is most kind, but I am certain I could've done it alone."

The elf tilted his head ever so slightly, "With all consideration, we would not have been allowed such a thing to happen."

Liruliniel looked over her shoulder at Thranduil with an odd look. He just looked at her and then back at the trio. "Liruliniel would've been capable to find her way."

"That I do not doubt, but the Lady still would not have wished for her to come in alone."

Liruliniel yet again looked upwards at Thranduil with a raised eyebrow. Thranduil could only surmise that much like here, outsiders weren't openly welcomed with open arms without speculation. He shifted forwards, although not much because he still was partially lounged back with his legs crossed at the knees. "That is most gracious," which couldn't be said for here because of them waiting outside the gates. "So, you are to depart as soon as possible, I take it?" He tilted his head slightly, his eyes not leaving those of the appointed guide down below.

"Yes," was the simple answer with a bowed head. "If that is possible?" He looked to Liruliniel for this question to be answered.

She inhaled shakily, "I will go and prepare to leave." She didn't sound certain; her voice wasn't as confident sounding as it usually was. She turned and looked slowly upwards, Thranduil sat looking at her with a hard look, an uncertain tint in his eyes as he watched her still fretting. "Permission to leave, sire?" She asked quietly, her face looking saddened up at him.

He stopped idly rolling and playing with a ring on his finger, hearing her quiet voice had him desperately wanting to say no. How many more times did they have to part ways? Without sounding like a child, but it wasn't fair. It just wasn't, it pained her so blatantly even a blind man could see; and him, he had to keep his thoughts and outward feelings internal, which was increasingly growing harder.

"Go," he sounded a bit defeated, but it could come off as offhanded as he looked at her, he watched her bow before departing to the corridor on the left. His eyes tracked her form before she disappeared completely, and he was left alone with the three elves from Lórien.

Liruliniel hurried to her room, in all honesty she had prepared for this, she had packed most things and spent most of her days waiting for the call to go. Didn't think it was going to be today, but here she was quickly changing into her silvery slated coloured tunic and trousers. Hauling her armour up and slipping the pieces and mail in place, she strapped her gauntlets to herself before leaving her room. She sadly looked around, shutting the door and moving to the main living space.

Her sword belt hung up near the doorway, reaching up and grasping onto it, Liruliniel commenced tightening it around herself before slipping one sword into place. Silmacil was too long to hang by her side, it had to rest across her back at a diagonal angle. Sweeping her numerous braids out of the way, she slipped her bow in place and a quiver before sliding her knives into position. Grabbing the knapsack of small belongings, she was taking with her, she sighed and looked around her home one last time, again.

"I'll come back, quicker this time I promise." She said with a smile up at the ceiling. She didn't know who she was talking to, perhaps the woodland itself? Liruliniel didn't know, though she did know she wasn't likely to have such a grand gathering as the last time she went. And she was thankful, in some ways.

She knew if she saw Caladhiel she'd question what was going on, her friend had been kept in the dark along with Anameleth. Tauriel and Legolas would no doubt be off practising together, or just being children and seeing them would sadden her. She would miss them terribly, and she couldn't help but muse over how much they'd change by the time she returned.

Members of the council wouldn't miss her, she knew that. But the ruling leader, yes. Liruliniel knew that, yes, Thranduil would miss her. Perhaps more so now, before he was surrounded by love, and family. He didn't have that now. He had his son, but he did not have the other members of his family. Isolation could be a terrible thing, and she worried for him, deeply she did.

Liruliniel made her way onwards, she was the only armour suited form to be flitting along the corridors and though she got questionable looks sent at her, Liruliniel just continued on determinedly. Entering the throne room again, she looked to the three elves before glancing up at Thranduil. "Farewell, again, sire." She tried to sound casual, but yet again her tone just sounded sad. She shifted back a step or two when he moved to stand, slowly he walked downwards before he was standing before her. "I don't plan to be gone for years." She said, just to reassure him somewhat because his expression pretty much mirrored how she felt.

"Travel well, and fast." He said while placing a hand on her shoulder, "I do hope you find what you're looking for, Liruliniel. Honestly, I do." He said quietly, so the others in the room couldn't hear him.

She looked thankful, reaching up and taking his hand off her shoulder, she patted it gently before turning and walking towards her guides. Thranduil stood there painfully watching her, a small slice of him was leaving too and it made him feel cold. He didn't follow them out of the room, just opting to let them be shown out by a guard which was waiting nearby.

"You know my name, but I am afraid to say I do not know yours, Marchwarden." Thranduil had heard Liruliniel say in an attempt to make friends so soon.

"Haldir, this is Rúmil and Orophin." Haldir gestured to one and then the other. Rúmil looked to be the younger of the three, narrower in the face and youthful whereas Orophin looked to be of a similar age to Haldir, maybe just a little younger.

Liruliniel nodded her head slowly, "Brothers?"

"Indeed, we are." Haldir replied while the entrance was looming. He noticed Liruliniel's pace slow down, he turned to her. "You will not feel unwelcome, when we return. I believe you will find that the ways do not differ and that you will fit in fine."

"I am not planning on staying long, Haldir." Liruliniel wished to point out, he made it seem like she was staying forever! No, a month maybe a little more if needed and then that would be that.

With a sigh, she continued onwards. Though her eyes widened when she saw a familiar horse awaiting her, "Ithilwen," she whispered and trotted forwards and away from her guides. She smoothed her hands over the soft neck of her horse, "I am sorry for not visiting you sooner, my friend. So much has happened." She apologised, she felt bad for not visiting Arthion too. She missed the elk, and inwardly she promised to herself to visit him as soon as she returned. "You are to come with me, hm?" She ran her hand down and through her mane, the horse in return let out a snort and shook her head.

At least she'd have a familiar companion, that bought some joy to her. Liruliniel walked around and placed one foot in the stirrup before glancing backwards. Her home stood as still as anything, it seemed unchanged the last time she returned, she wondered if it would be the same this time.

Noticing the brothers had mounted their steads, Liruliniel fully did the same before nodding at them. No time was wasted in leaving, she didn't look behind herself again because she knew it would pain her. However, if she did, she would've easily have spotted a figure standing and looking out of the window at her departure. Thranduil watched powerlessly as she disappeared into the forest, he shut his eyes and turned and retreated back into the palace.

Liruliniel was silent for a long time as they travelled. They had the same hesitance travelling through as Elrond did, they looked guardedly around, untrusting of their surroundings as Liruliniel grew tense in her saddle. The further away from the palace they went, the more she could feel that something was not right. She believed she could've done this on her own, but on second thoughts she was glad to be with three others. Even if they looked around suspiciously, she wasn't alone and she got solace from that. Liruliniel inhaled slowly, she coughed quietly and frowned as she looked about herself.

The atmosphere was thick, heavy and dark; shadows so thick she could barely see through them loitered around the trees they passed. It felt like they were being watched by a million eyes by unknown forms and figures, there was a breeze which travelled through, but this was stagnant and hot. It felt suffocating, she felt like it was hard to breathe and each time she inhaled, it felt like something was scratching at her throat and eyes. Something was terribly wrong out here, and she didn't know what it was until they were nearing the exit.

Her eyes clocked sight of the white tendrils, she didn't know if the others had, but she had seen them. Webs. Thick, cloudy coloured webs were spun and strung about, almost covering everything in a filmy deceptive fluff. Liruliniel's stomach turned, and just as she thought she was about to fall out her saddle, she broke free of the forest. Liruliniel's lungs seemed so thankful of fresh air as the four of them turned and commenced charging onwards towards their destination.

