Liruliniel sat with her eyes shut, she was simply enjoying the content surroundings that she was in. Music could still be heard, lilting and melodious, calming and so very familiar; she had heard similar songs being played beautifully back in Imladris. Her eyes slowly opened at that thought. Since returning from her original travels, this was the first starlight festival she was attending for many years, in her home.

Looking downwards, yet keeping her head comfortably tucked under Thranduil's, Liruliniel's gaze drifted to her hands; or more the hand that was within her grasp. Every so often his thumb would stroke across her knuckles, and she couldn't help but watch the movement. It was as surreal as it was tender. They had held hands before, more in a sign or act of reassurance; but this was so much different.

And it was definitely that, Liruliniel's head and heart were trying to make sense of everything. It just felt all very false, not his words or actions, but this situation. Like she should be dreaming, soon to awake and none of it would've happened at all. Liruliniel should be so lucky, her dreams never were good, very seldom in fact. He was still beside her, she half thought he'd gone to sleep. Maybe he was thinking everything over too?

Don't get her wrong, her heart was elated. Truly, she could not recall ever feeling like this; it was a new feeling of emotions which came with new thoughts too. She felt like she should be grinning from ear to ear forever more. However, her head was more rational. Other's opinions were at the forefront of her mind. She knew some would not look fondly on this. And that made her feel increasingly uneasy. She had just discovered she was a princess; she was in no rush whatsoever to be a queen. In fact; she didn't want to be that. Now that was surely going to be a hard topic to talk about, that much was obvious.

Another stroke to her knuckles had her blinking slowly and looking down again. It was amazing, in a way, how someone who was so strong, could also seemingly be so gentle. It was an interesting contradiction. Guaranteed, she knew that this peaceful side was likely to disappear as soon as they were around others. That just made him more special to her, if that was possible; he'd keep to the usual icy, disjointed and sometimes disinterested exterior, yet alone he would be like this.

To be honest, Liruliniel had to admit when they had been alone together in the past, Thranduil had seemed contented and at peace. Was that honestly the effect she had on him? Moving her hand slowly, she trailed her fingers down and over his, her fingertips tracing the intricately designed rings on his fingers as they carried on in their journey. She was just enjoying being able to simply do this action, although she couldn't help but pout when he turned his hand and with ease, he enveloped her fingers. His longer fingers encased her smaller ones without much hesitance or struggle. Liruliniel just allowed it, she didn't want to move her hand from his, it felt right being there.

Both sat upright a bit when a rather loud call came from below. With a raised eyebrow by both, they looked at each other questionably. Looking back to the railing, neither seemed too fussed to go explore and find out what exactly had happened, what had made whoever call out like they did. Liruliniel frowned in thought, "I hope someone hasn't just fallen into the river." She mused, the river ran through the middle of their home, the fast waters could be deceptive at times. Even in its stillest days in the heat of summer, the underneath could have a wicked current that would take the strongest of swimmers off with it. For the most part, it was a body of churning pale blue rapids. They had many bridges travelling over it, but that didn't mean the waves didn't still sometimes crash against the underneath of the wood.

"I would hope someone wouldn't be so foolish as to think going near the river tonight was a wise idea." Thranduil countered quite easily. The woodland river was a formidable thing, a look but don't touch or venture near sort of thing. It was used for trading with those down in Esgaroth, but no one from here really travelled down it. There was simply no need for anyone to leave the kingdom.

Liruliniel looked at him plainly, "You have a lot of faith in some here, sire." She smirked, fidgeting a little to fully tuck her legs underneath herself as she turned in her sitting position. His arm moved from around her, his hand coming to rest over the one which sat upon his, her other hand still curled in his grasp. Liruliniel leaned her shoulder against the wall and smiled simply, Thranduil seemed to be thinking over her words with a small frown before looking away when her knowing look got too much.

"Fine. Some I could call into question." He relented, earning a quiet laugh from her. He would like to say that all here were sensible, but who was he kidding? The elf next to him wasn't, as much as he cared for her, Thranduil couldn't deny she sometimes didn't always think before acting. But there were others, especially those who didn't know their limits when it came to wine and evidently drunk too much which then led to them calling out in the night, sounding like a wounded animal.

Liruliniel's head soon rested against the wall too as she sat and looked at his profile. She inhaled slowly, she had always believed he was the brightest thing to ever see, distinctly she remembered how he shined when they were relocating to here. It was still the same now, Thranduil had evidently chose what to wear wisely. The silver of his tunic shimmered in the moon and starlight, each time he moved the light hit it in another way. The black embroidered patterns broke up the silver, but that didn't mean that what he was wearing, and how he looked to be any less dazzling.

Liruliniel's eyes widened slightly when his eyes suddenly slid sidelong, his face slowly turned, and a smirk was appearing on his face. He looked so self-assured, smug even as he caught her looking at him that Liruliniel's only response was to sheepishly smile. "Are you bored of looking at the stars?" He asked, raising an eyebrow at her curiously, it wouldn't be the first time he'd caught her out and he doubted it would be the last.

"You are a creature of light too; can I not look at you?" Liruliniel replied back, watching as he slowly started to smile instead, his smug smirk was gone, and he looked genuinely a bit humbled but taken back by her words. They were all from the stars, despite what he said about her, he was definitely looking more like one than herself.

"Yes, you can. What do you see?"

Liruliniel laughed and shook her head, "I am not going to sit here and boost your ego." Liruliniel watched as his face went a bit distant, she would say he looked like he was sulking. Thranduil sulk? As if, she rolled her eyes and stood slowly to move around the balcony. She clasped her hands behind her back and looked up at the sky with a heavy sigh.

It was a sound which he had heard before. He listened, and he didn't like it. Standing silently, Thranduil followed after her. "Something is bothering you." It couldn't be more obvious unless she stood there and shouted it out for the whole world to hear. Thranduil stopped by her side and placed his hands on the rail, Liruliniel just glanced up at him, even her expression was causing him to worry a little too. She looked uneasy, uncertainty was something that he had soon discovered he did not like when it came to her. She had a habit, when these moments arose, too often she came out with displeasing words.

Liruliniel sighed again, she hung her head, and he just watched her silently, and patiently. Her fiery hair had come down to curtain her face, Thranduil reached up and moved it away. He hadn't actually realised how long her hair was, as ridiculous as that may seem. She always had it braided and then braided again; her hair was just a mass of them. They suited her, and it was one thing which made her obviously stand out from them all. The hip length auburn strands were soft under his hand as he stroked it through, once securing wayward pieces away from her face so he could see her.

Liruliniel looked up at him, Thranduil's hand now back at the railing and looking at her expectedly. She had had a moment of silence to clearly think about what it was she was about to say. Still didn't mean he was looking forward to it. "Where do we go from here?" She asked, though earlier on when she asked, she may have been joking a little, considering the moment that had transpired. It was a running joke, one that seemed to get old fast with him about her still being a guard; she would love nothing more than to do that, she didn't really know how to do anything else, but she couldn't rightly stand here and say she believed others would allow her to.

Thranduil was ultimately right, opinions and actions would change. She saw it when he so publicly announced it to everyone, the looks they sent her way, some sceptical while others fearful. The latter being from some who had so rightly been rude to her in the past, thinking she was evidently going to inflict revenge upon them with her new royal right and powers. Which, she stuck to: she had none of either. Fine, she could stick to being on the council, but even then, how much or how little would she be listened to, again.

Thranduil seemed to think over her question, she saw his eyes glaze over a little as he stared downwards. The view from the balcony was still as breathtaking as it was when she first stepped foot on it. She could see figures still flitting about downstairs amongst the trees and paths and starlight. Some were going to have a severely sore head come tomorrow, she did not envy them.

"I wish to court you, Liruliniel." Thranduil's low voice cut through her sudden spacing out, she blinked large eyes and looked up at him. Thranduil was just watching her, clearly observing her facial reactions and waiting for a reaction in general.

"Isn't the point of that, to get to know whomever you are courting?" She couldn't help but state the obvious.

"And you think you know me so well?" Thranduil smiled and leaned his forearms against the railing, lowering himself to fully lean against it meant he was now the same height as her, more or less. The spindly branches, and the leaves and berries on the well designed and fashioned crown he currently wore, still meant he had height advantage though.

Liruliniel laughed and leaned against the railing too, she stretched one leg out and crossed the other over the ankle. Not that either could be seen thanks to the lengthy skirt of her dress. "And you think you know me so well?"

"That is the point of courting," Thranduil inclined his head slightly. "We do, on a civil friendly basis. But courtship is more than that, Liruliniel. It shows whether a relationship will develop, if marriage can be an outcome or if nothing at all will happen." Thranduil explained, she was new to this whole thing, he however wasn't.

Was he expecting to court Liruliniel like he did Vanadessë? Valar above no! The two females were as opposite as day was to night. No chance could he, not that he'd want to, that would feel wrong to him. It would also feel disrespectful to his late wife, using the same motivations and things to win Liruliniel over. And that was one thing he didn't want to do, because it would be disrespectful to both women, and he respected both too much to completely trash a memory from the past, and a possible future.

Liruliniel leaned her elbow against the rail and then rested her cheek against her hand. She looked at him with a hesitant look, Thranduil could see something he said didn't sit well. She had that look, not only visually on her face but in her eyes too. "Yes, we may have to have a discussion about some of that."

"Which part exactly?" He frowned, she sounded tense, and he didn't like it. He thought what he said was enough of an explanation to get her to know what was likely to happen. Or maybe not, Thranduil just continued to frown, was he physically needing to blatantly state more obvious intentions?

Liruliniel sighed softly, "Marriage." She struggled to say the word; she practically forced it out of her mouth as she winced a little.

Thranduil's expression went distant then, he looked at her though, but his gaze was more looking through her. "What about it?" He managed at length eventually, snapping himself back to the present and looking at her firmly.

"Do not get me wrong, that is a wonderful prospect, truly it is...even after my youthful pessimism about never doing so." She started off, wanting him to know she wasn't completely shooting this down. "It is too soon, for one to be even contemplating such a thing," she furthered on carefully choosing her words. Thranduil's expression was blank as he just leaned there looking at her, listening silently. Liruliniel's stomach dropped, he wasn't looking very understanding. "It is, so do not look at me like that, Thranduil. I am not readily wishing to dive headfirst into such a thing. It is different with us; this whole courting thing will not have the same effect as it did for you the first time. As for me, well, I am waiting to see what exactly differs if I am to be honest with you." She said with a sigh and a loose shrug, she didn't see how the relationship would change much other than perhaps being more tactile.

Liruliniel smiled gently, she was sold on that if it meant more kisses. But digressing from that, she reached up and placed a hand on his shoulder. Thranduil shot it a look before looking back at her face, he looked as if she had just burned him. Liruliniel frowned at this, "Thranduil, can you honestly imagine the reactions of everyone here, if you just announced that we were to be wed? I can, and it isn't good. Not only that, but you also have Legolas to think about. Yes, fine, he is no longer a small boy, but you need to talk to him about this, and me likewise. The last thing I would ever want is for him to believe I am replacing his mother. I am not, that is not my intention and never will be. I will be his friend; there is a difference. But also, that is the thing, I do not wish to be looked at like a possible replacement. We had a Queen, and Vanadessë will always be as such. She was bought up for such a role, was promised it from a young age and she will be Queen of the Woodland Realm forever more." Liruliniel spoke softly, calmly and didn't raise her voice much higher than a whisper. She didn't want to get into a heated discussion here, that would just ruin the evening. But also, she really didn't want to be having this talk now, especially after how lovely the evening had been so far.

"I am not asking for your hand in marriage now, Liruliniel." Thranduil rolled his eyes, he did dwell on her words though. He was well aware that after his announcement, most if not everyone probably speculated his possible next moves. Thranduil could admit he did what he did out of selfish reasons, and those under his rule probably knew as much. Oropher was observant, but so was everyone else; who else had seen them skirting around each other when they were younger?

Liruliniel tilted her head, a smile appearing on her face despite of the fact this conversation should've been a serious one. "So, you will eventually, hm?"

Thranduil stood upright silently, he turned to her and reached up to cup her face gently in his hands. His fingers threaded equally gently into the back of her hair at her nape, his thumbs stroked at her cheeks, and he just looked down at her earnestly. "I am not letting you go." He whispered, Liruliniel couldn't help but smile at that. He said it so strongly, it was incredibly hard not to believe he meant it.

"I don't want to be Queen." Liruliniel just came out with it, she felt the fingers in her hair tense, in fact both his hands did against her skin. His thumbs had ceased stroking her cheeks and his eyes stared at her hard. "That is to say that if and when it comes to it...Vanadessë was it, I am not replacing her no matter how short her rule was. I never got bought up to do such a thing, I haven't the first idea. I barely care about being a Princess, I don't know what I'm meant to do with that title, let alone something more. Just know that now, Thranduil. I will gladly be with you from now until forever, but I am not sharing a role with her because it does not seem right to me. Others may mock, or may not understand, but I do not want to feel like I am replacing or usurping. Vanadessë was the Queen we all deserved, but I will be accepting of the fact that I am the Princess they have to put up with."

Thranduil couldn't exactly fathom what he was listening to, "You are a constant surprise, Liruliniel. When I believe I understand you, you come out with something like this, and I am lost as to what to say." Which he was. This was all sort of hypothetical, yet not at the same time. Anyone else would grab at the chance to have a title, yet not her. She was right though, she'd grown up in ignorance of her inheritance, it hadn't affected how she lived or what she did and Thranduil could bet she'd continue to still live as such.

"Just say you understand me and what I am saying, please." Liruliniel implored him with a slightly desperate look sent his way. "I cannot be a replacement." She all but whispered a bit sadly, that was the one thing she feared from venturing into this.

"And you shan't be one." Thranduil watched her blink and look up at him, she seemed relieved. "This has been bothering you, hasn't it?"

"It's been the main problem in my mind, yes."

"I understand, and I hear you. Feel better now?"

"Considerably so, yes."