Considering there was only one who spoke the common tongue amongst them, Liruliniel didn't quite know what to say to Haldir. He didn't seem put out that he had to come and collect her, seems he was ordered to. But there was a serious urgency about him about getting back. Liruliniel could relate, he clearly missed his home even though he was away from it for such a short period of time. She understood that she was homesick already. Yet, if what he said was true, if Lothlórien was like Greenwood, which wasn't looking too green anymore, then she was sure she'd be fine.

She had been in this position before. She had been the outsider looking in and wondering just what was going on. She had been put in the position of needing to make friends, to understand the situation and to learn from it. She could do this, again. She could do it. She bit her lip in thought as she rode Ithilwen, she didn't have the foolish childish flippancy anymore though. She wasn't always like that when she travelled with Elrond away to Imladris. But she had some...she felt apprehensive now, maybe because the thought of meeting Galadriel was terrifying to her.

She didn't know her, no. But she had heard enough about her. Strong, yet mysterious, ethereal as she was grounded, smart and fair but ultimately not a force to cross; Galadriel sounded like a walking contradiction. Liruliniel didn't know how she felt about that, apprehensive and scared. She wasn't expecting to be welcomed with open arms, she was expecting to be welcomed with equal hesitance while everyone tried to figure out where they stood.

And where did she stand? Liruliniel wasn't sure, however she was sure that they were soon to be nearing the woodland these three called home. She wasn't expecting it to be like her woodland home. And it wasn't, it was light, and fresh. The trees as tall as the ones back home, but these were lush in colour. She had forgotten how it felt to be amongst healthy trees. A long since buried want to climb and run along the branches was surfacing, and a smile was slowly appearing on her face.

Noticing the slowing pace and Haldir dismounting, she did the same and left Ithilwen to an elf that appeared from seemingly nowhere. She looked at him, and he just glanced at her before looking onwards. She felt it before her eyes even moved, this prickling sensation which made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. Liruliniel turned her head, and almost felt the air leave her lungs just from looking.

Galadriel stood awaiting from on a small flight of stairs, her long golden hair slightly waving its way in cascading falls down her back and over her shoulders. The silvery white dress she wore just heightened how tall and slender she truly was, just like the silver circlet on her head adding to the lightness of her hair. The slightly see-through material of her sleeves hung loosely to her arms as they were in front of herself, her hands clasped against her stomach. Liruliniel's eyes saw the ring on her finger before looking elsewhere.

Galadriel just merely smiled, clearly amused by her assessing gaze. It wasn't the first time, and it wouldn't be the last. Beside her Celeborn stood equally impressive as his wife, his eyes staring at the four patiently. Liruliniel blinked slowly, this silence was a bit much. "I feel awkward, and uncomfortable." She just blurted out with a nervous smile. Haldir looked at her startled, whereas the placid smile on Galadriel's face merely grew. She found amusement in her, and her ways clearly.

"You have come here in hopes of unravelling a mystery." Galadriel spoke, Liruliniel shifted a little from foot to foot as the blonde before her finally moved. Her bare feet made no sound when they made contact with the stairs below her. "I do not know if you will like what you will hear."

"I've been told that before. King Thranduil thinks I will not be pleased with the answers I will receive." Liruliniel said with a sigh.

Galadriel's eyes looked at her questionably, smile still in place. "He worries for you." Liruliniel just shrugged, she guessed that's what friends did, right? Turning her head, she started to walk away. "Come along, I will think of the best way to answer your questions."

Liruliniel looked around, she bowed quickly to Celeborn before running off after Galadriel. Her armour and weapons clanked against her as she finally caught up with the tall blonde. She hadn't hardly moved away from their original meeting spot, but it felt like she had. Why was everyone so much taller with so much of a fast pace? Liruliniel sighed, "I contacted Lord Elrond."

"I know."

Liruliniel's eyes widened, Galadriel was so frank she found herself letting out a quiet sigh. Of course she knew, just of course she did. "I do not understand why I was never told."

"What good would it have done, if you knew beforehand? What would you have done?" Galadriel asked plainly, they were simple questions.

Simple questions which caused Liruliniel to frown in thought as they walked along the leafy path. Everything, much like back home, was built up and around the trees. Little lights were scattered about here and there, illuminating the way. "Nothing, I guess."

Galadriel looked forwards, her blue eyes just looking about the kingdom she called home. "It would've led you to your death, Liruliniel." She stated obviously, Liruliniel just looked up at her while she seemed to glide along the ground. The trail of her dress shimmered along behind her as Liruliniel just followed her silently.

There was an otherworldly aura about Galadriel, Liruliniel was under no illusion that she was in the presence of someone who was very old, very wise, and was aware to how others perceived or acted around her. She knew Liruliniel was a bit scared and apprehensive around her, and as awful as it was, she wasn't doing anything to deter her feeling this. She wasn't opening up kindly, she stayed slightly cold even though her tone was polite.

"Did everyone know, apart from me?"

"And your brother." Galadriel said, glancing down at her. She smiled at Liruliniel's confused face, "I knew of your brother, I am sorry for your loss. Was it mainly this, which spurred you on?"

"No, it started with a training session and talking about swords." Liruliniel replied, Galadriel looked a bit confused. Even if her face didn't change, her eyes flickered. She gestured a hand, Liruliniel followed her into a small room with a stone table. "Silmacil, I spoke about it, and it dawned on me that it wasn't what it appeared to be. I know Lord Elrond is knowledgeable in most things, and it was a punt to ask him such a vague question as to where it came from. But he knew, he answered me honestly and that led me to here..." Liruliniel trailed off while taking the sword off her back and laying it on the table. "I know very little about Celebrimbor, other than him being a Prince and being the last direct descendant of Fëanor."

Galadriel hadn't sat down, unlike Liruliniel. She paced around the small room with its large open windows; she glanced out at the woodland beyond just listening to her. "You are right, I am to presume that you are aware to what he created. Of course you are, you went to war over it. As did we, as did we all." Galadriel looked over her shoulder at Liruliniel who looked uncomfortable by this. "He was deceived, Liruliniel. Do not believe he was betraying anyone, he was lied to, tricked and the deception and clarity of it came too late for some. It is true, but with you being here that does not make him entirely the last descendant, does it? Eregion has fallen, Liruliniel. There is no kingdom to reclaim, no army to raise to take it back in your name."

Liruliniel frowned, "I don't want a kingdom...or an army, I am a soldier and so was my father and brother. I would make a poor ruler. I just want to know why I was never aware to this. Is it because of shame? Did my father feel shame for being tied to the one being who bought so much hardship to our lives? Was it the same account with King Oropher?"

Galadriel turned and looked at her, the light from behind making her hair glow. "Other people's decisions and actions I cannot answer. Only they know why they did what they did."

"And I'm never going to get answers from them!" Liruliniel all be exclaimed annoyed. "Everyone and everything are just a nonsensical line of riddles, I get answers or at least I believe I do and then more riddles appear! This is my life, my Lady. And it is a mess, it is confusing. You speak of a fallen kingdom that my grandfather had, I have said I do not wish to have it back; I merely wish to know how I came to be in the middle of a family secret which was denied from both my brother and me. He cannot get the answers he deserves, to know that he was a Prince; but I can, for the two of us. I can, and I will shoulder that because he would do the same for me."