Thranduil nodded slowly, he was glad to hear that. She seemed lightened by telling him this, he could understand her hesitance, but also, they were jumping to conclusions. That isn't to say that he was going back on his words, he had got her, and he wasn't letting her go. Not now, not ever. His thumbs commenced stroking against her cheeks again, he smiled watching her fidget a little before him. Her embarrassment was truly endearing, it honestly was.

"Do you wish to return downstairs?" He asked, feeling her hands come to rest at his elbows seemingly absentmindedly, just to be able to hold onto him in some way. He was feeling a similar thing growing slowly within himself. The thought of distance was cutting, a feeling of absence was not something either wanted to expand and grow more; being close quelled this, each other's presences was reassuring and comforting, contact was this and then some.

But likewise, he was being realistic in thinking they couldn't stay up here all night. Would others be looking for him? Perhaps, but he could imagine there were some wanting to see her more. Anameleth and Caladhiel being two, he had seen she hadn't approached them when they were downstairs, before he ruined the mood more. Legolas and Tauriel got briefly spoken to, but Thranduil imagined she'd want to catch up with them as well. He could accept being away from her for an evening, it wasn't like they weren't in the same room. It wasn't the same, it definitely wasn't the same, but he was trying to think practically here.

"I must admit, I am hungry. I did travel straight here from Lórien, I didn't break or stop." Liruliniel admitted with a shy smile, she was still a little thirsty too, but these commodities often went together so she never bothered mentioning it.

"Were you in a hurry, by any chance?" Thranduil turned, placing an arm behind her back and guiding her back towards the door. Liruliniel frowned at him, her eyes slowly narrowing as she crossed her arms with a quiet huff. "I wonder why?" He mused some more, smirking at her rather put out expression. He opened the door and led the way downwards, Liruliniel shut the door behind herself and silently walked behind him.

"I'm choosing not to reply to your questions, because I think you already know the answers."

"I was just seeing if you would verbally say them."

"And be so open with my feelings, perish the thought." Liruliniel gasped and placed a hand on her chest over her heart. Thranduil walked beside her lightly smiling over her joking, his hands clasped behind his back as they slowly walked back to the hall. "Does that sound like me?"

"Liruliniel, you have always been an enigma. I do not doubt you will ever stop being one." Thranduil looked down at her, his eyes followed her movements as she skipped and jumped to the side to walk in front of him, only backwards. Her hands were behind her back as she merely mirrored his steps with her own measured ones backwards. It was surprising she wasn't stumbling over the long trail of her skirt, but she seemed quite able to avoid it.

"You are not so straightforward yourself, just so you know."

"I am aware," Thranduil was more than alert and aware to how others perceived him, he wasn't blind or a fool. He just opted however to ignore most opinions and just continue on doing things in his own way. So far it hadn't caused any troubles.

Reaching out, he grasped onto her shoulders and turned her around when they neared the doors. The music and rejoicing were so much louder now they were down here, Liruliniel looked over her shoulder at him sceptically. They were definitely, most like, undoubtedly going to be the most sober pair in the room. Thranduil just raised an eyebrow and rolled his eyes with a quiet sigh, it was something he was aware to as well as he nudged her in gently.

"You never told me of your adventures in Lothlórien, will I be permitted to know what you got up to when you were away?" After all, she had told him all she got up to when in Imladris. Yes, that was for a longer time, and they were always in contact through letters. This time was shorter, without contact, and Thranduil felt like he had missed out in some part.

Liruliniel looked at him happily, "It is a beautiful place! It reminds me a lot of here, they are similar. I was scared to leave; I found that my childish enthusiasm to travel had dwindled slightly since the battle. The thought does not seem wholly alluring to me as it once did. I think I need to heal still, so do others. So, I was scared to go to Lórien, I did not know what was to be expected, both from them and myself." Liruliniel said enthusiastically, although her voice dropped sadly here and there as they walked in the hall.

Thranduil had maybe purposely asked this question now, just to keep her by his side for the rest of the evening. Or at least, most of it. Once started on a tale, Liruliniel was unlikely to stop until she felt she'd reached the end. All in all, the female beside him liked to talk really. Thranduil would say ramble, but most times her long speeches had a point. "May I say, I do not know how travelling would work now anyway." Thranduil pointed out, that sinking feeling appearing within him at the thought of her going again.

Liruliniel's expression seemingly matched his, she looked longingly up at him, yet sadly too. "I wouldn't expect you to come with me. Nor would I expect you to let me go so freely." She admitted, Thranduil nodded along while those around them continued on celebrating. Tables were still laden to one side with food of all varying natures. Liruliniel let out a happy noise and practically dived in, not literally but she didn't waste time grasping a plate and getting to business of sorting out dinner.

Thranduil couldn't help but stand and just watch, honestly, he didn't think she was that hungry, apparently, he thought wrong. Liruliniel practically piled up her plate before looking awkwardly up at him with a sheepish smile. He just turned on his heels and walked away slowly, he knew Liruliniel was going to sit and eat her horde. But also, she'd finish telling him of her adventure in the neighbouring kingdom. He had never been, and he doubted he ever would. He didn't exactly have any ideals or wants to leave his kingdom, that much she was guessing.

They sat back down where they were originally, before leaving. Liruliniel looked excited at the food in front of her, while he just leaned back in his chair with a fresh glass of wine in hand. "What did you get up to?" He swirled the content and took a slow drink while she stopped eyeing her plate and looked at him.

She was clearly deliberating where to start. Thranduil would be more surprised if she actually ate all of what she had gathered. He could only surmise it had been sometime since she last ate. It wasn't like their kin got typically hungry, after all. "I listened, I learned, I watched and saw." Liruliniel said quietly, taking to picking at a piece of bread on her plate.

"How ominous." Which it was her words were very much a riddle, and he didn't like riddles all too much.

Liruliniel smiled, she could hear he didn't approve of her words. "I listened to what the Lady had to say about my grandfather, she knew little of my mother but could only assume that she got bought in to aid Celebrimbor and ultimately died alongside him. I can only guess that in his bewitched state, he managed to persuade my mother to leave us and go to him; back to Eregion and thus fall into turmoil there too." Liruliniel nibbled at the chunk of bread she'd pulled off the rest. She mused over her words a bit bitterly, "They were tortured, shot with arrows then impaled as a message. It brings me very little solace to presume that my father and brother may have shared this fate. I cannot help but horribly think if this is a running theme." Orcs weren't known for kindness, considering their leader had done this to two members of her family, who was Liruliniel to not guess and conclude they may take part in such a thing too? The thought of her father and brother being strung up made her feel sick. The food before her didn't look too appealing now.

"I wouldn't allow that to happen."

Liruliniel smiled brightly at him, even as he lounged there casually his expression and eyes were hard and staring seriously at her. "I know! You already looked out for me on the battlefield...let us talk of something better, hm?"

"Tell me of Eregion. I have only heard tales of it."

"Well, you know that makes two of us. But from the description I got, it didn't seem to differ from here. Or rather, Amon Lanc...or Dol Guldur, or whatever it goes by now. A fortress kingdom in amongst the trees, it seemed peaceful and as much as I hate to say it, it seemed to go downhill as soon as my grandfather took over. I cannot judge, I was not there, but...it is hard to look favourably on someone who seemed so great, because he seemed to do so much foolishness..."

"He was tricked, remember? Not within his own mind, I doubted he truly knew what was going on until it was too late."

"Hm, yes. Lady Galadriel said she had tried to warn him, but he would not listen, and it was like he wasn't himself."

"There you go then, speaks volumes, doesn't it?" Thranduil looked around the room, there was a sudden crunch from beside him and Liruliniel smiled awkwardly with full cheeks of food. He had no idea what she had just crammed in, but it seemed too much. And his only reaction was to roll his eyes with a sigh, he shook his head and drunk slowly from his glass; his eyes landing on a rather drunken group of elves who seemed to be incoherently trying to one up each other with tales of...well, Thranduil didn't honestly know, and he didn't want to from some of the expressions on the faces of the group.

"She has a mirrored bowl that can see things," Liruliniel said once she'd swallowed her mouthful and washed it down with some wine. Thranduil didn't look too pleased over this, he looked really displeased in fact. She smiled awkwardly, her earlier words of seeing things were more literal than her referring to her foresight. "I saw my mother, and grandfather; they were very beautiful, magically so. I look a lot like her, only she had much darker hair. I saw them when they were alive, and I saw them when they died. But I saw other things too, which troubles me."

"The spiders." Thranduil surmised simply while she picked at a bunch of grapes on her plate. He watched the slightest of nods come from her. He sighed and shifted in his seat, his back didn't move from the high rest of it, but his long legs crossed over each other as he half turned to look at her. "No matter how many we deal with, there are many to replace them. I know I said no to you earlier, and it is the truth because there does not seem to be a solution."

"Plus, what if someone got hurt? I understand, I understand why you wouldn't want to undertake something that's possibly fruitless to save those around you." Liruliniel said honestly, popping a grape in her mouth when she finished speaking. Thranduil looked contemplative, disheartened and shocked by her understanding words. Liruliniel cocked her head to the side curiously, "Others have not shared this outlook?"

"No."

"Please do not tell me that others believe that by you discouraging plans, that you do so through possible cowardice?" Liruliniel questioned hesitantly, not knowing how he'd react to her asking something so plainly.

He was a proud elf, stubbornly proud, being labelled as a coward would damage Thranduil, egotistically he'd seem unaffected, but emotionally he wouldn't. He could try and stay completely uncaring to opinions of others, but he couldn't hide the slightly pained look in his eyes from her though. She saw it, as she sat here pausing in eating again, she could see him look hurt by that possibility, or reality. It hurt her too, of course; it hurt her to think that those around them having a merry old time thought their king was a coward for hiding away and not fighting the eight-legged menace beyond their walls.

"Everyone has their own thoughts and feelings, I listen, and I instruct otherwise." Thranduil replied, his tone disjointed as if he were talking of something else entirely different that didn't interest him in the slightest.

Liruliniel turned in her seat, her hands seeking to hold onto his free hand. The action hidden by the table before them, he seemed to be hurting, and she couldn't think of anything else to do to get him to stop feeling so then just the simple action of holding his hand. "But you have lost so much, Thranduil. You have lost so much, gained other things but ultimately...we are all family here, losing someone through an attack that could be avoided will cut everyone deep, not just you. You will not look like a failure, if it were to happen. Nor will you appear a coward for wanting to hide and protect us all."

He turned his hand over in her smaller ones and sought to link his fingers with hers. "You seemed so up for rushing out to rid the forest of nests earlier. What has changed?" He was curious, she seemed all the more for it previously. Not so much now. He felt humbled, truly warmed by her understanding words and tone. But it still didn't solve the fact that she had seen the spiders, maybe in more ways than one, and wanted to fight them off. Of course she did, he wasn't surprised, Liruliniel seemed quite up for freedom fighting.

"Because it isn't just me that I have to think about now, is it?" She posed the question to him with a raised eyebrow, Thranduil paused in motion to drink and looked at her. "I can't be so selfish and uncaring as to what happens to me; I can't just rush off into danger, regardless of a possible vision, knowing or unknowing about what is to happen. Because I have you, and I refuse to put you through more loss from me being idiotic or doing something equally so." Liruliniel said while tilting her head and rubbing her spare hand up and down the back of his one that was linked with her other hand.

"I promised I would look out for you to stop you doing something like that, remember?"

"My King is most relentless to keep me safe." Liruliniel smirked, though her heart hammered a little. She had felt protected by Thranduil before, but now this was different.

Thranduil smirked and drunk from his glass. "Only if my Princess will allow me to do so."

"You've always done so, why stop now? Let us be honest with each other, not much is going to change between us. I'll still pester you, and you'll still get irritated; I'll beat you at sparring, and you'll grow further annoyed. I'll listen to any problems which trouble you, and I will try and help; if I have a vision, I'll be honest and tell you in return for help. Amongst all of this, you and I, well, more I will have to figure out just what this courting business is truly about."

Thranduil listened to her while the music seemed to liven up in the hall, from the pattering of footsteps he didn't need to look over to know that some had taken up a lively dance. He did frown over though when there was a slight crash, even Liruliniel had looked questionably over. They exchanged a look and both sighed when someone had pulled themselves up from the floor, having clearly lost their footing in their tipsy state and fallen over a chair.

"It will be fine, I think you are thinking too much on it."

"At least no one will question it too much...I hope..."

Thranduil couldn't help but scoff a little over her words. "They will, because some have too. It would be worse if it were not known that you were, are a Princess. Regardless of you being from a fallen kingdom, you are still royalty; with that comes respect, but also if they tried to question me then I do not envy them doing so." Thranduil said seriously while setting a firm gaze on her.

Liruliniel smiled and let out a quiet laugh, she hummed and waved her free hand in the air, as if that would dispel any more laughter that was to come from her. "I do not envy them if they were to question you."

"Exactly. It will not end well."

"Can I still get away with it?"

"You'd do it anyway, even if I answered no."

Liruliniel laughed again, "It would be mightily boring, would it not, if I just gave in?"

Thranduil smiled slowly, he leaned forwards in his seat and placed his glass down. Reaching across he stole a grape from her plate and just smirked when she frowned, she even exclaimed annoyed that he had done such a thing. Yes, she had temporarily forgotten about her food, but she would like it all the same. There was plenty of food still out, if he wanted some, he should go get some. Unless it was more of a slightly childish moment of wanting what she had.

"Not going to make it easy to truly win you around, are you?" He asked once he finished eating the stolen fruit.

"With all due respect, I believe I already am won around."

"And I believe your words, but also that they are returned."

Liruliniel smiled, only to exclaim and slap his hand, "Go get your own!" She huffed, he was trying to blatantly get another grape, she pouted determinedly at him.

"But you're not going to eat all of this. I have never seen you eat a whole meal before." Which was true, she picked at her food and ate minimally.

"You watch me eat?!" Liruliniel whispered in a shocked tone, she was taken back by that as she looked at him like he'd grown a second head.