Galadriel found herself smiling again, she moved over and slowly sat beside her. Liruliniel just looked at her sadly, "You have had a hard life, for someone so young. You are weary, and though you wish to get answers all at once, I do not believe it will do you any good. Yes, I can see you are growing fed up with everyone saying this to you, but it comes from a good place, a caring place."

Liruliniel shut her eyes with a sigh and nodded. "Everything made sense, until the day I sensed evil in the world."

"That is often the case. Childhood is fleeting, even for us who live such long lives." Galadriel said, she empathised with Liruliniel, honestly, she did.

She nodded in response, opening her eyes and looking to the blue ones watching her, Liruliniel just looked defeatedly at her. "Can you tell me about my grandfather, or my mother if you knew her?"

Galadriel smiled, "That I can do," she said kindly, Liruliniel just smiled and got comfortable. Galadriel sat and retold what history she knew of her grandfather, being first cousins, they were rather close up until a point when it came to Galadriel and Celeborn moving to Lórien and Celebrimbor staying within Eregion to rule. Her mother, however, was harder for Galadriel. Not because it affected her so deeply, but because she did not know much about her.

"My horse and her share the same name." Liruliniel just came out with, Galadriel's mouth turned up in a humour filled smile. "I didn't know it; I wondered why the name was familiar to me."

"I am not sure she would be pleased with that." Galadriel mused, she didn't think she'd appreciate her daughter naming her horse after herself.

Liruliniel shrugged, "My father never spoke of her, he said that she passed when I was very young. That's about it, I am sure Thalion would've remembered her though. But he never spoke of her leaving either."

"For someone who was kept in the dark for so long, you have brilliant sight and knowledge."

Liruliniel smiled, taking that compliment readily. "I did have Lord Elrond as a teacher," Galadriel nodded at that, she could say maybe impart some wisdom rubbed off on Liruliniel.

"I can only assume that like her father, Ithilwen was deceived. Your grandfather was a great smith, and he must've taught your mother similar skills. Like your father taught you to fight. Skills are passed on, from parent to child. While being deceived it could be that Celebrimbor asked for her aid, unknowingly sealing her fate."

Liruliniel looked down at her lap at that, that was awfully sad. "How did he die?"

Galadriel looked uncertain, yet Liruliniel looked at her with hard eyes. She wanted; no, she needed to know. "There was a battle, long before your one; your grandfather soon realised what had happened, and he assaulted an attack. In vain, of course. He was up against a force much greater, and stronger. He was captured and tortured, Liruliniel. I can presume your mother met a similar fate. If she did indeed aid Celebrimbor in forging the rings, then she too would know where those he sent away and hid were."

"But they never said anything."

Galadriel looked at the ring on her finger and shook her head, "No. No, they didn't."

Liruliniel leaned her arm against the table, soon her chin was resting in her palm as she looked at Galadriel. "What was Eregion like?" She leaned against her hand and listened as Galadriel spoke about the place she had lived and ruled over with her husband, before moving to the woodland here.

It sounded pleasant, from what she could gather it was until it started to go downhill; it sounded very much like Amon Lanc, a kingdom within the trees built of brick and mortar. She couldn't help but think whether she'd have been as bored there, as she had been in childhood in the fortress on top of the hill.

"I wish I could've seen it," when Galadriel had finished speaking, Liruliniel sat there wistfully staring at the window.

"Perhaps you can," Galadriel sounded thoughtful while standing slowly, Liruliniel looked up at her. She didn't speak, but Galadriel nodded her head slowly to the side. Liruliniel got the message and sprung up, grasping onto her sword as she went. She placed it back over her shoulder and secured it properly as she walked after the taller elf.

She just wasn't expecting to be led downwards, Liruliniel stared at the empty basin on the plinth with a frown. She seemed more confused when Galadriel merely filled it up with water. Liruliniel had a weird feeling start to appear inside her, she didn't feel right. Yet, she moved over slowly and placed her hands on the plinth slowly. "I don't understand." Liruliniel frowned at her reflection before looking upwards, Galadriel was keeping a distance.

"It can show you things, the past included."

Liruliniel frowned, "I've only ever possibly seen the future. I do not think, despite what I say, that seeing the past will be good." She went to retract away, only to pause when her focus shifted back to the water. It was so clear, she couldn't help but go a little slack faced when images streaked across the surface.

Two dark haired elves, dressed in similar royal blue tunics and clothes looked outwards at her; though their peaceful faces soon turned to anguish. Liruliniel truly saw what befall them, tortured horrendously before being shot with arrows and impaled as a message. She felt sick watching this, but now she knew. Though she couldn't help but frown when something else appeared, eight legged and crawling rapidly forwards it seemed like the spider was going to crash through the water's surface and get her before fire lashed down.

Liruliniel all but fell back almost when great wings flapped in a dark sky and fire continued to rain down from above. She practically pulled herself away, almost stumbling to the floor as she did so. "You saw that?!"

"Everyone sees something different." Galadriel replied, ominous until the end there as Liruliniel frowned and just stared at the basin.

"Their downfalls were nastier then just being tortured and killed. I understand how some wish to save my feelings, but it was not needed. I find I cannot mourn when I did not know either. Eregion looked like Imladris, in a way. But I saw more of the future than the past."

"Because the past is in the past. What can you do to change it? Nothing, but the future you could."

Liruliniel frowned softly, "There's a dragon out there somewhere."

"Yes."

"You know?" Liruliniel asked softly, Galadriel just looked away and her gaze flitted to the stairs they walked down previously. She didn't answer her, Liruliniel frowned more. "Where?" Galadriel shrugged minutely, Liruliniel frowned again, "And the spiders?"

"They are a byproduct of what is in Dol Guldur."

Liruliniel stared at her for a long time before moving forwards. "That is what Amon Lanc has become?"

"It has."

Liruliniel looked back at the basin, nothing else flashed across it even from this distance. She sighed; she needed to make sense of this all. She had seen so much, all disjointed and confusing. "I am to stay, if only for a little while?"

"I am not going to stop you leaving now, if you wish it."

"I would like to stay, if only for a bit." Liruliniel replied, Galadriel nodded and led the way out of this place. Liruliniel just felt chilled being down here, she didn't like it. Another elf appeared, bowed and got instructed to show Liruliniel to a place where she could rest. Not that she did much resting when she got to her room.

She wanted to explore, how could she not? She needed to walk and think about this all. Galadriel confirmed nearly everything Elrond said but also affirming that they were related too. She was the last descendant of Fëanor, and that was hard to still accept. He was one of the most important elves in the First Age, and she was related to him?

Shaking her head, she just commenced walking down a staircase to the forest below. This place was beautiful, she couldn't even deny it, her breath was taken away by how truly amazing it was. Tilting her head, she walked forwards slowly. Her armour and weaponry still in place gave her away before the blonde elf got snuck up on. Liruliniel raised an eyebrow, she was like the double of Galadriel. Sitting down, Liruliniel turned and smiled at her. "I'm Liruliniel." She just came out with simply.

There was a polite smile sent her way, though the blonde looked confused. "I'm Celebrían."

Liruliniel smiled and looked about herself, "This place is beautiful."

"This is your first visit?"

"And possibly my last. I'm not sure. When I was young, I wanted to see all great kingdoms of Middle-earth. I can tick this off the list."

"Where was your favourite?" Celebrían turned in her seat and looked at her curiously, she had travelled somewhat but mostly never strayed too far from her parents.