Thranduil looked upwards, hoping the ceiling would give him some inspiration to get out of this awkward moment. "From up here, I can see practically everything." He countered, which was true. From his seat he could see the merry dancers, he could see some flitting about on the open balconies and also those which remained seated, talking civilly over the music and drinking casually.

"You are very quick, sire." She had to give him credit there, that was a very quick reply and a clever one too.

Thranduil just sent her a smug smile before taking to filling his glass up again. Someone had left the bottle and one handedly he lifted it up and poured some of the red liquid into the awaiting glass underneath.

"Did you know there is a dragon out there in the world somewhere?" Not exactly the question Thranduil thought he'd ever hear. Though the mere mention of a dragon had him tensing and looking too Liruliniel. "It wasn't just spiders I saw, in the Lady's mirrored bowl. I saw a dragon." Liruliniel explained, Thranduil still looked at her with an unreadable expression.

He wasn't inclined to disbelieve her, most things she saw came to fruition, it was utterly daunting at times. Even though, her sight could be used as an advantage, he supposed. What advantage could foreseeing a dragon do for them, or him? Maybe if it came near, he presumed then they could perhaps avoid it. Not that he was inclined to believe his kin would want to move again. They'd already done so too many times while underneath the rule of his father, he could imagine he'd face many a refusal...but if it came at the cost of their lives and safety, surely, they'd see sense?

The pair had lapsed into silence, Thranduil could see her wanting eyes to flit every so often to her food and he just looked at her plainly, she smiled, and any conversation was dropped until she had had her fill. His thoughts of her not eating all she had collected was so wrong, she practically inhaled the food and looked at him with an achieved expression afterwards; as if she was smug to prove him wrong that she didn't just pick and prod at meals.

It seemed though, he believed that once she had finished eating, she'd wish to go and see those which she hadn't had greetings with yet. But no, here she sat, still opting to talk to him and he was all the more welcoming of it.

"When I say saw, I really mean glimpses. But it seemed very big, bigger than the drake we faced."

"Did it appear to come near us?" Thranduil's first priority was to find out if the creature ventured here, if her answer was a yes, he didn't know what to put into action. Spiders looked increasingly easy to deal with in contrast to a dragon.

Liruliniel shook her head, her hand reaching for her glass. Her other hand reached across for the bottle near him, pouring wine in, her eyes simply watched the red liquid settle in the crystal chalice in her hands. "It was dark. But no, I do not believe so." She didn't recall seeing trees, she didn't recall seeing much of anything other than fire.

"You have bad timing," Thranduil said, earning her to shift in her seat and look at him with a confused expression. "We are meant to be celebrating, and here you are telling me of the horrible things you have spied."

"May I say you firstly asked. I just continued, because I am honest like that." Liruliniel said in a chuffed tone while sipping her drink. "But fine, fine I shall say no more. I shall, in fact, take your words and go and celebrate. I will see you later, sire." Liruliniel said while quietly pushing her chair back, half full glass in hand and inclining her head at him, she turned and walked away.

She did not miss the look on his face as she did so though. Thranduil looked at her with a slightly yearning expression, he may intend to sit here all evening until calling it a night to get some rest; but she however, had other intentions. She'd love nothing more than to stay beside him all night, but she did wish to say hello to some.

Caladhiel for one looked utterly startled by her suddenly appearing at her table. Liruliniel just sat down amongst the others with a small smile on her face. She was utterly casual, as if nothing had transpired and they hadn't all just found out that she was some long-lost member of a royal family that was believed to have practically died out.

Liruliniel sipped slowly at her glass, Caladhiel sighed and shook her head. She could see the cheeky smile which was slowly creeping onto the younger elf's face. She couldn't help but despair slightly, with a shake of her head, she turned in her chair and watched Liruliniel place her glass down before openly accepting the embrace which Caladhiel sent her way.

"You know how to make an entrance, don't you? And here we all thought that the celebrations would be the usual, but we surely must celebrate this news too? How do you feel?" Caladhiel asked while pulling back, in her usual motherly way she looked her over, checking she was all intact though Liruliniel wasn't sure why she wouldn't be. It was good to see she still spoke the same and acted it around her too. Liruliniel didn't want others to tiptoe and tread on eggshells. She wasn't fragile, and she wasn't so sensitive that if one wrong thing was said to her, she'd breakdown.

"It is a shock; I am not going to lie." Caladhiel nodded, though her arms slipped from her shoulders she sought to hold onto one of her hands gently. She patted it every so often and listened to Liruliniel speak. "So much of my life was a mystery, I never understood why there was this hesitance around me by others. But it makes sense, for it appears everyone knew what befell my mother, who she was and who I was too."

Caladhiel shook her head sadly, Liruliniel's sadness and wanting of acceptance had always saddened her. "I never knew, just so you know." Which was true, Caladhiel wasn't originally a part of the elves which were under Oropher's rule; rather she lived within Ered Luin with her family, and decided she wanted something more than to live within the mountainside forever.

Whether Liruliniel knew it or not, Caladhiel understood her wish to see the world, because she had shared it too yet became more hesitant and jaded as she learned more about those which they shared the world with. Others were a similar, adopted into the kingdom and accepted willingly, Caladhiel wasn't the lone one. But those which were like this, didn't know of the history that fell on certain elves. Ithilwen being one.

Liruliniel smiled thankfully at her, "I do not think it was kept from me for protection. I think it was kept from me, because of shame."

Caladhiel looked sympathising, even going as far as to stroke a hand over the back of her head. Liruliniel smiled, when she was young, she had always looked at Caladhiel as this hindrance, no offence to the elf. But she had always seemingly hindered her, in an effort to teach her. Yes, she got to the point where she believed it was pointless and let Liruliniel learn through life's own teachings, but she had always looked out for her. It was in a different way then Thranduil though, Caladhiel was definitely motherly.

"Oh, no. No, none of that now." Caladhiel had sat there and watched as Liruliniel's eyes slowly watered. Her lip trembled a little and she suddenly looked close to bursting into tears. She shushed her as best she could, without getting attention from the celebrating elves around them. She pulled her gently to herself, Liruliniel's head resting in the crook of her neck. "Where you come from does not matter, Liruliniel; it is where you go that does, what you do. Your actions and words define you, and I think honestly, your family would be shocked as they would be proud." Caladhiel said kindly, smiling lightly and feeling Liruliniel nod against her. Although her words were making her want to cry more.

Liruliniel was not sad because of the secret that was her life being kept from her for so long, she was sad because truly, Caladhiel in this moment couldn't be any more like the mother she never had. She felt bad for how much of a pain she was when she was a child. But then, that was youth. Who liked to listen to their elders? She definitely didn't, especially when most were telling her no.

"Are you?" Liruliniel's head tilted in its resting place to look at Caladhiel when she turned her face down to look at her in turn. "Are you proud of me?"

Caladhiel could see it in her eyes and face that she wanted some recognition. She shook her head sadly and brushed hair over her ears, placing her hand to her cheek, she looked at her determinedly. "I was proud of you; the moment you became a guard. Anything after that has been an extra bonus to me. I always said you could do it, if you set your mind to it. I have always had faith in you Liruliniel, and I couldn't be prouder and happier for you now." Caladhiel said softly, watching Liruliniel's eyes water again as she looked sadly at her. She shushed her again; she bought her face back against herself and wrapped her arms around her. Caladhiel rocked a little to and from to calm her the best she could.