"I really liked Imladris. I grew up there for a small while." Liruliniel smiled and clasped her hands on her knees and rocked a little in the seat she had taken beside Celebrían. She blinked and noticed the shy look which appeared on the blonde's face. Liruliniel leaned forwards and slowly grinned, "What's with that look?"

"Nothing."

"You answered way too quickly, Celebrían." Liruliniel said while pointing a finger at her.

"I have only been there once, and most of the time it was spent in company with Elrond."

Liruliniel narrowed her eyes slowly, a smile appearing on her face as Celebrían looked at her with wide eyes. Even before she could say anymore, Liruliniel laughed quietly. "No Lord? Hm, really now..."

"Liruliniel-"

"No, no. I am not a nosey elf, nor am I inclined to question a relative stranger for information; but are you two intended?" The thought had her smiling even more. She didn't know Celebrían, she had just met her, but she liked to think she was a good judge of character. Celebrían seemed less intimidating than her mother, she seemed polite, softly spoken and really, Liruliniel couldn't judge she didn't know her, but she knew that Elrond deserved someone to also share some of these traits with.

"You say this then ask that!" Celebrían exclaimed lightly, not sounding offended but Liruliniel did just ask a very personal question. Liruliniel just smiled her way, Celebrían sighed and looked about the quiet woodland around them. "Yes," Celebrían whispered, sounding a little embarrassed yet winced when Liruliniel let out an exclaim. Celebrían looked at her questionably only to have her beaming her way. Celebrían shook her head with her own laughter escaping her, it wasn't a funny topic, but Liruliniel's happiness was contagious.

"I am staying for a little while...just to, I don't know now actually, may I spend some of my time with you? I would try and find Haldir, but if he's on guard duty, I don't want to bother him." Liruliniel asked while looking around and then at the elf beside her.

"I think I would like that."

Liruliniel smiled widely, "I am a long-lost Princess, apparently. It's new information for me to still grasp onto, but perhaps you can help me here? I do not intend to completely change, but King Thranduil said that once it is known by all, expectations may be expected. I suppose I have to curb some of my habits...not many, mind." Liruliniel looked at Celebrían patiently, she seemed thoughtful over it, shocked even a little, yet she nodded her head and caused Liruliniel to smile widely again.

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Nost-na-Lothion came and went, the festival went past so quickly it was as if it hadn't even happened at all. That was the usual, time and elves; a mix which sometimes dragged on yet also went so quickly. The kingdom was running smoothly, although that was if trouble was expected to appear. Thranduil had been given reports of a growing number of spider nests which were appearing a few miles from the palace. No sooner had one nest been eradicated, did more appear.

They were worse than rabbits, they so easily and quickly repopulated and replenished what was lost that it truly felt like a losing battle. They had come in before, encroaching on land which did not belong to them, and here they were doing it again. His father hadn't really fought against them, but then considering it was the old fortress they wanted they would've just driven everyone out with or without force. Oropher decided against force, and that led them here.

Thranduil wasn't surprised to get more reports of further activity coming from the fortress they had all so readily left behind in a hurry. He had returned back to a darkening home with a third of his army, he was not in a hurry to send what remained to another battle which could see more killed. To some he knew it looked like he was opting to hide away, ignore the problem and not counter it; but the simple fact was, Thranduil didn't want any more of his people dead. He didn't. Some fights can be avoided some can't, this one was the former. Unless the problem literally came upon their doorstep, then they could continue on as they were.

So, life continued on, somewhat slowly at times, spring gave way to summer, summer passed, and oncoming autumn was appearing. It was something everyone felt, the humidity which came with summer was ebbing away with each night. And each night was drawing darker and quickly at that. Daylight was fading as quickly as it came, and everyone felt the change.

The woodland around them started to change form and shape, the leaves crisping up and turning brown and orange, the air becoming cooler and a little chillier, even a fog sometimes drifted through. The seasons were changing again, but that would just mean another celebration to put into planning. In all honesty, the spring one he left to others who were much more capable. It would be the same here, Thranduil hadn't really the first idea about organising such a thing. But Mereth Nuin Giliath was special, all festivities were special, but the celebration of starlight was rather high on the list beating others by a long shot.

To him, it just seemed as long as everyone had wine at the ready and plenty to eat, then they were fine. But sometimes it boiled down to more, what music would be played, where about in the palace would it be held, was anyone else attending from another kingdom?

It was bad to admit, but all he had to do in this circumstance, was show up. Didn't mean he necessarily enjoyed himself, often he'd find himself alone at such things; the friendship between Legolas and Tauriel had extended to those who were also of a similar age. Though it pleased him to see him making friends with those around him, it left Thranduil to be solitary, and being solitary meant he just sat and brooded over thoughts which weren't welcome in his head.

The setting for this feast was within one of the many halls which were purposely constructed to allow the full shine of the night sky to come down and bathe everything within a white light. There were tables and chairs set up, even a space for dancing if some wished it. A few balconies led off from the room for some who wanted to fully look up and upon the stars they were here to admire and celebrate.

He, however, much like in the spring festival, just sat and watched proceedings with a slightly bored exterior. He didn't mean to look uninterested, but he was literally alone here. Watching others be happy, did not mean he shared or imprinted on the feeling. If anything, it made him feel worse. And this, if anything more, led to him bitterly taking a sip from his glass and just brooding more to himself.

When one of few guards which had been assigned to keep watch came marching towards him, Thranduil couldn't help but frown. He sat upright in the tall, backed chair and looked questionably upwards. Hearing there was a guest had Thranduil looking more confused than he already was. They didn't invite anyone else, because no one would typically come all the way here. He knew what others thought and felt about his woodland home, and he was better off not participating or entertaining their thoughts and notions.

Thranduil just dismissed the guard, hesitantly allowing the guest to enter. He was curious. What brave soul had dared to travel through what was now slowly being called Mirkwood alone, and in the dark? It was fully nighttime by now, the stars shining in their glory and it was not safe to travel at night anyway, but least of all through the wood. He drunk slowly, only to pause in motion when the guard reappeared with the guest in tow.

Liruliniel. Thranduil found himself mirroring those around him, he looked utterly shocked; the Liruliniel in front of them, was definitely not the one that left. She was not wearing her customary armour for one, nor was she wearing her usual tunics or boots. Even her hair wasn't all braided up and together, everything about this Liruliniel differed so greatly from the one he hadn't seen in months. He could not help but find it ironic, the same thing happened last time.

But here she stood, in a royal blue dress which nipped in at the waist and billowed out when it came to the skirts. The sleeves were a similar, the neckline coming slightly off the shoulders and the sleeves trailing downwards. They were almost to the floor in length. Thranduil hadn't, and couldn't, ever recall Liruliniel wearing a dress before. Even the notion of mentioning it to her, he imagined, would have her scrunching her nose up in disgust.

Yet here she was. The dress perfectly complimented her pale skin, and if anything, it made her fiery hair stand out more. The stars from above helped along here and made her appear almost porcelain in their light. Thranduil couldn't help but let his eyes drift over her form, everyone else was practically doing the same and Liruliniel's response was to raise an eyebrow and roll her eyes.

So outwardly she had changed, if only for the occasion. But inside, she still already seemed the same. Didn't mean that the appearance of her wasn't still a shock. Thranduil had only ever known Liruliniel to be in armour, or her tunics, even that scruffy sleeveless one and no shoes; this, though they had talked about it, this was the image of the royal figure she was clearly meant to be. Even down to the silver circlet on her head, sitting there weightless and cushioned against her hair.

Beautiful, she looked beautiful. She moved around the guard with that same determined walk she always had and looked around at everyone, she smiled and paused before where he was seated mostly alone apart from some members of the council still loitering at either end of the table. With grace she kept hidden unless needed, she bowed. She didn't curtesy, she bowed.

She slowly stood back upright and inhaled slowly, "I feel awkward and uncomfortable." She just came out with it, she almost slapped herself on the forehead, this had become her go to line for moments like this.

Thranduil placed his glass down and stood slowly, he was well aware that he was being watched. "You found all that you were looking for?"

Liruliniel stopped in mid-turn to look behind herself and flicked her eyes sidelong at him. "I have, and if it's any hassle, I'd very much like a drink and sit down. Travelling is a tiring business." She smiled while putting her hands on her hips and shrugging loosely.

Thranduil just tilted his head and nodded minutely, she got the message and made her way forwards. Despite not being accustomed to dresses, she moved effortlessly in this one. She paid no mind to the trail behind herself as she made her way onwards. Thranduil just waved a hand in the air, and the music which had paused started again. Those in the hall soon found their voices and were conversing again, by looks sent in Liruliniel's direction it was no guessing who the topic was about.

She sat down with an over exaggerated sigh and despite of how she was dressed, more or less lounged back in the chair. She grinned his way when he frowned and looked downwards at her from the corner of his eyes. Liruliniel just continued smiling widely. "Hello." She said quietly while scooting upright and leaning against the table with her arms crossed. She just eyed up everything, a nostalgic expression on her face as she remembered just how much this hall lit up with the stars. Everyone seemed so happy and content, maybe more drunk in some instances, but all seemed fine.

"To what do I owe the privilege of Princess Liruliniel's visit?"

She laughed and turned to him, "Sire, with all due respect I did say I was going to come home once I was done."

"I thought you had decided to live with your kin in Lórien." Thranduil nonchalantly picked up his glass again. He swirled the contents before looking at her with a curious look. After all, they were definitely more closely related than what she was to anyone here.

"And you know that is a load of rubbish!" Liruliniel rolled her eyes with a groan, she reached out and took hold of a glass which was suddenly filled in front of her. "I can leave." She pointed back towards the door.

Thranduil's face was hardened as he lowered his glass and turned to look at her fully. "No."

Liruliniel smiled softly, "It has been too long again, my friend. How are you? You are looking well, perhaps a little fed up, but well. Is everything going all right here?" Liruliniel wasted no time in practically assaulting him with questions.

"Let's try and make this the last time, yes?" Thranduil started, watching Liruliniel nod her head in agreement. "Everyone is fine, they are enjoying the festivities and who am I to comment otherwise? Some may regret it come tomorrow, but that will just teach them for next time. Everything is equally fine, how was your journey?"

She inhaled deeply and just looked at him flatly, Thranduil knew that look. He'd said something she didn't agree with. "I asked how you were, not everyone else. I can see they're all getting drunk and enjoying themselves. But how are you? And I know everything isn't fine, so don't lie."

"What do you know?" Thranduil may have sounded more bitter than he intended as he stretched his long legs out underneath the table.

Liruliniel frowned, "Sire, I see things, remember?" Thranduil hesitantly looked back at her, Liruliniel looked at him with a saddened look. "You didn't even need to say anything. I have travelled through the wood, and I have seen the webs. I know we have a spider infestation, and I know where it mainly hails from. Are we doing anything about that?"

"No."

Liruliniel looked utterly shocked by that, it was as if she almost got thrown from her chair from her recoiling. "Are you mad?!" She exclaimed in a whisper while leaning forwards and towards him.

Thranduil just shot her an icy look, "Who are you to presume such a thing? You return back after months away and instantly seem fit to question my decision. I thought you were going to continue being a guard, I do not believe a guard questions their King."

Liruliniel's eyes looked at him sadly, her whole exterior had gone from excited to saddened in a matter of moments. She half feared what being away would do to him, considering Legolas was growing up and making friends he wouldn't need his father as much. Being alone was dangerous, and it seemed like being alone had made Thranduil colder. He'd always been a little cold, coasting on the sidelines in a way just watching, observing the world and how and what he could do and when. But this was really cold, his tone was icy, and it caused a shiver to go down her spine.

"Sire...I do not want to fight with you; I want to help. I have seen the spiders, I have seen the nests; all I want to know, is if there is a plan in action for dealing with them, and if so, can I help?" Liruliniel spoke in a kind and calm tone, trying to counteract his blunt one.

Thranduil sighed, he looked onwards at nothing in particular in the room. "No." He simply said, drinking afterwards as he watched a few pairs dance to the quiet and melodic music which was playing in the space. It did little to calm him or relax him. He was being unnecessarily rude to Liruliniel, they both knew that; but they also both knew that it was coming out like this, because he couldn't so easily and readily show or say that he had missed her, and he was glad she was back.

Liruliniel slowly looked away from him, blinking slowly she shook her head and stood up. She just turned away and moved from her seat. Thranduil's eyes watched her, yet when she moved around the table his eyes directed elsewhere as to not look like he was looking her way. He did however watch as she made her way to Legolas. His son wasn't so small anymore, in the eyes of mortals he'd be a teen. And much like a teen, he did not wish to abide to his father's will and wants. He did listen, to a point, but for the most part Legolas knew what he wanted.

It's a shame even as Thranduil watched, he could see his son's eyes drift and look somewhat longingly at the auburn-haired elf beside him. He was somewhat besotted with Tauriel, yet she didn't even look at him like that. Thranduil had commented as such in not such blunt terms to his son, and Legolas had argued with him and walked away. It was roughly at this point in time, that he realised that Legolas had basically done exactly what he did. Oropher knew himself and Liruliniel harboured feelings that they were trying to keep very secret. He was still unaware whether she fully knew he knew of her feelings and understood them. Oropher had pushed for Vanadessë and himself to get wed, because not only was it apparently his role, but because then it would perhaps stop an avenue that could led to unhappiness happening for both parties involved.

Oropher didn't have foresight, but Thranduil had argued that Liruliniel made him happy and when Oropher countered it with sharply spoken words, he walked off. He does not regret marrying Vanadessë, ever, the pain of her dying will forever run deep. But there was always another side to things; Liruliniel still made him happy, content and at peace which was something few could do.

And here he was snapping at her, only because he couldn't blatantly welcome her back, and say he had missed her. Thranduil glared at nothing while drinking more wine, why did life have to be so difficult? He was about to make it more difficult and suffer the simmering annoyance of Liruliniel. Mainly because he stood and he wished for the usual pleasantries which came from these things.

But the ending had her glaring at him, and him simply lifting his lips at the corners in a half smirk. "I would also like to welcome back Liruliniel, Ñoldorin Princess from Eregion." He stood there and came out with that public announcement so simply, and smugly, he didn't wholly think of the repercussions.

And those repercussions were happening right now as Liruliniel was questioned by some, eyed oddly by others, some even narrowing their eyes at her; and all the while he stood there drinking slowly and watching. Thranduil had done his research, Oropher's study was crammed full of information, and he had found where she technically would hail from. It didn't mean she wanted others to know, and she backed off with thanks to Legolas and Tauriel.

Liruliniel marched her way out of the room with a bitter look shot at him, and Thranduil found his smirk slipping as he looked hollowly down at the glass. Next time he looked up, he had Legolas looking at him questionably but also a little ashamedly. He couldn't quite believe that his father would outwardly do such a thing to someone who was meant to be a friend.