It had all been too much for Liruliniel, life and the truth learned from it; she wasn't honestly surprised she was emotional, she must feel exhausted. "I never knew my mother, I cannot look or think of someone who abandoned me as one, as harsh as that sounds. I have never thought fondly on a woman I did not know. I never felt love for her either, I feel sad that she was deceived and of course I feel dreadful for her death...but it is a hollow feeling, disjointed and dissimilar to how I felt when my father and brother died. That was a heart wrenching feeling, an ache that has lessened but not gone completely." Liruliniel whispered out, her hands lightly holding onto the material of Caladhiel's dress. "I have a distant family in Lady Galadriel, but when I will next see her, I do not know. But you, Lady Caladhiel, you have been one of few who were always in my corner believing in me. And for that, I love you dearly. You have been more family to me in my worst times, then anyone else could've tried to be. You are very much like the mother I never knew, but you are the mother I wish I had." Liruliniel said while feeling Caladhiel pause in her gentle actions.

Caladhiel moved Liruliniel away, she looked up to see a similar expression on her face. She looked teary eyed, yet not through sadness but happiness of hearing her words. "Dear sweet child, how do you manage to strike someone straight to the heart?" Liruliniel didn't have an answer, so she just watched Caladhiel wipe a hand over her eyes to dry them. "I will always be that figure, I would like to continue to be that figure too; because everyone needs a mother in their life, even if they are not blood related."

Liruliniel blinked, well aware a tear or two escaped. Caladhiel beat her to it to dry them up. It was true, what she said. Even if they weren't blood related, there was a bond there that was akin to a mother and daughter. There hadn't always been, and in fact it had grown the more Liruliniel aged. But it was there. Caladhiel could be the figure she never had, Liruliniel could confide in her about problems that only a fellow female would understand; she could confide in her, like a daughter would do to their mother. Blood meant very little, family was more of a bond made and the feelings that went with it.

"Does that mean I am an honorary royal?"

Liruliniel couldn't help but laugh with a wide smile upon hearing Caladhiel's words. "By all means, you can be. I mean, I barely know what to do with the title." She admitted with a sigh; she got free of Caladhiel's arms and reached for her glass.

"Use it for good." Caladhiel didn't seem to hesitate, she watched Liruliniel turn to her with a curious look. "You've got more power to do good now, without many questioning you why. If someone asks, all you need do is answer because you wish to. That seems to work out quite well." Caladhiel laughed quietly, she wasn't telling her to throw her weight around, but it didn't seem to matter if someone in power did that. Liruliniel mused about it, shaking her head she wasn't sure she could go about things quite like that. "Tell me of your travels." Caladhiel changed the conversation quickly. She looked excited to hear all about Lothlórien, Liruliniel took a slow drink from her glass and turned to her to regale her.

She told her of the three brothers who were her guides, how two could not really understand her yet Haldir seemed charming and polite. Of course, she never mentioned them in too much detail to Thranduil because he seemed to be the type that would answer patronisingly on the matter. She wasn't calling him out to be the jealous type, but he definitely could give off that vibe.

She stuck by her earlier words; she was not going to boost his ego and say he was ultimately the best there was and ever would be. If he was feeling a little threatened and territorial, then he should know she was willing to put him in his place and snap him out of it. But she told Caladhiel how she had some training with Haldir, when he wasn't on guard duty. She had asked all about him and his life in the golden wood, and Liruliniel found herself hugely interested by how humble it all seemed.

She had said to Haldir she was a royal guard, and he seemed a little taken back by that when he learned of who she was. She didn't go on patrols with him, unlike with Elrond. Liruliniel explained to her how utterly terrifyingly beautiful Galadriel was, and that she had unravelled a lot of mysteries that were in her head. All in all, she ended up befriending her daughter, Liruliniel wished to be invited to her wedding and was sad when she left.

"Though do not get me wrong, I am most glad to be back home." Liruliniel finished with a smile. "I have missed this place."

"So, you do not wish to travel anymore?"

"I believe I may struggle." Liruliniel sighed, leaning against her hand with a small pout. Caladhiel looked questioningly at her for this. Liruliniel slid her eyes sidelong at her and smiled. "I could do it, if I were incognito. But I do not feel the yearning for it like I once did. I believe I was like that, because I was so shut in. I've seen parts of the world I would never have imagined. Though, these weren't for joyous trips I still loved my time in Imladris and Lórien." Liruliniel explained, watching Caladhiel nod. Liruliniel also couldn't point out that a certain platinum blonde elf-King wouldn't let her go so freely. But that was an issue she'd keep to herself. "I am tired, to be honest with you, mother. I am tired, and for the moment wish for some peace. It seems no sooner did I return home from battle; did life get confusing and complicated. I feel like the rug was pulled out from underneath me and I've just gone tumbling."

Caladhiel laughed quietly over her openly and newly appointed title. "Then get yourself some peace and quiet."

Liruliniel smiled, she thought it sounded like an utterly brilliant plan to her. Although she wasn't sure what it entailed yet. "Tell me, what have you been up to since I've been gone? Talking about myself is really boring." Liruliniel laughed, she didn't like talking about herself really. She found it an utter bore. But she listened and laughed quietly along with tales Caladhiel talked about some of her younger students misbehaving. She had said that from having to tutor her, that nothing any of them could do would rival her. Liruliniel wasn't sure how to take that, being known as possibly her naughtiest student had her laughing though.

Feeling a hand on her shoulder, Liruliniel turned and smiled. If Caladhiel was a motherly figure, Liruliniel believed Anameleth would slowly become the younger sister she didn't have. Even if that meant being related to Aearion, a thought which was both amusing as it was utterly awful. Not awful in a bad way, just, she didn't think she could deal with his constant ribbing. Much like Caladhiel, Liruliniel exchanged a brief embrace with the younger brunette and happily sat talking to her, Caladhiel would chime in now and again and both younger females laughed when she was persuaded to dance with someone.

"He has been pursuing her these last months, she will not give into his advances though. It is quite funny to watch."

"Do I know him?" Liruliniel asked, flicking her eyes to Anameleth as she continued watching the dancing pair. He looked familiar from somewhere, she just couldn't pin where.

Anameleth blinked and looked at Liruliniel, she still looked puzzled. "Imrathon, he was in the battle with you. You may recognise him from there."

Liruliniel let out a surprised noise and looked back at the dusty blonde haired elf dancing with Caladhiel. She had helped a few elves in passing when on the battlefield. Imrathon seemed joyous to be dancing with Caladhiel, and though it seemed she was trying to keep her elation hidden, her eyes lit up. Liruliniel smiled slowly, "I bet they'll be wed by the end of the year."

Anameleth laughed and leaned back in her chair with her hands in her lap. Liruliniel looked over her shoulder at her with a childish grin. "No, I reckon our mutual friend will drag this out. She doesn't wish to appear to be having fun, but I think she likes the attention and the chase."

"I do hope her dear soldier won't tire of her and go elsewhere." Liruliniel sighed sadly with a shake of her head.

Anameleth leaned forwards, "Look at him, truly look at him have you ever seen someone look more devoted to another before? He loves her, evidently, she feels the same way too. They're just edging around each other, trying to be casual."

Liruliniel raised an eyebrow, that sounded frighteningly like her previous situation. "You're a hopeless romantic deep down, aren't you?"

Anameleth let out a wistful sigh, she leaned her chin against her hands and nodded. "I am."

Liruliniel couldn't help but laugh, at least she was honest! Liruliniel shook her head and took to looking around the room. Spotting a familiar blonde, Liruliniel bid farewell to her daydreaming friend and darted off. Where one was, the other wasn't too far behind and Tauriel clocked sight of Liruliniel before Legolas did. The auburn-haired elf couldn't help but widely smile over Legolas's displeased face when hands suddenly clasped onto his shoulders tightly from behind.

Tauriel was trying not to laugh, even when Liruliniel's face peeked over his shoulder. "Oh, Little Prince! Look how you have grown!" She said dramatically, which was true. He had shot up in height, last she saw him he was just above her hip. Now he measured practically to her shoulders. Soon he would be taller than her, she knew that for sure because everyone was.

Legolas looked a bit unhappy by the nickname, even though he seemed to like it when he was younger. Liruliniel wasn't about to drop it, finding humour in embarrassing the young prince. Tauriel sipped at her drink with a smug smile on her face whereas Legolas just shot her a narrow-eyed look. The smile stayed in place though. "Princess, it is nice to see you have returned back to us." It was his turn to look smug when Liruliniel frowned. "You, however, seem the same height as usual."

"I don't think I like you anymore." Liruliniel said in a hard voice, her hands slipping from his shoulders as she moved away to stand to the side. Tauriel couldn't help it, she had kept laughter in for too long and laughed suddenly now. Liruliniel frowned her way, "Oh, you can laugh now, just you wait..."

"For what?" Tauriel asked curiously.

Liruliniel's shoulders sagged, "I don't know." Her defeated tone and face had Tauriel laughing again while Legolas rolled his eyes.

"As dramatic as ever," he wished to note, watching Liruliniel straighten up and nod his way. Couldn't be asking her to change too much, that just sounded dire and boring.

"You've missed the dramatics really."

"It has been most quiet without it, actually."

"You know what, I do believe your father said a similar thing to me years back." Liruliniel crossed her arms in thought, looking to the window nearby with a far-off look. She distinctly remembered something along those lines being uttered when she came back from Imladris. She knew he missed her, she still knew he missed her this time returning too.

The thought of him had Liruliniel's eyes drifting over and around the room, Thranduil remained seated and still. Though as if he knew she was looking his way, his face turned to look at her. Liruliniel smiled lightly and got a faint one in return before being pulled back into conversation with his son.

"Did he actually mean it?"

"Your father means most things he says, surely you know this?" Liruliniel questioned back, Thranduil could be many things, brutally honest was perhaps one thing which he was quite often. It was painful sometimes to be shot down so bluntly by him.

"So, by you saying this, we are to believe the nests are to go ignored?" Tauriel asked instead of the blonde prince. Legolas looked from her to Liruliniel though, she in turn frowned slowly. Why did this topic have to come up? Tauriel was taking Liruliniel's words literally and turning them into a topical question which was clearly bothering her.

To be honest, it did bother her too. But she understood why they weren't being dealt with. Did she agree with it? No. Did she have an answer for it? No. Liruliniel sighed, she looked at the floor for several moments before looking back up at the two younger elves. "I do not believe there is a plan in motion to deal with them."

"That is ridiculous! Just the other day we had to contend with a spider practically outside the gates. We believe it had ventured too far and become lost or confused, or it was just daring to try and strike out at us." Tauriel explained, rather passionately too it was hard not to feel her annoyance.

Liruliniel shook her head though, something caught her attention. "'We'?" She asked, watching as both shifted and looked at each other before looking at her. "Are you two patrolling the borders of our home?" The silence spoke volumes, and she couldn't help but smile and let out a happy exclaim. They looked confused before Liruliniel calmed herself. "Sorry, sorry. Just...the last time we spoke, truly spoke, it was what you aspired for. I am proud of you both, honestly, I am. How often do you go out on patrols?"

"Is someone wishing to accompany us?" Legolas questioned, looking at her sternly and watching her think over it before hesitantly nodding.

"You have just returned, surely you wish to rest before jumping back into action?" Tauriel couldn't help but question, Liruliniel glanced her way and seemed torn. Yet slowly she seemed to relent. Tauriel was onto something, and it completely contradicted what Liruliniel said to Caladhiel about wanting some peace. Fighting spiders was not peaceful, that was more of a way to vent and protect her home...

"Maybe I can try and persuade him..." Liruliniel trailed off, getting a rather hopeful look from Tauriel and a sceptical one from Legolas. He should know more than anyone how hard this was likely to succeed. Thranduil was incredibly stubborn. "But after tonight, tonight we are meant to be celebrating so you, Little Prince, you owe me a dance. Come along," Liruliniel said with a grin as she grasped onto his hand and pulled him away from their friend.

"What? Why and how did I get roped into this?" Legolas asked with a confused tone and expression to match. "Could you not bother someone else?"

"Do you know how similar you are to your father?" Liruliniel laughed, it was ridiculous really how many traits they had in common. Getting a bit irked by her was one huge factor they shared, and it amused her endlessly.

"I'm sure he would oblige you."

"Humour, more like."

"And you think I won't?"

"Legolas! Little Prince, you should not humour ladies, it is not polite, and it is cruel. Even if your father has managed to get away with it in the past with me, it is not nice. However, being genuine with someone works wonders." Liruliniel said while managing to battle through the dancing pairs to a space and turned to look at him. "Just so you know, I am not a brilliant dancer."

Legolas groaned quietly and hung his head; he looked utterly despairing. "Then why are we here?" He didn't want to dance! He was quite happy spending his evening in relative peace with his friends.

"Because I have missed you, Legolas. I have missed you, and I wish to know what you've been up to since I've been gone." It was something which yes, Tauriel was involved in too, but she had known Legolas more and been closer to him more so as well.

"And we have to do this while dancing?" Legolas looked at her utterly deadpanned.

Liruliniel beamed, "Have some fun. No need to always be serious, being serious all the time is such a drag." Rolling her eyes she soon found out actually that she wasn't as awful as a dancer as she presumed.

Dancing with Thranduil earlier didn't really last long, but here she and her poor begrudging partner stuck to the rhythm and spoke simply while doing so. It was interesting to hear how much he had grown up in a few short months. He had become a guard, which Legolas said his father didn't seem to mind. Tauriel and himself mainly did patrols together, with a small group. Both trained together and stuck together. Liruliniel couldn't help but smile slowly, they were friends but from how Legolas spoke she couldn't help but muse on the fact that he may feel more.