He left it a few moments before he retreated from the room without anyone seeing him. Thranduil could easily guess where she had gone, so it was no surprise to see her kneeling in the garden amongst the Niphredil. Her skirt was billowed out around her as she sat with her head bowed. Thranduil silently made his way towards her, kneeling down beside her slowly. Even in the light of the garden she still seemed to glow. He didn't, his autumnal crown didn't shine in the light like hers, and his own silvery clothes should've but sitting in the shadows did nothing but keep him currently in the dark.

"If you've come for another argument, I will throw my boot at your head." Liruliniel's voice was low as she kept her head bowed, eyes shut, and her hands clasped in her lap.

"I haven't," Thranduil replied quietly, her eyes slowly opened, and she looked at him. Thranduil looked at the white flowers around them before blinking slowly and looking to her. Liruliniel was sitting looking at him plainly, he sighed softly and looked about themselves; they were the only two in the garden area because everyone else was still celebrating elsewhere. "I do not think I have kept my promise to your brother." Liruliniel looked confused over this as she turned and clearly got herself more comfortable on the ground to listen to him explain why he said that. Thranduil reached out and gently skimmed his fingertips over the white petals around them. "I do not believe that doing what I just did, goes with me saying I would look out for you."

"That was a promise given before battle." Liruliniel sighed and looked up at the tree above her, at least the trees in here looked healthier than they did outside.

Thranduil frowned, "You do realise that it still goes for the aftermath?" He asked plainly, Liruliniel hummed quietly and pushed herself to stand. Thranduil remained where he was just watching her, she brushed her dress off before simply walking away from him with her arms swinging by her sides.

"Yes, I know. I must say that when it came to a public outing, I would not have expected it from you." Liruliniel turned when she was close enough to the tree and ran her hand over the trunk. She frowned his way though when she heard movement, "That hurt, Thranduil. I was simply asking questions, and you were rude. I mean, you've always been a bit...you know..."

He raised an eyebrow at her floundering yet didn't take it to heart as he found himself smirking slowly. She was just working herself up for no reason, and he found it amusing. "Like what, little bird?"

"You can just be really quite pretentious and condescending." Liruliniel huffed and reached out to turn a leaf over that was on a nearby branch. Turning from the season, but she couldn't spy any outward signs of illness. Not like the trees outside of the palace, yet again.

"And you can be annoying and argumentative." Thranduil responded while stopping by her side and looking down at her when she just inspected the tree before her.

Liruliniel shook her head, her hand slipped from the tree, and she turned to look up at him. "Regardless of our joking here, I still meant what I said, it hurt. You have always been the one to stick up for me, to befriend me, and you just publicly made who I am so simply known in front of everyone like it didn't even matter. Well, to you, that is. It mattered to me; I was just going to simply carry on as normal. I knew what today was, and Lady Galadriel has been most kind in allowing me to stay with her; she said I could not turn up to such an event in armour. I've never been dressed up like this, and I am torn whether I actually like it...but only because I look like this, it didn't mean I wanted today to be the day to tell everyone. I had never planned to. I was going to try and keep it secret for as long as possible. Now everyone will simply know me as the Princess who brings prophecies of doom. It's given everyone more reason to avoid or dislike me." Liruliniel said honestly and painfully while turning on her heels and walking off through the garden.

Naturally, Thranduil followed her somewhat slightly captivated with how much she had changed in the few months apart. Each time they parted, they returned to each other slightly changed. She had grown up a little more, she had also seemingly become more sensitive towards opinions and such. Thranduil couldn't recall her ever worrying so much as she was now; this was a new level, and he heightened it by doing what he did.

"Do you even have an explanation for it?" Liruliniel turned and looked at him with a determined, yet annoyed expression.

Thranduil paused in following, stopping short as to not bump into her. He looked down at her, the light of the stars was still playing off of her in a most alluring way and Thranduil just stood there slightly awestruck. Had he ever thought of Liruliniel as beautiful? Honestly, no. Not in the conventional sense of being horrendously aesthetic. Liruliniel had beauty which came from elsewhere, although do not get him wrong he knew underneath all the armour and the often-dirty cheeks, there was a stunning creature beneath. Her sea-coloured eyes looked sharper in this light, almost like a dark emerald tinted with sapphire. It just so happened those same captivating eyes were staring at him hard, waiting an answer.

It was bad to admit, he did not recall ever feeling this strongly or falling for Vanadessë in quite the same way. And it wasn't just because of Liruliniel standing before him both elegant and stunning. "No," Thranduil answered when he saw her eyes narrowing dangerously at him being silent. His answer caused her to frown deeply and seemingly lean down, "What are you doing?"

"I'm getting my boot off to throw at your head, it might knock some sense into you." Liruliniel huffed while muttering under her breath about the length and the amount of skirt she had been dressed in.

Thranduil reached out and grasped onto her shoulders, though she shrugged him off with an unhappy look and took a step back. His face slackened a little, she wasn't one for recoiling away from him. It hurt him that she did, and his arms limply fell back to his sides. Liruliniel still looked displeased, and he was still silent. Apologising wasn't something he was akin to doing...and she knew that, and the fact that he wouldn't for her and for something he could see hurt her, was infuriating.

So, she turned and walked away again. Her fists balled by her sides as she did so, Thranduil picked up walking again and followed her. Liruliniel shot a look over her shoulder, "Go away!" She exclaimed and even picked up her skirts more to try and run off. It was a little amusing because she didn't go very far before stopping and diverting around a tree. "I don't want to talk to you until you say sorry, Thranduil. I am aware that could mean we won't talk for a very long time, but you don't seem to understand that what you did hurt my feelings. You seem really confused why I'm angry with you. Have you honestly had such little contact with others while I've been gone, that you've forgotten how to talk to someone and treat them?"

Thranduil followed her voice slowly around the tree, only to get to the other side and there be no sign of her. Hearing a whistle he looked up, Liruliniel had somehow speedily climbed up the tree, she was leaning against the trunk with her arms in her lap. She was just watching him simply, though seeing him look slightly worried for a moment was amusing. So, he did clearly care. "I know you're angry with me."

"Did you do it so you could have the satisfaction of doing it? Beating me to the punch, as it were? Wanted to somehow appear better than you already are, in front of everyone for discovering my heritage?"

Thranduil moved around and back so he could get a better view of her, she just looked at him sadly. "No."

"Stop saying no!" She shouted angrily; her sadness drifted away to sheer annoyance. "Do you know how ridiculous you sound just saying one-word answers, least of all it being the same word?"

"No." Thranduil did that one just for a joke, even smirking as she looked infuriated. He probably shouldn't find her anger funny, but it was a little. Liruliniel just turned her heated glare away and looked elsewhere from her perch. Thranduil moved further around and looked at the tree she was in before simply finding an easy route up, it must've been the same one she took. A branch had dipped down giving way to a natural foothold, Liruliniel didn't look happy to have company up here, that was an understatement. "Is insulting me making you feel better?"

"Not in the slightest."

Thranduil got comfortable on the branch, his legs taking to dangling over either side of it as his hands simply rested against the rough bark underneath himself. "I think the last time we were both in a tree, was when I failed to catch you when we went treasure hunting." Liruliniel's glare lessened up, Thranduil tilted his head and caught her eyes. "I didn't think, that is the lone answer I can give you and I know it isn't a good one. But it is the truth, I didn't think."