Ending their dance, Liruliniel just nudged him back to the sidelines, she moved out of the way too. She didn't want to dance anymore; in fact, she had become increasingly more tired by dancing. Seeing her come closer to the table had Thranduil's eyes looking at her almost expectedly. She stood on the other side smiling at him, "I don't think I can stay up for much longer. I'm feeling a bit tired, to be honest." Honestly, she didn't know where this exhaustion had come from, but it was hitting down on her hard. She reached up and rubbed her eyes tiredly, blinking away oncoming sleep she looked confusedly his way when he stood and moved around the table to be beside her. "You can stay, sire. I am bowing out, but you can enjoy the rest of the evening." She didn't want him missing out on the fun, although she could easily say it didn't look like he was having fun.

He looked a bit bored, maybe because he was just stuck up here alone. He could have the option to venture down and socialise with those in the space, but even Liruliniel knew he'd be humoured, he'd be kept at arm's length and people would be a bit hesitant with fully talking to him normally. She sympathised with him, honestly, she did.

"Without you present, I do not think the evening will hold as much enjoyment as it did." Thranduil explained, Liruliniel smiled slowly. Of course he had sat up here observing her, "You seemed upset earlier, are you better now?" He asked her worriedly, directing her away and back towards the door. He had seen how Caladhiel had comforted her, Thranduil was concerned. He didn't know what the topic of conversation was to render her appearing so sad.

"I told her she was the mother I wanted. But also...I don't know, I just got a bit emotional." Liruliniel explained with a shrug. She saw Caladhiel and Imrathon sitting at a table conversing, she found herself smiling slowly. Thranduil glanced over too before looking back at her, Liruliniel double took and tried to look like she hadn't just passed by practically staring the pair out. "I bet with Anameleth they'd be wed by the end of the year."

"Who are you to bet on another's personal life?" Thranduil queried with a frown sent her way, Liruliniel just smiled. She meant no harm, and he knew it. "I'm inclined to say I believe you." He whispered a few moments later, Liruliniel laughed as they exited the lively space and walked along the quiet corridor.

Not many were out here, most were either out in the open areas of the inner kingdom or still in the hall. Being alone was something he'd simply take advantage of; reaching out Thranduil sought out her hand even though he had to fight with her long sleeve to get to it. Liruliniel chuckled quietly and squirmed her hand free to loosely link her fingers with his as they walked along.

"Can I say, I don't plan to move still."

"I wasn't even going to throw the suggestion out. I know how much you deliberated when Anameleth first put the suggestion to you. I wouldn't want you to feel like you had to give me an answer." Thranduil said softly, he hadn't even thought to contend with asking her to move from her quarters to the slightly more lavished ones in the higher sections of the palace complex.

Liruliniel swung their linked hands, even pulling his arm slightly and bringing him closer. Thranduil just went with it, looking down as she leaned her head against his shoulder as her other arm wrapped around his. Her hand absentmindedly travelled up and down the soft material of his tunic, she hummed quietly to herself and sighed softly. "I will move, but not yet. I don't feel ready to leave my home." She knew she'd eventually move; she wasn't a fool. But for the moment, where was the rush? "May I ask you something?" Liruliniel moved her head from his shoulder and looked up at him.

"I'm surprised you're even asking permission." Which was true, that was a new one.

Liruliniel slapped his arm softly, "This courtship thing," she said, watching him roll his eyes over her seemingly not dropping her possible confusion. "No! Thranduil, listen, do not look like that again! I am merely wanting to ask you something, can we try and not make it very public? I feel like everyone here knows too much about my personal life already than I would care to admit, without knowing about this too."

"That is all well and good," Thranduil started, looking down at her when he spoke. She looked at him with a pondering expression, he had sounded thoughtful. "But most have already seen us leave together. Plus, earlier, we were gone for a small period of time, most will automatically assume we were together then too. Do not think that through the celebrations, the times we've been talking we haven't been watched. Because we have been. You wish to try and keep this private? I completely accept that wish, but others will not make it easy for us to do so." Thranduil explained, watching her eyes grow a little saddened by the realisation that nearly everyone probably already knew what was going on here.

"This is just making me feel more tired." Liruliniel grumbled and let out a short huff. Her pace was slowing gradually the more they went on. All her energy felt like it had been leeched from her. Thranduil paused, she did to seem they were still holding hands. Liruliniel looked confused, only to let out an exclaim when he easily slipped his hand and arm free and reached down to lift her into his arms. "I can walk."

"If you call what you were just doing walking, then honestly I would like to see what you class a run as." Thranduil pointed out plainly, she was practically dragging her feet along the ground. It was slow going, and it would make retiring for her longer. He was all for dragging the process out, to spend more time together, but even he could see how utterly exhausted she was.

Liruliniel didn't reply, she just hummed and leaned against his shoulder. Her eyes shut slowly, and she just enjoyed being carried, or moreover the warmth that came from being carried. Thranduil's pace wasn't rushed, his steps were measured, and he kept her steady against himself. Even as he walked, he could hear her breathing level out. Wouldn't be the first time she fell asleep against him, sure as anything it wouldn't be the last.

He could feel her fingers tiredly grip onto his top, the digits twitching now and again and he did look worriedly down. He knew her dreams plagued her, haunted her even but for once her face was content looking. A small smile on her face as she leaned against him dreaming away. It also didn't escape him that her other hand had taken to twiddling locks of hair around her fingers, one had gripped onto his tunic, the other his hair.

How he was going to get free of this, he didn't honestly know. He hoped that like last time, as soon as she came into contact with her bed, she'd let him go. Much like last time, he would be begrudging of it. But he wasn't going to force her out of her home just to selfishly live near him, he'd love nothing more of course he would, but it would detrimentally harm her to make her move when she wasn't ready. He knew she'd move, just when she felt like the moment was right and he was patient and respectful enough of her to wait for that. It wasn't like they weren't going to be seeing each other nearly every passing day, was it?

Her quarters came into view, he struggled to open the door again and he made his way in after kicking the door shut behind himself. He noted small trunks dotted about; she had come home with some luggage it seemed. Regardless, his eyes skimmed over these as he passed and made his way to her room. Luckily the door was open, so he walked in and laid her down on the bed. He removed the circlet from her head and knelt when she let out a disgruntled noise.

He stroked hair over her shoulder, the backs of his fingers stroking her cheek as she tiredly opened her eyes and looked at him. "I have deeply missed you, Thranduil. As if that wasn't clear, I just felt like I should tell you."

"Despite of how I acted earlier, the feeling is mutual."

Liruliniel tiredly laughed, "Could you not have said that earlier anyway? It would've saved a load of hassle."

Thranduil smiled and watched her nudge her face tiredly against the pillow. "If I did, we wouldn't have figured out anything." He said, which was true. They'd have continued to edge around each other awkwardly. Liruliniel hummed, her voice low as she seemed to be drifting off to sleep again.

He just sighed; he didn't hold it against her because she had rushed to get back here with such urgency. Standing and leaning down again, he kissed her on the temple. He lingered a bit just to savour being close to her until tomorrow, he pulled back to see a tiredly happy smile on her face. And that is how he left her, he retreated from her room and quarters, he didn't wish to return to the celebrations, so he instead turned on his heels and commenced walking slowly to his own room.

——

Edited: 27/June/25