Liruliniel tilted her head back against the trunk, that was perhaps the best apology she was going to get from him now. He may have apologised when they were younger, but he had become steadily more and more stubborn as he grew older. She'd have better luck flying than getting him to say sorry. She slowly shut her eyes, a light smile appearing on her face. "Hm, yes. I remember that it was the same day you accused me of being jealous and married to my job. Coincidentally, the fact that we both faced the fact that we had grown up and were going in different directions."

"You said you had no prospects, because you had no kingdom to rule over or riches."

"Eregion fell years, and years ago, Thranduil. I literally have no kingdom, I was joking when I was a child, but this is literal." Liruliniel sighed still with her eyes shut, completely missing the saddened look he gave her.

Thranduil looked at her curiously, even though she was shut eyed and quiet. "Can I ask, why didn't you want anything for winning?"

Liruliniel scoffed, "I said I wasn't a taker. And I'm not. There was nothing you could've given me, Thranduil. You are my friend, and that was and is enough for me. I didn't want anything else." She explained still remaining shut eyed in her leaning position. "Are you honestly sitting here reminiscing about when we were children?" Liruliniel's eyes snapped open then, "Talking about the past is a mean way for you to get me to fully talk to you."

Thranduil smiled, "You like reminiscing."

"I hate reminiscing, because growing up was awful." Liruliniel rolled her eyes with a sarcastic laugh as she crossed her arms and looked downwards at the rough path which led between the foliage and trees here.

"Would it have been better if you weren't here?" Thranduil asked, she hadn't been forthcoming with anything really.

"I would've died."

"Which, needless to say, not the outcome we want or wanted."

Liruliniel was silent for a while before leaning forwards and brushing and bringing her hair over her shoulder to get rid of bark and leaves. She sat there twiddling parts and braiding some other strands. "I was invisible or shunned. Do you honestly know what it feels like, to be ignored by all? I might as well have been dead." She said with a serious look as she narrowed her eyes at him.

"Not by me. Never by me. You believed for so long that you were invisible, but I have always seen you, Liruliniel. I will always see you." Thranduil said watching as her eyes widened slowly. He fidgeted and swung his leg over the branch and sat there facing forwards. He looked to the side when Liruliniel did the same and scooted up to be beside him.

"I'm glad I managed to get back here for this though," Liruliniel spoke softly, leaning her forearms against her thighs and looking upwards, deciding an impasse had appeared she dropped the subject. The stars and moon were still shining brightly downwards through the canopy roof. The light was enough to know they were out there, although she would prefer to go outside. She wondered if she could climb up this tree and break the cover of the leaves.

Thranduil could practically hear her thoughts, he slid down and landed silently against the ground. With cat like agility, he turned and looked up at her. He lifted an arm out to her and held his hand out too, Liruliniel leaned forwards and grasped on, he helped her down and turned to direct her elsewhere. Liruliniel was confused yet silently followed after him. He clearly had some destination in mind, and he also didn't seem to wish to allow her to venture off elsewhere because his fingers were loosely entwined with hers.

It felt different, Liruliniel couldn't explain it. It just felt strange, not bad strange. Just, something felt different. Yet she still followed after him, though she shot him a questioning look when he let go of her hand to open a door, she hadn't paid mind to before. She searched her memories and couldn't recall seeing this before. It was so hidden away she doubted anyone else would know it was here.

Yet Thranduil did, he opened it up and walked up the narrow staircase beyond. Liruliniel watched him go, she looked about the empty corridor before following after him. She shut the door after herself and blocked out the noise of the partygoers. It wasn't completely dark in here; there was this pale light which made walking easy. When Liruliniel finally left the stairwell the last thing she expected was to be suddenly on a balcony which broke through the tops of the tall trees around them.

There was a perfect view of the night sky, in all its brilliance; the velvety blackness of the expanse above looked soft, and warm as the stars pricked silver shining holes throughout. The moon was full and everything around them was getting bathed in its cooling light. Despite of the seasons turning, the air was still holding onto a little warmth; not that their kin felt adverse effects of cold and hot, but the breeze wasn't totally cold.

Liruliniel was lost for words, for one she could tell that this was somewhere that Thranduil did not share or else she was sure she'd have known about it sooner; not being presumptuous but it was just the truth. But also, it clearly wasn't known by all, or else others would be out here. As it was, she could walk to the rail and look down and see others milling about downstairs. This balcony looked out on the inner parts of the kingdom, so many figures were walking the woodland paths between small establishments. Liruliniel couldn't help but laugh, some were seemingly very drunk and still trying to dance. It was amusing to watch to say the least.

"Did you mean it?" Liruliniel asked, turning and looking to where he still stood near the door. He'd just been watching her reaction to being out here.

"Yes."

Liruliniel rolled her eyes, back to the one-word answers. "Why?" She was curious though, what he said was very passionately spoken.

Thranduil moved away, stopping beside her as she looked up patiently. He thought the light below worked magic on her; it was doing something else entirely now. Breathtaking was putting it lightly, yet he reached up and slowly tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Liruliniel looked a little distant by this action, after all it was a slightly more intimate thing to do that neither had done before; unless, of course taking into account the odd times she started braiding his hair...

Regardless, Thranduil retracted his hand and placed it back by his side. "Because it's what you said to me once. I do not know if you remember, but it was before we moved and came to this forest. You'd gone climbing, and you found me. You asked why I looked so miserable, and I believe I told you to go away." Thranduil smirked, Liruliniel shifted her weight and looked at him pointedly, that sounded totally right. "But you didn't. You didn't, and I remember you saying that it must be lonely being Oropher's son. That you couldn't imagine many wanting to get close through fear. Somehow, despite of this you stuck around, and I asked you why, and you turned to me and simply said: 'because I see you, Little Prince; I see you and always will.'" Thranduil's eyes drifted around his kingdom, though he was aware to Liruliniel's eyes piercing into him as she stood beside him with a shocked face. He turned his face towards hers again, Liruliniel slowly blinked and looked teary eyed from his words. She may have forgotten their first encounter, but he hadn't. "You and I have been tied together for a long, long time without fully wanting to own up to it, Liruliniel."

"What-?"

"I know, Liruliniel." Thranduil just cut her off plainly, she looked wide eyed up at him. "I have known how you've felt for as long as I can remember. My father knew it too, why else do you think there was a rush for a wedding?"

"It makes sense...Vanadessë's kingdom and yours would've been a brilliant match, an alliance not many would dare to face. It wasn't that I was just aspiring to become a guard, your father stopped anything because he knew Eregion was gone. I literally had nothing."

Thranduil slowly nodded his head, "It is seemingly an old secret which we've just come to the truth of."

"Doesn't hurt any less."

"Do not think harshly of him. He was doing what he thought was best, Liruliniel."

"For you."

Thranduil frowned and shook his head, "For you too. If you were stuck here for all this time, you would never have learned all that you have; you wouldn't have found answers, you wouldn't have travelled like you wanted to. Liruliniel, he did it for us both, but it did not help the fact that it left you heartbroken."

"And you?" She hesitated slightly, watching his eyes glaze over in thought for a moment. She almost regretted asking her question because of the blank look which appeared on his face.

"In denial." Liruliniel wasn't expecting that to simply be said as his eyes focussed back on her. Thranduil turned his head to look at the stars shining away watching their moment. "Which is your favourite star?" He asked randomly, Liruliniel looked confused yet looked to the sky and pointed upwards. She had to shake her hand free of the sleeve to do so, but she managed.

Everyone had a star they looked to the most, whether they knew it or not something about it just caught their attention, Thranduil looked to hers and nodded slowly. It wasn't a particularly bright shining star, it was more clustered around others which shone brighter, protected it and shared their illuminations with it. Thranduil couldn't help but muse, it was a paradox for herself there, taking strength and aid from others to continue on determinedly.

"Yours?" Liruliniel merely asked while looking up at her star, of course it wasn't hers. Someone couldn't own a star, but it was the one she always found her eyes drifting to. Liruliniel was a bit confused when all she got was silence. She blinked slowly and looked away from the sky to Thranduil. He was just standing staring down at her, Liruliniel looked behind herself and then back at him. "Me?" She pointed a hesitant finger at herself, Thranduil nodded his head slowly, his eyes not leaving hers. "But I'm not a star!" She laughed gently, though her laughter died down quickly when his look turned more serious.

"How can you not see what I see? Liruliniel, truly you stand here, and I do believe you could rival Varda herself." Thranduil said, Liruliniel couldn't look more embarrassed yet shocked by hearing his words. To be compared to someone like Varda was truly something, Liruliniel had never looked at herself and mused whether she was good looking or not. It never crossed her mind, not once. But to hear this...she was lost for words.

Liruliniel just raised her hand up, Thranduil took it in his and turned it over. His slim fingers stroked over hers before he lifted it up and placed a kiss against her knuckles. Liruliniel's cheeks were dusted a light pink from this whole conversation and was silent. That was a rare thing, this usually only happened through a small number of times, and he couldn't help but be amused that he had thrown her off kilter. The usual steadfast Liruliniel was standing here blushing because he had paid her a compliment, but it was more the implications which came from it that had her blushing more and he knew it.

"You say this...and all I've done is call you names all night."

Thranduil kept a hold of her hand in between both of his. He looked down at how easily both enveloped hers, she truly was so much smaller than himself. "I don't expect an apology."

"You can have one, when you truly say sorry to me." Liruliniel smirked up at him.

Thranduil looked serious for a moment before sighing, he looked upwards for inspiration before looking back at her. "Apologies, Princess." He even went to the extent of bowing slowly at her.

Liruliniel smiled, "That didn't take much, did it?" Thranduil just frowned down at her, how this moment had turned so quickly, he didn't know. Liruliniel took a step back, instead of bowing like she did earlier she actually curtsied. "I am sorry, King Thranduil." She said humbly while standing back upright and looking up at him.

"Liruliniel?" He asked at length when they were silent and all they could hear was the distant music and elves having fun.

"Yes?"

Thranduil moved around to the centre of the balcony and turned to her, he held out his arm again and smiled when she looked hesitant. "Care to have this dance?" She winced and stuck her hand out anyway, she'd never been very good at dancing. But being that close, it had her stomach doing flips. "I do not think it is polite to look at the floor while you are dancing, little bird." Thranduil said, his voice coming out a lot lower and quieter as he looked down at her.

She was embarrassed, and that much was clear from the avoidance of looking at him. Yet slowly but surely, she did. All she would have found when she looked up was him watching her with a small smile. Their dancing was the usual, keeping form as they moved to the music around the balcony, although being barely to his shoulders still meant that by the end of it all, Thranduil had tucked her head underneath his and kept her close.

"You did what you did out of potential opposition, didn't you?" Liruliniel asked in a whisper, it made sort of sense now that she knew all she did. If he truly kept his feelings at bay for her, for as long as she did for him, this all made perfect sense.

Thranduil just shut his eyes, his mouth tilting in a smirk though he was sure she'd hear the smile in his voice. "I am a King."

Liruliniel had to laugh at his honesty. "And who can beat a King, hm?" She asked while pulling her head free from under his, though she didn't make a move from his arms. They were still circled around her securely, he kept her close to the point of there being barely any room between them.

Thranduil's self-assured smile just reappeared as he nodded, "My point exactly." One of his arms moved, if only for him to gently stroke more hair behind her ear that had moved from both dancing and her getting a little space. Though his hand didn't move away this time, instead his fingertips skirted gently over her cheeks. She felt so warm, her cheeks still a little pinkish in colour and he was sure they would turn even more so as his hand cupped her face, and he leaned down.

Thranduil just wasn't expecting her to lean back from him, he looked confused as to why she did. Liruliniel looked uncertain, "I've not...ever..." She said awkwardly, he could feel her fingers nervously tapping against his chest and clutching onto the material underneath them.

Thranduil's smile returned, Liruliniel just frowned lightly. "Then permit me if you will, Princess to be your first kiss." He said in a barely audible tone as he felt Liruliniel relax again in his arms. He bought her face closer while also leaning in, and just like that his lips skimmed across hers.

There was a small jolt from her, yet from him he felt a similar but didn't react so obviously. But he felt it too, even from that minimum contact. It wasn't enough, seemingly for either because though that kiss was him more testing the waters with her, the next time their lips came into contact it had her hands clutching onto his shoulders for some leverage and him actually managing to keep his arms around her waist and lift her a little.

Liruliniel had to pull away to laugh and let out a startled yell from the sudden action. Though she settled down and looked down at the face peering up at her. "I think this is the lone time I'll ever be taller than you." She stated while moving one hand to return the favour from earlier.

Thranduil seemed to let out a content sigh as his eyes shut from just feeling her soft hand skim and trace over his features. They both knew that her hand rested now against where he kept the burns from the drake hidden and that alone seemed to bring some more solace. There was nothing she didn't know, likewise the same for him. They knew each other so well.

"What now?"

Thranduil lowered her back to the ground and thought about that. That was a very vague question, with a lot of different answers. He was going to just think short term for the moment, "What is wrong with stargazing?" He asked while directing her to where a bench was to one side against the walls of the building behind them.

Liruliniel sat down, sweeping her skirt out the way so she could tuck her legs up beside herself. She looked at him sceptically, "Just stargazing?"

Thranduil just sat and smiled her way, Liruliniel shook her head and accepted him putting an arm around her for the sake of bringing her close to rest against him again. He looked upwards, inwardly hoping that neither father nor wife would think poorly or badly on him for once following his own heart and what it wanted.

He sighed softly, Liruliniel nudged her head more against his shoulder and reached up to take to braiding blonde strands which had trailed down his chest. Thranduil couldn't help but let out a quiet laugh as she took to doing so, it was something that seemed to always amuse her, so he never deterred her. He just leaned his head against hers and listened to the kingdom still celebrate while the star on the ground sat in his arms silently and comfortably.

Turning his head slightly, he kissed the top of her head and looked down to look at her face. Liruliniel stopped playing with his hair and smiled shyly his way in return. Thranduil couldn't help it, he tilted her head upwards again and leaned down to capture her lips with his in a soft, yet passionate kiss. Her fingers trailed across his jawline while one of his hands stayed gently cupping her face as his other arm stayed wrapped around her. Thranduil didn't think he could ever tire of this feeling; it felt stronger this time.

Elves always felt things deeper and stronger than mortals, or dwarves, so when they felt love; truly, felt love, then it burned so strongly and fiercely within them. This love that was now coursing through him truly felt like it was going to burn him up from the inside, it was a feeling Thranduil had never felt, not to this extent and just being here with Liruliniel he knew that she felt the same; it was like a shared link between spirits, though they were not bonded they were in tune with each other, but they always had been. The only difference was that it was to a whole new level of awareness, and nothing and no one would be able to counter it or compete with it.

——

Edited: 30/June/25